Historic Farm Days

Half Century Of Progress V Announcement

2011-01-07T12:41:00.000-06:00

I have heard that the show features for the 2011 Half Century of Progress V event will be announced Saturday January 8, 2011 in This Week In Agribusiness with Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong. The show airs on RFD-TV at 7AM CST on Saturday, 5AM & 8PM on Sunday, and again at 8AM on Monday (all times are CST) Please tune in for this important announcement! From the hints I've gotten, it will be an outstanding event.

Can You Help?

2010-09-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

From the I&I Club Newsletter:

Attention Collectors of
Farm/Agriculture Equipment
CHILD VOICE INTERNATIONAL is a Christian organization seeking to restore the voices of children silenced by war. The mission is located in Lukodi, Uganda, Africa. In 2004 alone the IRA massacred 45 men and women and abducted their children to serve in their army. Over the years thousands of others reached the same fate. Today these children, and many others, among them child mothers, are being released and returning home. No families to return to, no education, no way to earn a living.
Child Voice is building a center for them to educate and train them, care for their medical needs and help them regain their lives. They are now starting and training them for farming but have only hand tools to cultivate the many acres of land available. Usable farm equipment is desperately needed to grow the crops for their own needs.
Listed are pieces of equipment that they can use. A group of farmers is being formed to collect these donations and fill a container to be shipped to this center. Hopefully this can be filled and shipped by late fall of this year. If you have usable farm equipment you cold donate or know of someone who does, please contact the American Lutheran Church in Rantoul - 217- 893-4550 or Erwin Osterbur at 217-893-3187. You can also go to www.childvoiceintl.org for more information. The head of this organization - Conrad Mandsager - is also available for answering any questions you may have - 604-770-1948 (his cell phone). Conrad is Mr. Osterbur’s son-in-law, if you are interested in doing any training in Africa your presence would be welcome. What a trip that would be and so very much appreciated.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS LIST FOR CHILD VOICE UGANDA PROJECT
• 70-90 horse tractor (diesel preferred)
• 40-60 horse tractor with front end loader (diesel preferred)
• Backhoe (diesel preferred)
• 4 bottom moldboard plow
• Chisel plow
• Disk
• Harrow
• 4 row planter
• Sprayer (3pt mount, PTO powered)
• Farm wagon
• PTO powered rotary mower (bushhog type)
• PTO powered post hole digger
• Headgate and chute for horned cattle
• Corral/livestock handling system
• Headgate and chute for sheep and goats
• Loading chute
• Chain saws (Stihi brand preferred)
• Brush cutters/weed wacker (Stihl brand preferred)
• 220v Welder
• Acetylene torch
• Lawnmowers-non-powered reel type
• Lawnmowers - gas powered (Honda preferred)
• Hand Corn Sheller
• Grist mill for small grains
• Industrial size mixers for bread dough
• Battery powered tools (drills, circular saws, etc.)
• Irrigation pumps and hose (gas or diesel)
• Windmill for pumping water from well
• Brick making machine (Vemeer)
• Gas powered wringer washing machine
• Air compressor
• Grinder for sharpening tools (pedal or gas powered)
• Fence stretcher
• Stainless steel milk cans
• Cream separator
• Cast iron dutch ovens
• Cement mixer and trowels
• Wheelbarrow
• Weedeaters (Gas or Battery)

Still Earning Their Keep........

2010-05-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

In my job with a fertilizer company, I often spend time waiting along the road for the spreader or sprayer operator to arrive to load the product I have brought out. A week or so ago, I spent a couple of hours waiting just up the road from the customer's farmstead. An older gentleman, he is in the "slowdown" years of his farming career, and new equipment is not in the plan. . His son (I suppose) was there helping, and over the time I was there, I got to watching the equipment coming and going, and got to thinking.

There is a lot of 40, 50, and even 60 plus year old machinery out there still earning it's keep on the farm. In the time I was watching, there was an 1850 Oliver heading for the field with an IHC 470 disk,a bit later an early '70's vintage Deutz headed out with what appeared to be the same disk, and later a two cylinder Deere, probably a 70 backed out into the field, hitched up to a single roller and disappeared back among the trees and buildings.

It made me wonder if the John Deere tractors rolling off the assembly line today will still be working for a living when they are as old as the 70 I saw the other day!.

