I have to confess my reasons to collect Gibson are a little childish. I simply like the tiller steer. There are other models that have tillers, but I like the Gibson style best.

After encountering a Gibson A at AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree a few years ago, I was hooked. Steve Farmer wasn’t along that year, so I recapped and debriefed the trip with him. I made the offhand remark “I’m going to own a Gibson some day”

When I say anything to Steve, I need to remember to be careful what I wish for. Not much time passed before he steered me to one for sale. Long story short, I traveled to Spencer, OH, and made a purchase and new friend. Bob Julio, I was the owner of a Gibson model D.

Whenever I own a brand, I’ll get obsessed with learning history. I haven’t delved in as deeply to Gibson yet. Recently, Steve, who assists in research, commented that he has done more digging than I have. He would be correct. I’m still enthralled learning Shaw Manufacturing and haven’t become a student to Gibson history.

Like Shaw tractors, I wasn’t content to own only one. My mistake is telling Steve. He’s good at finding them. He directed me to the Aumann Fall Harvest Sale. One of the lots was a Gibson  model A. I could tell this one was special during my procurement of the winning bid.

I’ll give an abridged quick biography of Gibson that is relevant to this story. Gibson tractors were built in Seattle, WA, and Longmont CO. The models A and D were a basic small tractor powered by Wisconsin engines. There are differences I’ve yet to learn. The A and D were very basic. Electric starts would have been a luxury in the forties. There is a registry  accounting for the tractors that still exist. Gibson stamped serial numbers on frames to designate type and which factory the tractor was built. D models have a D prefix, and A models begin with L. Bare with me. This information becomes relevant.

This model A has an electric start! That’s pretty unusual. Is it a factory spec? Nope! That was added during  the restoration. The work was so well done that it looks factory….at least to me.

The story about the restoration is inspiring. On closer inspection, it’s noted that the  tractor could be handicap accessible. The operator’s platform is wider, and a grab handle was added.

The reason for that is the inspirational part. Roy “Pete” James was paralyzed from the waist. Not only did he do the restoration, but he could also operate the tractor. He had special hand levers to work the foot pedals.

After Pete’s accident, he needed something to occupy his time. According to son Kirk, Pete was making knives. A friend that collected Gibson created a new interest with a proposition.

Two model As came to the shop. In the agreement, Pete would build a good tractor for his friend, and he could keep the leftover parts. Kirk shared this agreement worked well, and they repeated the deal again. The collector friend ended up with a model A and D. Pete had enough spare parts to build an A and D for himself.

In all, Pete’s collection included an A, D, and E. His daughter owned the A while living in Colorado. It’s ironic that the tractor was back in its state of origin for a time.

The D and E are still in the James family. Kirk has the E, and Pete’s grandson has the D.

The A is an imposter!

The tractor is in the Gibson registry #L2411. This number identifies it as a 1946 manufactured  in Longmont. The tractor has a “brass tag” identification. Here’s the problem! Gibson never used a brass tag on those models. They stamped the frame rail. I found the stamp. It wasn’t hidden! It’s right in front of the brass tag.

The stamp has a D prefix, or is it an L with a scratch? The numbers following are slightly illegible, but  with deductive  reasoning, it might indicate a 1946 model D. I’m not sure how Pete determined the 2411. Kirk and I discussed the possibility, but there isn’t any family signifance. Pete used leftover parts. Could that be why?  What I do know, the brass tag was Pete’s doing.

Should the registry be corrected? That’s difficult until I actually determine the stamped ID.  I’ll gladly share any information if that’s the needed outcome to update the registry.

Am I upset that I’ve been duped into believing I bought an A? Absolutely not! It’s still a Gibson. I don’t know of many with electric start and handicap accessible. I’m not the only one fooled. The tractor has been registered for a good while.

I’m not a “purist.” I have other tractors in my collection that aren’t exactly factory spec. This A, or D, is another great addition. Even if Pete blurred historic records, he did it in such a way that I almost got the joke.

The tractor may not be totally authentic, but the machine restoration celebrates our agricultural mechanical heritage. Roy James did a wonderful job despite being disabled.

 

I’m working on a submission for Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine about Shaw Du-all. I know big surprise, right?

