No marching band, but firetrucks semis antique cars, horses, and of course tractors. What would anyone expect for a small midwest town?

The Waverly, IL picnic festival was this weekend. What festival isn’t complete without a parade? I’ve been a participant in past years, and I’m not sure why I had taken a hiatus.

This year, I felt obligated to take one of my Du-alls. I purchased the tractor from a Waverly local, and Jerry Rawlings is a nearby resident. It seemed fitting my R8 traveled the route.

Of course, my N8W just recently came from Edwards Tractor Restoration, and it was fitting to make a public debute. Steve Farmer piloted that tractor.

I made a phone call and invited Marvin Stinebaker along. He was more than happy to come. Marvin brought a backup machine, just in case. Fortunately, one tractor was enough.

Marvin invited Dennis Clark from Pawnee along. He was on a real sharp Wheel Horse. I noted Dennis had a backup tractor stashed in his covered trailer.

Carl Davis was also in attendance. Marvin told me no one invited him. He  just crashed the party! We tease each other, that’s how we  gauge our friendship. I’ll be honest, I’m glad Carl was there. He’s a great candid photographer. I’m using some of his pictures. 

Digger Dave Kemp decided he was more comfortable on a big tractor. We’ll cut him some slack. He mows with his choice now and then

The following pictures are en route. Carl took them. Obviously! I’ve never done a selfie from the back

The parade went well, for the most part. My R8 started to have fuel issues. My good fortune was it started at the end of the parade

I noticed Carl had his hood open at a couple of pauses. That’s what he gets for choosing a Deere. Marvin and Dennis didn’t need their alternates. Steve had a quick problem with the N8W at the beginning, but I knew he had everything under control.

I’m not sure why I haven’t been getting a team together for parades lately. After the fun, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll sure  get started again.

Authors don’t just write. They have to promote the book. Unless you’re already famous or a big name with an established publisher

Saturn car dealers had a no pressure tactic. They felt they had an amazing product that would sell itself. Some of you may never have even heard of Saturn cars, so I guess the low pressure approach didn’t work so great.

My novels are good, if I don’t say so myself, but I need visibility for the  public to discover that. The Saturn tactic didn’t work, I can’t expect it to work for me.

I need to face the fact that my in person sales have kind of been by accident. A casual mention has led to several books being hand sold. I have sold two copies at the local Harley Davidson dealer, a copy to the weight master at a grain terminal, some friends have sought a copy at a tractor show, and a few friends have chased me down for a copy.  I’m grateful for the sales, but that just ain’t gonna get me noted as a bestseller.

Nerdy Noel isn’t  my first attempt at a book signing event. My first try was at a book fair for the Judah Robinson Foundation. Although I didn’t make any sales during the foundation fair, I had a great time and came away deeming it a success. Judy Snyder, the host, was disappointed. It wasn’t her fault! She promoted and cajoled. The age-old saying, “Ya can’t lead a horse to water.” Yes, I’m paraphrasing to suit me.

That event was still a success. With networking, we made friends with other authors. Ideas were shared. Too bad the authors outnumbered the crowd.

Writing isn’t my day job….yet. This whole novelist adventure is fun. It would be great if it paid the bills a little better, but…. well, so far, it doesn’t.

I’m in Huntsville on vacation. Working? (Shrug). This has been my first chance to meet my publisher / editor. Jack LaFountain is quite the accomplished author as well. He has twenty titles published. Having “face time” has been much better than phone conversation and emails. Interacting personally has been more rewarding.

Robert Borders, another House of Honor Books author, is also in attendance. I have to admit, I’ve learned a lot about the methods of engagement. I need to get away from the Saturn sales mentality. Both Robert and Jack know how to “work” the crowd and draw them to the table.

We worked together  selling everything title House of Honor has available. Team work makes the dream work for our publishing house

I talked about my returning from Alabama in a previous article. Wanted One Banjo. On Saturday, during our initial meet. Jack, Robert, and company toured Lowe Mills. This is an old textile mill that has been reused as an arts center. Anything from music to painting could be found. One small shop was dedicated to building cigar box guitars.

My ticket home from Alabama wasn’t a banjo. However, I did find a cool shovel guitar

~ Edit. I didn’t purchase a shovel guitar for my return home. However! I met a local cigar box guitar craftsman. My mature resolve was lost! Logan Elliott created two shovel guitars, in which I’m the proud owner of one

I’m headed to Huntsville, Alabama this weekend for a book fair.  I guess it’s a fair, I’m going to help peddle books. I’m not sure what to expect, but I already view this as a successful adventure.