Vintage Country Ways

2010-02-15T11:11:00.000-06:00

Several weeks ago I ran across a show on RFD TV I had not noticed before: Vintage Country Ways. Produced in the UK, the episodes I have seen have included: a cross country ramble by a group of steam enthusiasts on road locomotives, agricultural engines, a road roller, and a steam automobile. A gathering of Massey Ferguson enthusiasts, and a profile of a man who makes unique walking sticks and various handmade wood items.

The pace is slow, and the host very laid back, almost to the point of sleepiness, but nonetheless an interesting half hour show. It seems to cover all aspects of "old time" country life in the UK as seen and experienced today. Well worth checking it out. Check your listings for the time it appears in your area.

Have you ever seen......

2010-02-07T14:01:00.000-06:00

We occasionally get emails from people who have stumbled across our club and have questions about a piece of equipment they have. Sometimes it's peopled looking to sell, and others just to find information. We have been able to identify some items for people, help other find parts, and so on. We even helped a woman in Nebraska who's young son was fascinated with the John Deere 8020 he saw in a John Deere for Kids video connect with the owner of a 8020 so her son could see the "real thing".

Once in a while we get a message about something that is just a little different. This is one of those items, and after some thought, I decided to post about this machine here. I will not turn this blog into a Trading Post or exchange forum, but will occasionally post such items here when they do have some general interest value in a "Huh, never seen that before!" kind of thing.

Above is a Farmhand grinder mixer with corn sheller attachment. The owner was not sure of all the details when he bought it, and only realized the purpose of the cob elevator at a later time. The unit appears to be in pretty good condition, and looks well cared for.

Any comments on this machine are welcome, just click the comment link below. Why is ground shelled corn desirable versus ground ear corn, and so forth.

The owner will sell the machine, it is located near Wagner, South Dakota

Win This Tractor!

2009-11-25T21:28:00.000-06:00

2010 Historic Farm Days raffle tractor

I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club
Attn: Tractor Raffle
PO Box 65
Penfield, IL 61862
Tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5. Please send a check or Money Order for the number of tickets you are requesting. The stubs will mailed back to you. Please include the name to appear on the tickets, full address, and a telephone number where you can be reached.
*****The winner must claim the tractor and make arrangements for transportation within 90 days. All tickets will be held for 90 days after the drawing. If the prize is not claimed within 90 days the original drawing will be declared void, and a new drawing will be held.*****

Upcoming Features At Historic Farm Days

2009-11-18T11:21:00.000-06:00

2010 -- International Harvester
2011 -- Oliver
2012 -- Minneapolis Moline
2013 -- Massey Harris
2014 -- Ford / 25th Anniversary Classic Farm Tractor Calendar
2015 -- John Deere
2016 -- J.I. Case
2017 -- Allis Chalmers
2018 -- International Harvester

*Features may change as circumstances change, and secondary features will likely be added.

Big Bud At Fargo Scales

2009-07-05T22:27:00.003-05:00

I found this YouTube video of Big Bud 16V747 at the weigh scales in Fargo,North Dakota.

Big Bud Is Here!

2009-07-03T05:44:00.000-05:00

Big Bud 16V747 arrived in Rantoul mid afternoon July 2, the trip was long but safe. A crowd of fans was on hand to welcome the big tractor on it's visit to Illinois.

Big Bud 747 is on the way!

2009-06-29T22:19:00.004-05:00

Big Bud 747 is on it's way to Illinois, and you can follow it's journey with updates on the short message site Twitter. You can find the updates at twitter.com/Bigbud747

Tonight, Monday June 29, Big Bud is bedded down for the night in Bismarck, North Dakota.

2010 Feature Announced

2009-06-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

International Harvester will take center stage at the 2010 Historic Farm Days. Plan now to see best group of IHC machinery ever assembled in one place.

Their Coming From Down Under

2009-03-14T22:43:00.002-05:00

A group of Chamberlain tractor enthusiasts from Australia are traveling across the US, driving their tractors, and will be passing through Penfield to visit Historic Farm Days on their journey.

The Chamberlain brand originated in Australia, enjoyed fair success in the marketplace, and in 1970, John Deere purchased a significant stake in the company, eventually making it a wholly owned subsidiary, as the name changed to Chamberlain John Deere . As time passed, transmission and engine technology from John Deere was incorporated into the designs. Around 1990, the Chamberlain name disappeared into history.