The most frustrating thing about research is that information gets lost to history. In the case of Shaw Manufacturing, some but not all material is gone concerning the N model tractors. I’m a member of a Shaw Du-all group on Facebook, The information we share is a tremendous help.

I recently posed a question in the group. I already knew the N model tractor horse power options were a 5 and 8 horse. I also know that some were powered by Wisconsin, but the majority was powered by Briggs & Straton.

Now, this is where the tale takes an interesting turn. According to advertising, there was a third horse power option offered, 2.5. Sources aren’t aware if any were actually built, though. If any were produced, there were very few. The N2 may be nonexistent?

In my opinion, 2.5 horse power would be tiny. A modern garden tiller has more power. I have an N5, and although I’ve never put it to any stress, I would think five horses would be underpowered. Maybe not.

Jerry Rawlings, the fabricator friend that works on my collection, informed me that the drive line of an N5 and an N8 has the capacity to handle 65 horse power. Even the larger units are underpowered.

Edit ~ A very reliable source has told me that if an N2 was ever produced, the tractor unlikely never left the factory.  The theory is supported by the fact that there’s was no pricing for such a tractor. In any case, a 2.5 engine could have been easily replaced during production.

September 7th, 2024, Nick Menke held the fourth annual Antique Tractors on the Boulevard in Williamsville, IL. Twenty tractors and six lawn & garden were on display. The weather started out chilly but soon became pleasant. It turned out to be a perfect fall day to show. 

The added lure, for the event, is the venue.The street fronts the abandoned train depot. The novel old building sits empty now, even with the active railroad passing right behind it. What better reflection of times gone by?

Just south of the depot is two railroad boxcars that once housed a museum. Nick informed me that the boxcars are now only used as storage.

Red power dominated the lineup. There were a few Oliver, one Allis Chalmers, a Minneapolis Moline, and surprisingly, only one John Deere. A working Rumly Oil Pull was on display and actually was driven down the street by host Nick. The starting process to get a Rumly purring is very extensive. There was also a McCormick Deering 10-20, of course, on steel in the lineup.

In contrast to the dominating red tractors, the lawn tractors were all green. Carl Davis brought five various models of early John Deere.  I hauled my Shaw Du-all N8W. I only took one due to my knees giving me issues, and I didn’t want to climb to load a fifthwheel.

I had a great visit with Carl when he wasn’t standing  close to the railroad tracks. Anyone who knows Carl Davis well would  know of his great love for trains. This was a perfect venue for him. Both passons side by side. I have featured Carl many times over the years. One of my first interviews to write was a story about him. That was a time before I was writing this blog. Carl will be featured again more extensively in the future.

I had the privilege of meeting Lori Lynn Parkin. Lori gained her notoriety, driving five and half hours to pick corn. Not many would take a journey from Pekin to Rantoul driving a tractor with a mounted corn picker and dragging a wagon. Luckily, it was a red tractor. I’m not sure any other color would have made it that far.

Williamsville is much closer. Lori and her husband Terry made the 45-mile trip on newer red power. Lori’s 1206 and Terry’s 966 has an average top speed nearer to 20 mph. Saturday started cold, so it must have been a chilly journey. Both tractors were open stations.

Not all the Farmall on display were red. Mike and Chase Turner had all three white demonstrators on the street. These three are the real deal. I asked Chase how to tell. Of course, it’s all in serial numbers. The white H and Ms are not legit! These three tractors are the only models painted white in the 50s

Nick recently acquired Super C. The little jewel was employed to pull a barrel train. The ride was enjoyed by children of all ages. I have a sentimental attachment to the C, considering I was the previous owner.

Congratulations to the best of show winners! Overall, it was a great day for fellowship with friends, old and new.

Editor’s note~ caption code #CL is Cindy Ladage  #LP is Lori Parkin  #CD is Carl Davis. Thank you, photographers, for your help.. I like to share different perspectives

I had to go through my article archive in research. My first attendance for this event was 2017. I have actually made the journey twice. Both times were spent mostly in the fields, plowing. The celebration put antique tractors to work tilling, threshing, and everything else imaginable. Everything farming could be found from horses to big modern four-wheel drives.

Renner Stock Farms also houses a museum of antique farm equipment and horse drawn buggies and wagons. The event is very family oriented and there is something for everyone.

The bi annual celebration has grown over the years. More has been added, and there is fun for all. This year Lawn & Garden tractors were added.

