Stockbridge Area Tractor Show chugs into town Sept. 28 & 29

Brian Grosshans on a 1918 steam engine, owned by Mike Douglass. The engine’s power take off (PTO) spins long belts to run a sawmill.

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article and photos by Patrice Johnson

A sizable and growing crowd gathered Friday, Sept. 28 on the Stockbridge Legion grounds for day one of the annual two-day Tractor Show, sponsored by the American Legion Mackinder Glenn Post 510.

Attendees enjoyed an overcast but pleasant morning as antique and collectible tractors rolled onto the field south of the Legion Hall or ground to work demonstrating their mechanical prowess. All the while, Kim and Bev Smith, organizers of the event, were on hand to welcome attendees and lend helping hands.

Afternoon, Keith Grosshans putted down a main aisle on his John Deere tractor. A few feet away, a hit-and-miss engine chugged and popped and spewed out puffs of smoke. Near the pavilion, a metal-ringed bonfire added the the scent of wood smoke to the autumn air .

Brian Grosshans fired up a 1918 steam engine, and its power take off (PTO) churned long, thick belts to propel Mike Douglass’ old-fashioned sawmill. Soon a 3-foot-round blade was buzzing through oak tree trunks and producing lumber planks as if slicing through butter.

Speaking of butter, a concession stand offered a tasty assortment of hot dogs and brats, among other items. At 4:30 p.m. the Legion Hall opened for business with the a much-welcomed fish fry.

Keith Grosshans putts past on his John Deere tractor.

Saturday’s program starts with a pancake breakfast. Memorial to the year’s fallen farmers commences at 11 a.m. with a parade to follow at noon.

Kids’ activities begin at 10 a.m. and include face-painting, balloon guy, and coloring. The popular children’s pedal tractor pull competition is set to begin at 5 p.m.

Event organizer Kim Smith (R) stands with Gerald Eaton beside Eaton’s hand-restored 1942 Allis Chalmers.

Beth Kunzelman parks an 1899 10 HP Russell, restored and cared for over a number of years by the Kunzelman and Grosshans family.

Tractors lined up in rows awaiting Saturday’s parade and show.

Ducks in a row, or Allis Chalmers, perhaps?

Mr. Devine sells raffle tickets.

Long, thick belts power an old-fashioned sawmill, so its 3-foot-blade can buzz through oak tree trunks and slice planks as if slicing through butter.

This article was updated Sep. 30 to reflect the event’s correct name: Stockbridge Area Tractor Show