I finally managed my first toy show attendance for 2026.“Digger Dave Kemp and I didn’t get to travel to ST. Louis, earlier this month. Life got in the way and spoiled that plan. Dave was behind on his work schedule and was desperate enough to enlist my help. St’ Louis is a great and all, but I had a great time driving a dump truck. That’s work, but a change of routine is still fun.

Digger and I vowed, we wouldn’t let the Quincy show slip past again. We had confirmed plans set as early as the previous Wednesday. Toy shows are just as much an event as tractor shows. Our adventure even includes travel and dining plans. Dave and I, neither one, like to travel on the interstate. Even if that is the quickest and most efficient. We had breakfast in Mt. Sterling, vectoring across route 24. Even with Interstate 72 being the convenient return choice, we chose route 104 homebound.. Ya never know what you’ll see on the roads less traveled.

This year, in Quincy, was made more special. We came across several familiar faces. Some were to be expected.. In the case of “Toy Man” Don Nowack a meet up had been planned for Dave. Don had beaten us there, which again was expected. He left earlier than we did, empty handed. He told me he just wasn’t feeling a desire to rehome anything. At the time, I had agreed. My return comment was, “I was just looking”

Dave and I encountered Carl Davis pretty early on. Again a pleasant, but not unsurprising. Anywhere Carl is fun is there too. Jerry and Demaree Lindsay were also in attendance. Paul Sheerer, was there. I remember asking Paul if he was hunting John Deere toys. That comment and the one made to Donnie would soon come back to haunt me.

After their departure, I was struck with a toy buying mood. The itch affected Digger as well. This year we both carried packages to the truck. Digger brought home a nice Caterpillar D7 replica.

We found ourselves in the room of Calvin Elder, a gentleman I had some idea of who he was. I for some reason thought Calvin lived in Iowa. It turns out he’s more local, living in Mt’ Auburn. Calvin is also known for building incredibly realistic scale models Dave bought a beautiful MM LP model that I’m surprised it didn’t start up and drive. It looks that real!

I have to confess something before we discuss what treasures I acquired. Although I’m a strong Red Power supporter, in which I’ll argue the best brands, even that other none Du-all or Oliver green. Nothing more fun than stirring up one of those crazy uppity JD guys…..I like ALL brands….There it is in bold italics! I admit I like John Deere! People seem to forget I had a John Deere A in my collection for a short time…A very short time! …I can’t remember but I’m sure I replaced it with another red one.

There were three green tractors in my toy collection that have always been on display. The one over my right shoulder in my office as I draft this article is a JD BR on steel. My toy A has two memorial reasons. One simply because I had a real one. The other is it reminds me of simpler times when I was younger.

I’ve had a toy 4230 ever since the tractor was introduced in 1973. It was given to me at the Farm Progress Show that year. It’s a little worse for wear now, considering I “rug farmed” with it. I’m not sure just how but that tractor was one of the few surviving pieces from a house fire.

The most devastating loss was my 7520 4WD. I’ve never replaced that tractor…until the Mark Twain Show this year. That replica has continually risen in market value.

My first 7520 had been a Christmas gift. That year had been really special. My parents didn’t have a lot of extra money to spend. My sister and I were young, but still old enough to understand that times were harder. We both understood not to expect much. That Christmas was special, we did get one gift on our wish list. Mine had been the 7520 with a centerfold disk. I was a John Deere guy when I was little, but I grew up and came to my senses.

Before the 7520 my big tractor had been a 5020 Wheatland. I don’t think I lost that one in the fire though. I traded it. That’s a great memory from high school! I’ve been collecting farm toys since before that was cool and accepted. The trade went down similarly to a drug deal. The drug deal may have been less embarrassing if it had been exposed. I wasn’t old enough to drive yet so I had to dodge and be vague about “What’s in the bag?” on the school bus. The exchange went down in the metal shop. The teacher was in on the secret, letting the loot stay hidden, in his office, during the school day. I found out in later years he was a “secret” collector back then too. I had traded for a 1566, so there’s further proof I was coming to my senses.