Win This Tractor

2009-03-09T22:21:00.002-05:00

Some lucky winner will be driving a beautifully restored 1948 Allis Chalmers G home after the show. Tickets are $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00.

(I am trying to get a picture)

For raffle information, call Skip Kirkland at 217.369.1859, or write to:

I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club
Attn: Tractor Raffle
PO Box 65
Penfield, IL 61862

Biggest Big Bud Comes to Penfield

2008-12-15T21:08:00.003-06:00

The famous Big Bud 16V-747 is coming to Penfield for Historic Farm Days 2009. Checking in at 900 horsepower, the behemoth will be on display at Historic Farm Days this coming summer. The one of a kind tractor was custom built for deep ripping on a California cotton farm, and later sold to a grower in florida who also used it for deep ripping before retiring it. The Williams Brothers of Big Sandy, Montana acquired the tractor and it now resides about 40 miles from where it was built.

Later in August 2009, fans of the world's most powerful tractor will get a chance to see her in action at Half Century Of Progress IV at the Rantoul National Aviation Center in Rantoul, Illinois. A special plow rig of at least 24 bottoms will be assembled to give the big tractor something to play with.

Special arrangements have been made with the Williams Brothers of Big Sandy, Montana to make this appearance possible.

2008 Show Report - Coming Someday

2008-10-11T07:24:00.004-05:00

I hope to get a report on the show and some pictures here in the not too distant future. Some time soon, I will sit down and review my pictures and write up a report on the past year's event.

The Big Case

2008-07-11T16:48:00.002-05:00

A rare 110 HP Case Stema Engine appeared at the show this year, courtesy of the Jansen Family. The engine, formerly owned by Graham Sellers was the lead engine on the 60 bottom plow at the 2005 Half Century of Progress in Rantoul, Illinois.

If your reporters ears and memory were operating correctly, this tractor started life pulling a 16 bottom plow on the Canadian prairie, a job it held for many years. It eventually found it's way into the Northwest US powering a sawmill and other jobs. Today, the old engine lives on among people who appreciate the role these machines played.

2008 - J I Case and Silver King

2008-02-29T19:18:00.002-06:00

J I Case and Silver King take center stage at the 2008 edition of the show at Penfield. The J I Case Collectors Association will be holding their national summer show at the show as well.

Case enthusiasts all over the country will be heading for Penfield in July to show off their prized machines, share stories with fellow Case fans, and maybe find that rare part they've been searching for. Case steam engines and threshing machines built the company that developed into a full line manufacturer. As time went by, especially following the acquisiton by Tenneco, the Case line gradually diminished to tractors and construction equipment by the time International Harvester line was incorporated after that acquisition.

Silver King tractors are the second feature this year. Silver Kings were well regarded, described by a sales manger for John Deere as "the best made, poorest sold" tractor on the market. Starting life under the Plymouth name, about 8,800 Plymouth, Silver King, and Mountain State Tractors were sold before the line disappeared into history. Oddly enough, not all Silver Kings were silver! Various shades of blue and green were used as well, and even a few red ones have been located.

So, make your travel plans, get your room reservations and head for Penfield, Illinois July 10-13 for the best antique power show there in the midwest.

In Memoriam - Paul Gehrke

2007-12-09T18:59:00.000-06:00

Paul Henry Gehrke

May 16, 1925 - December 1, 2007

Born in Chatfield, Minnesota, Paul spent his early years on a small farm, before his family moved into town. Paul led a varied life, serving in the Merchant Marine in World War II, running a mobile feed grinding business, and eventually entering the farm machinery business as a salesman at a dealership. He later moved on to become a sales reprentative for several companies during his career, including Allis Chalmers, M&W, Stover-Winstead, and Krause Plow Company. Over the years, he serviced territories ranging from central Illinois to portions of the east coast. In 1991, he retired and moved from his then home in Columbus, Ohio to a small acreage near Armstrong, Illinois, where he delighted in helping his son in law Jon Fourez (wife Dee) on the farm.

Paul was a member of the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club for many years. He served the club in several capacities, serving on the show safety committee for several years, and spent many long days on the lawn mower keeping the grounds looking good.

In 1947, Paul was joined in marriage to Nora Augusta Dobberfuhl of St. Paul, Minnesota who preceded him in death. Paul and Nora had four daughters, Jan, Jill, Faye, and Dee, one son, Hugh, many grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Half Century Of Progress Blog

2007-08-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

Want to go see the Half Century of Progress III show at Rantoul, but can't get there? You can follow the action on the Blog for the show. Click on the link in "Links" list on this page, or go to http://halfcenturyofprogress.blogspot.com

We'll try to update the blog as often as possible during the show, maybe several times per day.

