Route 4, Morrison, Illinois 61270
The Antique Engine and Tractor Assn., Inc. held its annual show
on July 13, 14, 1974 at the Ivan Wildemuth Farm where we have our
show grounds. It was our luck to hit the two hot days of the year,
but at least we were given a break from the everlasting showers
that were so common to the spring and summer of 1974.
From the angle of attendance, this was the low year but the
often expressed opinion heard in the crowd was that no one could be
blamed for not leaving an air-conditioned house to endure heat like
we had on our show days.
Due to our experience with the heat and the fact that July is a
mighty busy time on an Illinois farm with corn and bean
cultivation, mixed up with a bit of alfalfa hay now and then, the
club has decided to change the show date to September 13, 14 for
1975. This will still conflict with some on dates, but we did not
feel we should wait much later.
There was the usual number of around 200 at the show and
about 30 tractors. The Frick steamer was ready to go, but due to a
change in rules a deadline slipped by and we could not use it to
thresh last year.
The stack of oat bundles was still in surprisingly good shape
when we stop to consider the terrific amount of rain that fell on
it and the mouse and rat damage was not so bad as previously.
While we were somewhat disappointed in some ways last year, we
certainly were pleased to hear so many good comments from the
people who seemed to enjoy the show, especially those who came to
see gas engines. For some reason, the show paid out in spite of a
smaller crowd and this brought on a feeling of relief in the
club.