Anyway, I now have another 5020 back on my collection shelf. I’ve been watching for just the right one for a few years now. I finally found one in Quincy. My biggest problem was deciding which tractor to buy. Turns out I decided not to decide. I bought both!

Never make home repairs on a Sunday

In over 60 trips around the sun I’ve learned wisdom. Unfortunately, what I learn, the brain memory didn’t always  take.

Most followers of this blog know I’m not the most mechanically apt. I’m not ashamed to admit that. A good part of my restoration is hired. I refer to my article How not to repair a selinoid in the archives as proof.

The water, in my home village is extremely hard. My kitchen fawcett has taken the abuse of 10 years and decided on breaking. As added inconvience, the fawcett gave up on Sunday, the final day of an extended Christmas weekend. I had three days previously that would have been prime oppurtunity for the repair.

Its not a good start to the day when you shut off the fawcett and the handle comes off in your hand. That part really wasn’t that bothersome though, I was ready for a change and I had replaced that fawcett ten years ago when I first moved in. I wasn’t necessarlly excited, but it wasn’t a daunting task either. I was mostly looking forward to the trip to Home Depot. I like Home Depot.

I won”t go into a detailed explaination, comedian Jeff Foxworthy has thorouhly covered the subject. Men like to shop, they just like to buy different things. I’ll call out any tractor collector that says they don’t like to shop. If they don’t, they should stop looking at Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, and any other auction lusting, not sure I mispelled that. Its a lusting more than a listing.

I had a task list for that Sunday. If I had been smart, I’d have arranged my list differently. Obviosly, I didn’t. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sharing this story.

I had a little tractor work planned for the morning. Sure, that could have been put off, but I didn’t We all have our priorities.

I was changing back tires on a Cub Cadet 102. That should be quick and painless. It went well, but not exactly painless. My help lowered the jack to quickly and I had a finger in the wrong place.

If only I had a sign of things to come….

Maybe I did.  Actually was the fawcett handle a sign?

Following is the events in approximate chronological order

Sunday, 2;30 pm – I depart for Home Depot to purchase the new kitchen fawcett. Please note I earlier proclaimed my fondness of the store. You will also notice in the timeline I patronized the outlet for an extended time frame. I’m easily distracted!

Sunday, 4;45 pm – Repair commence. Rule of thumb, what takes a normal person twenty minutes, will take me three times longer at a bare minimum. I did take that into account, and still figured I’d be fine. I’ve replaced fawcetts many times, and this was the second one in this kitchen. I got this.

Needless to say it didn’t take long before I was stymeid. Most sinks have isolation valves under them. This one did. The hot water inlet had a nice metal one that worked correctly. The cold water had a funky plastic thing that didn’t stop water any better than a screen door on a submarine. Water flow wasn’t going to stop me. I’ll just shut off the main line and stop water flow to the WHOLE house. That being done, I’m back under the sink.

The old sink had a male connection to a female water line. Of course, the new sink was opposite. Did I pick up any spare parts just in case? No. Did I even think I needed to? Again, no. Normally, this is the point when I discover I need to make a second trip for parts. Again my minimum trips would be three. I looked closer though and realized I just needed a new plan of attack.

The new fawcett came with extra long hose. It could be attached directly at the inlet isolation valve. I was golden on the hot water side. Remember the funky plastic contraption? Now here lies the problem. My first attempt was unscrewing the plastic from the copper line. Nope! Not threaded, I probably caused it to leak. I’ll call it a valve, to sound professional. Goofy plastic thingy may have been more appropriate. It got called something more choice, but this blog article will remain PG rated. The thing made a 90 degree and it looked like it may have been threaded. Turns out what I thought was threaded was nothing more than a swivel so the flexible hose could turn.