Lyle Grey of Olney, IL, made the initial contact with Tom Renner. Tom was receptive to the addition and provided a covered and secured space for a display. From that point, Lyle and his partner Jerome Weidner of G&W  Lawn Tractors   started making phone calls.

Marvin Stinebaker had invited me, but I couldn’t schedule time off from work. I spent Saturday visiting with the exhibitors and compiling information for articles.

38 tractors were on display. That’s a pretty good turnout for an inaugural appearance.A total of 7 collectors displayed tractors.The most impressive fact, Evan  Speicher came all the way from Elk City, KS.  The furthest east traveler was Terry Minuth. Terry resides in Hopkinsville, KY.

Marvin Stinebaker, Carl Davis, and Danny Davis represented central Illinois. Keith Downs carried his pristine Case collection from Festus, Missouri.

The distant travelers also brought distinctive tractors. Terry is the proud owner of the, I say the and not a because there is only one known to exist, Colt 2+Tools

.

Evan had his 1940 Handy Man RT that’s, customized on steel wheels

The exhibitors had a great time Carl Davis demonstrated a sickle bar mower for this reporter

Danny Davis went for a cruise on his silky behind his David Bradley walk behind

At one point, Marvin Stinebaker was overly excited Danny caught him in this candid moment. Normally, Carl is the one caught.

Editor’s note~ “special acknowledgment is due to Marvin for his assistance in writing this article. Thanks, Marvin!

It took me a little time to realize that I’m becoming recognized as a Shaw Du-all collector. After purchasing seven in the past few years, being recognized shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Having the same name as the brand is frequently noticed.

Is it a vanity thing on my part? I’d have to shrug my shoulders. I do find it cool, but I just like the uncommon little machines. I’m a little introverted. I’d rather the focus was more tractor and less me. I invision myself as a lucky curator of agricultural history.

The “Barn Find” graced the cover of Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine recently.  That, I realize, garners public attention. I’m humbled by the honor, but Jerry Rawlings, Doug Edwards, and Steve Farmer deserve attention for that tractor, just as much.

The details of acquiring the Barn Find can be read in the article The Barn Find in this blog. Duane Stone wanted me to have the tractor since my last name was Shaw.

I purchased the N5 from Kevin Shaw. During our negotiations, Kevin stated, “Its only fitting a Shaw owns this Shaw.” I wasn’t going to disagree, but I was more intent to make a fair deal we were both happy with.

The “Shaw needs a Shaw” quote was used when I was negotiating for the N8W. That seller was holding out for more revenue. Tim Cash came to the discovery that I wasn’t willing to part with more of his last name to acquire a tractor. Obviously, we came to terms.

Now, my tale leads to recent weeks. I haven’t been looking to add any more to the collection.Just like anyone else with the tractor passion, I’ll investigate a deal.

Don Nowak left a message on my voice-mail. Not sure why a John Deere guy would have been browsing Ebay for a Du-all. Maybe because it’s green?  Don was the one to alert me though.

The auction was about to close. I knew it hadn’t sold, though. “Reserve not met” was clearly in print.

Sure enough, the tractor came back on Ebay as a best offer or buy it now option.

It was a A frame R6 that had been repowered to 16 hp. It also didn’t have the original rear wheels. The tractor was a package deal with Shaw and aftermarket implements and accessories. I’d take the tractor, but there were parts I definitely wanted.

**** Correction! R6 tractors were available with 16″ rear wheels, rather than 24″ *****

Initially, I contacted the seller to negotiate the breakdown of the package. That wasn’t an option he wished to consider.

The conversations and consulting started with Steve Farmer. The seller wasn’t way out of line on his ask, but hey, let’s see if I can get it cheaper. My initial offer was countered. My next offer was declined. After a week, I made a third offer and waited.

Saturday afternoon, my phone rang. It wasn’t a number I recognized, but I had a feeling I should answer it. Here’s a transcript….

“Hi! Is this Rick Shaw?” Which I affirmed. “Do you own or know anything about Shaw Du-all?” Agian, I affirmed I owned Shaws, but I admitted I didn’t know EVERYTHING about Shaw, just enough to get myself in trouble.

He told me he had one for sale, on Ebay, and had an offer for it. He wanted my opinion. Here’s where the transparency comes in. I was honest, I told him I couldn’t advise him. I had made the offer!