This will be a team participation. My publisher House of Honor Books has a booth for this venue and I’m one of three authors attending Robert Borders will be on scene

House of Honor Books publisher, editor, and fellow author Jack LaFountain will also be in attendance.  Jack has many titles that are available. I highly recommend any of his work. I openly admit I am a fan.

I’m looking forward to meeting fellow authors and I’m excited to be going.

So, have you figured out my need for a banjo? I can’t come home without one. As the ole song says “I come from Alabama, with a banjo on my knee”

2024 celebrated the fifth tractor drive and cookout hosted by Josh Adkins and Doug Edwards. The morning weather was rainy, causing concern about participation. Sunshine finally made an appearance. Even after a delay, the Franklin parade stepped off slightly late.

28 tractors traveled the parade route before the drivers embarked on their exploration of the countryside. Jim Edwards led the caravan through the journey to Nortonville and the final destination at the Adkins farm.

Jim and JR Harris were presented Grand Marshall plaques for appreciation of the great support through the past five years.

  A thank you also needs to go out to members of the Grass Roots Tractor Club for the behind the scenes help. Thanks also to Bob, Bob, and Corey for manning the support truck.

I will have phone conversations to pass the time as I travel back and forth down Interstate 55. I can only stand hearing the same song repeatedly played on the radio. Let’s face it the telephone can be the only source of social contact in this fast place world.

On this particular day, I was visiting with my friend Nate Reinhart, Nate,of course, also was looking to defeat boredom. We have a tendency to talk about everything and anything. Somehow, the conversation turned to tools. Nate noted how versatile the cresent wench was.

Its not just a size adjustable multi tool, we decided. As tools go, the wrench is a hammer, a pry aperatice, a gear puller, can or a bottle opener, and a stir stick. A cresent wrench is truly a very multi functionary tool, no matter how misused.

I have even seen a cresent used as a hitch pin.. Nate witnessed it used as a clamp.He even suggested it used as a measuring device. Carpenters can use it for a stud finder, although the drywall may never be the same.Being a Lawn and Garden guy, I’ve actually used a cresent as a wheel chock.

The tool can be used recreationally, Maybe as a tent peg.or a boat anchor. A baseball bat  and maybe a Javelin. Losing it from the Javelin toss could lead to a great game of hide and seek. Perhaps in that reguard if a dog is present, it could be used to play fetch. I guess a kid would enjoy the game too.

How about medicinally? Think about the relief of stress. Tossing the tool could relieve pent-up tension. The wrench could make adjustments of aditude. Maybe thoroughly cleaning the cresent it could be used as a substitute for anatheshesa? Maybe not, that might cause undo bruises.

An emergency tool! It can’t be used as a seat belt cutter but as a glass breaker. Of course, morality issues come into play whether a person is breaking in or breaking out.

Cresent wrenches come in many sizes. A small one could be used as a key fob. In that regards, a larger one could or couldn’t be used as a theft deterrent. Some gas stations use ridiculous large objects as anti theft for bathroom door keys. A cresent wrench probably would never be returned. Even with the proper moral mindset. The tool is too useful.

I admit that some of these uses may seem to condone violence and theft. Please understand I DO NOT condone such things. This celebration of the crescent wrench is just another attempt at satire.

Nate and I had a long list of uses, some practical, some maybe not. I leave it to you, the readers of my musings, to create even more imaginative ideas.

Recently, I proclaimed to a couple of tractor friends, “I may be too stupid to own antique tractors.” There may be truth to that statement, but I’m willing to take measures to be smarter.

I’m fortunate to have the right people in my inner circle. If not for them, my venture in owning certain tractors would be for not. I admit that I rely greatly on  their expertise. 

I monitor certain Facebook groups. A member of the Shaw Du-all group managed to acquire two N model tractors, an N5 and an N8W. He immediately put the N5 up for resale. I was aware, but I didn’t seriously consider making a bid for it. Not right away.

The N5 was still for sale. The second owner was willing to let it go. Last fall, we came to terms on purchase,and I made arrangements to pick it up. The tractor was in TN.

