2025 Hillcrest Drive Anderson, Indiana 46012
Even Mother Nature could not dampen the spirits of the hearty
folks that attended UAW Local 662’s eleventh annual Antique
Tractor and Gas Engine Show, in Anderson, Indiana, on June 2-4,
1995.
This year’s featured equipment was Allis Chalmers tractors
and equipment, and Indiana-built gas engines. Friday, exhibitors,
crafters and flea market vendors really had to hustle to beat the
rain and the wind. After dodging the weather all day long, everyone
was happy to sit down and enjoy dinner. Once again, our annual fish
fry was a huge success. Over 500 dinners were served.
Saturday the grounds displayed many sights and sounds. The
massive orange Allis Chalmers tractors glistened in the summer sun.
Gas engines were chugging away. The lonely siren of John
Blake’s fire truck could be heard ‘moaning away’
periodically. Dan and Barb Davis, of Anderson, had the very
interesting Anderson History Museum, showcasing items that have
been manufactured in Anderson. Barb even dressed the part,
strolling around the grounds in her early 1900’s dress.
Flea market vendors enjoyed beautiful weather, and everything
was for sale from flags to wooden items, to wind chimes, echoing
their beautiful music in unison. Inside, clever crafters displayed
their talents. Ladies from the Spring Valley Quilt Guild offered
demonstrations of the painstaking stitches that are needed in
quilting.
The children really enjoyed themselves. They played on the
playground equipment, enjoyed ‘elephant ears’ and
old-fashioned ice cream cones. They squealed with delight as they
rode over the grounds in Bob Rhea’s ‘Bob’s Bumpy
Barrels.’ Thanks, Bob, for providing this unique ride.
On Sunday, various contests were held to see just how well these
collectors could ‘man handle’ their machines.
The People’s Choice Award for the tractors went to Ron
Graves, of Hartford City, Indiana, Local 287, for his John Deere
Hi-Crop A and Power Plant ‘D’ portable.
Jim and Linda Bogedain and Dale and Betty Stevens of Petersburg,
Michigan, combined their gas engines and many talents to create a
display that won the People’s Choice Award for the gas
engines.
Larry Lemmond, from the Saginaw plant, Local 2195, in Athens,
Alabama, won the ‘Long Haul Award’ displaying his 1926
Fordson. His wife Johnnie displayed her farm toy exhibit.
William Lucas, Lakeview, Michigan, won the ‘Long Haul
Award’ for gas engines.
There were 95 tractors registered and 205 gas engines. Twelve
states were represented, along with 45 Union Locals. We would like
to thank all of our participants and visitors who attended the
show. Special thanks to Carol, Jack and John Davidson, and to Helen
Bennett, for the tireless hours they put in.
We are looking forward to next year’s show, to be held May
31 to June 2, 1996. Dig out those old relics and plan on attending
the show where old and new friends meet!
