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.

Buchheit store manager in Jacksonville, IL Eric Michuson, had a great success for public relations when he managed a store in KY. His KY store hosted an antique tractor drive-in. It’s not hard to imagine he had corporate blessing. Kenny Buchheit,a second-generation owner of the company, is also the founding curator of the American Tractor Museum. The Buchheit family loves antique tractors.

Eric was looking to recreate the magic again at the Jacksonville store. He asked Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration if he could help. Doug mentioned he might know a few people with tractors and that he’d make a few calls.

June 7th was the date set. 45 tractors surrounded the parking lot. A lot of sizes, ages, and brands were represented. There were tractors built in the 30s and ranged to more recent builds of the 70s. Jerry Rawlings  had his one of a kind build on display. The year of manufacture has never been determined. Doug Edwards managed to steal a ride on the tractor. During his joy ride, he acquired an ac unknown acomplice to the shenanigans

Roger Johnson represented Aumann Vintage Power and Ron Cowman of Cowman Auctions were on-site with merchandise and information concerning their business.

Eric, with assistance from store employee Kamryn Rowland, were  very accommodating hosts. Participants were gifted a goody bucket and lunch on the grill. Public involvement was promoted by voting for a people’s choice award  Jim Edwards received the award for his John Deere 6030

Nine tractors that have been restored by Edwards Tractor Restoration were displayed. Dick Stiltz had a Ford 8N, Ron Cowman brought an Oliver 88 Desiel, Jason Edwards had a Farmall 300 missing a front wheel, two Shaw Du-alls were in the line, Nick Johnson completed the list with Olivers. Doug has worked his magic on a 77 Desiel, 770, 70, and Super 77.

Despite a quick mid afternoon scramble to load and beat the incoming rain, a great time was had by all involved.

Special mention to Darrel Hebert, although he didn’t display a tractor. It may have been a little logistically difficult since he traveled from Louisiana.

I met Andy Hinrichs several years ago. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a conversation longer than a few minutes with him. Until the Saturday after his 16th successful Garden Tractor Jamboree. Andy would personally attest to the fact that it’s very difficult to have a meaningful visit during the event. He’s just too busy.

Andy and his wife Lisa are northern Illinois natives. They lived in several apartments around Rockford before settling on their property outside Oregon. There was plenty of land for outbuildings, besides the house. The house was first, and that was over twenty years ago. So far, that’s the only house their son AJ has lived in, and he’s twenty now.

Andy’s collection isn’t limited to lawn tractors. There are a few farm tractors. He has a 60 that once belonged to his father. AJ got a toy tractor when he was born. It just happened to be the real thing. His toy is a John Deere A.

There is also a mass collection of hit and miss engines housed in the barns. Andy doesn’t collect the extraordinary. He likes the common ones. He told me they are easier to fix because parts aren’t so hard to obtain.

Andy likes the lawn and garden. The prices are a little easier to budget. Storage and logistics are also easier to manage. Basically, his view sees L&G as a good place to start for young people. Andy wisely sees the future of historical agricultural collecting in the hands of our youth.

The inspiration for Andy to start the Jamboree actually has roots to Dyersville. IA. There was a show held ironically neighboring where the Feild of Dreams diamond was built. After looking around that show, Andy told himself, “I can do this.”

16 successful years have passed, proving that he can. The first year had 155 tractors on display, and the show has grown there after. Andy claims 2019 was one of the better years.

The show administration is completely in Andy’s control. The staff is completed with family,neighbors, and volunteers. Other than the gate fee, Andy absorbs a majority of the show costs. There is no sponsorship, and Andy has no plans to change that. The local 4H is the only benefactor of the annual auction. Andy’s quote. “This show is for the collector participants.

Participants seem to follow a progression in their attendance. Generally, the first year will be the year of discovery,just being a spectator. From that point, they’re hooked! AJ’S isn’t exactly a local event either. Collectors come from the surrounding  states, even as far as Ohio, Tennessee,  and Kansas. Andy sees his show as an early year chance for everyone to reunite and show off what’s new.

It’s amazing how successful one family can single handedly host a show on their own property. Andy has purchased the ground to the north of him. Future plans are for AJ to build. Could this also be potential for show expansion?

Thanks, Andy, Lisa, AJ, and family for your continued hospitality.

Editor’s note~ With one exception, photo credit goes to Andy, and whoever took the pictures I found on Facebook