October 11, 2017 Andrew Owen “Andy” Harris (May 3,1947 – October 6, 2017) made his final journey to his resting place. His last wish was to travel there on his beloved Oliver 1955 GM diesel powered tractor. His tractor was driven by his nephew Jay Harris. Twelve of Andy’s tractor friends accompanied him on the final ride

I was honored to be among the Twelve. Andy was a gentleman and many people enjoyed being in his company. During the wake and service, I discovered there was more to the man.  I wish there had been further opportunities to learn that. Plain and simple Andy Harris was a great friend.

The founding circle of friends that created the actual “Antique Iron Mafia” are familiar with the dealings of mortality. In fact, the Facebook group was initially created to pass information concerning a memorial tractor show held for another friend tragically lost in an automobile accident. During the planning for the memorial is when and how I actually got to know Andy.

Kevin Becker (August 5, 1974 – October 6, 2013) was also a friend to many. Kevin’s community spirit and sense of friendship made him very popular. Kevin and I had already been friends before we started showing lawn and garden tractors together. We had been approached with the opportunity to host a show in companion with a community event in 2013. Even though it was a great success, I hadn’t made the administrating work any easier by moving away a few weeks before the show took place. Kevin was to take over as host for the following year. Tragically we lost Kevin two months later. The 2014 show did take place, as a memorial to our friend.

My dad wasn’t in the best of health, he didn’t make the journey down to be involved with the memorial event. I had brought his Case 130 for display though. The Sunday evening after the 2014 show weekend, when I returned his tractor to him, would be the last time we were together. He passed away in his sleep early the following morning.

My step brothers and sister were in agreement with my plans to honor Dad’s wish for an intimate graveside gathering to bid farewell. I stepped up to my greatest challenge and officiated the service. Dad’s beloved Case 130 was included. When my family had tractors on the show line, one of them usually flew our nation’s colors. Dad’s 130 has an unusual drawbar that makes mounting the flag difficult.  On the day of the funeral, the 130 finally carried the stars and stripes.

In 2015, another greatly honored friend passed that was a loss felt by many, even by Andy. Tom Crawford was widely known for his tractor antics. His knowledge of antique tractors was often sought out.  He left a very extensive collection and was always playing or working with his tractors. He farmed, he pulled, he drove, he saw. He was even known to just ride into New Berlin on a tractor just for his morning cup of coffee. Dave was very close to Tom, and I can’t help but enjoy stories he regales when he shares them.

October 11th was a cold, grey, wet morning. I dressed in my usual utilitarian manner to deal with antique tractors, with exception I wore a dress shirt and tie.  My 1947 Farmall H, which was my intended choice for the procession, wasn’t in a cooperative mood that morning.  Dave suggested his John Deere 4020 as an alternate. Two of the tractors, from New Berlin were to big for us to haul currently. Brandon and I drove in while Dave followed along transporting a slower one.

On our journey to Jacksonville, we passed the cemetery where Kevin’s marker stands. In a sense, I felt him climb on board with me to be included in the farewell. My Dad is always in my heart so he was along for the ride as well. Considering the close bond that Dave and Tom shared, Tom was on board the IH 1566 guiding Brandon and Dave.

The problem of placing Andy on his hearse was quickly dealt with before the service. Seven more pallbearers were enlisted to ensure the proper dignity of the duties.

I still can’t find the words to describe the touching moments of respect shown by several on the journey during the procession. At one crossroad, two semis blocked the road to protect the procession’s progress. The drivers stood quietly, their hats in their hands, watching us pass. In fact many watched our passing, quietly paying their respect in their own manner. Those actions I had thought were lost and only seen in old western movies.

October 11th may have actually only been a symbol of Andy’s last ride. He in sense will always be a part of our drives to come. Andy, Tom, My dad, and Kevin will live on in our hearts and memories for some time to come. All it takes is for us to allow that to happen. I personally choose to let it.

 

Those that know the Case history will appreciate my title pun for part two. It’s still a catchy title none the less

My Case collection grew by number and tractor size in the last few years. I, for some reason, decided I needed to own more than one fullsize antique tractor and was starting to get away from just being a lawn & garden collector. My original plan was to buy a Farmall Cub, which to me was a tractor in both worlds.

