2020 has been a year for adjustments to a new normal. Most every social event has been canceled due to social distancing guidelines. It’s hard to keep country folk isolated though, as my opening remarks revealed. Franklin, IL. historically has Independence Day festivities. You can reference more information in my archive by reading Hometown Country Fun.

Tractors came from everywhere! The beginning number was close to 80. There was even a semi tractor in the parade around the Franklin square. The parade people did out number the crowd watching the tractors pass by, but not by much. Several people sat along the street and enjoyed the spectacle. Many people, that lived along the drive route, waited relaxing under their shade trees at home. Americana resembled somewhat of a norm, for a time. Here is a link of the tractors passing through Franklin

The population of Nortonville tripled for a short period. Here is a video of the crowd during the rest period.

Here’s a sampling of pictures Cindy Ladage took.

Thank you Clinton Park and Joe Moeller for video graphic assistance producing this article. Clinton has a YouTube channel and uploaded video of the drive from the operator perspective. Clinton or maybe “Cletus” can be found on YouTube @ Cletus the hillbilly.

Still photography credit goes to Cindy Ladage “Traveling adventures of a farm girl”

Remember, if you have a tractor and want to restore it. Call Doug @ (217) 473-1856 “He shines your heritage!”

It dawned on me that a good journalist uses more than written words to tell a story. There are other tools of presentation available. I’m going to do another feature of my photography work in this article.

I’m also going to share one of my secrets, that I discovered, to enhance photographs. Instagram is actually another social media platform. Personally, I use it as nothing more than an art gallery.

Here are examples of my enhancement work. Its glaringly obvious which is the enhanced workings in this grouping. The filters nicely draw out highlights and change coloring effects. Some effects bring the subject front and center.

Here’s another example. Notice the edit brightens up the underside of my truck. “Oliver” the mechanic is easily seen. That concludes my tutorial. Now, I hope you enjoy the pictures.

I have so many pictures of the Edwards family. I’m sure they are use to my stepping away to capture candid shots. Doug refers to me as “Dusty Lense” when I go into photography mode.

“Digger” Dave Kemp commissioned me to take pictures of his second generation Deere collection. His son Brandon assisted. I didn’t shoot the black and white photo, I only did the edit work. Obviously one shot is unedited. Professional Photographers can generally stay out of the picture.

Finally, the last grouping are just random photos I’ve taken. My Instagram account is listed Rick_antiqueironmedia if you would like to become a follower and see all my filtered work there.

It seems my novelist skills were well received. Some of the Facebook group have encouraged me to create further content of this manner. I will continue to stay within the parameters of my blog main topics though.

Strangeness in the South 40 Continues.

I didn’t tell anybody about my encounter when I got to the barn lot. Who would believe me anyway! I had been there and was still processing the event. Had it been nothing but my imagination? The rock thrown, hitting my plow shear, had left a chalk like mark though.

I didn’t get harassed about coming in with darkness quickly falling. The old reliable M didn’t have the best lighting, which made it hard to see at night. The bitter chill was overtaking any warmth found as the sunlight had retreated. It was time to call it a day anyway.

I did overhear a mumbled comment about pushing the old tractor to fast. My racing and bumping, creating a clatter, was unusual. Vintage and antique equipment were treated with great respect on this farm.

I had great trepidation, realizing I had to go back and finish plowing the south 40. The duties still needed completion regardless of my attitude. The next morning, I swallowed as much of my fear as I could, and headed back to the field.

The morning went by with no incident. It was slightly warmer as the sun rose higher in the pale sky. My eyes were constantly scanning all the scenery and my head was constantly swiveling in every direction possible. I was seeking any abnormalities hiding in the darker forrest. It was difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. The electric adrenaline feeling had returned, I sensed I was being watched again.

My nose soon alerted me to an offensive smell. It was stronger when I neared the tree line. The pungent odor of wet, rank dirty dog combined with the smell of dead animal attacked my sinus. A skunk would have smelled more pleasant!

I had planned the plowing so that I had worked my way out to the edge from the middle. Each pass drew me closer to the trees. I dreaded my actions after last night’s bizarre occurence. The tree line felt as if it was closing in, making it easier for the villianice specters to reach out and grab me off the operator’s seat. My imagination had gone into overdrive.

Fortunately, the cornstalks weren’t hampering the plow. I wasn’t real comfortable with the idea of stopping to clean out a plug anyway. I felt vulnerable enough slowly moving in the open. This was one of the very few times I would have rather dealt with the noisy confinement of a cab. There probably wouldn’t have been any more safety in a enclosed area. That was nothing more than an idea of false sense of security.

