My heart hurts right now!

Ultimate Choice

There is always another alternative
It didn’t have to come to this
Make the choice that you live
Think of the loved ones that miss

You’ll make us always wonder
If there was a silent plea?
Friends would have stop this tragic blunder
Help you work to cast the darkness free

I wish I’d truly known
to prevent this horrific end
Love and peace answer shown
You’ve always had a friend!

In your aftermath, you left much grief
Many feel the burden of pain
Do you feel a final relief?
While others deal from your final gain

Valley drops and theres hills to climb
There is always a chance for a sunny day
This is something we all learn in time
But you chose not to even stay!

Recently I lost a very close friend. We had known each other for nearly 30 years. In that time I discovered a very talented, loyal and trustworthy brother. Our friendship had been tempered by shared hardship and polished with many joyful times. We had seen alot together. My heart is broken because I didn’t realize the pain he had been hiding and I feel I let him down. My friend took his own life.

The circumstances behind this tragic event were revealed to be inevitable medically. That doesn’t take the sting totally away though. Another issue, I tend not to dwell on, came to the forefront of my concern.

The scary part is, I’ve talked to several people about depression and come to the realization we all fight the demons. It’s hard not to hear their lure. A few of my friends honestly admitted, to me, they have to work to stay beyond the darkness.

I, personally, hear the whispers. I like to think I’m strong enough to not give in. It’s not so much a daily fight anymore, as it had been a few years ago. I’ve learned to set goals and count my life’s blessing to counteract and defeat.

2014 was not my shining year. At 50 years old, I was looking at starting over. My parents had both passed away, the rest of my family is scattered, and I was going through a bankruptcy. I felt alone and didn’t feel it worth struggling anymore. I didn’t see a point!

The gun was loaded. I was working up my courage, when I heard a sweet familiar voice. My mother was standing in my bedroom doorway. She told me what I was contemplating wasn’t the answer. My life would get better. My life did from that dark moment and continues to improve every day.

Not everyone is blessed with a Devine intervention. There is always support though. This subject isn’t easy to discuss and many of us don’t like to admit defeat or failure. If this is a problem you deal with….Please seek help, be it professional or even talking to a trusted love one. Don’t ever think a life doesn’t matter! Don’t ever feel you’re alone!

This may be a strange subject for my blog format. This is my public playground, and I can’t promise it’s always going to be a perfect paradise. There might be some mud here and there. It’s not easy to open myself up and lay bare some of my darkest secrets. This may have been more an outlet to release pent up emotions, so I can move on.

Many of my tractor friends are like extended family. We all share a common passion, but some of us create strong bonds. We need to look out for one another, and talk to each other. Anything and EVERYTHING should be done so a tragic suicide will be prevented.

My parting thought

You stay until you’re taken
It’s not in the rules you get to quit
travel the road you help makin
You can’t progress if you just sit

Tomorrow is another day. I’ll see you then.

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.

Graham Bradley tractors aren’t the most common type tractor to collect. My sources have told me that only 300 to 500 are known to still exist. They were only built for about 3 years and didn’t number much more than 2000 coming off the assembly line.

This article will mainly focus on model 503-104 serial number 70077. A standard model manufactured in 1938. The 70000 series designates special significance. The final assembly occurred in Canada. Graham-Paige Motor Co had an assembly plant in Walker Ontario. Tractors built in Canada were not subject to imposed tariffs.

No records can be found to indicate how many standards were actually built, but the modern registry for Graham Bradley tractors only know of maybe 35 left in existence. Of that, maybe 6 are Canadian. Ironically, I discovered another one nearby. Owned by the Elliot family of Godfrey, IL

Another Canadian standard. I met the Elliot family, that owns this one, recently at a tractor show held in Carlinville.

The Sears store in Fargo, ND was a major distribution point for Grahams in the western states. The catalog may not have featured farm equipment, but a tractor could be purchased from the store. 70077, more than likely, found it’s way to the western United States transported by train.