Great! Now I do need parts. It also climbed above my expertise. I didn’t know how to sweat copper, even if I did know the correct terminology.. I could “phone a friend”, but a Sunday night? Not this time. I wasn’t that far into the job, actually only needing to reconnect one connection. I’d deal with the broken handle a little longer while I evaluated and purchased parts.

Can you guess what I discovered when I turned on the main line? If your guess was a leak, you would be absolutely correct! It was the plastic valve, at the swivel. It wasn’t gushing, or dripping more like oozing. I couldn’t get a catch pan under it either. My solution was a towel wrap to dam up the water a little.

My “guy card” is pretty much always in jeopardy anyway. In fact, I’m surprised I still retain one. I’m not ashamed to admit I was ready to call in the professionals.

Sunday 6;15 pm – After looking online I contacted a plumber. I was impressed they came 24 / 7 weekends and holidays. I was skeptical I wanted to pay for a Sunday night, however. During the communication ,with the technician, I did discover the repair to be twice as expensive on a Sunday night. I also learned that the cussed plastic valve was compressed on. Gee what has modern plumbing come to?

I figured I could still find parts and do it myself. I also knew it would take me several trips to the store before I got it done right. I still had a plumber scheduled for the next day. Hopefully in the afternoon, that way I could work part of the day. and be a little productive. Let the professional handle it and it will be right.

Monday 4;00 am – I went to the kitchen for my usual morning routine and discovered the towel dam had burst. It wasn’t like the leak would get better. There was water on my kitchen floor, This would be the first of four times I mopped, so the floor is real clean now.

I made the executive decision to stay home and wait for the plumber, monitoring the leak and cleaning up the continued aftermath. Unfortunately, I wasn’t first on the schedule. I had hoped they could be in and out and I would just go to work late. Spoiler, I took the day off. It wasn’t a total loss. I still had personal time to use for 2025.

Monday 11:15 am – Here comes the cavalry ! The plumbing tech came with his apprentice in tow. After a quick assessment, he gave me a quote for repairs. I let them do the install, since they were there. The parts were on the truck, unlike my needing to make several trips to get the wrong ones. I found an out of the way spot to spectate, and they were both friendly so it wasn’t terribly awkward.

The plastic obstacle was overcome exactly as I figured it should be handled. The tech was a little neater than I would have though. He cut the copper pipe with the correct tool. I wanted to use my power saw. His method was far cleaner and straighter. It made me feel better, the pro struggled with the new fixture, a little. It took him about 25 minutes in and out. That was fine. He charged flat rate, and by this point he was worth every penny.

So in the end I paid three times more than I had done it myself. Then again maybe not. I would have to factor in mileage and the price of gas in my quote. I went back to Home Depot on another repair later that Monday. I did find the compression fitting to do the repair, but there were several choices. Leave it to me, I would have picked up the wrong part the first two times.

During the verbal telling of this tale, two wiser friends had advised me to buy ALL the parts I think I’d need. There is no shame in making returns. It would also be a great excuse to go to the store. Live and learn.

Editors note : I’d like to think I’m not “that ” bumbling and incompetent  I really don’t have that low of self esteem. I’m only hard on myself as satirical reference . Everybody has their own limitations I just happen to enjoy making fun of mine..

My fravorite aspect of the tractor phenomenon is the social human interest. The antique machinery is wonderful to view, and the sight and sound, of antique farming. is a joy to witness. When its all said and done, whats truly important is the fellowship and commonality.

The season for tractors may be in a lull for the winter, but is it really over? Maybe everything has been winterized and focus is now on winter projects. That doesn’t at all stop us from getting together for fellowship.

I’ve beem fortunate to be invited to such gatherings. In fact, lghtning did strike twice this week. I’m  not counting the clandestine missions I’ve taken part in latetly, those are stories of themselves, for another time.

Enough teasing! I’ll get to my point.