Since I was being honest, the gentleman came clean in return. He had hoped I was, admitting he was fishing for the buyer off Ebay. We won’t discuss further the rest of the deal due to Ebay restrictions.

Honestly, the infamy scares me a little. I realize the public would notice me. My writing has been published in Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine and Hart Parr Oliver Collector. I have no idea how many follow this blog, but I’m humbled and honored anyone does

I knew that when I became a published novelist, I needed to be careful with my internet presence. I try my best to be fair and honest. That’s were my transparency comes into play.

Thanks for reading my ramblings..

No marching band, but firetrucks semis antique cars, horses, and of course tractors. What would anyone expect for a small midwest town?

The Waverly, IL picnic festival was this weekend. What festival isn’t complete without a parade? I’ve been a participant in past years, and I’m not sure why I had taken a hiatus.

This year, I felt obligated to take one of my Du-alls. I purchased the tractor from a Waverly local, and Jerry Rawlings is a nearby resident. It seemed fitting my R8 traveled the route.

Of course, my N8W just recently came from Edwards Tractor Restoration, and it was fitting to make a public debute. Steve Farmer piloted that tractor.

I made a phone call and invited Marvin Stinebaker along. He was more than happy to come. Marvin brought a backup machine, just in case. Fortunately, one tractor was enough.

Marvin invited Dennis Clark from Pawnee along. He was on a real sharp Wheel Horse. I noted Dennis had a backup tractor stashed in his covered trailer.

Carl Davis was also in attendance. Marvin told me no one invited him. He  just crashed the party! We tease each other, that’s how we  gauge our friendship. I’ll be honest, I’m glad Carl was there. He’s a great candid photographer. I’m using some of his pictures. 

Digger Dave Kemp decided he was more comfortable on a big tractor. We’ll cut him some slack. He mows with his choice now and then

The following pictures are en route. Carl took them. Obviously! I’ve never done a selfie from the back

The parade went well, for the most part. My R8 started to have fuel issues. My good fortune was it started at the end of the parade

I noticed Carl had his hood open at a couple of pauses. That’s what he gets for choosing a Deere. Marvin and Dennis didn’t need their alternates. Steve had a quick problem with the N8W at the beginning, but I knew he had everything under control.

I’m not sure why I haven’t been getting a team together for parades lately. After the fun, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll sure  get started again.

Authors don’t just write. They have to promote the book. Unless you’re already famous or a big name with an established publisher

Saturn car dealers had a no pressure tactic. They felt they had an amazing product that would sell itself. Some of you may never have even heard of Saturn cars, so I guess the low pressure approach didn’t work so great.

My novels are good, if I don’t say so myself, but I need visibility for the  public to discover that. The Saturn tactic didn’t work, I can’t expect it to work for me.

I need to face the fact that my in person sales have kind of been by accident. A casual mention has led to several books being hand sold. I have sold two copies at the local Harley Davidson dealer, a copy to the weight master at a grain terminal, some friends have sought a copy at a tractor show, and a few friends have chased me down for a copy.  I’m grateful for the sales, but that just ain’t gonna get me noted as a bestseller.

Nerdy Noel isn’t  my first attempt at a book signing event. My first try was at a book fair for the Judah Robinson Foundation. Although I didn’t make any sales during the foundation fair, I had a great time and came away deeming it a success. Judy Snyder, the host, was disappointed. It wasn’t her fault! She promoted and cajoled. The age-old saying, “Ya can’t lead a horse to water.” Yes, I’m paraphrasing to suit me.

That event was still a success. With networking, we made friends with other authors. Ideas were shared. Too bad the authors outnumbered the crowd.

Writing isn’t my day job….yet. This whole novelist adventure is fun. It would be great if it paid the bills a little better, but…. well, so far, it doesn’t.

I’m in Huntsville on vacation. Working? (Shrug). This has been my first chance to meet my publisher / editor. Jack LaFountain is quite the accomplished author as well. He has twenty titles published. Having “face time” has been much better than phone conversation and emails. Interacting personally has been more rewarding.

Robert Borders, another House of Honor Books author, is also in attendance. I have to admit, I’ve learned a lot about the methods of engagement. I need to get away from the Saturn sales mentality. Both Robert and Jack know how to “work” the crowd and draw them to the table.