A tractor friend, Tom Crawford, had passed away in 2015.  He had owned a very extensive collection of all brands and sizes. Even though Dave and I originally went out to Tom’s farmstead seeking a Cub for my  growing collection, Dave remembered there being a better little tractor that would be more suitable. He figured I would like the little orange tractor even more than owning  a Farmall Cub.

Along a wall, covered in dust was a Case VAC. The tractor hadn’t seen much use. Dave remembered Tom would drive it now and then. Evidently he had plowed with it, because the wheels were set to track in a furrow. Dave was right! I did like the little Case and I struck a bargain to initiate ownership.

The little tractor recieved a brand new battery and constant fussing trying to get it running again. It ran long enough to drive onto a trailer for it’s short ride into town. 

Modern gasoline isn’t real friendly on fuel systems built in 1950. I battled trying to get the little tractor to run right, changing fuel filters, blowing out the lines, and Dave showed me tricks to adjust the carburetor.  My friend Kevin Periman finally solved my issues by rebuilding the carburetor all together. Finally the tractor ran like the little jewel expected.

I found out in a hurry the next spring that a Case VAC isn’t a wise choice for a tractor drive. They’re aren’t the quickest steppers and I held up the drive creating a large gap. The tractors behind me got off route and it was a little comical correcting the issue that morning. Since the tractor drive was passing through New Berlin, I quickly changed horses and used my H for the return, finishing the drive.  I still get kidded for being the only known person to leave on a drive on one tractor and come back on an a entirely different one.

The 1951 VAC did clean up pretty nicely. Even with the discovery it wasn’t fast enough for a tractor drive it was suitable for parades and shows. The small size and lite weight made for an easy hauler.

I embarrassed myself  during late summer last year at a tractor pull in West Alton, MO. A stock Case VAC is a little small on horse power and lite weight for a novice puller to attempt moving a sled. The ultimate goal is to actually move the sled…..I didn’t!

Earlier this year, I made a trade deal, with Jim Edwards, and gave up the little VAC. I was a little sad to last see the tractor go on the Mecum sale at the end of March. I almost bid on it to buy it back, but was afraid to ask Jim to haul it home for me again. I anticipated it may have cost me a tidy sum to have him transport it back for me.

I really need to learn browsing social media can get me into trouble.  Finding a 1964 Case 830 for sale on a Facebook group last November, I was intrigued to research further. Owning a tractor manufactured the same year I was could be pretty cool.

Case tractors weren’t real popular in the region of IL I’m from so they’re not real familiar to me. I really like the looks of that model. The long sleek hood with the headlights and eagle on display out front. They’re just a stylish looking tractor to me. I also find them really interesting since the Case L&G series I collect are modeled after them. The seller Nate Reinhardt was actually nearby so on a whim I made an appointment to investigate the tractor for purchase.

Digger Dave and I were off on yet another adventure. He was involved with every other of my large tractor purchases, I couldn’t leave him out on this one. I honestly respect his insight anyway so he was definitely invited to consult.

We arrived at Nate’s and went into standard tractor buying strategy. While Dave distracted Nate I’d privately examine something and then so it wasn’t obvious we would switch and I would distract Nate so Dave could examine something.  Nate and I negotiate and I came away with a pretty good deal.

There was only one problem to Dave and my somewhat heartless tactic. Case people are really great people. Money matters can get ruthless, in fact wars have started over money. I had already started to like Nate and beginning to consider him a friend. That happens alot with my Case dealings.

As it turned out, I really didn’t own the 830 for long. This project tractor was going to be to large a project for me to take on. I didn’t have the time and money to fix up the retired hay tractor.          I was also being inticed on owning another red tractor. Jim Edwards and I were in negotiations for me to buy a 656. My red power family heritage was starting to shine through. I wonder if dad and grandpa were looking down from heaven shaking their heads and telling our great Creator to influence me to embrace the family philosophy again.

Three months later, I resold the tractor and it’s retired easy life becoming a show piece ended. A hobby farmer bought it and put her back to work. Dave was dispatched to transport the farmer’s purchase to its new home near Dietrich. Of course that created another road trip adventure for the two friends to take part in.