Gas Engines At Penfield

2007-07-29T18:30:00.000-05:00

Over 260 Gas Engines of all sizes filled the exhibit area at Penfield this year, possibly the best turnout ever. In this short video clip, Gary Kinnett lubes and adjusts his big engine.

Oh no, It's RED!!!

2007-07-29T18:13:00.000-05:00

In 1968, Jack DeClerk of Taylorville, Illinois was campaigning his JD 4020 on the pulling circuit at a time when International Harvester tractors were dominating. After one pull, he made a comment about "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", and so an IHC dealer offered him the paint. The first outing at the Ford County Fair had the local JD fans pretty disgusted, but maybe the paint helped as he won the 6,000 pound class at the World Championship Tractor Pull in Sullivan, Indiana.

The old 4020, with it's appearance restored to it's glory days lives on as a tribute to a man willing to be a little different.

Why didn't I have my camera?

2007-07-29T17:40:00.000-05:00

I wondered the same thing, but then it was pretty much dark, hard to take outdoor pictures, and I would have probably forgotten to use it anyway.

Saturday evening, at the end of the tractor pull, which was a pretty good show, the Jansen family was getting ready to make an exhibition pull with Herb Beckmeyer's Advance Rumely steam engine. The pull had been a good one, it was nice to see a younger generation on the track with the super stock tractors. The Johnson & Johnson team performed well making it into to the pulloff. Dirk and Derek Harms' "Old Mother McCormick's Beast #3" carried on the tradition of their father Darius who successfully campaigned "Old Mother McCormick's Beast, and Old Mother McCormick's Beast #2" many years ago.

Anyway, back to the steam engine on the track. In the fading light, we could see the Jansens stoking the fire for the pass down the track, and were unprepared for the show to come. As the flag dropped, the throttle opened, and off she went with shower of sparks from the stack. Contrary to expectations, the shower of sparks did not diminish, but soon became a river of sparks and flame from the stack, around the smokebox door, and everywhere else. The crowd came to their feet in stunned silence at the sight. The show continued the length of the track, when they had to stop. The end was met with thunderous applause as the old engine unhooked and returned to the pits. Many spectators said it surpassed the fireworks that followed courtesy of Hogan-Walker John Deere of Watseka, Illinois, and several anonymous friends of John Deere.
The steam engine show was intentional, and was the result of massive quantities of sawdust added to the firebox just before opening the throttle. Bill Jansen commented later that it "really cleaned out the flues in the boiler".

And I didn't have my camera!

(If someone reading this has photos or video, please leave a note in the comment section)

Maybe it's a D minus!

2007-07-29T17:25:00.000-05:00

There was a little of everything JD at the show. This sharp looking 2/3 scale D was looking good on friday as it cruised around the grounds. Underneath the great looking sheet metal beats the heart of a JD Model H, slickly modified into the image of the styled D.

15,000!!!!!

2007-07-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

FIFTEEN THOUSAND Tickets were sold on the 2007 raffle tractor!!!! The 1010 Special will not have a long trip to it's new home, the winning ticket holder is from Farmer City, Illinois.

As a result of making the 15,000 ticket goal, I&I President John Fredrickson and VP Darius Harms (both staunch IHC men) took a tour of the Parade route around the grounds following the announcement on Sunday before the start of the parade. Darius climbed aboard the 1010 and John followed on a JD Gator. It seems there had been a friendly bet as to whether the 15,000 goal would be reached.

How many were there?

2007-07-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

How manyJohn Deeres were on display at the show? Several people counted, and the consensus was right around 500 John Deere tractors at the show. One exhibitor brought 29 tractors, mostly 320's, 420's and 430's in many variations.

There were at least two Deeres with mounted 1 row pickers, a 120 and a 127. Another came to the show with a mounted 237 mounted picker. There were a number of vintage JD combines on hand, several 12A's, 30's, two 40's, one older, and a later seldom seen version. A couple of 55's representing different versions, one with a 315 JD corn head.

Also in the harvesting line, a rare JD "grain pump" type elevator in good original paint. This unusual elevator used an auger hopper to feed a chain fitted with round paddles running through a round tube. The unit was usually fitted with a JD flywheel engine.