A rock zipped past my ear with fierce intensity. The projectile had been close enough I felt it brush the side of my head. One inch closer and I would have been struck in the eye. My immediate reaction was to mash the clutch pedal bringing the unit to an abrupt halt. Angrily, I looked all around, but observed nothing out of the ordinary. Now it wasn’t the reaction of fear, I was mad!

After calming myself, I assessed the situation with more reason. The only place of concealment the rock could come from was still a good distance. Whoever, or whatever, made that pitch had more power and accuracy than a major league pitcher. Intelligence to know vulnerable points was also demonstrated. This knowledge was rather disturbing.

I heard the sound of another tractor in the distance. The volume was increasing. I observed another plow unit head to the field. I sat back down and eased out the clutch, the old M started forward with a slight strain. I had my doubts, but maybe I’d be safer with the increase in numbers.

The plowing force soon increased again. Shortly there were three tractor and plows working in unison. A three bottom plow pulled by another M and an old John Deere fell into the work. The old A’s distinctive chugging sound overtook most of the created human noise pollution.

The electric feeling, of adrenaline, faded in short time. I started to get more comfortable now that there was companionship. It never occurred to me the unpleasant odor still lingered until I observed one of the other operators sniffing the air. He gave me a puzzled look, pinched his nose and shrugged, indicating he found the smell strange and offensive. He asked me later, when we had stopped, if I had hit a skunk.

Its March, the time of year to look forward to the tractor season. Everyone is starting to wrap up winter work on the show collection or pulling tractors. Anticipation of the new year, event planning and travel schedules are usually being finalized. This year is facing a delay.

I’m sure everyone is aware of COVID-19. Anyone that hasn’t must already be practicing social distance. I, personally, have done some research. This virus is dangerous and common sense DOES need to be exercised. The mass hysteria happening is ridiculous! The media doesn’t help by sensationalizing worse case scenarios.

I’m writing this on the evening of change. The next few weeks will be difficult for Illinois people. The governor has declared executive orders closings public business. New protocols have been implemented to combat the virus. We need to isolate ourselves as much as possible.

My job isn’t exactly work from home. The transportation industry needs to keep working. Modern grain hauling has become automated and isolated. ( reference my previous article Ag Hauling then & now) My coworkers and I should be able to work somewhat risk free, providing we exercise common sense. Not all America can lock down.

2020 has started out very challenging. We need to remember our Lord doesn’t give us more than we can handle. This too shall pass, making us stronger.

I need to get out more and discover material to report. For a change up, I’m going to give my following an opportunity to review my novelistic talent.

Strangeness in the South 40

Our farm operation was several years behind the times. Our neighbors planted straight rows using GPS and enjoyed the comfortable controlled environment of a modern tractor. We didn’t always have the luxury of a cab, and guided by dead reckoning. The tractors that did have cabs were nothing more than a noisy box to shelter from wind and wet. I had learned to layer clothing to utilize my own body heat. I actually preferred to drive an open station unit anyway.

There was just something about the feel and smell this evening. The chill fall air was pleasant against my only exposer, my face. I cold smell the rich earth as the dirt glided and rolled through the three bottom plow I was pulling. I was operating one of my favorite tractors. It was built several years before I was even born, but it stood up, proudly, to the duties asked of it. The old Farmall M purred like the well tuned machine it was. I admired the shine of the red hood before me. Hints of warmth came from the exhaust stack that lightly glowed from the work strain. It was a wonderful evening to be farming.

Dusk was starting to darken the pale clear sky now. The colorful pastel canvas displayed shades of blue, green and hints of red. It wasn’t quite dark enough to really need lights, but shadows were starting to creep from the timbered field edge. Darkness was beginning to claim the landscape. This particular area of the farm could give a particular sense of forbidding. Tonight revealed to be one of those nights of eeriness.

A turn around was coming up. The end row was shaded by the timber edge. I noticed corn stalks were jamming up my middle plow shear, which would need kicked out before it plugged tightly. I rolled to a stop and idled the tractor down. Sighing dejectedly, I stood and stepped backwards down to the U shape of the drawbar and stepped further down until I was on the ground. I took out an ear plug and let my hearing adjust to the surroundings. It was silent, just way to quiet. The only sound was the tractor engine idling. This was very peculiar. My eyes gazed slowly and carefully around, but I didn’t realize anything extraordinary.