Case people really are great though. My friendship with Nate has been going on now, longer than my ownership of the tractor I bought from him. I’m actually gone full circle to being only a Case L&G guy again. I still come away with some pretty awsome new friends living out my story of increase.

 

My dad, Harold Shaw was actually the original family member to own a Case lawn tractor. We actually knew very little about their history. It really surprised me that he purchased a 1965 130 and had it repainted considering our family was more inclined toward International Harvester. I immediately started doing Internet-based research to discover just exactly what he had decided to own.

I was soon to discover this particular model was the first one produced with the Case logo. Case had purchased the Colt Manufacturing Company, a small Wisconsin garden tractor builder. The 130 and a bigger model designated the 180 were only produced for one year. The 130 was powered by a 10 horse Kohler, hydraulic driven, and had 12 inch rear wheels. The 180 was powered by a 12 horse Kohler, and rode on 16 inch rear wheels. Case lawn tractors aren’t terribly common in Central Illinois, so dad had come into owning a uncommon tractor for our area.

Dad was pretty proud of his little tractor. He had even managed to get his picture on the cover of “Old Abe News ” sitting on the trusty little machine. He left the tractor pretty well stock originally. My influence would come to play since I had a habit of “dressing up” my tractors.

During our first show we attended together, I managed to find him a set of Chrome hubcaps that looked pretty nice.

Soon after that he would decide to follow my example and get the exhaust exposed to the sky and a chrome straight pipe was installed. My uncle found a chrome air cleaner at an auto parts store that fit. The 130 started to wear some bling. The original spinner on the steering wheel was wooden, I found a chrome one to replace the worn wood and it was installed for his birthday in 2014.  All my show tractors have mower decks, but I don’t show with them mounted. Dad asked my reasoning, so I explained it was far easier to load and the tractor didn’t take as much space when transporting. After some thought, dad allowed me to take the deck out from under his.

The 130 came with a steel pan seat. Dad’s had one, it’s a fun story how it came to have a leather padded one though. My dad didn’t get around real well from having a mild stroke. Most times to ease the work of unloading and reloading at shows I would do it for him. Shows generally take place when it’s warm, the sun shining down and lighting up the beautiful lined up tractors. Remember the sun HEATS things too. Guess who had to sit on the scalding hot seat to load the tractor, wearing shorts most of the time. I’m pretty sure that was how my rear got beat in my adult age. I always noticed he smiled when I sat down.

Ag bar tires were added for the farm tractor look. Most of our family show tractors have front tri rib tires when they became available. Dad’s was the first one. The front tires were downsized because we only found the tri ribs in six inch then.  

Dad gave me half ownership. He always offered to sell me the tractor being funny. My standard reply was I’d wait, someday it would be all mine. I was content with having half a tractor and him around as my partner. I guess technically it’s all mine now. My dad passed away on August 4, 2014. I’ll always consider the 130 his though, and I’m just taking care of it and showing it for him.

I haven’t done many changes since dad passed. The chrome stack was bluing out and I did replace it with a double wall to fix it. The foot pads now have a custom fit floor matt and I had a standard lawn tractor draw bar fabricated.

I have plans to have my painter friend Doug Edwards remove some war wounds and scars from showing.

JI Case produced the 100 series four years. In 1966 after retooling similar models were produced with hydraulic drive. The 150 with a 10 horse Kohler and 12 inch rear wheels replaced the 130. The 12 horse 190 replaced the 180. Case also introduced a gear drive transmission and designated it as a 120. The 120 had a 10 horse Kohler and rode on 12 inch rears. There was also a T-90 which was like the 180 but looks like a golf cart. Not to many T-90s were built and only 28 are still known in existence.

1967 found a few more changes and the 155 and 195 were produced, replacing the previous 150 and 190. These tractors were finally discontinued after 1968 when a new series was introduced.

Dad and I had fallen in love with the first series Case models and discovered a later model for sale during the 2011 Steam show in Jacksonville. Matt Zimmer had a couple 1967 155s he was selling. We never came to a deal for the next few years. I either had the money to buy one of them from Matt and nowhere to store, or finally had storage and was tight on funds. During the 2014 show, two months after dad died, I finally bought one.

I’ve tried a few different looks for the 155 and I have plans to make it a little more unique at some point.