Saturday, I had supper with friends. Two, in particular traveled all the way from Kansas. Obviously, because of that, Evan Speicher and his father Allan were the honored guests. 

Its great to visit with distant friends. Both Evan and Allan have amassed large collections. Evan has a huge collection that includes walk behinds. Something very impressive considering his age. Allan is more  eclectic with his collection. Father and son both share interests in Shaw Du-all. It does help they live near to Galesburg KS where Shaw Manufacturing was based. Both have been great assets in research.

What’s a gathering without Carl Davis? Carl is charismatic, besides his  wealth of graden tractor knowledge. I’m pretty sure that Carl knows Everybody!

Carl and I were recently backstage after a great concert. I’ve shown this picture and Carl is recognized more than the guy in the middle

Jerry Lindsay told Paul Sheerer and me that Saturday supper was his gift to wife Demaree. I was glad she was willing to put up with our antics.

Tuesday, there was a gathering of some lawn and garden legends. Marvin Stinebaker hosted the gathering in his workshop. Of course, we later traveled to a restaurant. This gathering has become annual, and Marvin graciosly invited me. After I share the list of attendees, its obvious I should have sat quietly and taken notes, I might learn something. I ddn’t  sit quietly, however.

The member roster included Dave Carton. Vernon Sandusky, Dennis Stork, Orren Leggitt, Mark Kleiss, and Dennis Clarke. Marvin let me bring along Keith Ladage, Traveling Farm Girl’s other half.

There was some information exchanged, but mostly it was a social gathering. Its great to have the interaction with friends in this fast paced society

I made an obseevation, during a show a few years ago, that antique iron enthusiats basically go to shows as if they’re going to a reunion, just dragging along tractors. This documentary presents just a couple examples to prove we don’t even need the tractors to enjoy each other’s company. 

Editors note ~ for those guessing… the correct answer for the guy in the middle is Kentucky Headhunter’s legendary drummer Fred Young

Please excuse any typos. My “novelist” proofreader has corrected me, so I think they have all been corrected.

Henry Fords Model Ts became more to America than just the first affordable cars. In the late twenties many companies built kits to convert them into tractors.  Thrifty Farmer and Utility were just a couple of the kits that were created The conversion kits were availble for sale through catalog purchase. 

My first hand exposer to conversion tracors was recent. I volunteered to help Keith Ladage transport his collected peices to Half Century of Progress. Keith has a Model T (Utility), Model A (Thrifty Farmer), and a Model.A (Utility) in his collection

October 24th, One of Aumman Vintage Power’s Fall Hatvest Auctions closed with a very unccommon tractor. A 1924 Ford Model T tractor conversion created by Shaw Mamufactoring, based in Galesburg, KS.

Stanley Wilbur Shaw also built conversions during the late 1920’s originally selling a kit through the Montgomery Wards catalog. The agreement between Wards and Shaw, was short, and  disolved, causing a second round of conversion sales. Shaw’s second round of  conversions, were sold in three methods

If the customer lived near enough to Galesburg, KS, they could bring the car to the factory for conversion. A kit with detailed instructions could also be shipped to customers to distant, from the factory.

Model Ts became readily avalible once the newer Model As began production. Shaw started buying Model Ts to sell as completed kits.

Shaw’s kit was noticably more involved than the competition. He narrowed the axle width and cut the car’s frame shorter creating a more compact unit. His achieved goal was a  smaller tractor that could turn in a fifteen foot radius.

This particular tractor pictured has a back story. Shaw built this one and used it as a demonstrator. It was sold during the great depression. The tractor later resurfaced in a scrap yard. A local farmer, knowing what it was bought it for scrap price and saving it from destructuon. Here are two links discussing the conversion in more detail.

https://www.proxibid.com/lotinformation/58280104/rare-shaw-model-t-conversion

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/389459.html

Editors note ~ I want to thank Chris Grammer for his great assistance in research for this article. I can’t take credit for all the photography. Some are screen grabs.

