I heard about the plan Keith Ladage and Mark Dozier had schemed several months prior to the Half Century of Progress show. Keith had planned on making two trips, back and forth accross the state, hauling his two Model As, a Model T, and golfcart.

Originally, Cindy Ladage had been recruiting me to help out as a staff writer covering the event. She initially felt overwhelmed after dealing with health issues earlier this year. Of course Cindy has demonstrated her resilience, bouncing back to her usual full steam.

The plan made was changed. Cindy had  learned of a local book fair in Petersburg. Neither one of us have discovered the abilty to be in two places at the same time. Cindy had to attend Half Century, but I didn’t. It was a logical decision for me to represent both of us as authors. I was pretty confident I could sell Cindy’s book, considering its a wonderful read. I’ll share about the book fair in another discussion.

The planets did align enough that I could be some help for Half Century. My schedule allowed me an offer to save Keith a trip. He was hesitant, not understanding I never hold favors over anyone’s head. My Sunday round trip included a delivery to Monticello anyway. This was all part of my sinister plan to draw Keith into the network.

Cue Garth Brooks ~ 🎵 I got friends in low places 🎵

We loaded Tuesday after I was released from work. Cindy insisted on serving supper. I can’t seem to get the point across that feeding strays isn’t in her best interest.  It‘s also embarrasing to admit I will work for food.

We didn’t convoy over Wednesday. I had a doctor appointment before I could leave. I managed to find my way, the overwhelming part was the delivery destination.

I’ve never been to Half Century, I’m not sure this counts. However, I have been to the retired base. I attended a truck show. I knew it was a big place and could be overwhelming. Keith dialed me in without inicident.

Unloading went quickly. Tim Seifert, and Wayne Ladage lent hands to safely off load.

I wish I could say my return trip home, on Wednesday, was uneventful. Unfortunetly, I litterly ran a wheel off my trailer! It’s very disconcerning to discover everything missing right down to the axle. I’ve got many years of driving experience and I take pride in my diligence. The missing wheel was on the left side. I’d think I’d have seen it go!

Cue the Kenny Roger’s parody ~🎵 Ya picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel 🎵

Actually, it could have been far worse. The wheel left at the end of the lane where some of my tractors are stashed. I’m glad it didn’t come off on the interstate! Perish the thought.

Now I’m like a mailman. I had a commitment to Keith. I was going to see it through. What’d I do?  Remember the network I was drawing Keith in to? Well I’m in that pretty deep. probably way over my head. I made a phone call.

Cue Garth again 🎵

I’m not going to reveal all my secrets, I just have sources and I called in a favor. I made it back to Rantoul, as scheduled. The return trip went without a hiccup. The Ladages, and the conversion tractors were returned home safely.

So, Have I been to Half Century? I’m just going to shrug my shoulders and let you, the reader, decide

Most times, my readership doesn’t read articles that get very political on my blog. A debate of color preference may be provoked, but beyond that, I don’t write hard-hitting exposure pieces.

I’m sure the readership is well aware of our bizarre political climate of late. If a reader comes to my blog for something light and fun, this isn’t the article for that.

This piece is more directed to Illinois natives. . I have to ask, Does anyone have concern about the bloated state budget that was pushed through?  Is anyone else concerned about the new taxes on fuel?

Let’s look at this realistic, our hobby is expensive to budget to begin with. Many of us spend a good amount for logistics already. Rising fuel prices will dictate what tractor events we can participate in. Tractors are only a recreational pursuit, but the new taxes will greatly affect us. Sadly, the legislation is not finished. There is further threat of even further taxation.

There is a proposal to charge a mileage tax on top of the fuel taxes! I, for one, have no wish to pay for extra revenue that no voter in down state will benefit from. If the revenue is needed for the city of Chicago, then tax the city and Cook County. Why is there a need to burden downstate with the city’s problems?

Our representatives in the state house are in a minority for our best interests. The mass majority shows  signs of greed and corruption. What’s the solution? Quite simple, we need to vote the corruption out.

The 2024 presidential election is glaring proof that every single vote counts. If it’s possible nationally, we can create the same momentum in Illinois.

Let’s all stand together and make Illinois great again.

Three years ago, The Ladage Tractor Drive started because of a bridge.

The family history can be traced clear back to Abraham Lincoln’s time. That is a pretty good indication that the Ladage family is well established in central Illinois. Their ancestral linage also has ties with other families. No matter how, there is the off chance of a relationship somehow.