The previous owner informed me he could only find a forward and reverse gear. He also was having difficulty getting the little tractor to run. He bypassed the original coil and went the modern route. Of course, a more modern coil needed a 12 volt power source. He ingeniously hid the battery well. The man had a good plan. Unfortunately…..well, I’m getting ahead of myself.

The N5 went directly to my friend Steve Farmer. He had a pretty good idea why the transmission had a problem. The shifting forks were out of sinc.

Steve is my go-to mechanic and also my assistant in research. Jerry Rawlings is my go-to fabricator. Jerry was still working on my R8 at the time.

Authors note~ Jerry had a glimpse of the N5 on its way to Steve’s shop. He informed me that the automotive coil and battery needed to go. He wanted an opportunity to look it over.

Steve discovered the problem of why the transmission wasn’t correct. Unfortunately, he was ailing last winter and not up to demands of shop work. Jerry got his wish. After the R8 left to be painted, the N5 replaced it in his shop.

The N5 had been neglected. The paint made it look good, but there were issues and more issues.

The transmission wasn’t a big problem for a fabricator that built three tractors from spare parts. The engine was more of a battle.

The first thing Jerry discovered was that the original coil was so far out of time it was never going to fire properly. It was also weak. Jerry discovered the cylinder walls were lightly scored. He gave me a choice. Overhaul or replace with another engine.

I was actually ready to search out another power plant. I had luck finding an engine for the R8. Jerry wasn’t of the same faith. He wasn’t sure good lighting would strike twice. Under his advice, he overhauled.

Even now, I’m going to proclaim. I am not impressed with the Briggs and Stratton 14FBC engine. That wasn’t the company’s best effort. Maybe I’m mostly disgusted with the unavailability of parts now. I had a difficult time finding a replacement coil. A new friend in RI came through with some help on that.

Jerry managed to get the engine running, and the tractor was moving and stopping as it should. It’s all adjusted correctly, and linkages are right.

Of course, Jerry made a couple of improvements. He made a step

Jerry also spaced the rear wheels for a wider footprint. I’ll reveal why that was necessary when we discuss another tractor project. I also own the N8W now, but that’s a story for another time.

I opened this article with a proclamation. Well, I leave it to your call. It’s not a good idea to overfill the crankcase. That tends to get past the rings and foul the sparkplug.

I actually did my own repair, okay with the advice from Steve. Jerry and another long-time partner in crime, Kevin Periman.

Jerry had warned that the spark plug needed to be replaced. Well, it’s really necessary when an idiot kills it. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, but I need a harsh critic for positive self-improvement.

The right sparkplug is getting hard to come by. That didn’t surprise me. The fates smiled on me. I found one or two. After a little fumbling on my part, the little machine purred like it did when Jerry sent it home with me. At least for now. The little engine smokes a little, but it’s old, I’ll allow that.

Kevin and I got a little creative. The seat was too low and uncomfortable. Not now! It’s good to have friends that weld and have metal scrap laying around

I also came up with a toolbox for it. Got to have somewhere for the pull rope.

Another frustrating fact, I’m not discovering much in my research about the N models. If the basis for year of manufacture is from the engine. This N5 was built in 1954. Jerry hinted that the engine may not be original. He read that the 14FBC didn’t have a long life expectancy. Is there any truth to his theory? The transmission and rear-end date from the late 30s or 40s  Did Stanley hold off  in creating the N series until the 50s?

My personal opinion is that I like the N model a little better than the R model. The N is more operator friendly. It’s an easier tractor to mount. I think the clutch, transmission, and rear-end are more stout. I also think the tractor’s balance is far better. Both my R8 and R12T have front wheel weight to counter a light front end. The N models don’t seem to need the extra weight. That’s just my opinion. Who am I to judge?

There is a little town in  southeast KS that was founded in 1871. Oklahoma wasn’t even a state yet. The era of gun toting outlaws and native Americans still were at large. Kansas was mostly roving prairie,maybe a little wheat. Galesburg was a young town on a vast land.

Stanley Wilbur Shaw was born on a nearby farm 10 years later. His early years would prove him to be imaginative and an inventor. He decided to build his own tractor after seeing one. His tractor was built of wood and human powered by cranking a handle with one hand and operating it with the other. This may seem pretty crude and simple, but Stanley was 9 at the time.