   Around Christmas of 2015, I happened to be browsing Ebay and found a sale for a 1966 150. The seller was located in Ohio, which wasn’t a terrible distance to travel if I made the winning offer. I took a chance.  Matt Kiesel, who was selling, and I came to agreement. He was straight with me, telling me the tractor didn’t run. I had confidence there wasn’t anything seriously wrong with it. The weather was being very cooperative, so the weekend before Christmas I made the trip to Ohio. Not only did I come home with a self purchased present, I made a new friend in the process. Now I had another uncommon Case lawn tractor in the collection

Brett Becker tackled the not running issue the following March. The 150 is in process of being restored. Clinton Park painted the Flambough Red for me, and Doug Edwards is doing the finish work on the desert sunset tin. There’s hope I will debut the 150 with its new look very soon. Of course it will befit my unique style of presentation.

I really never expected I’d manage to obtain a 66 gear driven 120, this past winter I did just that. I had joined a Facebook group that exclusively discussed Colt, Case, and Ingersoll lawn tractors. Someone had discovered a Craigslist sale in Michigan for a restored 120. I made contact with the seller to compliment his restoration work. After a long pleasant text conversation that ended up being a phone call, he asked if I had interest in buying. I did, but there was 450 miles traveling distance between us. I made an offer sticking to the price for his consideration. I firmly was in belief he would get a better higher offer. Two weeks went by and he called me again asking, if I raise my offer, he’d make it mine. I declined a raised bid and was told he’d have to think on it a while longer.  Ten minutes later he called me back to finalize the sale.

Arrangements were made and I held off making the trip to Michigan for a few weeks. My friend Dave Kemp had made a sale of an item that needed delivery to Indiana so one of our first road trip adventures for the year was under way. Bright and early one winter Saturday we headed northeast.  After a very long day and 900 miles, we returned home with the one tractor I never expected I’d own.

I’ve discovered along my journey into being a Case L&G collector, there are so many friendly wonderful people that like these little machines. I have yet to make a purchase, or buy needed parts, without coming away with a new found friend. I look forward to visiting with my friend Bill Aschliman of Barneveld Implement anytime I need anything. He is always friendly and helpful. Bill told me once “Case people are the best!” His vast experience dealing with us is a fair assessment for him to know.

I started showing lawn & garden tractors in the fall of 2009 at the annual Prairie Land Steam Show in Jacksonville, IL. I had actually been collecting for many years before, but never realized how much more fun showing was going to be. Having several friends with the same shared interest helped tremendously. The work involved getting ready, transporting, and setting up was easier with a support team.

One friend had the brilliant idea to form a local club since we were traveling to shows together. No official club was ever actually formed though. Membership could change depending on who was around to discuss on going issues.  One idea was to have a show somewhere in the small town of New Berlin, where we all pretty much were living. Considering our organization format, that idea almost died in committee. We had many idea discussions. Some ideas were pretty good, then agian….

My friend Kevin Becker and I were approached at some point to host a show in August of 2013. The show was in companion with a small town festival and a L&G tractor pull.  Considering a month before the show date, I ended up moving 100 miles away we did manage a small successful show. There were only about a dozen lawn and garden tractors on display, but since we really had no clue what we were getting into, we felt we did a great job.

With me living 100 miles away, I turned over the hosting duty to my friend for the following year. I would still be involved, since modern conveniences, like the phone, helps to cause no hindrance on friendship.

The following September, my uncle and I made the journey down again, from where we were living, to participate in the steam show. Our small band on hand had a great weekend of fellowship together. Sadly it was the last time our other group founder would be with us. A few weeks later, Kevin was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

Our group of friends weathered through and coped with the loss. Kevin was a very well liked friend and community supporter. His funeral had been attended by 1000. In August of 2014, we honored our lost friend again, by having a tractor show. That year the show grew to 28 tractors, and many attending remembering our cherished lost friend. Kevin’s two brothers Chris and Brett helped me put together a wonderful little show.

