Photography by Jessica Basford

Jerry Rawlings is the type of fellow that is quite capable of building a tractor that suits him. He can invision and create just about anything

Proof can be discovered of that fact anywhere around central IL. Jerry has proudly displayed his creation at many shows and parades

The Rawlings is powered by a 203 Fairbanks Morse engine. It was originally fueled by propane but now runs on gas. Jerry told me during our discussion that he had difficulty determining what to use for parts and other issues. He managed to stump some experts. Turns out he had his own best advice.

The transmission is a four-speed from a 52 Chevy, and the rear end came out from a 3/4 ton 47 Ford truck. Jerry managed to get the major brands tamed to work together

The tractor can be hand started by the fly wheel and has an electric start when Jerry doesn’t feel like making a big show to start the tractor. Personally, I think it’s cool to see it hand cranked.

The Rawlings is the only one in existence. Jerry built the tractor in 2010 after he had retired. He needed something to do. It’s not the only tractor Jerry has created, however. He built another he named John Doe.

John Doe was built on a shoe string budget and alot of hard work. Jerry explained he didn’t have a much money wrapped up in that build. John Doe was primarily built to power and transport a buzz saw. A neighbor talked him into snazzing it up for display

The first tractor he built is a handy little utility. He doesn’t show that one. It’s just a great little workhorse. Jerry once had a Farmall H that blew an engine. No problem! He repowered it with a Detroit Desiel.

Jerry’s handiwork can be found on his neighbors tractors. He made my life much easier on my Du-all 12T for example. During the writing of this article, he currently is tooling on another Shaw tractor for me. I have to wonder what Stanley Shaw would have thought of his improvements.

Jerry is 83 years young and still very actively fabricating. I asked him if he is done scratch building tractors. He told me yes, but the twinkle in his eye and mischievous smile says otherwise. We’ll just have to wait and see

Hopefully somewhere along the way you can see Jerry’s head turning creation.

I haven’t had much free time for recreational reading of late. Of course, some of my “reading” is actually listening via Audible.

Keisha Willi has three books available. I have actually shared my review of Fire Tales. That review can be found in my article What’s New Another Review.

Johnny B Good is a a sociological thriller about a serial killer. The book dives into the mind of a very successful monster. He has managed several undiscovered murders until he finally meets a victim he cannot successfully murder.

Keisha demonstrates a whole new style, different from Fire Tales. She can easily change her writing technique from formal English to scary thriller. I highly recommend anything she has published.

Her works can be discovered on the publisher’s website houseofhonorbooks.com She can also be found on Amazon and Audible.

Johnny B Good has been available for awhile. I just haven’t had the time to listen on Audible. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to listen or read Keisha’s third offering Beware the Wolf.

Jack LaFountain has been busy with his Ed Landry series. There have been two more releases to the ongoing saga.

Lover’s Moon tells a tale of a love triangle between vampire, a rougarou and himself. I won’t spoil which lady wins.

Jack is very hard on poor old Ed. Finding love isn’t necessarily a good thing for the man. Throughout the series, Landry finds himself in many perils.

It’s such a shame that the clerk in chapter nine of Wolf Moon would never get to finish the novel he was reading. Damn rougarou!

Catch these great reads on Amazon and Audible. They can also be found on the website houseofhonorbooks.com

While you’re there, browse the catalog for other great books to enjoy

I don’t get the luxury to recreational read. My free time is limited, and I reserve that time to compose my own work. When I can explore another authors work, I usually listen. Audible is my primary source.

I haven’t turned the actual pages of a novel for as long as I can remember. If I do get the opportunity to read, modern technology comes into play. The pages are turned by the slide of my finger across a screen, and the words are back lit.

I’ve known that, even before I was published, there was another author in New Berlin. The two of us have friends in common. One is my friend and who I consider a mentor Cindy Ladage. The other is my usual tractor partner in crime Digger Dave. Digger has made an attempt at introduction, but my unfortune hasn’t let that happen….yet.