I should be hearing crickets, maybe some woodland cadences, but….nothing. My footsteps loudly crunched as I maneuvered myself to clear the plow shear. My body felt like electric adrenaline was quickly flowing, this caused me to go on high alert. I couldn’t shake the feeling as if I was being watched. I quickly bent to my task, the sooner I could get back on the operator’s seat, the sooner I could move on.

Tink! A rock the size of my fist hit the shear to my right. I jumped barely missing bumping my head against the plow frame. As I turned to scan the tree line another large rock zipped inches past my head. There had been power propelling the object. I heard a whizz sound as it past, impacting the ground with a hard thump behind me.

“What the…” I exclaimed not finishing my thought. A VERY large dark indescribable shadow moved directly in front of me. Out of the darkness a man shaped form materialized. This was nobody I recognized! I judged the figure to stand at least eight feet tall!

A very primitive looking being with menacing dark eyes stood just beyond my tractor. Dark hair covered a majority of the naked body. This was very decidedly male, I’m not going into detail on that, just trust me. He was extremely well muscled and presented a athletic body a wrestler or football player would desire.

We stood within a short few yards of each other. I was trembling with fear, but I stood my ground trying to hide my terror. I could feel a penetrating gaze as if I was being measured and evaluated. Finally the mighty beast, nonchalantly turned and walked away as if I were being dismissed. I heard a loud crunch behind me and I quickly turned to see a large fleeting shadow disappear into the woods on my right. There had been more than one!

Shakily collecting myself, I climbed back in the operator’s chair on wobbling legs. I was done plowing for the evening. In fact I picked a higher gear to get back to the farmstead.

It’s funny, to me anyway, how interests change concerning the antique tractor passion. I can’t remember not having love for tractors. I’m pretty sure I was born with it.

Financial resources probably have a great determination on what involvement a hobbyist can have. I’m sure storage is also a factor. I started out as a farm toy collector. That never has changed though. The toys are just bigger!

My first wife was patient enough to tolerate my hobby. I collected 1/64th scale, then, due to not having the room to display larger scale. A large collection of small scale can be overwhelming to show off in a two bedroom trailer. We discovered a social network when I started selling and trading pieces I lost interest in. I found getting sale tables a great way to change up my stuff. My ex liked the fact I made a profit and the collection wasn’t a draw on our tight budget. She found a great outlet to sell crafts. We both enjoyed the discovered new friends that shared our interest.

I’ve always had a few 1/16th scale. I lost a major amount of those in a fire when I was younger. Some of my peices survived the fire and I find myself fortunate for that. My 1/16th scale collection has increased again.

Now the tractors displayed are tractors I have owned or at least driven.

I like the peddle tractors, but as of yet don’t have any gracing my display. If ever I come across one I have a place in mind to show it off. I’ve learned to never say never. I finally quit saying I’m done buying collectibles. I guess I’m just done saying “I’m done!”

There was a gap where I disappeared from being public, but my passion was still there. My second wife had to tolerate my growing pains in collecting. At this point, I started collecting lawn tractors. My first show tractor was actually purchased for parts. Turned out my parts tractor was in far better condition.

That little Simplicity has gone through so many styles and changes over the past years. It never had the same look. It took a few years before I realized there were other people that were as crazy as I was. I finally started exhibiting at shows 10 or 12 years later.

Like farm toys, I started collecting full size antique tractors. I like to say I collect 1/16th and 1/64th for real now.

I didn’t expect having a cool toy hauler was going to expand me into yet another aspect of enthusiasts. (Does anybody that reads my musings really believe that?) My latest addition even has it’s own following of enthusiast. Everybody can find a golf cart to ride around at tractor events, but not me! I had to be different. I have a Cushman truckster.

Maybe change isn’t the right phrase of analysis in my case. Maybe it’s more a expanding into new horizons.

My heart hurts right now!

Ultimate Choice

There is always another alternative
It didn’t have to come to this
Make the choice that you live
Think of the loved ones that miss

You’ll make us always wonder
If there was a silent plea?
Friends would have stop this tragic blunder
Help you work to cast the darkness free

I wish I’d truly known
to prevent this horrific end
Love and peace answer shown
You’ve always had a friend!

In your aftermath, you left much grief
Many feel the burden of pain
Do you feel a final relief?
While others deal from your final gain

Valley drops and theres hills to climb
There is always a chance for a sunny day
This is something we all learn in time
But you chose not to even stay!

Recently I lost a very close friend. We had known each other for nearly 30 years. In that time I discovered a very talented, loyal and trustworthy brother. Our friendship had been tempered by shared hardship and polished with many joyful times. We had seen alot together. My heart is broken because I didn’t realize the pain he had been hiding and I feel I let him down. My friend took his own life.