We worked together  selling everything title House of Honor has available. Team work makes the dream work for our publishing house

I talked about my returning from Alabama in a previous article. Wanted One Banjo. On Saturday, during our initial meet. Jack, Robert, and company toured Lowe Mills. This is an old textile mill that has been reused as an arts center. Anything from music to painting could be found. One small shop was dedicated to building cigar box guitars.

My ticket home from Alabama wasn’t a banjo. However, I did find a cool shovel guitar

~ Edit. I didn’t purchase a shovel guitar for my return home. However! I met a local cigar box guitar craftsman. My mature resolve was lost! Logan Elliott created two shovel guitars, in which I’m the proud owner of one

I’m headed to Huntsville, Alabama this weekend for a book fair.  I guess it’s a fair, I’m going to help peddle books. I’m not sure what to expect, but I already view this as a successful adventure.

This will be a team participation. My publisher House of Honor Books has a booth for this venue and I’m one of three authors attending Robert Borders will be on scene

House of Honor Books publisher, editor, and fellow author Jack LaFountain will also be in attendance.  Jack has many titles that are available. I highly recommend any of his work. I openly admit I am a fan.

I’m looking forward to meeting fellow authors and I’m excited to be going.

So, have you figured out my need for a banjo? I can’t come home without one. As the ole song says “I come from Alabama, with a banjo on my knee”

2024 celebrated the fifth tractor drive and cookout hosted by Josh Adkins and Doug Edwards. The morning weather was rainy, causing concern about participation. Sunshine finally made an appearance. Even after a delay, the Franklin parade stepped off slightly late.

28 tractors traveled the parade route before the drivers embarked on their exploration of the countryside. Jim Edwards led the caravan through the journey to Nortonville and the final destination at the Adkins farm.

Jim and JR Harris were presented Grand Marshall plaques for appreciation of the great support through the past five years.

  A thank you also needs to go out to members of the Grass Roots Tractor Club for the behind the scenes help. Thanks also to Bob, Bob, and Corey for manning the support truck.

I will have phone conversations to pass the time as I travel back and forth down Interstate 55. I can only stand hearing the same song repeatedly played on the radio. Let’s face it the telephone can be the only source of social contact in this fast place world.

On this particular day, I was visiting with my friend Nate Reinhart, Nate,of course, also was looking to defeat boredom. We have a tendency to talk about everything and anything. Somehow, the conversation turned to tools. Nate noted how versatile the cresent wench was.

Its not just a size adjustable multi tool, we decided. As tools go, the wrench is a hammer, a pry aperatice, a gear puller, can or a bottle opener, and a stir stick. A cresent wrench is truly a very multi functionary tool, no matter how misused.

I have even seen a cresent used as a hitch pin.. Nate witnessed it used as a clamp.He even suggested it used as a measuring device. Carpenters can use it for a stud finder, although the drywall may never be the same.Being a Lawn and Garden guy, I’ve actually used a cresent as a wheel chock.

The tool can be used recreationally, Maybe as a tent peg.or a boat anchor. A baseball bat  and maybe a Javelin. Losing it from the Javelin toss could lead to a great game of hide and seek. Perhaps in that reguard if a dog is present, it could be used to play fetch. I guess a kid would enjoy the game too.

How about medicinally? Think about the relief of stress. Tossing the tool could relieve pent-up tension. The wrench could make adjustments of aditude. Maybe thoroughly cleaning the cresent it could be used as a substitute for anatheshesa? Maybe not, that might cause undo bruises.

An emergency tool! It can’t be used as a seat belt cutter but as a glass breaker. Of course, morality issues come into play whether a person is breaking in or breaking out.

Cresent wrenches come in many sizes. A small one could be used as a key fob. In that regards, a larger one could or couldn’t be used as a theft deterrent. Some gas stations use ridiculous large objects as anti theft for bathroom door keys. A cresent wrench probably would never be returned. Even with the proper moral mindset. The tool is too useful.

I admit that some of these uses may seem to condone violence and theft. Please understand I DO NOT condone such things. This celebration of the crescent wrench is just another attempt at satire.

Nate and I had a long list of uses, some practical, some maybe not. I leave it to you, the readers of my musings, to create even more imaginative ideas.