First off, I’m going to be honest about this tractor. I added it to my collection with the possibilty to sell. In fact, I wasn’t looking for an addition. I’m like every other collector, though. It’s hard to pass up a deal. I also firmly beleive we all get caught in the “chase”

My friend Don Nowack waa the one to alert me to a sale on Ebay. Not sure why a “John Deere” guy was lookibg at garden tractors. The sale was within minutes of closing. I realized,very quickly, the tractor didn’t sell. There had been a reserve set and it hadn’t been met. The tractor was soon relisted with a buy it now or best offer.

The negotion began….

The tractor was actually a package offer. Besides the tractor, some implememts were included. Implements and attachments? Now that did peak my interest. I messaged an inquiry to purchase without the tractor. Unfornately, all or nothing. I made a best offer, that was countered, which I countered again. Am I the only one that finds that challenge fun?

A few days passes and I don’t hear weather my offer gets accepted. Then one Saturday my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but an inner voice told me to answer.

“Are you Rick Shaw?’ My answer was obvious.  “Do you know anything about Shaw Du-all?” I told him I knew enough to get myself in trouble. I”m a student, but by no means an expert. He revealed he had one for sale and wanted my opinion whether an offer from a buyer had offered enough money.  By then I knew who I was talking to, and I”m to honest. I told him it wouldn’t be fair advice considering I had made the offer.

A little clean up began. The concrete block had to go!Headlights? There isn’t a power source for them to work. I like John Deere, but this tractor ISN”T a Deere. Yellow wheels are cringe as the kids might say.

The tractor had, what I thought at the time, two major issues. I planned to “correct” the back wheels. I thought the 16″ rear wheels were wrong and planned on getting it up on 24″ like my Barn Find R8. Turns out the tractor left the factory on 16s though.

The second problem was the tractor had been repowered. I didn’t see that as much of a problem though. A Briggs & Stratton 16 horse had replaced the original 6 horse. At least the hood and grill hadn’t been tossed, loosing them to eternity. Sadly the case most times. The grill had been modified to fit though. Leaving a hole where an air cleaner should be

I entertained increasing bids of purchase, but tucked the tractor away. Even with the project being beyond my capabolities, I did have the right people in my corner

Steve Farmer, initially started with a clean up. The concete block never made it into his shop door. The lights were removed and he tweaked and tuned. Nothing much happened for a couple of years . I had other tractor projects ongoing ahead of this R6. I thought most of the work I could conquer myself, when I had time….like I have time!

My fabricator  friend, Jerry Rawlings, likes to work on my Du-alls. I don’t rush him, the man is in his eighties. Most times he works faster than I expect him to. I had misgivings on turning this project over to him. He does the tractor such great justice that it deserves to be passed on to Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration. This fall I relented and turned Jerry loose.

I had warned Jerry there wasn’t much to this project. The tractor ran great. The work needed was pretty simple,for his talent anyway.  My plan was to route the exhaust through were the air cleaner belonged to hide the hole. After rolling his eyes, he suggested moving the air cleaner. I wasn’t dumb enough to ask. All is possible with Jerry.

The front grill is still modified to accomidate the 16 horse, but the air cleaner is located to look “factory” correct.

I like fenders! This R6 came from the plains, so it needed prairie fenders.

The tractor was then handed off to Doug

Before I reveal, I want to show why I’m a repeat customer with Edwards Tractor Restoration

And now, the reveal!…

Editors note ~ photo credit to Steve Farmer and Doug Edwards. I owe a debt of graditude to both of them, beyond the photography. Thanks also to Jerry Rawlings. My Shaw collection wouldn’t be what it is without any of the three.

I heard about the plan Keith Ladage and Mark Dozier had schemed several months prior to the Half Century of Progress show. Keith had planned on making two trips, back and forth accross the state, hauling his two Model As, a Model T, and golfcart.