Five 8020 four wheel drives were in attendance, along with Darrel Fischer's WA-14 and WA-17 four wheel drives as well. That's a good turnout of the some of the rarest Deeres, only 100 8020's were built, and 65 0f the WA's. Some model variations had much smaller numbers, but few tractor, models approached the rarity of these four wheel drives. Also in the "big" tractor area were several 5020's and 6030's, including a 5020 re-powered with a Kinze V8 Detroit Diesel engine kit.

Though not really considered antiques by most, a number of 30 and 40 series tractors were there as well. Though the majority of these tractors are still working hard on the farm, the newest 30 series are approaching 30 years old, certainly an age that would qualify as vintage.

July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T23:39:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful day at the show, moderate temperatures and light breezes made for comfortable conditions for all. Over in the truck exhibit, a wide range of trucks from the 1930's to the 80's ranging from carefully restored trucks of all ages to trucks still hard at work and in their work clothes. From semi-tractors to pickups, all types were there.
In the John Deere area. nearly 500 tractors put on a good show. Numerous rare machines were on hand, some of which are very rare model variations with as little as 3 units produced. JD 330 tractors were low production units anyway, and some here represent the rarest model variations. Among "newer" tractors, the first production 6030 is here, and has been restored in better than new condition.
Charles Q. English brought his one of a kind "Gold Leaf D". This is an otherwise normal John Deere D that was painted gold to be used in special promotion activities in 1937, the 100th anniversary of John Deere's first steel plow. The tractor was eventually repainted green and sold through a dealer in Oklahoma who requested it. The tractor must had a long life in the field, when English acquired it, he described it as the "most worn out" tractor he ahd ever seen. Now thoroughly restored and restored to the gold color, it will now lead a life of luxury.
Nora Fourez's 1937 John Deere "A" has an interesting story, it was the first JD A delivered new on rubber from the dealer in Allerton, Illinois, and 9 year old Nora is the second owner of the seventy year old tractor. Her older sister Jennifer is the third owner of a 1928 John Deere D, both of which came from the same family, and have always been shedded.

Wes Wheeler's Battle Creek Band entertained people in the Pavilion with well played country music in the evening.

To view album of todays pictures, click on the link below.
http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i190/historicfarmdays/2007%20Penfield%20Show/

More to come about show later....

Opening Day

2007-07-12T23:07:00.000-05:00

We got to the show late this afternoon, and what a sight, John Deere's everywhere! A great display of antique and vintage trucks. This is going to the one great show. I did not get to see a lot before having to leave, but I saw a great representation of the John Deere line through the years. Nearly all model series are there, and many model variations as well.

On the main corner of the John Deere exhibit, I saw a Waterloo Boy, "Spoker" D, GP with three row planter, and more. There will be a more detailed description of the show tomorrow and some pictures as well.

See you later!

Penfield is Turinng Green!

2007-07-11T22:50:00.000-05:00

Club member Jon Fourez reports that over 400 bright green and yellow John Deeres are on the showgrounds as of Wednesday evening, with more on the way. ONE exhibitor has brought in 29, that's right-- 29 two cylinder Deeres. A dedicated John Deere man indeed! There have been email requests from as far as Texas, Florida, and New York for information about this years show.

As Wednesday drew to a close, Club members, exhibitors, and vendors are putting the final touches on the grounds, the exhibits, and their displays in preparation for the big opening Thursday morning.

***** I'll be traveling most of the day tomorrow on the way to get the to the show, and hope to have a report tomorrow night on the day's activities. See you later! *****

Vintage Trucks on the road to Penfield

2007-07-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

We get kind of carried away with the John Deere Feature, and sometimes don't give enough coverage to the other features at the show like the Antique Truck Historic Society represented by the Kickapoo Chapter.

Dave Olson left a comment on a previous post with a picture of his truck loaded and ready to head for Penfield.

A great looking rig, and a great addition to the show. Another example of the quality pieces that will be on display at Penfield.

Thanks Dave, for the link to the picture of your truck.

Equipment Arriving Daily

2007-07-09T01:48:00.000-05:00

Equipment is arriving on the grounds for the show. As of Saturday, at least 30 tractors were already there, and more will be arriving Sunday. The grounds have all been mowed and groomed, and are looking good. In the next few days equipment will be pouring in, as some exhibitors bring in several loads of tractors and equipment.

