Stanley (right) pictured with brother Clarence in front of his original factory In 1903, Stanley Wilbur Shaw established Shaw Manufacturing in the rented space of an old drug store. It was a dual-purpose retail space. Shaw was also a watch dealer. He sold Elgin and Waltham watches. Original site of the first building today. Shaw was … Continue reading Shaw Manufacturering, Galesburg KS
Well traveled would be a fitting description of Evan Speicher. As a tractor collector, the young man has been known to attend far distant shows. He resides in Elk City, KS, and maybe there are no close by shows. That may also explain why he began hosting a show 3 years ago. He admitted that … Continue reading S&S Lawn and Garden Tractors
Stanley Wilbur Shaw must have had a vision to create garden tractors. When conversion tractors were being designed, his ideas produced a smaller unit. His reasoning was a smaller turning radius. Why did he see a need? He was in the wide open spaces of Kansas. Ohio collector Jeff Shaw recently added an interesting artifact … Continue reading Kansas Innovation
I've had insightful conversations about the future of antique tractors over the past year. People that I've conversed with have voiced concern regarding the well-being of tractor collecting. Is there any cause for concern? Maybe the correct answer would be yes and no. Tractor events draw all ages. The concerning age would be the younger … Continue reading The Future of Ag Heritage
The Sangamon County Farm Bureau added a new display in their Hayloft Building during the 2026 County Fair. The Bureau mailed a plea flyer with their early registration for the annual Russell Minor tractor drive. Five area collectors answered their request. The result was a very nice antique agriculture display. The display doesn't only consist … Continue reading Fun at the Fair
A good friend called me late Saturday afternoon. I noted that during our conversation, he sounded a little shook up. He revealed a tragic event occurred during a tractor drive he had taken part in. One driver didn't make it home. It's a harsh reality to consider that celebrating antique agriculture can end in a … Continue reading Invite Safety on Your Tractor
Jacob Brackemeyer, purchase a brand new Farmall Super C, in 1955. Obendorf Implement, located in Prophetstown, IL sold the tractor as a 1955 model, although it actually left the factory in 1953. The Delivery report documenting the transaction still exists. In fact, much of the original paperwork is still in the Brackemeyer family's procession today. … Continue reading Family Bought, Three Times
For the past five years, Argenta,, IL has hosted Farming in the Fifties. The small town, just east of Decatur, rallies together to honor antique agriculture. Tractors line the streets for the event. According to show coordinator Marty Bayless, the first year had an event tally of 40 tractors Marty shared that the normal average … Continue reading Argenta Celebrates Ag Heritage
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