Originally, Cindy Ladage had been recruiting me to help out as a staff writer covering the event. She initially felt overwhelmed after dealing with health issues earlier this year. Of course Cindy has demonstrated her resilience, bouncing back to her usual full steam.

The plan made was changed. Cindy had  learned of a local book fair in Petersburg. Neither one of us have discovered the abilty to be in two places at the same time. Cindy had to attend Half Century, but I didn’t. It was a logical decision for me to represent both of us as authors. I was pretty confident I could sell Cindy’s book, considering its a wonderful read. I’ll share about the book fair in another discussion.

The planets did align enough that I could be some help for Half Century. My schedule allowed me an offer to save Keith a trip. He was hesitant, not understanding I never hold favors over anyone’s head. My Sunday round trip included a delivery to Monticello anyway. This was all part of my sinister plan to draw Keith into the network.

Cue Garth Brooks ~ 🎵 I got friends in low places 🎵

We loaded Tuesday after I was released from work. Cindy insisted on serving supper. I can’t seem to get the point across that feeding strays isn’t in her best interest.  It‘s also embarrasing to admit I will work for food.

We didn’t convoy over Wednesday. I had a doctor appointment before I could leave. I managed to find my way, the overwhelming part was the delivery destination.

I’ve never been to Half Century, I’m not sure this counts. However, I have been to the retired base. I attended a truck show. I knew it was a big place and could be overwhelming. Keith dialed me in without inicident.

Unloading went quickly. Tim Seifert, and Wayne Ladage lent hands to safely off load.

I wish I could say my return trip home, on Wednesday, was uneventful. Unfortunetly, I litterly ran a wheel off my trailer! It’s very disconcerning to discover everything missing right down to the axle. I’ve got many years of driving experience and I take pride in my diligence. The missing wheel was on the left side. I’d think I’d have seen it go!

Cue the Kenny Roger’s parody ~🎵 Ya picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel 🎵

Actually, it could have been far worse. The wheel left at the end of the lane where some of my tractors are stashed. I’m glad it didn’t come off on the interstate! Perish the thought.

Now I’m like a mailman. I had a commitment to Keith. I was going to see it through. What’d I do?  Remember the network I was drawing Keith in to? Well I’m in that pretty deep. probably way over my head. I made a phone call.

Cue Garth again 🎵

I’m not going to reveal all my secrets, I just have sources and I called in a favor. I made it back to Rantoul, as scheduled. The return trip went without a hiccup. The Ladages, and the conversion tractors were returned home safely.

So, Have I been to Half Century? I’m just going to shrug my shoulders and let you, the reader, decide

My collection is an investment. With that being said, I don’t purchase tractors only to resell for a profit. Happily, that does happen, or at least I get a return on my investment. I have sold at a loss, but I chalk that as a lesson learned. All in all, I’m a collector  more than a trader.

I get too atached. Maybe thats good in a way. Most of my iron holds a sentiment or other reason. I downsized last winter due to lack of storage space. My storage capicity increased drastically right after that particular sale.

That may be the reasoning I use to justify the Case tractor sale, but my interests had changed.  I had only intended to sell three of my four Case L&G. They all had their own special significance, my Case 130 most of all.

The 130 had been my dad’s. He had sold half to me, and kept pestering me to buy him out. My usual response would always tell him I’d own it someday, until then I was satisfied with half ownership with a cranky old partner.

All my Case collection went to PA. Trust me it was an agonizing decision, but I realized I was more attached to the 130 than my dad had been. He would have been even more excited about how my collection had progressed. Dad had more sense to realize and accept change. Reflecting, the old man would openly own the vanity of a tractor labled with his last name. People ask me how I could sell a tractor that was passed down to me. Half was passed, I bought the other half. I’m happy, the four tractors went to a great buyer.