Social media is a great tool when it’s used properly. During the planning and organization of the 2014 Memorial Show for Kevin, I created a Facebook group for everyone involved to keep aware of updates. We had tossed around ideas many times, since we started showing, about what we would call our club when we got together for our impromptu “meetings”.  The chrome shop mafia was very popular at that time and Kevin had thrown out an idea to call ourselves the “Antique Iron Mafia “. That was the name I tagged on to our group. The Facebook page has been growing from the 20 original members ever since then. The mafia tag was disputed once due to a link to organized crime. I proposed a name change but that idea was soundly defeated. Most argued, related the moniker to family more than a tie to crime. If there is any type of organizing, it would be nothing more than fun chaos

The “mafia” constantly changes. In the group on Facebook, new people become involved and sadly people have stopped following the timeline. Since 2014 the membership has grown to a current number around 140. The Facebook group members aren’t necessarily just in central IL either. We have members in several states now. I’ve often wondered why there is the following, but I’m also very grateful it is there. The group page has grown into a blog of sorts. Information is shared about upcoming shows, parades, and tractor pulls. I post things of interest such as reports on events, write ups about people in our group, and mix it up with a silly joke once in awhile. Participating and sharing is greatly encouraged, but I seem to be the major contributor.

Everyone in our group are special to me, we have notable membership though. There is a magazine editor, magazine writer, two other bloggers, auctioneers and “Machinery Pete” is in the group. I’m humbled by the amazing following.

The “live” version of the mafia changes alot too. In reality the active members seem to be who  I’m currently traveling around with or that I see at events. How several shows have been brought together in the past few years is a wonder. I mentioned the disorganization earlier. I’ve given up on being a show host and will no longer ask our membership to stress on the administration of an organized show. The are several area clubs that have those abilities, in fact many of the members belong to the different clubs. I enjoy my independence though and remain unwilling to become a club member. I’m just a promoter of events I’m aware of now and humble reporter to the events in which I participate.

Tractors are a great catalyst to making friends with country folk. I have become closer to many people after some sort of discussion about iron. The circle of tractor enthusiast grow everyday and I’m proud to be involved in that growing circle

Restore

• There are memories in my metal,
• if asked why I restore and collect
• It helps my heartache settle
• holding to, and never neglect

 

• This one here belonged to Dad,
• it was something important of his
• now its mine, but it makes me sad
• I didn’t want it quite like this

 

• Now this one here, we tried for years
• to own one father’s, one son
• It’s finally mine, after shed tears
• him gone, makes a bittersweet victory won

 

• We’ve customized this one here
• in memory of a cherished lost friend
• I’ll think of him from year to year
• and honor a bound never end

 

• Finally this one here, I’ve had for quite a while,
• its just hard to let it go
• Restoring it has helped me through many a trial,
• and maybe a little, help me grow

• Collecting doesn’t just make me blue
• I couldn’t do it and stay sane
• There are many happy memories too
• great friendships grown and gain

 

• Memories of the past, we try to retain
• It must be for love, why its done
• Building, restoring to regain
• For I know, I’m not the only one

I took a lot of ribbing for the longest time about when I was going to own a real tractor. In July of 2015 my friend Dave Kemp helped locate a Farmall H. It had a comfortable price and was a great starter. Technically it wasn’t my first owned tractor, when I was younger I had a small hay operation. The tractor I had then was a Super M. Brains aren’t wasted on youth, I didn’t see the worth then to keep that tractor.

My H wasn’t much to look at when I first purchased it. None the less I saw the diamond in the ruff. 

Last year, in November, I was lucky enough to have a locally renowned painter take on the restoration of the little 1947 model tractor.  Not only did my friend Doug Edwards bring it back to show room quality presence, the tractor now has new parts. The wiring harness has been replaced, with a new covered battery box. New lights, tires were mounted making it a 80 year old new tractor. 

My painter friend’s family has quite the extensive collection of John Deere, Oliver and IH. In fact Doug’s father Jim is my hero of sorts. His wisdom and friendship is greatly treasured. Doug unveiled my new little beauty on Christmas day last year.  Jim was present and during conversation he asked what tractors I’d like to add to my collection. Being a fan of red power, I stated interest in a 560 and maybe some day owning an 806. After a shared look with Doug, Jim winked and told me he had the perfect tractor suited for me. Last March, I drove home a 1965 Farmall 656 during an uncharacteristically  Illinois winter day. 

I’ll have Doug do his artistic magic on the 656 at some point. For now, I’ll just enjoy another ruff diamond