I had a goal to publish a minimum of two articles on this blog each month. Of course, I’ve set a lot of goals I have yet to reach. It all boils down to one important factor. Focus!

August was a dark month. Nothing was published. September isn’t shaping up to be much different. That doesn’t mean my creativity was dormant though. My energy has been toward finishing a novel.

Since I discovered the art of word smithing, I’m also learning there are different styles to being an author. A magazine reporter tells the story quickly and distinctly. This is the style my following is familiar with from me. My blog articles tend to be presented in that format.

A novelist has more expressions of imagination. The author not only tells a story, there is more coloring in the presentation. This style is similar to a painter working a plain canvas.

I’m sure others can write a book and produce solid articles at the same time. One of my writing heroes John Sandord is a newspaper man. My local hero Cindy Ladage has written a book. It must be possible!

My other issue is I’m not Clive Cussler, or like the late great Robert Parker, some of my other admired authors. I can’t sit down at my keyboard and pen a tale all day. I have to work to support myself. I don’t get paid to write…..yet. I do however have a job that I get paid to do while there is opportunity to write doing it.

Bottom line, I’m not making excuses. All of my readership is very important and I appreciate and enjoy knowing there is a following to my musings. I can only be thankful for continuing support.

In regards to YouTube and Patreon video, I’m not ready to produce content. That’s just too many irons in a very unstable fire. I had support going down that avenue earlier this year. It’s gone now, leaving me with much to learn before the undertaking. I barely have time for creating. I’m a perfectionist and I feel I can do better.

You may ask what can be expected from me then. Well best answer would be much the same…. Sparatic content as I continue learning the craft. I plan to continue improving my photography because that works hand in hand with the writing. I’ve reset my goals. Maybe two articles was a bar to high, for now…

There is content waiting in the wings, and plenty more ideas. Please have patience and faith while my imagination runs rampant in novelist mode.

As always, thanks to all that give me readership support!

I have often visualized a conversation with my grandfather if he were still around. I would think he might find collecting farm equipment interesting, if not peculiar. I’m sure he would understand and probably admire the preservation of our ag heritage. He, however, was a very practical man and viewed farm equipment as a tool. I’m not certain he would understand ownership as a private museum collection.

Grand dad held a classic look he would give a person, looking over the top of his glasses. His facial expression would determine his attitude depending on anger or simply him being perplexed. I can picture that look and even hear him ask “you’re going to do what?”. I highly doubt Grandpa would understand the concept of a tractor drive. I could hear the added quip “We have cars and trucks now. Why?”

Now a plow day? That would reach his realm of comprehension. Getting together a group, of tractors, to turn the earth is something he even took part in. Plowing may have been somewhat of a social engagement, but I doubt it had been viewed recreational. They worked together to get a needed task accomplished. That wouldn’t be seen as a “play” time like modern day.

In honor of my ancestry, I termed my collection sandbox toys. I’d just as soon operate the three Farmalls doing tasks they were intended for. I’m thankful that my H has been restored to show room presence. My Super C and 300 both are very parade presentable too, but that shouldn’t mean they no longer get “down and dirty”! They’ll wash.

Theres no fun in a toy set on a shelf to only be admired. I enjoy going and participating in a show. That is only one way to enjoy tractor ownership though.

I’ve operated a tractor many times thinking about the two Shaw men that ran the type equipment before me. Reflecting on memories of my childhood and recalling stories of the past just heighten the experience. I was to young to work in the field with Grandpa. I did get to work beside my dad a little though.

I knew dad understood the joy of Ag heritage preservation though. He was bitten by the collectables bug the same as I have been. We went to plow days together before he passed, but at that time we only had lawn and garden tractors. There was unspoken agreement we both wished we had a tractor and plow. It makes owning one now, bittersweet for me.

Another pleasantry is sharing the joy that the tractor experience brings. Besides being antique tools, tractors symbolize heritage, family and friendship for me. I hope I’m not the only one feeling that way…

Photography credit for the picture with me on the Super C goes to Corey Edwards. The gentlemen pictured are Doug and Jason “red manager” Edwards in the still photos. Kerry Periman is operating the C in the video.

My H was restored by my friend Doug Edwards. Any restoration work needing done…he comes highly recommended.