The circumstances behind this tragic event were revealed to be inevitable medically. That doesn’t take the sting totally away though. Another issue, I tend not to dwell on, came to the forefront of my concern.

The scary part is, I’ve talked to several people about depression and come to the realization we all fight the demons. It’s hard not to hear their lure. A few of my friends honestly admitted, to me, they have to work to stay beyond the darkness.

I, personally, hear the whispers. I like to think I’m strong enough to not give in. It’s not so much a daily fight anymore, as it had been a few years ago. I’ve learned to set goals and count my life’s blessing to counteract and defeat.

2014 was not my shining year. At 50 years old, I was looking at starting over. My parents had both passed away, the rest of my family is scattered, and I was going through a bankruptcy. I felt alone and didn’t feel it worth struggling anymore. I didn’t see a point!

The gun was loaded. I was working up my courage, when I heard a sweet familiar voice. My mother was standing in my bedroom doorway. She told me what I was contemplating wasn’t the answer. My life would get better. My life did from that dark moment and continues to improve every day.

Not everyone is blessed with a Devine intervention. There is always support though. This subject isn’t easy to discuss and many of us don’t like to admit defeat or failure. If this is a problem you deal with….Please seek help, be it professional or even talking to a trusted love one. Don’t ever think a life doesn’t matter! Don’t ever feel you’re alone!

This may be a strange subject for my blog format. This is my public playground, and I can’t promise it’s always going to be a perfect paradise. There might be some mud here and there. It’s not easy to open myself up and lay bare some of my darkest secrets. This may have been more an outlet to release pent up emotions, so I can move on.

Many of my tractor friends are like extended family. We all share a common passion, but some of us create strong bonds. We need to look out for one another, and talk to each other. Anything and EVERYTHING should be done so a tragic suicide will be prevented.

My parting thought

You stay until you’re taken
It’s not in the rules you get to quit
travel the road you help makin
You can’t progress if you just sit

Tomorrow is another day. I’ll see you then.

Wow! Where did last year go? I’ve heard it said life is what you’re doing while you’re busy making plans. 2019 was an example for me. I have the good fortune of three weeks paid vacation. This year I planned to attend more shows, maybe get in a few tractor drives. It didn’t happen! My work ethic, job duties and the weather didn’t permit the free time I had hoped for.

So where have I been hiding? Behind a steering wheel of a big truck mostly. 2019 was not a normal year for those of us in the agricultural industry. I’m not going into detail, I would imagine many that follow my blog were aware and even dealing with the crop work in their own way.

I missed attending alot of my favorite shows . On the other hand, I did manage to adventure to a couple new venues I’d never experienced. The Edwards family had gone to pull during the Greenville, IL show. Jason and I decided last minute to attend.

While everyone else was attending the Century of Progress, I was in Litchfield, IL for the premiere of a nice little car and tractor show.

My Super C was awarded a second place in the show competition. The Antique Iron Mafia administration actually came home with the top three best of show awards. Jessica Basford and Chris Roach took home 1st and 3rd place.

2019 was my year of up keep and improvement. All three of my “red power” got tweaked and fixed. The H is now 12 volt. All the lights work correctly. The draw bar has been reworked and had new parts. There is a belt pulley now. The tractor is styling fenders and a tool box. I even have a cushioned seat.

The 300 has new back tires, the manifold was replaced and a hydraulic leak dealt with. The T/A has been adjusted. The Super C didn’t need much attention. I replaced the back light with the old 6 volt one from the H though. Theres also a new air precleaner installed.

Of course my friend Scott Rakes felt all three tractors need more power. He had them chipped for me as a Christmas present.

I have a few new additions to my toys. I’m getting lazy and thinking I needed a golf cart. I can walk still, I’m not old and decrepit yet. Anyway I did find something to cruise around at shows with. It’s not a cart, but you would find this on a golf course. The maintenance department would be employing it though!

Finally the F-150 “cop” truck got traded. I found another Dodge to share Big Red’s transportation duties. Of course that is leading to a new fifthwheel. 1974 trailers weren’t designed to be pulled by 2014 trucks. Everything is getting taller now a days.

2020 looks to be a exciting year. I know I’m looking forward to it. Hope to see you all at a show, sale, drive, plow day, or pull this coming year. That way I can discover what’s new with everyone.

I plan to keep the blog more active this year. I’ve already written and submitted a commissioned article for Jim Edwards. Hart Parr Oliver fans might come across something in a coming issue. I’m still discovering my discipline.

