HURON The celebration of the machinery that played an integral part in building our country returns this weekend, June 15-16, as the Huron Antique Power Association will take place Saturday and Sunday, in the southwest corner of the S.D. State Fair campground.
This years the antique show will feature Oliver/Hart Parr tractors, Waterloo Boy and its affiliated gas engines.
Everyone is invited to come out and hear the stories. The photo accompanying this story is of an Oliver model 2255 tractor that was rescued at a salvage yard, suffering a fire that left three of its tires burned, a hood distorted beyond repair, with engine and dash components melted beyond any hope of being used.
The rest of the story is that there was sufficient dirt and grime built up against the serial number plate, that the integrity and value of the tractor could be preserved.
Dennis Schilling, one of the organizers of this annual event talked about the antique power familys reunion.
One of the subjects of conversations that is popular in farming communities is about the tractors that power our farms and ranches, he said.
There are various companies and brands that are noted by their many different colors. Numerous shades of greens, reds, oranges, grays, blues, silver and others, have powered their way through the fields and farmyards for well over 100 years and each tractor is unique unto itself and carries a story with it.
That story begins with what dealer it came from or how it was acquired. Whether it proved to be a good tractor. What were the features it had and – of course – could it out-pull the neighbors tractor of a different color, while using less fuel to do it!
These are stories usually shared at a coffee shop, cafe or some other gathering, where at times, one may need boots to survive a particularly energetic session.
Aside from that, there are the personal and family stories that are attached to many of these tractors. Remembering the first time driving the machine by ones self. Receiving news – good or bad – while out working the back 40.
In our family, one story dates back to 1929, when Grandma drove out to the field where Grandpa was working, to tell him that the banks had shut down and all their savings were lost, he noted.
Maybe it was when a neighbor, enduring a hardship, was helped out by other neighbors, bringing in their equipment to plow, plant, harvest or whatever was need to help out.
Inevitably, there are stories of trading a tractor in on a new model, to later realize that I wish I had that tractor back. The list of reasons to regain that tractor is a long one – maybe it was grandpas tractor that he purchased brand new. Maybe it was something as simple as it was the tractor that you used when you learned to drive.
Tractor technology has advanced with the rest of the world, although we sometimes reminisce about the gold old days, forgetting about the army of cab-less tractors what once roamed the countryside. Those hardy tractor operators endured the cold, or hot or wet conditions right out there in the elements. And the wind. Working the fields on a windy day, as the soil is churned up, coating everything, or sandburrs, which would land on your clothing.
It is good to review the past and put the puzzle pieces of time into perspective to where we see ourselves today.
The Great Plains Oliver Collectors Club will attend the Huron Antique Power Association this weekend, to heard your stories, answer questions and just enjoy the show.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event, and if you happen to have an Oliver or a Hart Parrs tractor, bring them along.
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