I purchased Taylor Pensoneau’s fiction novels Devil on the Prairie, and The Summer of ’50 from our local bookstore in Virden. Immediately after I returned home, I found myself in my recliner reading Devil on the Prairie. I was held spellbound. The novel was extremely hard to put down.

Taylor has three works of fiction currently in publication. So far, I’ve read the two titles I have listed. Taylor has non-fiction works in print, which are highly acclaimed.

Taylor is a downstate Illinois native from Belleville. He has spent time as the IL political correspondent of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. He is self-published by his own company, Down State Publications.

Taylor adds realism to his novels by sharing trivia of famous local natives. Downstate Illinois and the St Louis region is where his story world takes place. The time frame of the world is from the fifties. Taylor’s wording choices are interesting. He has the luxury of getting phrases past his editor, that mine would more than likely question.

Overall, I highly recommend Taylor Pensoneau. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors. I look forward to my opportunity to meet and visit with him.

Australian author Julia Yeoh has another book available. The Bears, The Witch, and the Bookwyrm has been released in paperback, E-book and through Audible. Julia’s works can be found in the House of Honor website catalog http://www.houseofhonorbooks.com

Julia’s second tale finds the furry rebels in Texas. This story is at an earlier time and the cast of friends isn’t quite as large. The adventure is just as intense and fun, though.

Kacey Sophia narrates, again. Her English accent and soft voice makes the reading an easy listening experience. Since Julia’s books are geared toward the young, the author / narrator combination works perfectly. Regardless, young and young at heart will enjoy the story.

Judy Snyder , designed the cover. Julia and Judy are obvious friends. Like other authors, she uses friends as models for her characters. Judy, and her cat Kirby, arrive in the nick of time; to help slay evil. I have become friends with Judy as well. After seeing her through Julia’s vision, I realize Judy is quite the super hero and I will treat her with more respect.

I also have become more aware while shopping at Dollar General. I was texting with Julia and she shared the store actually did exist. The store has moved from that location. I imagine the stores are just as common in Texas as anywhere else in the US. There should be no fear of any ghosts being left homeless.

Julia has written a wonderful story, again. A cautionary word of advise. Just like her first book the reader runs risk of over indulgence to their senses. She is very descriptive of food and drink. The reader may want to participate in the action, otherwise there is danger of gaining a couple pounds.

Below is a link to Julia’s blog. More can be discovered about her and the bear rebels.

https://jubeele64.wixsite.com/bear-rebels—furry

Don’t neglect the flowers for the weeds. The weeds will flourish just fine in life’s manure

I’m a private person, even people that are close don’t know me completely. Honestly, I can’t claim I know myself. I’ve changed without realization, at times.

I’m opening up in my privacy, this isn’t going to be happy and sunshine. I don’t seek pity either, I hope reading this is warning enough to help others see error and a need to change attitudes. Life is hard enough, there’s no need to make it tougher.

Don’t ignore your health!

Years ago, I was prescribed hypertension and high cholesterol medication. I abandoned taking the medicine. Yes those are prescriptions meant to be taken permanently. Yes I was stupid.  There could be Dire consequences to my action. The worse being death.

I didn’t care though. I wasn’t out to commit suicide, although there had been times. I felt as if I lived a wasted life. I was going through the motions. That was a stupid attitude, considering the amazing climb from a low point in 2014

Before I explain more, I want to share I do have a relationship with the Lord. I’m not a regular attendee to church. What is going on between Jesus and me is our doing. I know I have been blessed in wonderous ways. Did it change my attitude? Obviously not completely. I kept playing Russian roulette, taking my chances.

Don’t neglect your health!

I was battling and self medicating, having no luck defeating my sinus congestion. Friday morning, upon insistence from friends and my employer, I went to urgent care. Maybe I had bronchitis or something of that nature. I couldn’t breath and it took great effort to do the simplest tasks. I was soon to discover another major prominent body organ has determined factor on my lungs, my heart.

The attending staff quickly realized my life was in close jeopardy. I had a option to “phone a friend” or I was going for a ride in an ambulance. Driving myself was not an option. I was going to ER and now!