Thanks Doug Edwards for the tractor work done this year. It’s good to have a go to friend to complete work I don’t have the time and sometimes technology to complete.

If you’re thinking of a restoration project talk to Doug at Edwards Tractor Restoration. He comes highly recommended. Doug is now a dealer for Stiener Tractor Parts.

Doug Edwards text me with heart wrenching news. He was on the way to the Veterinarian with Sam. Sadly he was going to be coming home alone. Sam’s health has deteriorated to the point Doug made an agonized decision. As many discover the news, hearts will be very heavy from the loss.

In the years I’ve known Doug, Sam has been his very faithful companion. The strong bond they shared was extremely obvious. I want to express my great sorrow and condolences.

Sam was more than a dog. He was Doug’s roommate, Jim’s grand dog and a highly cherished family member.

I have to doubt anyone that knows the Edwards has not met Sam. The little guy was very popular. He was even a minor celebrity, being interviewed during a Mecum auction.

Sam was never a bother. I’ve seen young children require more discipline. Doug never really needed to leash Sam. Their bond was far stronger anyway. Sam had his place on the truck seat and knew how to operate a window lift when he needed a little air.

I personally have memories created from my friendship. Sam was a member of the cast, of characters, when being around the Edwards family. Many events, Sam was in attendance. He made a few tractor purchase trips alot more fun.

The record needs to be set straight on any such rumors of Sam’s criminal activity. He did not chase a kid on a bicycle. Sam never owned a bike in his life!

Sam, our hearts are weighted with our fond memories. You won’t be forgotten. Cross over the rainbow bridge knowing you brought joy to many lives.

Graham Bradley tractors aren’t the most common type tractor to collect. My sources have told me that only 300 to 500 are known to still exist. They were only built for about 3 years and didn’t number much more than 2000 coming off the assembly line.

This article will mainly focus on model 503-104 serial number 70077. A standard model manufactured in 1938. The 70000 series designates special significance. The final assembly occurred in Canada. Graham-Paige Motor Co had an assembly plant in Walker Ontario. Tractors built in Canada were not subject to imposed tariffs.

No records can be found to indicate how many standards were actually built, but the modern registry for Graham Bradley tractors only know of maybe 35 left in existence. Of that, maybe 6 are Canadian. Ironically, I discovered another one nearby. Owned by the Elliot family of Godfrey, IL

Another Canadian standard. I met the Elliot family, that owns this one, recently at a tractor show held in Carlinville.

The Sears store in Fargo, ND was a major distribution point for Grahams in the western states. The catalog may not have featured farm equipment, but a tractor could be purchased from the store. 70077, more than likely, found it’s way to the western United States transported by train.

From this point the tractor’s history is clouded. It was used, out west and possibly left abandoned, in Oregon, to an undetermined fate.

Dennis Brown from Edina, MN was the first man to see a diamond in the rough. He purchased the tractor on an antique machinery auction on July 27, 2012. Dennis started the initial work before becoming ill. Unfortunately he passed away. Dennis’ brother Doug then picked up the project.

The tractor didn’t run and had major issues. The block was cracked. This problem was professionally handled by a company in Nevada, IA. Karen Brown, Dennis’ widow shared further information telling me Doug was a detective finding parts and resources to bring the old machine back to life. Doug handled the project as an act of love.

One major resource the Brown family used restoring was the skilled help from Gene Meschke from Mankato, MN. Another asset was Herman Speck, from Vernon Center, MN. These two gentlemen had a hand in helping the tractor regain life.

James Fred was also a valuable resource for both Dennis and Doug. I’ve discovered James is a great resource considering all his great guidance in researching my writing.

Above is a YouTube link I discovered that was published by Audrey Simmons. It shows 70077 finally running and moving. I can imagine that was a very satisfying experience for the Brown family.

The Graham changed owners at this point. Kurt Aumann purchased the tractor and commissioned Doug Edwards, Edwards Tractor Restoration, to give it a like new appearance.

70077 enters Doug’s shop for the final phase of its return

Doug and crew have been working to give it a like new appearance.

Finally the tractor is finished! Doug finished and of course like any good test pilot, or parachute packer, took the Graham Bradley for a test run to insure his great work.

Great work Doug! Actually great work to everyone involved. Kurt Aumann should be proud to have this fine machine.

Thanks to everyone that contributed help to my research. I learned alot of Graham Bradley history from James Fred and Keith Ladage. Thanks gentlemen for your patience in answering questions. Thank you Karen Brown for your information via email. Dennis and Doug Brown deserves the most credit for saving it from a fate of becoming scrap

Photography credit also belongs to Doug Edwards.