Waterloo Farm Museum hosts annual Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment show

Story and photos by Alex R. Weddon

Engine power began replacing horsepower on the farms of our country in the early 1900s, allowing American farmers to greatly increase food production and feed the world. A collection of those machines was on display at the 2019 Waterloo Farm Museum Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment show held Aug. 10 and 11.

Over a thousand guests roamed the grounds of the old Reilly farm on Waterloo-Munith Road during the weekend of fun. The smell of coal-fired iron forges, diesel and gasoline engine exhaust and delicious odors of brats and sauerkraut mixed with the sounds of vintage engines to fill the air, along with phrases beginning with, “I remember….”

Blue skies and moderate temperatures were the order of the day.

“The weather couldn’t be better. Another fine day at the museum,” Ron Kaiser observed. Kaiser and many other volunteers contribute to the success of the annual show that offers wagon rides, music, displays and demonstrations ranging from making socks to tractor barrel racing. Kaiser, a Waterloo Area Historical Society board member and chairman for a number of years, noted that with six new board members, all with deep historical experience and skills, the future of the museum is in most capable hands.

The museum, located at 13493 Waterloo-Munith Road, is open to the public during the summer from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

click below to see videos:

Bob Zick and vintage twin engines

Lori Beck, iron forge, bellows, hand crank

Tractor barrel racing, Bob Pierce on John Deere

Lori Beck of Grand Rapids cranks a bellows to superheat the coals prior to heating an iron rod for shaping on her anvil. “Temperatures can reach over 2,000 degrees!” She warned.

“I listened to this chugging along when I was ten years old!” recalled Mike Cameron of his 1923 Bromley.

“She fired right up after years in my barn,” declared Nelson Kothe of Manchester (On right) to long time Waterloo Farm Museum volunteer and board member Ron Kaiser.

Twin engine power for pumping water or other belt drive implements provided by Bob Zick (on left) of Grass Lake. Hear it running at StockbridgeCommunityNews.com