Some people like to go on tractor drives, others strive the challenge of moving a pulling sled. One of my favorite ways to demonstrate the abilities of antique tractors is by plowing.

Years ago, farmers would work together in this manner. I’d like to think plowing is a way modern collectors celebrate that neighborly attitude. I’ve attended several plow events, and have seen the rekindled spirit of days gone by.

Don Nowak invited me to bring one of my rigs over to Glenarm, IL. I had other plans, but it’s funny how plans can be changed. The amateur reporter saw the opportunity to report a story while the old time farmer wanted to turn dirt.

Originally there were nine of us in the furrow. John Deere dominated the ground. There was an Allis Chalmers, my Farmall 300 and a sharp little D-2 Caterpillar. Tractors were dropping out with issues and that left three.

There is just something about being in control of a tractor straining in a furrow. The sense of power the engine is delivering, ensuring the tires are gripping and not spinning, and watching the dirt roll over in front of the plow shears. Its romantic in some sense. There is sound, sight, and smell enhancing the experience.

Unfortunately my day was quickly cut short. A fluke mechanical issue caused an electrical wiring fire. I was lucky enough to learn some tips from a couple experienced gentlemen to limp my tractor on to the trailer for its ride home. I gladly report the damage is minor and my favorite plowing set up will be good as new. From that point, I became a spectator and not a participant.

This gave me the chance to socialize. There were old friends, familiar faces and the opportunity to meet new people. Fellow blogger and professional writer Cindy Ladage was in attendance. I encourage everyone to follow her writing on her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl

Lee Curby was taking pictures during the day. He had a drone in the air. With his permission, I’m going to feature his excellent photography

Thanks Lee Curby for letting me feature your photography.

2020 has unfolded to be a scary year. American people have been bombarded with so much propaganda that our history needs to be erased. Statues are being destroyed, paintings removed, all in the name of someone being offended. I’ve actually had a conversation with a friend, raised with similar values as mine, that surprised me. He thought erasing our heritage needed to happen. There are those that feel notables, of our past, do not deserve any honor.

I can’t understand why modern people are holding our forefathers accountable for happenings from long ago. Why do we, as a society, suddenly feel entitled, that we can judge and determine what history is “allowed” remembrance.

Simply we can’t forget! Our past is not rosy and perfect! Heritage is what makes us who we are. The treacherous traitors we are told were horrible people should be studied to discover their motivations. Our past is full of the honorable that stood by their convictions. Only ignorant judge without understanding.

Did anyone stop and think our past notable heroes would look at us with disgust. We are destroying and undoing everything they fought so hard to make better for us. If anything we should feel ashamed of actions. There are many that fought and died, so ignorant people have the freedom to believe and act in a stupid insolent manner of their choosing.

I’m sure there are those of like mind with me. They look at what’s happening, in our country, with regret and sad heart. Sadly that’s all we do. We sit idly by and let the travesty continue. We aren’t raising our voices in opposition and the events keep happening. When do we stand and fight to right what’s wrong?

For those that want to hide from our history and forget it. I have a profound thought.

THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW OR UNDERSTAND HISTORY IS DOOMED TO REPEAT IT

This has happened before and its happening now. We can not bury our history and forget, we need to honor it.

I became one of Kylie Periman’s fan following after watching her compete in a horse speed show. I’ve known the young lady her whole life anyway. Her family and I have been friends for quite a long time.

Kylie has a special way with animals. I watched her admirably as she went about her activities. She has a very close bond with her horse Candy and its shows.

The two are a formidable competitor team. Kylie told me it hasn’t always been that way. It took time and patience to develop how well they work together. She laughed and confided that Candy can do all the work now, she just hangs on for the ride!

I doubt it’s that simple but Kylie does make it look easy. Candy is a specially good horse. These two where destined to be together.

I haven’t watched the team compete in the flag competition yet, but, her father, Kevin told me they dominate. Candy is a short little horse and Kylie rides tall in the saddle, She has good reach for flag placement. It also helps that Candy can control her stride to counter balance and keep her leaning rider safely on the saddle. I’d say that’s a winning combination.

Kylie patiently answered my questions about horses. She demonstrated her knowledge and the sharp young sixteen year old actually taught me a few things. She recently purchased another young horse. Kylie has plans to slowly retire Candy as her new horse matures and can take more of the competition burden. I doubt Candy will totally go “out to pasture”

Candy is a 11 year old paint that stands 14.1 hands tall, Kylie explained she could technically be considered a pony. 14.2 and over are horse height. Candy makes up for being height challenged.

The two had a great night competing when I was along. Their first pole run earned high ranking. They had their best run on the barrels and then followed up to top that. Candy was awarded her favorite treat, several Starburst. Kylie also shared her strawberry sundae with Candy.

Kylie had a follow up remark as Candy was being prepared for the homeward trip. We were debriefed on how the night went and she closed by thanking her sponsors. Mostly her mom, Katrina, for buying a new truck to pull her horse trailer.

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.

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.

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.

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.