At age 14, Stanley built his own steam engine. The engine was built from pump parts and odds and ends Shaw found. Stanley was notoriously good at re porpousing. He must have come by that talent early.

Stanley built his bicycle. The wheels were borrowed from his father’s planter. Stanley didn’t ride his bike in the spring. Dad needed his wheels back.

Shaw created his own gas-powered engine in 1902. His engine found one of its first uses to propel his bicycle. He must have gotten tired of pedaling. With the planter wheels, I can’t say I blame him. Stanley was one of the first to have a motorized vehicle in that part of Kansas. Not surprisingly, I’m sure horses were still a major source of transportation. In 1905, his engine found a patent.

At the turn of the century, young Stanley had a watch repair shop. While he repaired and sold watches, he also built his engines. He sold his engines mostly as kits for the do it yourselfers. His bicycle conversion saw production numbers of 13000. Remember, Kansas still wasn’t civilized. Shaw was taking part in helping that.

Shaw built a car the Shaw Mobile in 1908. He improved that making a second version in  1922, the Shaw Speedster. That two seater could reach the high speed of 25mph and was easy on fuel. Was there a fuel concern back then?

In 1923, Shaw created kits converting Model Ts into tractors. This endeavor continued until 1931. Through the time period, the consumer could also purchase the kits for a model A ,Chevrolet, and Dodge brands.

Shaw purchased a motorcycle factory in Kokomo IN during 1911. Instead of relocating,  He expanded the housing of his business on his own property. He had been persuaded to stay in Kansas by his father.

Shaw’s main business remained headquartered in Galesburg until he retired. He sold his manufacturing plant to Bush Hog in 1962 with the stipulation that Bush Hog retained his employees. The terms were agreed on.

In personal life, Stanley was wed twice. He married Mary Jane Byrne (1877-1934) in   1910. The Widower Shaw married Nora Shaw (1886 – 1969). His first wife birthed a son and daughter. Stanley Byrne, 1911 – 1961, passed away at age 50, Margaret,  Stanley’s daughter, lived to a very old age like her father, 1914 -2009. Shaw has heirs, more than likely still with us, from Stanley Byrne. Margaret never married.

Shaw had interests in photography. The pictures in his advertisements were taken by his hand unless he was featured in the photo.

Stanley Wilbur passed away a little past his   100th birthday, of April 12th. He died May 24, 1981.

Photography credit unknown. Thank you Syndney Shaw for sharing to the internet.

I have been approached recently on my insights on tractor values. I won’t claim to be an expert on the topic, but I do have some advice. Maybe that and an added two cents probably wouldn’t buy anything. None the less, here is my story.

I started collecting Shaw Du-alls a few years ago. I went from not even knowing they exist to the point of having four in my collection now. There have been pitfalls on my collection journey. I may have made mistakes. Maybe I have gone too far, spent too much, but that’s just me.

One great take away is I’ve made some great friends.  The advice to me has been a strong asset. I may have not always listened as close to what they told me though. That’s not a complaint. I hold myself accountable to my decisions

My first Shaw was purchased on auction. It was a 1951 R12T. The tractor was probably original paint. It had good tires. I learned later, after my second purchase, it wasn’t complete. I’m embarrassed to admit the adrenaline of bidding pushed me, and I had strong competition. I paid too much for what it was. That was proven on resell. I only got half of my investment back. Lesson learned

The second add was another much nicer R12T.  This one was brought to my attention via Facebook. I was directed to the seller and we agreed on a price. Many prospective bidders wouldn’t match his asking price, but I was willing. I also was willing to travel the distance to bring it home.

There is a couple take away. Know your budget and understand others may have a larger one. Don’t be afraid of a little competition if you are willing to compete. If not, don’t take it personally.

Another take away, be willing to travel. Not everything is right next door.

I had every intention to restore my first Du-all. After my discovery of the second one, I realized that the tractor wasn’t complete. It would take alot to recreate the tractor I have now.  I put the first tractor up for auction.

That’s another consideration. Restoration is expensive and difficult. Finding parts can be a challenge.

I tend to shy away from project tractors. I don’t have the necessary time to dedicate to projects. In a lot of instances, I don’t have the expertise either. I’m fortunate to know the right people, though.

I don’t always follow my imposed rule, My next Du-all was a major project. I also didn’t go searching for it, the tractor found me. The story about this tractor can be read in two recent posts on this blog. The “Barn Find” and The R8 “Barn Find” Revealed.