This essay  primarily focuses on four brothers and a sister. Wayne, the oldest, followed in age by fraternal twins Kim.and Kay, Next in line is Keith, who is married to the infamous Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl blogger and author Cindy Ladage The youngest is Craig . Wayne recently retired from farming. Keith is still farming, possibly to legitimize Cindy’s farm girl title?. Kay married farmer Bob Hogan. Kim and Craig decided to get jobs in town. Kim retired from qCoca-Cola, and Craig is a contractor. Don’t think Kim and Craig have lost interest in being  on a tractor, though.

To tie this story together, let’s discuss the bridge. Sangamon County names roads after residents that live on them. 

Ladage Road that passes over a bridge dedicated to William Ladage. Logan Ladage’s farmstead is just north of the bridge. I’ve introduced a small part of the Ladage clan, and William happened to be their great grandfather.

Wayne and Keith decided they needed pictures taken of family significant  tractors on the Ladage bridge. This was an idea to pay tribute to their Uncle Logan. Needless to say, after hearing the novel idea, several in the family went along for the drive and picture session.

The following year, the scheduled drive was open to even more family and invited friends. ~  The statement “I’m not a Ladage” is a lame excuse. They will adopt,

I had foolishly declined my invitation for year two. However, this year.I was invited again and contracted as a correspondent.

The drive began with a prayer for safe travel

This year has been rough on Wayne. He recently lost his grandson Sgt Austin Rhodes. Memorial magnets and the American colors were proudly displayed on the tractors in Sgt Rhodes’ honor. The drive route directed past the cemetery to pay tribute.

Despite the recent loss, the annual drive is also a celebration of family. More than tractor drivers were participating. The day was a  Ladage reunion. Family came from across the state, and as far as TX.. The patriarch Roger Ladage was oldest, and Brody Ladage was youngest.

We planned a little surprise for Wayne this year. One of his  recent  tractors sold during his retirement auction found its way back for the day. Thank you, Ben Boesdorfer.

The drive wasn’t long, even though the memories will be ever lasting. There were too  many of us to take photographs on the  bridge, but Logan’s farmstead worked just as well. 

The drive ended in the Village of Thayer. This was an opportunity for food and more fellowship.

Photo credit goes primarily to Cindy Ladage. More can be read about the day on her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. It was my great honor to report this drive.

Buchheit store manager in Jacksonville, IL Eric Michuson, had a great success for public relations when he managed a store in KY. His KY store hosted an antique tractor drive-in. It’s not hard to imagine he had corporate blessing. Kenny Buchheit,a second-generation owner of the company, is also the founding curator of the American Tractor Museum. The Buchheit family loves antique tractors.

Eric was looking to recreate the magic again at the Jacksonville store. He asked Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration if he could help. Doug mentioned he might know a few people with tractors and that he’d make a few calls.

June 7th was the date set. 45 tractors surrounded the parking lot. A lot of sizes, ages, and brands were represented. There were tractors built in the 30s and ranged to more recent builds of the 70s. Jerry Rawlings  had his one of a kind build on display. The year of manufacture has never been determined. Doug Edwards managed to steal a ride on the tractor. During his joy ride, he acquired an ac unknown acomplice to the shenanigans

Roger Johnson represented Aumann Vintage Power and Ron Cowman of Cowman Auctions were on-site with merchandise and information concerning their business.

Eric, with assistance from store employee Kamryn Rowland, were  very accommodating hosts. Participants were gifted a goody bucket and lunch on the grill. Public involvement was promoted by voting for a people’s choice award  Jim Edwards received the award for his John Deere 6030

Nine tractors that have been restored by Edwards Tractor Restoration were displayed. Dick Stiltz had a Ford 8N, Ron Cowman brought an Oliver 88 Desiel, Jason Edwards had a Farmall 300 missing a front wheel, two Shaw Du-alls were in the line, Nick Johnson completed the list with Olivers. Doug has worked his magic on a 77 Desiel, 770, 70, and Super 77.

Despite a quick mid afternoon scramble to load and beat the incoming rain, a great time was had by all involved.

Special mention to Darrel Hebert, although he didn’t display a tractor. It may have been a little logistically difficult since he traveled from Louisiana.

I met Andy Hinrichs several years ago. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a conversation longer than a few minutes with him. Until the Saturday after his 16th successful Garden Tractor Jamboree. Andy would personally attest to the fact that it’s very difficult to have a meaningful visit during the event. He’s just too busy.

Andy and his wife Lisa are northern Illinois natives. They lived in several apartments around Rockford before settling on their property outside Oregon. There was plenty of land for outbuildings, besides the house. The house was first, and that was over twenty years ago. So far, that’s the only house their son AJ has lived in, and he’s twenty now.

