43138 Road 52 Reedley, California 93654
Branch #8 of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, located in Central California, observed their 10th anniversary show on the weekend of May 18 6k 19, 1991 at Lindy’s Landing, on the beautiful banks of the Kings River near Reedley, California.
The weather was near perfect, with the temperature in the lower 70’s, and the camp grounds provided plenty of shade, green grass, and a small field for the tractor exhibitors to demonstrate their skills in field work.
Since this was our 10th anniversary, a special button was available to all exhibitors, and a special effort was made to have all guests feel welcome and join us with the celebration.
Our special feature was the first presentation of a 1909 Case 30-45 HP steam traction engine exhibited by John and Mike Boyajian of Dinuba, California. Branch #8 members have waited for many years for this engine to make its first appearance and indeed its presentation was a show in itself. Many of the surrounding old timers came to the showg rounds just to see their favorite steam engine in action, smell the smoke, see the fire and steam in action, and hear their favorite sounds of the steamers four whistles. It brought back many memories to these senior citizens who remembered the days of old in the Midwest threshing fields. In addition, the Boyajian Brothers also exhibited a 1920 Model T truck, and a 1905 Commercial engine. Their brother, Jim, exhibited his 1920 4-5 HP Kermath Marine engine.
Another highlight of the show was when President Doug Peltzer paraded his newly restored 1921 Model N Waterloo Boy tractor which he recently purchased in Kansas. This tractor was in excellent condition and Doug made sure that anyone who cared to got a chance to drive it. In addition, Peltzer also exhibited his 1925 Model D John Deere Spoker tractor which was in showroom condition. This show gave the old timers and guests an opportunity to drive these old tractors around the show grounds, which made them feel young again even if just for a day. Robbie and Doris Souks exhibited their 1936 Model B John Deere tractor which was ready for any dealers showroom. Floyd Schmall exhibited a 1938 Model L Case tractor, a 1938 Minneapolis Moline Model U tractor and a 1955 MM Model 445 tractor. Floyd had the Case and the Model U MM in a tractor pull the preceding weekend and seemingly did not get any grease, oil stains, or dirt on them. You know some folks can just keep their tractors clean no matter how often they drive or use them. Floyd is just one of them. Regier Brothers, John and Gid, each exhibited a John Deere tractor, Bill Peters showed his 1936 Model J MM tractor, and Jeff John had his favorite 1946 Model G John Deere tractor.
Jake Golbek demonstrated sawing logs with his small sawmill, while his son Ron, who is vice president of the Branch, exhibited for the first time his newly restored and repainted John Deere Model 12A 1951 combine with a sacking attachment. This kind of combine is something new in this area and many guests had never seen a sacking attachment on any combine. Ron had the misfortune of breaking his arm with the last cranking or final checkup of the combine just before he left home for the show. He carried his arm in a sling and endured great pain, but it didn’t dampen his spirits or enthusiasm. Richard Silva unloaded his 1927 Ford-son tractor from his truck and made a bee-line to the tractor area in high gear (about 10-12 mph on steel wheels) and was not to be outdone by the more modern tractors. Richard’s performance was noticed by everyone and his 1927 Fordson was highly respected for its speed on steel wheels! Bryon and Mary Miksch exhibited their engine which Mary won at the 1990 Branch #8 raffle. Additional exhibitors included Vince Smith, Ted and Kathy Nielson, Stanton Filer, Davis and Belle Kope, Bill and Stacy Paloutsian, Mark Alge, C.R. Hoffer, Vern Fought, and Phil Mehl. My apology to any other exhibitors whose names were missed or unavailable. Tony Jewel, the Branch’s photographer, was active taking photos of all exhibits for future presentation to Branch members.
For additional entertainment there was a slow tractor race, a teeter-totter balancing act, and a tractor pull which held the viewers’ attention in great suspense while these acts were going on. Saturday evening was climaxed with a barbecue meal for all Branch members, as well as for new members who were being added all day long. The meal was followed with our regular semi-annual business meeting and raffle. Upon parting everyone said their goodbyes and were looking forward to another annual show to be held in May of 1992 on the same camp grounds along the Kings River.