The Farmall has a different story. My dad would have liked it, but again, I was more attached. Truthfully, I was pretty upside down if the cost of restoration was factored. I didn”t regret having Edwards Tractor Restoration do the magic. There are several articles in my blog that discuss the topic whether or not to restore. I made the choice considering I would never recover my investment. 

The “red” tractor market is down, probably the whole antique market is soft considering our present economy. Nick Menke initually aproached me, to sell the H. I had to chuckle and tell him he wouldn”t want to pay my ask. I found out that he was acting as a purchase agent for the railroad museum in Monticello, IL. That information was very influential in my desicion.

The Super C, that I previously owned, had already been donated. I told them I wouldn’t simply donate, but proposed a on site loan. That proposal was nixed.

Finally, after back and forth, a visit to the museum, they insisted I name my price. Nick wanted to know the magic number that would get me to sell. I considered and then lowered the figure. I didn”t want to seem overly greedy. I won’t disclose the final tally, but it was on the high side.

They didn’t even flinch! The offer was easily accepted. Nick had explained to John Scuitto about the money and resources that went into creating the little H’s grandeur, and he respected all that. Most buyers want to haggle, which can be entertaining until. it becomes annoying. That wasn’t the case this time. All the haggling had been done in my own mind.

This exchange will always be high on my list of memorable deals. I didn”t profit, I didn’t even break even, but I won in other ways. I know that tractor will be more enjoyed by the public now.

I outbid and blocked a museum from a tractor purchase, maybe this will pay my penance for that mistake. Its nice to know that a tractor I once owned is now an artifact in a living museum.

If you haven’t visited the Monticello Railway Museum, I highly recomend doing so. Go back, if its been awhile. The museum brings history to life and is ever changing

Editors note~ please excuse any spelling and gramatical errors. My phone recently updated and apperantly went on strike helping with corrections.

The Monticello Railroad Museum held their inaugural tractor show on Saturday, August 9, 2025. I attended with a group of friends, Marvin Stinebaker, Carl Davis, “train fanatic extraordinaire,”  Keith Ladage, and friend, fellow journalist & author Cindy Ladage The five of us met for breakfast and formed a convoy, making the travel as enjoyable as the final destination.

I must say, the museum was far beyond my expectations. It was such an amazing experience. They operate on 11 miles of track that spans from White Heath down into the heart of Monticello. The grounds are vast enough to hold buildings to house a majority of the train collection.

There are two depots that have been relicated from DeLand and another location in the city . The train schedules many departures from the museum grounds , with a layover in Monticello. Buying a ticket and riding the rails is just like days gone by.

The museum is totally staffed by volunteers. Everyone brings their own experience and knowledge to keep history alive. Volunteer conductor John Crawford even dresses the part (Cindy interviewed many more people. She covered the event in much greater detail)

John and I had a minute to “talk tractor” He shared memories of his father buying a Farmall F-20 new. Grayson Rademaker brought one to display. The smile on John’s face was worthy of a Kodak moment.

There was so much to see and experience throughout the event. Our group pretty much went their separate ways to enjoy the event. Carl, of course, was like a kid in the candy store. Marvin was more his typical laid-back self. Cindy, with Keith, did what they did best, reported coverage of the event. I had left my notepad in the truck, deciding to be more of a tractor guy and less a reporter. After doing some photography, I hung out with Marvin and enjoyed the day.

Pictures from the train

Monticello station

Return trip

Here’s a couple I took as we passed the museum station

Carl, Cindy, and Keith rode the locomotive during the day. Here’s some more train pictures they shared

65 tractors came to be displayed. It’s not a bad turnout for the first show. Here’s a couple I took while Marvin and I chilled out in our lawn chairs

It was such a great day! We all made memories, and I learned a lot about Railroad history. I highly recommend a visit.

Thank you, Cindy and Carl, for the photography assistance. Cindy will probably have a more extensive take on the day

Most times, my readership doesn’t read articles that get very political on my blog. A debate of color preference may be provoked, but beyond that, I don’t write hard-hitting exposure pieces.