Andy’s collection isn’t limited to lawn tractors. There are a few farm tractors. He has a 60 that once belonged to his father. AJ got a toy tractor when he was born. It just happened to be the real thing. His toy is a John Deere A.

There is also a mass collection of hit and miss engines housed in the barns. Andy doesn’t collect the extraordinary. He likes the common ones. He told me they are easier to fix because parts aren’t so hard to obtain.

Andy likes the lawn and garden. The prices are a little easier to budget. Storage and logistics are also easier to manage. Basically, his view sees L&G as a good place to start for young people. Andy wisely sees the future of historical agricultural collecting in the hands of our youth.

The inspiration for Andy to start the Jamboree actually has roots to Dyersville. IA. There was a show held ironically neighboring where the Feild of Dreams diamond was built. After looking around that show, Andy told himself, “I can do this.”

16 successful years have passed, proving that he can. The first year had 155 tractors on display, and the show has grown there after. Andy claims 2019 was one of the better years.

The show administration is completely in Andy’s control. The staff is completed with family,neighbors, and volunteers. Other than the gate fee, Andy absorbs a majority of the show costs. There is no sponsorship, and Andy has no plans to change that. The local 4H is the only benefactor of the annual auction. Andy’s quote. “This show is for the collector participants.

Participants seem to follow a progression in their attendance. Generally, the first year will be the year of discovery,just being a spectator. From that point, they’re hooked! AJ’S isn’t exactly a local event either. Collectors come from the surrounding  states, even as far as Ohio, Tennessee,  and Kansas. Andy sees his show as an early year chance for everyone to reunite and show off what’s new.

It’s amazing how successful one family can single handedly host a show on their own property. Andy has purchased the ground to the north of him. Future plans are for AJ to build. Could this also be potential for show expansion?

Thanks, Andy, Lisa, AJ, and family for your continued hospitality.

Editor’s note~ With one exception, photo credit goes to Andy, and whoever took the pictures I found on Facebook

I, like many others, can relate to Joe Diffie’s song celebrating the pick-up truck. I probably had my first truck that young, but I didn’t haul anything for the girl next door. I didn’t have any close neighbors.

I don’t agree with Joe’s fondness for Chevy, however. He and I will just have to agree to disagree. I wouldn’t want a Cadillac. I have had a few cars, but mostly trucks. I shared my truck ownership recent history in an article, Changing Logistics.

Saturday, May 3, found me selling books in partnership with Cindy Ladage. We were in Greenville, IL. This is our second cooperative venture. Since we’re country folk, the outdoor venue suited us. The host allowed us to have my truck right where we set up.

Cindy pointed out that we actually could have set up without the table. We used the truck tailgate as our place to sit instead of the sales surface. Her idea caused me to reflect.

A lot of my life has gone over a tailgate.

I’m a certified SCUBA diver. A good majority of my logged dives were in local “black” water. The dives originated on shore. Any guesses, what serves as a great gear assembly point?

On a busy summer day, a line of pickups and SUVs could be found at lakes that accommodated SCUBA. My book New Perspectives celebrates that style of diving.

Tailgates make great work benches for any number of activities. I’ve used mine as saw horses.

Everyone has been to a tailgate party. Some four-wheel drives are the perfect height for a bar top. I have fond memories of going to the drive-in with friends. We would take several trucks and mill among them. Sometimes, we’d even watch the movie! I’m not much on sports, so I’ve never actually been to a bona-fide tailgate party.

I can only think of one bad experience involving a tailgate. I lost a lawn tractor out the back of a truck. In those days, my dad didn’t have the convenience of a trailer like I do now.

We’d find a handy embankment or a ditch and back the truck so the rear was lower. The tailgate would make a great dock plate or ramp.

My dad put me in charge of loading our JD 110 in the back of the truck. We didn’t believe in straps. Leaving the tractor in gear worked fine, maybe set the brake….

Well, it’s all good on paper. I got into a hurry. It was supper time! I pulled away from the bank, and the tractor decided it didn’t like it in the truck. It rolled out backward and flopped upside down.

My dad didn’t yell too much.  It took a minute to stop laughing at me. I have a greater appreciation for that model of lawn tractor now, but I hope to have some latitude. I was only 12 at the time.

A JD 110 looks pretty sad wheels up. The steering wheel was never the same after the accident.

What was the takeaway? Set the brakes, leave it in gear, and make sure the tailgate is secure. Maybe a rope as a tie down. The things learned with experience