27 Loon Lake Road Bigfork, Montana 59911
Here in Northwest Montana we have our own ‘Field of
Dreams,’ namely the Northwest Antique Power Association. We
have discovered the key to a successful show, and that is to have
something for the ‘little people’ to do, and this year we
had just that. Besides having three model steam engines running on
tracks, we had two barrel trains giving rides to the children both
show days.
Showtime was September 12 and 13, in Columbia Falls. The weather
was perfect both days. When Saturday arrived we had 56 tractors and
115 engines. A 1909 Case steam tractor and a 1923 Minneapolis 28 HP
steam tractor were busy either threshing oats or plowing with a
12-bottom plow.
Our oat crop was great thanks to ‘El Nino.’ While the
kids were enjoying their rides, the bigger folks were kept busy
watching threshing, sawmilling, baling the straw, or just browsing
among the tractors, perhaps reminiscing of goneby days down on the
farm. Walking by the engine rows must have shaken loose some
memories of times when the engine wouldn’t start so water could
be pumped or clothes could be washed. Well, times haven’t
changed much. We still have to fiddle with the same parts that
caused Grandfather so much grief.
Our tractor parade had 50 tractors in it both days, and our
grandstand was full of spectators with standing room only.
We had exhibitors from Idaho and from eastern Montana. Wayne
Matson came from Wisconsin with his ‘barrel train’ and was
kept busy both days. There were tractors and engines for sale. I
know that two engines found a new home.
This is the ‘pit crew’ changing a wheel
on Jim Matson’s Heider–just before our tractor parade. Jim
Matson is putting the wheel on and Wayne Matson is manning the
jack. That’s Gary Yaeger in the background. Someone should tell
the Matson boys that steel wheels don’t go flat. But perhaps
the wheel would not turn and they had to take it off to loosen it
up and even apply some grease to the bearings.
Everyone agreed we had a successful show, and plans for our 1999
show are already on the drawing board. We have picked September 11
and 12, 1999 as our show dates. Any questions, contact me at the
address above.
This Massey Harris ‘Pony’ tractor belonged to Glen
Forman of Columbia Falls, Montana. Glen passed away on October 5,
1998, at the age of 69. The ‘Pony’ was one of Glen’s
favorites as he showed it every year. Glen was a charter member of
our club. He didn’t hold any office, but if there was any work
to do he was there to help. He will be missed at our next show.
Glen is survived by his wife Elva, three daughters and six sons, 29
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