Franklin, IL always has a big celebration for the 4th of July. The village square becomes full of festival activity typical of a small town set for fun. Crafts, games, fair type food, and live music attract the crowd.

The annual event is also known for serving “burgoo”. For those unaware burgoo is a stew, cooked in a large cast iron kettle, that must date back to the pioneer days. I personally never knew much about this interesting cuisine until I moved to central IL. Burgoo is a story in itself.

I became actively involved in Franklin’s celebration during the 2015 parade. Since then, I’ve traveled the parade route on / in a antique vehicle. Generally I’m on a tractor, but last year I drove Big Red. A hot loud old truck isnt a great choice, but a lady friend I was seeing at the time wanted to be in the parade. I should have spent more time teaching her how to operate a tractor.

Jim Edwards holds his annual open house on the 4th. Obviously the tractor people congregate there and spend a relaxing day looking at his extensive collection. I discovered how much work the family goes through for the yearly event. It takes the whole family and anyone willing to lend a hand to prepare.

The open house has grown tremendously since my friendship with the family began. Jim’s dyno gets extensive use demonstrating PTO horse power measurements. He set up a braker fan a few years ago to show how belt pullies worked.

The neighbors generally bring tractors to contribute to the open house show line, which gives a larger viewing. We did “tractor” games one year just to be more playful. Generally it’s a pleasant excuse to eat, talk and have fellowship with friends of common interest.

This year was a change up though. Doug and Josh Adkins put together a tractor pull. This wasn’t new to the Franklin celebration, but no one had worked at hosting a pull for quite a few years. The rebirth had a few hick ups and the managers handled the issues splendidly.

Mother Nature made it difficult to build a track for pulling. Considering that, the problem was handled very well. The pullers made do with what they had and there was a decent showing.

There was a great local turnout this year. Josh & Doug had a great amount of help to put on the show. The Franklin celebration only gets bigger and better as time goes forward.

Not all the photography work was my own. I want to thank those that contributed art work. Unfortunately I’m not sure who all the photographers were.

I come from a very artistic family. My mom sewed, quilted, knitted, made dolls, pretty much anything creative. Her older sister paints and is also crafty. The sisters encouraged their children to explore artistic talents. My sister, cousin and I have musical talents. We all play or have played various musical instruments. Some of that ability was self taught.

I have discovered, during my writing pursuit, that pictures express thousands of words and help tell the story. It’s also true a photograph can tell it’s own tale. Because of this, I have become interested in another art form.

These first three were taken while I was enjoying a quiet evening with a couple that mean alot to me. When my mom died in 2014, I had thought my world would never be the same again. I figured I wouldn’t have somewhere to go and have someone to talk too. Its, of course not the same, but I’m grateful for how it is now. There is family by birth and then there’s family created by special bond. This farm is a special place for me to go.

Some of these images have been used in other articles. If the picture is viewed in whole its noticeably on the same location.

I took these for an article I was commissioned to pen. These were a few that I sent for consideration to be published, but they didn’t make the cut. That was a great photo shoot! Probably because of the people involved are great friends of mine

Jim Edwards’ Super 77 made the cover of a magazine. The editor had several choices. Here were a few from that photo shoot.

Scenes from home.

More of my photography can be found on Instagram ~ Rick_antiqueironmedia

This musing is a small escape from my normal theme of the blog. I’m a story teller, I learned that from my heritage. My grandfather, and dad could weave a great adventure or joke. In their spirit, I’d like to think I’m perfecting my craft in different form.

I’ve seen some very beautiful restored tractors roll through Edwards Tractor Restoration since my friendship with Doug began a few years ago. Each one has its own very special part of our ag heritage. Kurt Aumann has commissioned a uniquely uncommon machine to be painted though.

Besides Kurt, now, I’ve met two collectors, here in central Illinois that have a Graham in their collection, one in particular has several.

I discovered, during my research, that Graham collectors know one another, or at least know of each other. A non profit club has even been created dedicated to the tractor.

There aren’t many Graham Bradley tractors left. No more than 2300 were actually built and somewhere between 350 to 500 are still known to exist. Considering the tractor was only built for approximately three years, I’d guess there’s no wonder. The Graham history is a fascinating story to learn.