The John Deere committee is well along with their set up plans and has secured several vintage dealer signs to add interest to the John Deere areas.

John Deere will not be the only brand on the grounds, as non featured tractors are welcome as well. Hart-Parr No. 3, and the IHC Ht-340 Turbine Tractor are on loan from the Smithsonian and housed in the I&I Historic Farm Museum. The Hart-Parr was built in 1903, and brought back in to running condition in 2003 for her centennial year. She is arguably the oldest running gas engine tractor in the world, and she will be running during the show. The HT-340 was built by IHC in 1961 to test the feasibility of using gas turbine engines in farm tractor. It also used and innovative hdrostatic transmission. While the tractor performed admirably, the turbine's high fuel consumption and dirt ingestion problems resulting in the concept being a footnote in farming history. While not in running condition, the tractor still is an interesting machine to see.

Nine Days and counting

2007-07-02T16:32:00.001-05:00

Show time is getting closer, and some equipment has already started arriving at the site! This promises to be a big show, the John Deere committee is estimating turnout could top 700 pieces of the famous green and yellow equipment.

Many thanks to the volunteers who have been working hard on the big 6 cylinder Chicago engine in the old bus garage, with their efforts, the engine may be running by show time this year. This big engine came from an oil pipleine pumping station in Missouri and has been several years in the restoration process. The natural gas burning engine will be a great addition to the show. This actually one of two identical engines the club acquired several years ago, both of them were removed from service just prior to the club acquiring them.

There have been some changes in the layout of the grounds this year, with a new camping area established south of Buck Creek, and some minor changes in the featured equipment area.

Getting ready for the show

2007-07-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

As the days count down to the opening day of this years show, club members are busy sprucing up the grounds and making things ready. Mowing, trimming, painting and all the little details that make for good looking grounds.

There will be a lot of green and yellow this year as the John Deere committee is getting the feature tractor area ready, and the "Extreme John Deere Fireworks" at dusk on saturday promise lots of green and yellow in the night sky above Penfield.

New entry signs are ready to be installed and the street signs will be going back up soon. I takes a lot of effort on the part of many individuals to make an event like this work smoothly.

A little bit about us

2007-06-30T19:23:00.001-05:00

We are the members of the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club, now over 500 strong. A long way from our humble beginnings near Alvin, Illinois when a group of friends and neighbors got together to reminisce about the "Good Old Days" of pitching bundles, threshing, and plowing with the old tractors of their youth.

Now 31 years later, we have a permanent home in Penfield, Illinois and are growing every year. Our two main events are Historic Farm Days, an annual event in Penfield each July with many activities related to antique power interests. And, the Half Century of Progress, a "Vintage Farm Progress Show"event featuring vintage harvesting activities held at Rantoul, Illinois on odd numbered years a few days before the Farm Progress Show opens at Decatur, Illinois.

Welcome to our blog

2007-06-30T19:14:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our blog!

We'll be posting here during the Show this July, so look here July 12 to 14, 2007 for news of the best antique power show in the midwest.

2006 Historic Farm Days Highlights

2006-07-25T21:28:00.000-05:00

2006 Show Highlights
Historic Farm Days, Penfield, Illinois

(A Hot Time In The Old Town Of Penfield)

It was definitely hot, the mercury hovered in the upper 90's most of the weekend. A brief intense rainstorm Wednesday afternoon made things a bit soggy and limited field action, but the grounds dried out and the show turned out great. A great display of Fords and Fordsons took center stage along, and several very rare and almost unknown prototype Fords were present, including two very unusual tractors with aluminum transmission cases, one with a opposed two cylinder air cooled engine.
Graham Bradley owners surprised us with 12-14 tractors on display including a very rare standard tread model. A Bradley tractor was also there, one of about 300 made.
The 8020/Wagner group had an excellent turnout, with a tractor and 8 bottom mounted plow from Ontario, Canada on hand, and another tractor made a serendipitous trip from Idaho. In addition to the several 8020's on hand, John Deere/Wagner WA-14 and WA-17 tractors also appeared. The rare JD experimental RTX-547 owned by Darrell Fischer was on display. Deere assembled this tractor by installing a Detroit Diesel engine in a Case LA chassis to test the upper limits of horsepower farmers might be able to use. This led directly to the development of the 8010 and 8020 tractors.