8675 Douglas, Temperance, Michigan 48182
Fifteen years ago I attended my first antique engine show in
Buckley, Michigan. Although it caught my interest I didn’t
pursue the hobby until two years ago when I had and took the
opportunity to purchase a 1940 John Deere Model H tractor (s.n.
14444). I parked the tractor in my garage and worked on it in my
spare time. I also started attending tractor and antique engine
shows more diligently.
Although I enjoyed the shows, they didn’t offer the thrill
of finding an old tractor or engine in a field or barn, waiting for
someone to come along and bestow on it new worth.
Destiny came my way soon after attending a small tractor show in
Bowling Green, Ohio in early 1985. One night while at work, a group
of fellow employees and I were discussing old engines and tractors.
A co-worker of mine brought up the fact that his father had
an and was interested in selling it. I got in touch with Jack
Lonberger of Genoa, Ohio and set up a convenient time to go and
look at the old relic. So on the 4th of July, I set out with
growing anticipation. When I set eyes on the engine, it was what I
was hoping for. I asked what he wanted for it and he told me
whatever it was worth to menot to him. When I made him an offer, he
told me to take it easy on myself. After finally reaching an
agreement on a price, the old engine intact and in running order
was mine. Mr. Lonberger said he purchased the mixer around 1956-57,
just to listen to the engine run. Now today, 30 years later, I too
find enjoyment listening to that same engine.
