LET'S TALK RUSTY IRON

Back in 1935, Fred and Joe Heidrick built a swather, using a Star automobile engine, a Ford Model T differential, and a 10-foot header off an old Caterpillar combine. This machine is on exhibit, as are hundreds of smaller tools and implements used by the Heidricks.

Fred Heidrick and Pop Hays were friends. In fact, Fred gave Pop the 1929 Chevy truck that started the Hays collection, so it made sense to combine the two collections under one roof, which was accomplished in 1997.

Both Mr. Heidrick and Mr. Hays are gone now, but their collections are preserved for all to see and enjoy. If you ever visit California, don't miss the Heidrick Ag History Center. It's even worth a special trip to the Golden State, as far as I'm concerned.

Nancy and I went on to check out Sacramento, then traveled over the Sierra Nevadas to Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nev. We then drove across the wastes of Nevada and Utah to Salt Lake City, where we turned in our rented car and flew home. It was a great trip! FC

- Sam Moore grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. He now lives in Salem, Ohio, and collects antique tractors, implements and related items. Contact Sam by e-mail: letstalkrustyiron@yahoo.com

Finding the Heidrick Ag History Center

Traveling north on Interstate 5 from Sacramento, Calif., take the County Road 102 Exit. Then, turn west on Hays Lane and drive until you see signs for the Heidrick Ag History Center, which is on the left. Contact the Heidrick Ag History Center, 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland, CA 95776; (530) 666-9700; www.aghistory.org