27 Loon Lake Road, Bigfork, Montana 59911
In the northwest corner of Montana we have three wonders of the
world: Glacier National Park, Hungry Horse Dam, and the largest
freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Now we can add one more
the Northwest Antique Power Association annual show, all within 40
miles of each other. This year it was held on September 6 and 7,
1997, in Columbia Falls.
Displayed in four rows were 58 tractors, 55 stationary engines,
one 1909 Case 15 HP steam engine, and three scale steam trains
giving rides all day long.
I don’t know for sure if El Nino had any effect on our grain
crop, but it was a good one! The men ran the separator twice a day
for two days, using the 1909 Case steam engine as a power unit. The
grain was augered into a genuine horse-drawn wooden grain
wagon.
The straw from the separator was then baled by Clyde
Pederson’s Allis Chalmers Roto Baler (late ’40s).
A horizontal shingle mill, run by Steve Sky berg, cut cedar
shingles both days. Our club logo was then branded into the shingle
and given away.
Jim Matson used a 1930 Papac ensilage cutter belted to a 1920
Model C 10-20 Heider tractor that he has spent over a year
restoring. We don’t have much corn in this country, but Jim
found some garden corn to cut up and blow into a truck. This year
was the first time the Heider was shown, and with all the lace and
fancy frills on it, it is indeed a lady’s tractor. In fact,
Jim’s wife Delores was seen driving it in the tractor
parade.
Dennis Black of Arlee, Montana, brought his 1916
Emerson-Brantingham tractor to our show. I understand that this is
a very rare tractor and maybe the only one complete and running.
Thanks, Denny, for showing it off.
We had exhibitors from Idaho, Oregon, and even Wisconsin. Wayne
Matson of Chetek, Wisconsin, brought his two scale model Oil Pull
tractors, and the young men ran them all day, giving rides, in the
cart behind the tractor.
We had cool sunny weather both days, so the gate attendance was
real strong. I guess you could say our show was a success! People
attending the show came from as far away as Florida. My friends,
Jim and Pat Callender of Columbia, Mississippi, made a trip out
here just to see Montana and to take in our show.
Our next show will be held September 5 and 6, 1998 at the same
show grounds in Columbia Falls, Montana. Everyone is invited to
attend. Any questions, write me at the above address, or call
406-837-4795.
