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’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…..

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.

Spring planting has definitely advanced from the past. Amazingly the implement’s basic design hasn’t really changed as much. The modern planter still employs gears and chain drive propelled off the wheels just the same as older planters. Plates are still used to help determine seed population.  Modern planters have larger seed  carry capacities and other advanced technology. The biggest and most obvious change would be size.

The first mechanical planters were, more than likely, powered by horse. The guidance system was probably dead reckoning. This method of guidance is still used some with other farm tools to this day. Not every farmer can afford GPS system. Star wars technology is becoming more common though.

Straighter rows were achieved with the  advancement of simply a guide arm or marker on each end of the planter tool bar. The marker arm acted as a guide placement for the next pass. The farmer would center his tractor on the marked trench created by the arm thus determining the proper row spacing.

Row spacing has been changing throughout the years. When I was younger, the farmer I worked for planted a 36 inch row spacing. That was a common space and had been for some time. Row spacing was starting to narrow to 30 inch creating a better yield since the corn population increased because of more rows.  The farmer I worked for changed to 30 inch spacing in soybeans. It wasn’t quite as simple to change to 30 inch corn rows. During harvest a corn header that was designed for 30 inch was needed. They had a 36 inch header. Headers are expensive. Small grain headers are different designs and can take any row spacing. Smaller grain can be grown closer together. Our farm employed a drill for soybeans with a row spacing of a mere seven inches  Corn row spacing is common at 30 inches now. Some farmers are are growing crops closer together though.

My grandfather told me, years ago, about planters using wire strung across the field to determine seed placement. I was at a show recently discussing the “good ole days” and learned more about this technique. It’s no wonder the farmer of the day didn’t get obese. There was plenty of exercise getting on and off the tractor to move the wire.  Interestingly,  the seed was spaced within the row far enough apart that they culivated with the row and across it.

The planting machine has been evolving. It is increasing in size and row capacity. Once it was a small one or two row, doubling in size to four. Doubling again, and again, and maybe again. I remember tending an 8 row planter and that was a good size with a lot of work involved to plant. The grain company / farm I’m employed by now utilize two planters, a 16 row, and 24. Surprisingly the work tending the large planters has be come easier. It’s hard to believe, but there are bigger planters than that!

New technology came about to increase the planter seed carring capacity. A large seed tank and pushing the seeds to the row via air. Many companies picked up on this and the farmer began spending more time planting and less time actually filling the planter to plant.

Preperation tillage has changed in my time. The soil isn’t worked as much to a point of not at all. No till and modern chemistry has eliminated the need for mechanical weed removal. Some farm tools, like row culivators, are now just history. The mullboard plow isnt as commonly used now because of soil erosion.  It scares my old school type thinking of our agricultural dependancy on chemicals now.

My job, tending the planter, has become easier. Seed came in sacks and each row box had to be frequently filled. Back then tending the planter built muscle, just like handling hay bales. Soybeans where made easier with the use of a auger mounted under the door of a gravity flow wagon. The farm I worked used a John Deere A to move the bulk seed wagon and operate the hydraulic driven auger. Loading the planter boxes and the tank on a drill was made easy.

Now the seed gets delivered, to planters, from large seed boxes. There are special designed trailers that the boxes can be placed and unload into a auger conveyor. It’s now just a simple matter of starting a small engine, open a slide gate and the seed is loaded into the large planter tank. Little fuss and a lot less muscle! The seed corn sack hasn’t become a memory yet though. They still are around. The planter tender needs to know how to operate a fork lift. Also they need the skill to move a top heavy trailer swiftly but carefully to the fields from the storage warehouse. There is other means of tending the seed, the box method was the system, the grain farm/ elevator I work for employs.

GPS technology has made tillage more accurate and efficient. The planter marker is now becoming obsolete. Most planters still have them, but they don’t see much use now.

It was good to be involved with the spring planting again this year. This is my take on then and now….