I chose phoning a friend. As independent as I try to be, I have been blessed with a couple that is super close to me. I didn’t want to ever burden them, but yet here was need. They have been supporting me, not only through this dramatic ordeal, but became my close family. I thank them for that and can never repay them.

I was immediately ushered to am ER room. VIP treatment is nice, but I’ll pass using it to get into emergency. Of course, I could have come by ambulance. Those patients get executive treatment as well

My blood pressure was way to high, as in high score way to high. The numbers I registered where in the 220s high and 180 low number. 120 80 being a normal number. The heart isn’t meant to be a high pressure tool.  I’m lucky the pump didn’t give out!

There have been signs it was ready to give out. Moving blood throughout my body at high speed caused my heart to enlarge to overcome. A big heart isn’t always a good thing. The heart is the major player of the body. The lungs, and kidneys can feel the effect.

My circulation had been failing. My eyesight has been effected. These are all major warning signs. They don’t go away.

Life is short, don’t make it shorter

After a long day in Emergency, I was admitted. It became apparent I wasn’t on a quick mend. I was placed in a CCU, critical care is a step down from intensive. My vitals were constantly monitored and my left arm was continuously squeezed by a blood pressure cuff.

I had an IV and leads on me. One finger was wired up. I looked like a robot with inner workings coming out. I couldn’t do anything, like use the bathroom without assistance. Even though I was down, that was hard for an independent man. My world from Friday night until late Sunday was a bed, a monitor keeping watch over my left shoulder.

Under agreement with my two close friends, now family, we kept my whereabouts on the down low. I didn’t wish to have visitors. I recieved many staff quests however. A team of doctors, several techs, my nurses. I was lucky to have a day and a night nurse that were very nice. They put up with me and maintained professional friendliness.

Kelsie wasn’t real happy I figured out how to unplug the monitor to get in the bathroom. She was a busy lady and I had to go! I’m glad she tolerated that.

My night nurse Izzy came Friday, in the night alarmed I wasn’t breathing well in my sleep. She put me on oxygen. It evidently helped. I slept and wondered why I had a tube connected to my nose the next morning. I thought I had dreamed it. Izzy administered a great relaxing drug the next night. I slept like a rock. I needed the sleep, I had been dealing with insomnia.

I was downgraded on Sunday. I was also moved to a different room. Now I was more ambulatory and had freedom to get out of bed. My BP was more controlled, but needed monitoring. Being downgraded to general status was a step to going home.

I need to make life changes now. I need a better diet and start to exercise. I’m lucky! This story could be different.. My attitude had already changed, I do care. I want to see where my published author writing goes. I’m also more aware of the friends I have and how much they mean to me.

As I wrote earlier, I don’t seek an pity. I was stupid! Thankfully the Good Lord looks out for people like me. I have another chance now. I hope reading this makes a difference and helps someone else get turned around. Don’t go through what I did.

Jack LaFountain’s recently released another western with a monster. The reader/ listener returns to Texas and the Lazy L ranch. This novel is the continuing saga centered around main character Vern Carson.

Werewolves again terrorize the Red River. As the plot unfolds, a scheme of revenge and a neighboring feud becomes apparent.

Vern gains a love interest, but the beautiful widow Polly is more than she seems. Jack has a habit of sharing heartbreak leaving us to wonder if the story will end happily. I won’t spoil the fun, that will just have to be discovered.

Jack does a wonderful job penning the story. I highly recommend it.

The audio book is narrated by Cameron Buckner. He brings the tale to life in a well done “cowboy” fashion.

Cam hosts the YouTube channel Dixie Crytid and What if its True on podcast channels. He has a large following in which I’m part.

Jack’s books can be found on Amazon. Audible and in the catalog at houseofhonorbooks.com

I just finished listening to Bears In The Woods written by Julia Yeoh. The enjoyable plot tells about an ornery band of teddy bears taking a vacation from Australia to Texas.

This book is geared for children, obviously. There is something in the story for everyone, though. Julia describes the scenery of Texas quite well. It’s not hard for the reader~listener to be absorbed in as if they are there.