Three brothers from Indiana were heavily involved in the automobile industry during the evolving early days. The Graham brothers created their reputation, in part by, building Dodge trucks during 1921. In June 1927, the Grahams gained control of the Paige-Detroit Motor Company, the company was then renamed Graham-Paige Motor Company.

In 1937, feeling the effects of the great depression, the company launched a venture into the agricultural market, building 243 general purpose tractors to be released for sale in 1938. The brothers announced a aggressive plan, also in 1938, to manufacture 10,000 machines over the next five years. Sadly this plan never happened.

Online shopping at home isn’t a new concept. Catalog shopping was historically popular and a person could buy anything imaginable. Graham Bradley tractors were sold by Sears and Roebuck. The brothers didn’t have any established tractor dealerships for sales and service, so a contract was agreed on. The tractors were built by Graham Bradley, and the implements, fitted to the tractor, were built by another company. The David Bradley company, that built the implements, was owned by Sears. Sears and Roebuck only sold the Graham Bradley tractor.

Sadly this partnership with Sears and Roebuck quickly dissolved. The Graham Bradley was well received, but was considered a “rich man’s” tractor. There was also a Sears Economy, for the “poor” farmers, also available creating competition. Sears had been set up to be the sole distributor. Because of declining car sales, Graham-Paige started selling tractors through their car dealerships and even allowed independent dealers to market them. The catalog soon dedicated lesser space to farming. By 1940 the tractor was no longer even featured. The severed ties for sales was a leading factor ending production. There is no record of the last tractor sold new. There are memories of them being seen in stores in 1941.

There were three models built. The first model 503.93 was built in 1937 and manufactured with no serial number identification. The only identification for the first 243 was from the engine block number. There are other suttle clues. The early models had a six lug front wheel, while later production only had a five.

In 1938, two more models went into production. The 503.103 was the row crop version, while the 503.104 came in a wide front standard configuration. The 38-39 models had serial numbers beginning at 50001. There are no records indicating how many of each models were produced.

Graham-Paige motors had a factory across the border in Walkerville Ontario. Final assembly in this factory, on the other side of the lake, stopped Canadian tariffs imposed on tractors built in the US. The Canadian built tractors had serial numbers beginning at 70001.

The power plant was a Graham-Paige six cylinder. Continental cast the blocks and made most of the parts, but the engine was designed by Graham-Paige specifications. The machining and assembly was completed in house at the Graham-Paige factory. First production, in 37, was a 199.1 cubic inch. The 103 and 104 models had a 217.8 cubic inch displacement.

The belt pulley was unique. It was designed from the rear of the transmission and was capable of all the same gears of motion, including reverse.

Graham Bradley tractors also have the early innovation of adjusting rear wheels and rubber tires, and an early version of live hydraulic power to pick up implements. The tractor was very ahead of its time.

The sleek styling makes the tractor look like its race car fast. It is a quick stepper capable of the blazing speed of 25 mph. The louvered side panels are simple to remove for easy maintenance

In 1941 a new company president, Joe Frasier, took the helm and Graham-Paige directed their factory production towards the war effort. The company manufacturered many tools for WW2, one possibly being a amphibious vehicle.

Frasier would later begin producing cars under his name. He considered building farm tractors and even prototypes were designed. No tractor ever came into production however.

Kurt’s tractor, that inspired my article, will be featured in more depth. I’ll be sharing more information I’ve discovered. I will also show the before, progression work, and reveal the final outcome of Edwards Tractor Restoration’s handy work

I want to thank James Fred, for information regarding my research in Graham Bradley history.

The 14th annual National Graham Bradley show will be held on July 18-21,2019 in Winamac, IN during the Northern Indiana Power of the Past show

I wish to express special thanks to Keith and Cindy Ladage. Keith was very patient taking my phone calls and sharing information. He was very helpful guiding me to reliable information sources. Some of my questions he answered more than once. Cindy has been a great guide and very supportive to not just this article, but to all my writing endeavors.

Cindy recently authored an article in her wonderful blog about another major purchase that could be found in a Sears and Roebuck catalog. I encourage everyone to follow the link and discover more information. Readers may also want to browse around further into her traveling adventures

https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2019/05/19/sears-homes-in-carlinville-illinois/

Central Illinois doesn’t have to many exclusive lawn and garden tractor shows. Lawn tractor pulling, on the other hand, has a pretty large following. There are several clubs and many pulling events.