From this point the tractor’s history is clouded. It was used, out west and possibly left abandoned, in Oregon, to an undetermined fate.

Dennis Brown from Edina, MN was the first man to see a diamond in the rough. He purchased the tractor on an antique machinery auction on July 27, 2012. Dennis started the initial work before becoming ill. Unfortunately he passed away. Dennis’ brother Doug then picked up the project.

The tractor didn’t run and had major issues. The block was cracked. This problem was professionally handled by a company in Nevada, IA. Karen Brown, Dennis’ widow shared further information telling me Doug was a detective finding parts and resources to bring the old machine back to life. Doug handled the project as an act of love.

One major resource the Brown family used restoring was the skilled help from Gene Meschke from Mankato, MN. Another asset was Herman Speck, from Vernon Center, MN. These two gentlemen had a hand in helping the tractor regain life.

James Fred was also a valuable resource for both Dennis and Doug. I’ve discovered James is a great resource considering all his great guidance in researching my writing.

Above is a YouTube link I discovered that was published by Audrey Simmons. It shows 70077 finally running and moving. I can imagine that was a very satisfying experience for the Brown family.

The Graham changed owners at this point. Kurt Aumann purchased the tractor and commissioned Doug Edwards, Edwards Tractor Restoration, to give it a like new appearance.

70077 enters Doug’s shop for the final phase of its return

Doug and crew have been working to give it a like new appearance.

Finally the tractor is finished! Doug finished and of course like any good test pilot, or parachute packer, took the Graham Bradley for a test run to insure his great work.

Great work Doug! Actually great work to everyone involved. Kurt Aumann should be proud to have this fine machine.

Thanks to everyone that contributed help to my research. I learned alot of Graham Bradley history from James Fred and Keith Ladage. Thanks gentlemen for your patience in answering questions. Thank you Karen Brown for your information via email. Dennis and Doug Brown deserves the most credit for saving it from a fate of becoming scrap

Photography credit also belongs to Doug Edwards.

I had a goal to publish a minimum of two articles on this blog each month. Of course, I’ve set a lot of goals I have yet to reach. It all boils down to one important factor. Focus!

August was a dark month. Nothing was published. September isn’t shaping up to be much different. That doesn’t mean my creativity was dormant though. My energy has been toward finishing a novel.

Since I discovered the art of word smithing, I’m also learning there are different styles to being an author. A magazine reporter tells the story quickly and distinctly. This is the style my following is familiar with from me. My blog articles tend to be presented in that format.

A novelist has more expressions of imagination. The author not only tells a story, there is more coloring in the presentation. This style is similar to a painter working a plain canvas.

I’m sure others can write a book and produce solid articles at the same time. One of my writing heroes John Sandord is a newspaper man. My local hero Cindy Ladage has written a book. It must be possible!

My other issue is I’m not Clive Cussler, or like the late great Robert Parker, some of my other admired authors. I can’t sit down at my keyboard and pen a tale all day. I have to work to support myself. I don’t get paid to write…..yet. I do however have a job that I get paid to do while there is opportunity to write doing it.

Bottom line, I’m not making excuses. All of my readership is very important and I appreciate and enjoy knowing there is a following to my musings. I can only be thankful for continuing support.

In regards to YouTube and Patreon video, I’m not ready to produce content. That’s just too many irons in a very unstable fire. I had support going down that avenue earlier this year. It’s gone now, leaving me with much to learn before the undertaking. I barely have time for creating. I’m a perfectionist and I feel I can do better.

You may ask what can be expected from me then. Well best answer would be much the same…. Sparatic content as I continue learning the craft. I plan to continue improving my photography because that works hand in hand with the writing. I’ve reset my goals. Maybe two articles was a bar to high, for now…

There is content waiting in the wings, and plenty more ideas. Please have patience and faith while my imagination runs rampant in novelist mode.

