ON THE ROAD

Image Gallery Look for classics at Chisholm Trail Day.

Tractors in the Wild, Wild West

Revisit the Wild West at Chisholm Trail Day in Abilene, Kan., on Oct. 7. Combining a vintage tractor show with history of the old west, the event is held at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. And plan to spend the day: the heritage center is directly east of the Eisenhower Center.

Events on tap: train rides through the Smoky Hill River Valley, rides on a restored C.W. Parker carousel dating to 1900, sheep shearing, cane pressing, molasses making, a complete working blacksmith shop and a sawmill.

Adjacent, on 10 acres, collectors from through out the midwest will gather with demonstrations and displays of old iron at work. Threshing, hay baling, rock crushing, corn shelling, and grinding are planned. A 1920's John Deere paddle elevator will be used to elevate wheat from a wagon to a truck. A favorite at last year's show: the Tractory Dyno, where exhibitors put their tractors on the dyno to measure horsepower output. Featured this year: a 1929 Model 15 Caterpillar, industrial tractors, and Dempster engines. Also planned: parade of power, tractor games, contests, barrel train, antique car show, and crafts.

For more information: Dickinson County Heritage Center, (785) 263-2681.

On the Cutting Edge

BLADE SHARPENER SAW HEAVY USE IN SMITH'S SHOP

This Root Brothers blade sharpener was designed to sharpen the blade on a reel lawnmower. Owner Bill Rye, Pierce, Neb., says the sharpener was originally put to work in a black smith shop. 'It was in terrible shape when I got it,' he says, 'so I know it must have worked, because they sure used it.' The piece was patented in 1902, and manufactured in Plymouth, Ohio. Providing power: Bill's 11/2 hp Rawleigh- Schryer, made in Freeport, Ill, in about 1910.