Annual Antique Tractor-Truck show full of fun for families
by Ron Kaiser
Butch Richmond’s Allis Chalmers and Bob Pierce’s Wagon
It was a great time for all lovers of tractors, trucks and farm equipment to gather, talk and reminisce. The 12th annual Antique Tractor-Truck and Farm Equipment Show at the Waterloo Farm Museum on Aug. 11-12 featured activities for all ages.
In fact, the name of the event could have been changed to “Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment Social,” the organizers said. Some of the tractor and equipment owners sat under the trees and visited. Others leaned against a tractor and talked to passers-by for hours. The conversations also continued long into the evening after a potluck supper on Aug. 11.
As in past shows, visitors could see a wide variety of brands and ages of tractors, trucks, equipment and hit and miss engines on display and operating on the museum grounds.
Bernie Kranz’s display was new this year. It included a camper, Standard Oil Gas pump, snow blower (just in case it snowed) and a bicycle, all from the early ’50s and ’60s.
Along with his engines and a tractor, Kegan Ousley once again brought a display for a showcase in the Hannewald Barn. Tom Shanahan’s display of toy tractors and farm life equipment provided another showcase.
One young visitor, about 4 years old, was so excited to see the miniature versions of the tractors that he ran back and forth, pointing out the ones in the showcase and the ones just like it in the yard. Getting children excited about farm equipment now will bring them back in the years to come as they grow older, organizers said.
Tractor Games returned for a second year and attracted a few more participants. Slow Race, Golf Ball Drop, Rolling the Barrel and the Backward Drive were great fun to watch. Steiner Tractor Parts provided the prizes.
But the show included much more than tractors. Beverly Larsen was on hand with her 1880s sock-making machine. Rae Pierce brought a unique display of antique signs and memorabilia. Also in the Realy Barn was Paul Barth’s display of fine axes, saws and other logging equipment.
Steve Hopkins was busy demonstrating the turning of wood mallets and candle stands on his gas engine lathe and saw. The blacksmith shop also was busy place with Chris in the shop and M.K. outside giving lessons.
Wagon rides were provided by Butch Richmond with his Allis Chalmers tractor and Bob Pierce’s wagon. They are always a big hit, enjoyed by many who come to visit the farm for the show, organizers said.
All the while, old-fashioned tunes filled the air. Blackberry Jam Dulcimers performed on Saturday and Eddie Josephs played his banjo and other country instruments on Sunday, sometimes in time with the many running engines.
The Waterloo Area Historical Society and Waterloo Farm Museum send out a special thank you to all who helped put the show together and spent many, many hours planning and arranging the weekend. The people who put inspiration and perspiration into the event are too many to name, organizers said, and added “just know you are appreciated one and all.”
Hope Salyer
Managing Editor, Newsprint Designer and Reporter for theStockbridge Community News. Board Member of the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation. Public Relations Director of the Ann Arbor Electrical JATC and Union 4 Life charity.