The first “Make a Wish” lawn tractor pull was actually held in 2005. Randall Kesselring, the founder of the event, wouldn’t have a chance to host another pull until nine years later. His dedication, to the cause, would continue to blossom and grow while he participated and promoted other events. Randall recreated the momentum in 2014 and the event grew from that point. 2016 saw the addition of an antique and vintage lawn tractor show.

Randall has been active pulling lawn tractors since 2004. The Make a Wish Foundation is a charity he holds near to his heart. He has passion for helping children dealing with a rough go in life. I met Randall in 2013 during a garden tractor pull held for a community festival in New Berlin, IL. Another friend and I were hosting a garden tractor show, going on at the same time. The tractor display was small, only consisting of twelve tractors. Four of the tractors were owned by a kid. That fact held a warm spot with Randall.

A lot of the tractor pulls, in central Illinois, have a side line show going on for an added draw. Randall saw the potential for his lawn tractor pull to have the same type of attraction. The event in New Berlin reinforced that the idea would work. He approached me to assist and we discussed the possibilities throughout 2015. In June 2016 the first show debuted, growing the Make a Wish event larger

The young man that displayed four tractors during the 2013 New Berlin event was involved again in 2016. This demonstrating a kid friendly event even more. Sadly the young man was dealing with a tragedy. His father had been taken in an automobile accident.

Young people learn to persevere and cope fairly well and stand strong. His father was very personable, and many knew the father and son duo well. All were proud to see the young man solder on, continuing to exhibit in the absence of his dad.

Lawn tractor pullers has many powerful and unique machines in front of the sled. The crowd favorite class at this particular contest is when some of the Make a Wish guest children get to pull. The owner of the tractor will walk along with them to coach. Each one manages to make a full pull, and the smiles of the children are heart warming.

The past two years had unfortunate set backs. 2017 circumstances caused the loss of the ground where the event took place in Ashland, IL. A new venue was located for 2018 that would have more room to fulfill the increased growth. Mother Nature dampened the event literally though. Last year was a rain out.

June 29, 2019 will be the triumphant return. The Cass County Fairgrounds will be the new location. Randall has informed me that several pulling clubs will be attending and it looks to be an exciting day on the track. There also will be a antique and vintage lawn tractor show taking place. Rumor has it, Randall secured a new track announcer this year. He may be a little green to the scene so its going to be interesting…..

https://youtu.be/GRXL4JTc8IY

I was recently browsing YouTube and came across a very interesting documentary. {A link can be found above} The video is called “Strange Inheritance ~ Iowa Tractor”

The synopsis is a Iowa farmer amassed a large collection of 150 tractors, which was left after his passing. The family dealt with the drama of what was to become of the collection and the final outcome was, of course, a auction. The battle lines were drawn, but only 23 tractors stayed in the family. A grandson had bought the family farmstead. He informed that the storage may be empty now, maybe in the years to come the buildings would be refilled with his owned collection.

This documentary delivers the story very well, and I compliment the creators for their professionalpresentation. I highly recommend anyone to take a few minutes and view the story.

I was slightly put off by a opening remark made by one daughter being interviewed. My reply “What some view as eccentric, others may find common place.” I guess many of my friends would be considered “odd” by those that don’t understand. There are many large collections right here close by in central IL.

There is no doubt a collection is a investment. The larger the collection, there is more effort to maintain. Its understandable that carrying on the legacy after the interested collector’s passing could be viewed a burden. Auctions are a logical course.

I find the sentimental attachment to particular pieces interesting. I’m guilty of this. My dad’s Case 130 lawn tractor will always grace my collection. That Case is somewhat uncommon in my area, but to me that particular 130 is priceless. I was given half ownership of the tractor before Dad had passed away. I always viewed that as honorary and considered the Case as only his tractor. I still do now. Its Dad’s, I just take care of it.

A few years ago a friend to many in this region passed. The son started selling off his dad’s tractors. Some ended up in other local collections and are still around in the area. One or two tractors have changed owners a couple of times, but fortunately they’re still in the neighborhood. The other sold tractors are now gone to who knows where

At some point, the son had a change of heart and realized selling tractors might not be his best interest. There was a little regret for the loss of a few tractors, but he did end up retaining some of his dad’s collection from that point.

