4045 Abbottsford Rd. Goodells, Michigan 48027
The Richmond Antique Engine and Threshing Association’s
annual antique engine and tractor show was held on the activities
field of the Memphis Lions Club, Memphis, Michigan on August 13 and
14, 1988.
Over a thousand people attended the 3rd annual Memphis Lions
Antique Engine Show, featuring International Harvester equipment,
with many I.H.C. and McCormick-Deering tractor and engine owners
attending in spite of a very hot and dry weekend brought on by the
summer’s drought.
There were F-12’s, F-14’s F-20’s, 10-20’s
22-36’s, an I-9, a W-9, W-30’s, and W-40’s for the farm
tractor entries; portable engines and stationary engines were also
on display.
Jim Gray, New Haven, brought his I-9 International tractor.
Likewise, Bob Wier of Allenton brought his 22-36 McCormick-Deering
to the show. Bill Wylin of Armada had six tractors on display: a
10-20, an F-12, an F-14, an F-20, an A and an M, plus 1? HP and 3
HP McCormick-Deering type M engines. Bill Volkening, New Baltimore,
had his 1914 I.H.C. 6 HP Titan portable engine among the many
entries.
This show also marked the Association’s 10th anniversary.
Local radio station WSMA was on hand with a remote broadcast
station on both days describing the highlights of the show and
interviewing club members.
Louis Trautman of Richmond demonstrated his shingle and veneer
mills, giving the finished shakes and veneers to viewers as
souvenirs. The club’s portable saw mill was busy both days
making planks as well.
Bob Wier and son Bob Jr. brought their 1921 Port Huron 19-65
steam traction engine and 1944 John Deere separator for the
threshing demonstration with some of the grain that was separated
given to Bill ‘Dixie’ Flannigan, Lexington, so that he
could demonstrate his beautifully restored Gibson oat roller,
powered by a 3 HP throttled governor Fair banks Morse ‘Z’
engine.
There were field plowing demonstrations and a ‘parade of
power’ each day allowing the exhibitors to display their
favorite tractors and machinery under power to the delight of
onlookers.
A vendors area was provided for the sale of clothing, hardware,
written material, and toys related to antique farm equipment. The
Richmond Theater group sold food and drinks and Ken Crowe, Ontario,
Canada prepared a delicious black pot bean soup.
Pete Beres, Richmond, took care of the raffle booth with a
rifle, clock and two 10 speed bicycles being awarded to lucky
ticket holders.
At the end of each day, many of the exhibitors who stayed
overnight sat around and traded stories, some tinkered with their
displays before turning in for the night’s rest.
To the many people who made this show a success, the club wishes
to offer their sincere gratitude. Without these people, shows such
as ours would not be possible. Thank you everyone!
The 4th Annual Memphis Lions Antique Engine Show will be held on
August 12 and 13, 1989, with Oliver tractors and equipment being
featured; all exhibitors are welcome. There will be 3 day parking
available for those who wish to stay over, and limited 110 volt
electrical service can be provided. Many new attractions are being
planned, one of which will be a pedal tractor pulling contest. For
information, contact John Tyson, 31501 29 Mile Rd., Richmond,
Michigan 48062, phone 313-749-3719. This year’s show is
expected to be the best ever. Plan to be there!