Julia paints an exciting, fun picture that brings her teddy bears to life. It’s easy to imagine the control chaos, the bears, and friends cause as they travel, camp, shop, and other general fun.

Julia Yeoh’s experience with ghosts, skinwalkers, and others that go bump in the night is well demonstrated. She is well knowledged, from her heritage. There is a link posted below that leads to a YouTube channel. Here are stories Julia shares from her youth.

The author narrator pairing for Bears In The Woods is excellent. Kacey Sophia’s soft English voice brings the audio to life. It’s fitting to hear the bear antics in a gentle British accent.

I have one warning when you enjoy this wonderful tale. Julia does an excellent job of describing meals and other treats consumed. I feel I gained 15 pounds at the completion of the story. I could mentally smell and taste every morsel that is consumed.

Julia already has a second novel released. Her books can be found on Amazon and discovered in the catalog at houseofhonorbooks.com

Well, another year has come and gone. I have to admit 2022 was filled with interesting milestones in my writing journey.

The journey continues. My next novel was submitted in mid-December. My publisher and I came to terms, and I signed my next contract. I wish I could say I made a sale on the first try, but it took two attempts. I’m lucky to have a kind editor who shares his wisdom gently. Once I quelled my ego, I saw his point. Rejection isn’t a terrible thing.

Can’t go Home is the working title of my next book. It will be the continuing saga of my first story. I’ve already got a good start on number three, mainly because it’s trimmed from Can’t Go Home.

New Perspectives has been released in audio form. I placed a link to take you directly to it below. There are some perks to downloading if you’re a first-time Audible customer. My book can be discovered at houseofhonorbooks.com in paperback e-books and audio forms. I recommend browsing the catalog. There’s many great titles.

https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BPN2MCVB/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-332489&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_332489_rh_us

It took a while, but I’ve discovered myself as a writer. I’m more a novelist than a journalist~blogger. This last year, I found my writing dedication tended to be swayed toward writing a book. I’m not giving up reporting. The blog will remain the same erratic way it has always been.

Antique Iron Media will continue to double formate. I’m going to continue to feature my fellow authors of House of Honor. As always, thanks for your support!

I’m privileged to have a quest writer for this article. Judy Snyder is also an author published by House of Honor. Her book Twisted Tales was released last June and can also be heard via Audible. I introduced Judy in a review of her book in a recent article on this blog. Now she tells of memories from her youth Take it away Judy, the article is yours ~ Rick

Back in the 60’s my dad was a machinist at International Harvester in Melrose Park, IL.  Every year the factory had this big open house/Christmas party for the employees and their families.

It would begin with a tour of this freakishly HUGE facility. I was just a little kid over excited by the idea we were going to see Santa, so this really didn’t make much of an impression on me, except everything seemed BIG, and Dad got to show us the area he worked which smelled of grease and oil. But then we got to the special showing area. To be honest, I don’t know if it was staged especially for us, or if it was always there, but there were all kinds of farming equipment on display, some of which we were permitted to climb and sit on.

Then we were all gathered into a big room that had a platform at the front. At the back of the platform you could see stacks and stacks of toys, with a few pens corralling balls and stuffed animals. In the center stood (gasp!) Santa’s chair! And off to either side were lit Christmas trees. Long buffet tables laden with food and drink lined the back wall, and in between were tables and chairs.

 Santa would arrive astride one of the smaller tractors IH built, waving at everyone. As he mounted the stage, I’m pretty sure our cheering would have rivaled any rock concert in volume – there were hundreds of us there (employment was around 20,000, but I think each sector had its own party).

 Each child, under 12, was given a gift and a filled mesh stocking from Santa when you saw him. These presents were not dime store trinkets. I remember two of the presents that I received distinctly, one was a doll that came with a layette, ‘magic’ bottle (it ’emptied’ when tilted then ‘refilled’ when upright) and a wicker bassinette. The other was a child’s tea set made of real china that even had its own tiny spoons. I also remember my older brothers getting a Spalding basketball and a Wilson football.

