I can’t believe in all my time writing this blog and collecting that I’ve never featured Marvin Stinebaker and Mark Kleis. I have mentioned Marvin and referred his expertise, but never “featured” either man.
Marvin pleaded with me not to make a fuss. Of course, anyone who knows him would expect his request. He’s just a laid-back guy. I’m not the first to share about them, Both Marvin and Mark have pictures of their tractors in Lawn and Garden Tractor and interviews with Brian Baxter for Classis Tractor Fever.
I met them in 2013 when they and Carl Davis rescued me from embarrassing myself hosting a garden tractor show. If not for them, the show display would have been measly at best. Granted, it was a side distraction for a garden tractor pull, but thanks to Marvin, Mark, and Carl, there was a good amount of garden tractors to view.
Before then, I didn’t realize there were so many lawn and garden shows. Thanks to their friendship, I’ve been introduced to further great L&G friends. I actually should give them credit, their behind the scenes influence helped introduce me to magazine writing.
Both Marvin and Mark have amassed an incredible collection. Marvin may own a few more, but that’s because he had a little more collecting time. Marvin corrupted Mark by introducing the contagion and joy of the passion. Mark also took a little time to discover his first machine, while Marvin already had his.
The two are known to be Oliver collectors. Classic Tractor has featured Marvin twice. Once for an Oliver and once for his Farmhand 100. Mark was featured for his Springfield. Members of the Antique Iron Mafia might recall I recently shared Mark’s interview
Marvin’s Oliver interview https://youtu.be/lvxkAnelDNQ?si=HQcFtw8T0CzOw4ln
Talking Farmhand https://youtu.be/7v2c7anB0KQ?si=0LEo7cITBu3skFmb
Mark shares about his Springfield https://youtu.be/9EoZG6E9qXE?si=g7CgvHvjnFuuljKF
Marvin started his collection with a Wheel Horse. That tractor had been in the family and was going to stay a one family tractor. Marvin was giving it to his son. Marvin has a lot of Jacabson built tractors in his collection . Brand names are recognized, but the tractors aren’t commonly seen.
Mark started his collection with a Springfield model. Like Marvin, he has brands that people have heard of, but the tractors are not often seen. Both gentlemen shy away from Cub Cadet and Deere.
Until last Christmas, I had never seen the two collections in their entirety. I’ve seen what they have taken to shows, which changes at a whim. They have told me about the building, but I could only imagine. Their building is well organized, Marvin has his half, and Mark has his. The center has their transport trailers parked side by side.
I was so impressed! I was also grateful to be allowed to have a private viewing. Marvin had commented that he was surprised I wasn’t looking at every single tractor. He didn’t realize I was enjoying what I was seeing in an entirety.
We spent the time “talking tractor.” Both guys know a wealth about Lawn and Garden. I heard great stories about shows and buying expeditions
I’ve been held to a confidence, I’ll never share the exact location where their tractors are housed. Simply put,if you’re in to Lawn and Garden tractors and are lucky enough to view the two collections. You’ll be in a small section of L> heaven.
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