Rt. 1, Box 139, LeCenter, MN 56057
The 18th annual LeSueur County Pioneer Power Show was held
August 23-25, 1991 on the club’s permanent show grounds, six
miles east of LeSueur, Minnesota.
The big highlight for the ’91 show was the hosting of the J.
I. Case Collectors Association summer convention. It was truly a
privilege to work with the board and officers of the JICCA in
setting up the ’91 convention.
Over 80 Case tractors were on display. This included several
related company tractors such as Heider, Rock Island, Wallis, and
Little Bull. It also included the three late model Case IH units.
Of the older Case tractors, we had a 10-20 three-wheeler, a 12-25
two-cylinder opposed, and a 20-40. Also there were seven crossmotor
models, ranging in size from 10-18 up through the 25-45. A nice
variety of 1920s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s
tractors were in the line-up. There were orchard, high crop,
industrial, older, low-hour, and crawler models present.
Seven Case steam engines were in operation, including 30, 40,
50, two 65’s, a 75, and an 80 HP size. In the field, we
threshed with three Case separators, a 36 x 58 wing feeder, a 28 x
46 steel machine, and a 24 x 42 wood ‘agitator’ that was
powered by a five-team Case Woodbury horse sweep. This latter
combination proved to be a real crowd pleaser. Another separator
that was the center of attention was a 1948 Case 22 x 37 machine
that is still brand new, never used, and still in the shipping
stage. The Case dealer in New Prague, Minnesota ordered this
machine in 1948, and it never sold. The separator sat in a barn
ever since and was sold at auction this past August to one of our
Pioneer Power members, who in turn donated it to our organization.
Plans are to leave this machine just as it is.
Other displays in the Case building included a 1914 Case touring
car, the 20-40 and 10-20 three-wheel Case tractors, and several
other nicely restored tractors. There were models and a display of
Case cast iron seats and corn planter lids, Case walking plows and
Case memorabilia in good quantity. A variety of Case toys and scale
model units were also displayed along with a Case horse-drawn
mower. Three large Case eagles were in evidence.
Besides the JICCA convention, there was much more to see at
Pioneer Power. A record total of nearly 275 antique and classic
tractors graced the showgrounds. It was quite a sight to see all
the different, gleaming colors of tractors parked on the grassy
hillside.
Gas Engine Grove is always a beehive of activity. Many different
displays are lined up along the three streets in the Grove.
Miniatureland is also located here, and houses one of the finest
displays of working models of any show. On the east end of the
grove are the saw mill building, toy shed, dynamometer, stationary
steam building, and wood working shelter which includes shingle and
lathe mills, planer, and veneer mill. On the west end of Gas Engine
Grove are the 1859 log cabin, school house, Dresselville creamery
(used for food service) and the children’s playground. Speaking
of food service, 10 different commercial and civic organizations
provide an ample supply of tasty food, from dairy malts, pork
sandwiches, and bratwurst to homemade ice cream and home cooked
meals in the Thresher’s Kitchen.
Horses play a big part at Pioneer Power. Two barns house the 20
or so horses which are used for plowing, providing power to the
horse power threshing, giving hay rides around the grounds, and of
course, hauling manure. A children’s barnyard is stocked with
many different animals right behind the horse barn.
The Creative Country display building and Country Store are
packed full of various booth type displays such as wrenches,
kitchen utensils, dairy equipment, dolls, quilting, etc. A wide
variety of items can be purchased at the Country Store.
The huge 64 ton Mclntosh Seymour three cylinder diesel tractor
pull, various field events, parade of equipment, steam engines,
large display of old cars and trucks all provide the spectator with
a diversified view of Pioneer Power.
New for ’92 will be the Tractor Hall of Fame. In it we will
house as many different brands of tractors as we can. So if you
think you have a tractor that will fit into the display, please
bring it.
I’d like to thank all exhibitors who helped make our show a
success. People from 28 states and six foreign countries came to
see what you had to display. Our exhibitors all receive free
admission, camping, and a brass exhibitors plaque.
See all you good folks August 28, 29, & 30, 1992!