As always, thanks to all that give me readership support!

I have often visualized a conversation with my grandfather if he were still around. I would think he might find collecting farm equipment interesting, if not peculiar. I’m sure he would understand and probably admire the preservation of our ag heritage. He, however, was a very practical man and viewed farm equipment as a tool. I’m not certain he would understand ownership as a private museum collection.

Grand dad held a classic look he would give a person, looking over the top of his glasses. His facial expression would determine his attitude depending on anger or simply him being perplexed. I can picture that look and even hear him ask “you’re going to do what?”. I highly doubt Grandpa would understand the concept of a tractor drive. I could hear the added quip “We have cars and trucks now. Why?”

Now a plow day? That would reach his realm of comprehension. Getting together a group, of tractors, to turn the earth is something he even took part in. Plowing may have been somewhat of a social engagement, but I doubt it had been viewed recreational. They worked together to get a needed task accomplished. That wouldn’t be seen as a “play” time like modern day.

In honor of my ancestry, I termed my collection sandbox toys. I’d just as soon operate the three Farmalls doing tasks they were intended for. I’m thankful that my H has been restored to show room presence. My Super C and 300 both are very parade presentable too, but that shouldn’t mean they no longer get “down and dirty”! They’ll wash.

Theres no fun in a toy set on a shelf to only be admired. I enjoy going and participating in a show. That is only one way to enjoy tractor ownership though.

I’ve operated a tractor many times thinking about the two Shaw men that ran the type equipment before me. Reflecting on memories of my childhood and recalling stories of the past just heighten the experience. I was to young to work in the field with Grandpa. I did get to work beside my dad a little though.

I knew dad understood the joy of Ag heritage preservation though. He was bitten by the collectables bug the same as I have been. We went to plow days together before he passed, but at that time we only had lawn and garden tractors. There was unspoken agreement we both wished we had a tractor and plow. It makes owning one now, bittersweet for me.

Another pleasantry is sharing the joy that the tractor experience brings. Besides being antique tools, tractors symbolize heritage, family and friendship for me. I hope I’m not the only one feeling that way…

Photography credit for the picture with me on the Super C goes to Corey Edwards. The gentlemen pictured are Doug and Jason “red manager” Edwards in the still photos. Kerry Periman is operating the C in the video.

My H was restored by my friend Doug Edwards. Any restoration work needing done…he comes highly recommended.

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 come from a very artistic family. My mom sewed, quilted, knitted, made dolls, pretty much anything creative. Her older sister paints and is also crafty. The sisters encouraged their children to explore artistic talents. My sister, cousin and I have musical talents. We all play or have played various musical instruments. Some of that ability was self taught.

I have discovered, during my writing pursuit, that pictures express thousands of words and help tell the story. It’s also true a photograph can tell it’s own tale. Because of this, I have become interested in another art form.

These first three were taken while I was enjoying a quiet evening with a couple that mean alot to me. When my mom died in 2014, I had thought my world would never be the same again. I figured I wouldn’t have somewhere to go and have someone to talk too. Its, of course not the same, but I’m grateful for how it is now. There is family by birth and then there’s family created by special bond. This farm is a special place for me to go.

Some of these images have been used in other articles. If the picture is viewed in whole its noticeably on the same location.

I took these for an article I was commissioned to pen. These were a few that I sent for consideration to be published, but they didn’t make the cut. That was a great photo shoot! Probably because of the people involved are great friends of mine

Jim Edwards’ Super 77 made the cover of a magazine. The editor had several choices. Here were a few from that photo shoot.

Scenes from home.

More of my photography can be found on Instagram ~ Rick_antiqueironmedia

This musing is a small escape from my normal theme of the blog. I’m a story teller, I learned that from my heritage. My grandfather, and dad could weave a great adventure or joke. In their spirit, I’d like to think I’m perfecting my craft in different form.

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…..