The mesh stockings were a real wonderment to me and my siblings. They were the only stockings we ever got – filled with dime store toys and that hard ‘Granny’ candy no respectable kid would eat, but for us they were treasure. Older kids (12 up) got a smaller mesh stocking filled with ‘better’ candies. (Remember candy cigarettes and Mary Janes?) 

During this, raffles were held for the adults. I don’t remember the prizes, except that my mom won a set of pots and pans one year, and my dad scored a set of IH coffee mugs paired with a high-end can of coffee once. IH tried really hard not to leave anyone out. If you left without something, it was your own fault.  I miss those days, of big corporations caring.

Thanks Judy for sharing. Here is a link for those interested in her book. It’s also available on Audible

Last summer I added a nice Cub to my collection. The sweet little machine didn’t stay in my possession long though. A former owner realized his mistake, in letting the tractor get away. He managed to negotiate a deal, to get it back. I’m not going to reveal who owns the Cub, to protect his privacy. He doesn’t need tractor sleuths bothering him to prove my speculation wrong.

The tractor did not have a readable identification tag. That was something I would want to remedy, mainly for insurance identification. I like to protect my collection as much as I can. They are a monetary investment.

There was a ID tag on the tractor. Someone had painted over it . Luckily I learned a few tricks to read the old tag, and I know a guy. Doug Edwards, of course is to whom I refer.

To read the tag, it had to be removed. Sometimes its a simple matter of discovering the stamped numbers from the back. The tag is generally paper thin, held on to the casting by rivets.

I removed the tag, soaked it in paint thinner, gently went at it with a wire brush. I was satisfied to discover a number, which I took for a 1974 serial number. I wasn’t completely sure I was correct. I determined through logic. The grill style and paint coloring made the age logical.

If you read my articles you know I’m not the most mechanically apt. I take advantage of specialists friends. I don’t have the stamping tools to press the VIN number on a new tag. Replacements tags are easily purchased though. You can order through Steiner or better yet hook up with your local parts dealer.

The number I discovered was heavily debated. Doug has means of cleaning the old tag better than I could. The old piece of metal was passed around before we all finally agreed what the serial number read. My estimate was challenged. If the number we discovered was correct the tractor was built in 59.

That didn’t make sense though! Cubs in 59 were red and didn’t have a square grill. It was time to do more research.

I’m going to stop at this point of my story. During other research, I discovered that records were destroyed to keep them from the competitors. This is sad and annoying for historical research. I would imagine all the manufactures had their secrets.

It’s interesting to note, that paint schemes were altered around the same time periods. Harvester painted their machines red and white about the same year Deere started painting green and yellow. Oliver hid new ideas under the tin work of their recent models. I can list more examples, but its obvious where I’m going with my thoughts.

There are other means of discovering the build date on tractors. Parts used in particular years and what not. Did I do that? No, I was going to, but I don’t have the tractor now. To be honest it REALLY doesn’t matter. Regardless, if I’m right or not, the Cub is a sweet little machine.

Disclaimer and purely speculation on my part. (please chalk this up to an author’s active imagination.)

Could the little tractor actually be a 59? Lets look at some interesting facts. Cubs were introduced in the 40s and built in Louisville KY. I did find out the tractor came out of the factory in other colors besides red. They would be painted to customer specifications. The square grill wasn’t introduced until the late 60’s That’s also the time when they became International Cubs instead of Farmall.

In 1961 Cub Cadet was introduced. The Cub original was built in Louisville. There are a lot of similarities between the small and large tractors. Grill, paint scheme. Early 60’s was the time when the tractor manufactures jumped in the urban market. They all patterned the little tractors to look like field tractors, .

Maybe Harvester was thinking about clientele with estates. Maybe they were thinking about the restyling as early as 59. It may have taken a couple years, of tests before anything came off the assembly line, in mass . Maybe some Cubs rolled off the line with a new look. My research did allude to the possibilities.

I openly admit, I can be proven wrong, but it’s fun to think about. To bad some of the historical records have been lost for our future to know for sure.