I’ve observed that tractor collecting reaches across generations of families. The combination of brothers, fathers & sons, most times reaching into the third generation. This passion isn’t just a boys club by an means. There are many women actively involved in collecting agricultural equipment.

Sentimental Iron will probably always be a phenomenon. There are many stories of people seeking out and sometimes happily regaining a tractor that granddad had. Other collections will be destined to stay in the family, for further time to come. For others, there is always auctions. In any case the cherished machine, more than likely, passes to someone that will continue to enjoy having ownership.

Nate Reinhart and I constantly talk on the phone throughout the day. One morning, he proclaimed “I’m getting back into raising cattle!” Nate has been around livestock all his life. The family is active raising horses and there is a cousin with a dairy farm. Currently Nate has a profitable custom hay operation. Nate has shown horses, raised cattle and hogs. He still helps, occasionally, on the family dairy. Knowing animals would be an understatement.

We talked more of the plans and I couldn’t help but be happy for his excitement. A flood of fond memories, of back in the day, when my family raised cull stock came to me. There is a special fulfillment in tending live stock with extra care needs.

Nate had succured purchasing calves that were the victim of parenting issues. I’m sure most country folk have complete understanding of the term “bucket calf”

“How you gonna get them home? I asked “A dog kennel will probably suffice” I kidded. They couldn’t be to big yet. He assured me he had a plan. I have to admit it was ingenuous.

I remarked another of our friends would have just let the calf ride in the cab. Well Nate couldn’t be out done in that respect.

He also had the benefit of someone else to help handle the calf. Tammy Buse, Nate’s mom, is helping with the new enterprise. The original plan was to buy two. He has two now, but they came home one at a time. So Nate actually hasn’t used his improvised stock racks yet.

The first calf rode home pretty calmly. It’s the little heifer pictured. The second one was a lot more spirited and from what Nate tells me the young bull created excitment biting and bucking. Boys will be boys I guess.

Tammy has been enjoying nurturing the young stock, not minding the extra effort. The calf rations are being prepared with loving care

The bull has needed some medicinal attention but is already eating feed rations besides taking the milk. The young boy had issues taking milk from a artificial nipple at first. Nate reported recently that both calves are already eating. The young bull gets upset if there isn’t feed in the bucket.

The calves of course are named. Many ideas have been suggested, Patty, Hamburger, Slider, T bone, Grocery, Nate likes Delicious. My thought was the bull should be named Rowdy. Anyway the heifer got tagged with Tinkerbell and the lad has been named Peter Pan.

Nate is happy to be raising beef stock again. He looks forward to having beef in the freezer. Other family members are suggesting getting into breeding and even showing, but Nate doesn’t want to take his cattle enterprise in those directions. I’m confident Nate will be successful in whatever he decides and takes on.

Credit for photography goes to Nate Reinhart and Tammy Buse. I encourage those on Facebook to seek out and browse Nate’s page Reinhart Custom Baling. You can find out more about the family’s hay operation

There’s been alot of behind the scenes work going on lately regarding Antique Iron Media. Ever since the decision to produce video was inspired, there were other details needing to be met.

My friend James Hunt had recently made a weekend visit to help me update my computer technology. I’m self taught on the workings of tools involving data production. In fact, I only had a slight clue as to my being out dated. James opened my eyes as to how far behind I had been. My new equipment is far more savvy than its operator, with time I hope to catch up. James is there to patiently answer questions and guide me further into the matrix. Its always good to have friends like that.

I informed you, the reader, in my article titled “Big News” I was seeking the assistance of a graphic artist. I wasn’t having great luck and on a whim I tried my hand at creating a design.

I was actually quite happy with the outcome. It turned out far easier to bring my idea to conception, then trying to explain it to someone. This design embraces the joined partnership between the media and mafia. I felt this important, to recognize, considering the media enterprise has been growing with the support and following from our mafia group membership.

It’s been fun designing the brand concept. There is a special pride in doing the work myself. I’m sure my mom would have been proud, she always encouraged me to step out of the box. She also would have reminded me “you don’t know what can be done until you try!”

The new plans can be a little overwhelming. I have no plans to stop writing. The YouTube videos will just parallel my article content. Thankfully I have help in carrying the new burden.

Stay tuned! 2019 is looking to be an exciting year.