I’m sure the readership is well aware of our bizarre political climate of late. If a reader comes to my blog for something light and fun, this isn’t the article for that.

This piece is more directed to Illinois natives. . I have to ask, Does anyone have concern about the bloated state budget that was pushed through?  Is anyone else concerned about the new taxes on fuel?

Let’s look at this realistic, our hobby is expensive to budget to begin with. Many of us spend a good amount for logistics already. Rising fuel prices will dictate what tractor events we can participate in. Tractors are only a recreational pursuit, but the new taxes will greatly affect us. Sadly, the legislation is not finished. There is further threat of even further taxation.

There is a proposal to charge a mileage tax on top of the fuel taxes! I, for one, have no wish to pay for extra revenue that no voter in down state will benefit from. If the revenue is needed for the city of Chicago, then tax the city and Cook County. Why is there a need to burden downstate with the city’s problems?

Our representatives in the state house are in a minority for our best interests. The mass majority shows  signs of greed and corruption. What’s the solution? Quite simple, we need to vote the corruption out.

The 2024 presidential election is glaring proof that every single vote counts. If it’s possible nationally, we can create the same momentum in Illinois.

Let’s all stand together and make Illinois great again.

Three years ago, The Ladage Tractor Drive started because of a bridge.

The family history can be traced clear back to Abraham Lincoln’s time. That is a pretty good indication that the Ladage family is well established in central Illinois. Their ancestral linage also has ties with other families. No matter how, there is the off chance of a relationship somehow.

This essay  primarily focuses on four brothers and a sister. Wayne, the oldest, followed in age by fraternal twins Kim.and Kay, Next in line is Keith, who is married to the infamous Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl blogger and author Cindy Ladage The youngest is Craig . Wayne recently retired from farming. Keith is still farming, possibly to legitimize Cindy’s farm girl title?. Kay married farmer Bob Hogan. Kim and Craig decided to get jobs in town. Kim retired from qCoca-Cola, and Craig is a contractor. Don’t think Kim and Craig have lost interest in being  on a tractor, though.

To tie this story together, let’s discuss the bridge. Sangamon County names roads after residents that live on them. 

Ladage Road that passes over a bridge dedicated to William Ladage. Logan Ladage’s farmstead is just north of the bridge. I’ve introduced a small part of the Ladage clan, and William happened to be their great grandfather.

Wayne and Keith decided they needed pictures taken of family significant  tractors on the Ladage bridge. This was an idea to pay tribute to their Uncle Logan. Needless to say, after hearing the novel idea, several in the family went along for the drive and picture session.

The following year, the scheduled drive was open to even more family and invited friends. ~  The statement “I’m not a Ladage” is a lame excuse. They will adopt,

I had foolishly declined my invitation for year two. However, this year.I was invited again and contracted as a correspondent.

The drive began with a prayer for safe travel

This year has been rough on Wayne. He recently lost his grandson Sgt Austin Rhodes. Memorial magnets and the American colors were proudly displayed on the tractors in Sgt Rhodes’ honor. The drive route directed past the cemetery to pay tribute.

Despite the recent loss, the annual drive is also a celebration of family. More than tractor drivers were participating. The day was a  Ladage reunion. Family came from across the state, and as far as TX.. The patriarch Roger Ladage was oldest, and Brody Ladage was youngest.

We planned a little surprise for Wayne this year. One of his  recent  tractors sold during his retirement auction found its way back for the day. Thank you, Ben Boesdorfer.

The drive wasn’t long, even though the memories will be ever lasting. There were too  many of us to take photographs on the  bridge, but Logan’s farmstead worked just as well. 

The drive ended in the Village of Thayer. This was an opportunity for food and more fellowship.

Photo credit goes primarily to Cindy Ladage. More can be read about the day on her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. It was my great honor to report this drive.