P.O. Box 369 Atwood, Tennessee 38220.
The West Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractor Association’s
annual fall show held in Atwood, Tennessee, on October 5th and 6th
was blessed with two days of beautiful fall weather. Better than
ever, the shaded show site at the ‘Y’ junction was filled
to overflowing into the adjoining ten-acre field. Antique equipment
arrived from across Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri.
We were especially proud of the Benton County Two-Cylinder Club who
exhibited some fine John Deere tractors. Also, a very rare R.C.
Case (1936) on steel wheels was exhibited by John Bourque of St.
Genevieve, Missouri.
Topping off a great show was the surprise visit of Mr. and Mrs.
Bruce Yamnitz who were dispatched from the National Hart
Parr/Oliver Collectors Association based in Charles City, Iowa.
Charles City, Iowa is proclaimed as ‘the home of the
world’s first and finest gasoline tractors.’ Old Hart Parr
Number One was engineered and built at Charles City in the winter
of 1901-02. The new word ‘tractor’ was coined there in
1905. In 1929, Hart Parr would become ‘Oliver Equipment
Company’ by way of a merger of Hart Parr, Oliver Plow Works,
Nichols and Shepard, and American Seeding Company. Therefore,
Charles City is the ideal home base for the National Hart
Parr/Oliver Association.
Mr. Yamnitz had a very productive visit with the Association.
After spending most of the day on Saturday, Mr. Yamnitz assured me
his organization has not ruled out holding a National Hart
Parr/Oliver Association Show in conjunction with the West Tennessee
Antique Engine and Tractor Association in the future.
Winding up this year’s show was the awarding of trophies as
follows: Best of Show ‘Farm Toy Display’ was awarded to
Chris Singleton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Singleton of
Atwood. Club members showed their appreciation of Chris’
interest in antique farm machinery. ‘Big Ed’ Glover of
Atwood always does everything in a big way. ‘Big Ed’ farms
big and also wears an extra large pair of overalls. Being big on
the Antique Association, ‘Big Ed’ exhibited five tractors
and took home the trophy for the Most Tractors Exhibited at the
show. An exhibitor from Kentucky and Keith Fesmire of Milan,
Tennessee, were first thought to be tied with eight engines each.
After producing a ninth engine, the Kentucky exhibitor took home
the Most Engines trophy.
Thus ends a great show of tractors, engines, arts and crafts,
and flea market. Enjoyed also was the Scouts’ Whole Hog BarBQ,
Westview Elementary’s Hamburger Stand, and the West Carroll
Band’s BarBQ Chicken.
This year, on behalf of area scouting, Westview School and the
West Carroll Band, we wish to give special thanks to former
Atwoodians, Dr. and Mrs. Charles B. Lansden. Dr. Lansden
appreciates his roots in Atwood, and now has a desire to benefit
local nonprofit organizations by providing his property for the
annual West Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractor Association’s
Show, which continues to grow each year.