The recommended readings will explain the challenges in the restoration process. Even a cheap tractor costs money to create a polished jewel.

I picked up two more Du-alls during a holiday trip to Tennessee. My N5 had been purchased on advanced arrangement. The N8 became available right before my trip.

Both sellers made me aware that the tractors had issues. That’s to be expected with old tractors. The N5 had a transmission problem. The former owner also had problems getting the little tractor to run correctly. To be honest, if not for my go-to guys, I would have left the N5 in Tennessee.  The transmission wasn’t a complecated problem. The shift lever needed a little repair to work correctly. At the time of this article, the N5 is currently getting an overhaul.

The N8 can be cantankerous. Its former owner confessed he had problems getting the Wisconsin power to start. My diagnosis was a magneto problem. I don’t know how to fix a magneto, but my friend Jerry Rawlings does. The tractor is still cantankerous, though. Maybe it’s just the nature of a  Wisconsin engine.

There is another consideration besides the amount spent for purchase. I originally only planned to paint the hood and grill on the N8. Doug Edwards, owner of Edwards Tractor Restoration, has helped make up my mind to paint the whole tractor. The work he did on the R8 reinforced it was a good decision.

I bought the tractor at a good enough price that the cost of painting won’t “put me upside down” in value. I have more money in the tractor that I can’t recoupe. Of course, I have no intent to sell.

I used my four Shaw Du-alls as an example for this article. My parting words of advice.

You get what you pay for. Shaw Du-alls are the perfect example of my point. These tractors are a little rare, and they can command a high asking price. If you’re not willing to ante up, maybe owning a Du-all isn’t right for you. Sorry to be harsh!

Do your research! Even good-looking tractors will have issues. There might be a reason if the machine is priced reasonably. Starting cost is only the first factor.

That’s my advice, if you’re looking to buy happy hunting! If you already own one, congratulations! You made a great investment in history. If you’re trying to sell, be honest, and don’t be afraid to hold firm on your asking price. The right buyer will appreciate the tractor’s worth.

It’s sad to see what our society has cone too. Modern technology, although it’s a great convenience, brings on a new stream of cyber criminals. We even have to guard against foul play in our recreational pursuits.

I personally haven’t become a victim to a scammer yet. I have witnessed an intended snare a few times. If a person is careful, doing their research, they should come out safely unscathed.

I am old enough to remember when Craigslist was a very popular outlet for buying and selling. Those days came to a close when the odds of a scam out numbered the chances of a legitimate trade. Many have gravitated to Facebook Marketplace, but sadly the scams grow more everyday.

Early this year, an uncommon Gibson tractor became available on Marketplace. The Model D was under priced. The tractor was immaculately restored and worth far more than the asking price. With that potential, response to the listing should have been fast. My suspension was raised, noting the advertisement was over a week old.

I personally looked closer at the pictures. Clues can be discovered in the background as tells of legitimacy. There were other uncommon tractors in the background. This caused me to question why the tractor was priced so low. What was wrong with it?

Best offer was included in his ask. I made a lower reasonable offer, which the seller ignored. Either the seller was valuing the tractor from others, there was something wrong, or the sale was a scam. At any rate, it was the latter.

The inspiration for this article happened recently. Shaw Du-all tractors are not very common. Nice restorations are even rarer. I belong to a Facebook group of fans, and I dare say we have a good idea of where the nice ones are located and who owns them.

The scammer should have done more research before  making a foolish attempt. Of course, the scammer must have felt more intelligent and thought very little of the public’s thinking. Probably the proper mindset of a scammer.

Supposedly, he was located in Western Illinois and was finally tired of the care and maintenance. He only took the tractor to parades and fairs and he was ready to part with it. The little old lady driving to church on Sunday mentality.

The tractor was priced too low for what it was. The rareness and condition could command a much higher price. The pictures weren’t totally clear. The problem for the scammer was that the pictures were also familiar. I wasn’t the only one to recognize that.

There are several Shaw enthusiasts in Illinois. I don’t have the good fortune to know all of them, but I do have an idea where the tractors are. This particular pictured Du-all was not even in Illinois

Long story short, the scammer was instantly discovered and outed. The moral of the story…Scammers aren’t that good at thievery, but they still try.. As consumers, we all need to beware and extremely careful. What seems too good to be true generally isn’t!