441 S. Milton Avenue Shelley, Idaho 83274
I have read with interest several fine articles sent in
concerning judging of engines and tractors, and I certainly agree
with the majority that the start of judging is one of the best and
surest ways of messing up a fine hobby. It not only soon becomes a
rich man’s way of showing wealth, but the competition among
fellow collectors is not the best way to continue the fine
friendships that develop through our mutual interests. And surely a
fine original engine is just as neat as an over-restored one.
I.R.O.N. (Idaho Revivers of Nostalgia), Branch #7 of EDGE &
TA, is a small group of fun-loving Old Iron Nuts that enjoy an
occasional ‘playday’ and really get into the fun aspect of
the hobby. Following is a document prepared by member Bob Remsburg
that depicts our true symptoms.
WARNING!
Iron Oxide Fever-Many cases reported in Idaho-Highly contagious.
Symptoms: Victims of Iron Oxide Fever may exhibit one or more of
the following symptoms:
1. Spends spare time rummaging through salvage yards
2. Attends all antique engine tractor shows within a 600 mile
radius.
3. Subscribes to one or more of the following magazines;
Two Cylinder, Engineers & Engines, Gas Engine Magazine, or Iron
Men Album.
4. Develops a sudden interest in wearing bib overalls, straw
hats and plaid shirts.
5. Eyesight so poor he can barely pass a driver’s license
test, but can spot a rusty engine ? mile through the field, in the
weeds behind an old shed.
6. Hauls home all sorts of broken, rusted engines that won’t
run, tractors with better than half of the parts missing, and other
assorted, rusted unidentifiable parts.
7. Associates and converses only with other victims of Iron
Oxide Fever.
8. Drools excessively over restored antique units and is
obsessed with obtaining same.
9. Has accumulated enough restoration projects to last another
100 years and just brought home one more.
10. Restoration of antiques takes precedence over house
painting, snow shoveling, lawn mowing and sometimes even work.
11. Weekend drives consist of prowling the back roads of the
countryside looking for more collectibles.
Treatment: There is no known cure for Iron Oxide Fever. It is
highly contagious, especially among some older men interested in
preserving the ‘Good Old Days.’ The fever will run its
course in approximately 60 years.
Recommendations: The following conditions are essential to the
survival of the afflicted:
1. Understanding wife and family.
2. Membership in several antique collectors groups.
3. Attendance at all local, regional and national antique engine
and tractor shows.
4. Treat respectfully, as criticism can prolong the
condition.
5. An old shed full of rusty cast iron.
6. Several acqaintances also afflicted with the fever.
Signed, Hassen Ben Konsius, Director of Insanity, State of
Nostalgia.
ATTENTION!
All new cases must be reported to Branch 7 EDGE&TA.
Afflicted persons contact CIA (Cast Iron Anonymous). Help also
available from Idaho Revivers of Nostalgia.
