THE BOB BUTTERFIELDS GO HOME WITH TROPHY, NEW FRIENDS

By Staff
Published on July 1, 1974
article image
Bill Paulson
Courtesy of Bill Paulson, Butterfield Advocate Newspaper, Butterfield, Minnesota 56120

Butterfield Advocate Newspaper, Butterfield, Minnesota 56120

Perhaps the most enthusiastic exhibitor at the Threshing Bee was
Bob Butterfield, a Wilmington, Ill., farmer, who was excited at
seeing his name all over town. ‘Almost like having your own
town,’ he mused.

Butterfield became curious about the town bearing his last name
after reading about the Butterfield Threshing Bee. He and his wife
arrived in Butterfield Friday evening after driving the 532 miles
from their home. They promptly became acquainted with many local
folks, although he said he was unable to make any direct connection
between the railroad man Butterfield village was named after and
his own relatives.

But what Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield arrived driving caused quite a
stir. They drove from Illinois in an immaculately restored 1932
Auburn coupe, a classic car with glistening chrome that even had
monogrammed windows. The car is a 12-cylinder, 160 horsepowered
beauty with a 3-speed shift and a 2-speed rear end. Only 24 of this
model were produced by an Auburn, Ill., car manufacturer and only
three are known to exist today.

Butterfield said he bought the car nine years ago and restored
it himself, although it did run when he got it. How fast will the
car go?, ‘As fast as the speed limit allows,’ he said,
adding that the Wilmington to Butterfield drive was no problem at
all.

Not only did the Butterfields make a lot of friends in
Butterfield, they also went home Sunday afternoon with a trophy.
Their 1932 Auburn was voted ‘most popular’ car by visitors
who cast ballots Sunday afternoon at the Engine House No. 2
display.

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