Tractor descriptions.
Stanley Wilbur Shaw must have had a vision to create garden tractors. When conversion tractors were being designed, his ideas produced a smaller unit. His reasoning was a smaller turning radius. Why did he see a need? He was in the wide open spaces of Kansas. Ohio collector Jeff Shaw recently added an interesting artifact … Continue reading Kansas Innovation
I've had insightful conversations about the future of antique tractors over the past year. People that I've conversed with have voiced concern regarding the well-being of tractor collecting. Is there any cause for concern? Maybe the correct answer would be yes and no. Tractor events draw all ages. The concerning age would be the younger … Continue reading The Future of Ag Heritage
The Lions Club in Timewell. IL holds a toy show as an annual event. The toy show is held in the gym of the retired school. The toy show dates back many years. The club later started displaying tractors in front of the school. This year, the Lions Club celebrated their 75th anniversary. To commemorate, … Continue reading Trying for 75, and Almost Made it!
The Sangamon County Farm Bureau added a new display in their Hayloft Building during the 2026 County Fair. The Bureau mailed a plea flyer with their early registration for the annual Russell Minor tractor drive. Five area collectors answered their request. The result was a very nice antique agriculture display. The display doesn't only consist … Continue reading Fun at the Fair
A good friend called me late Saturday afternoon. I noted that during our conversation, he sounded a little shook up. He revealed a tragic event occurred during a tractor drive he had taken part in. One driver didn't make it home. It's a harsh reality to consider that celebrating antique agriculture can end in a … Continue reading Invite Safety on Your Tractor
Jacob Brackemeyer, purchase a brand new Farmall Super C, in 1955. Obendorf Implement, located in Prophetstown, IL sold the tractor as a 1955 model, although it actually left the factory in 1953. The Delivery report documenting the transaction still exists. In fact, much of the original paperwork is still in the Brackemeyer family's procession today. … Continue reading Family Bought, Three Times
Andrew reaches new heights This year's trip to Oregon, IL, for AJ's Garden Tractor Jamboree, wasn't the beginning of my show year. It still marks as one of my favorites, however. It's a great opportunity to meet up with garden tractor enthusiasts from northern IL, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In previous years participants would travel from … Continue reading The Jamboree 2026
Kevin Fay and son Hayden have been "oddball" collectors all along. At least since they started collecting in 2011. The term oddball may seem derogatory, but it isn't. Its just the label for unordinary or unusual tractors. One tractor, of the many, in the Fay collection is a 1948 Haney. The machine was only in … Continue reading The Haney
