Keeping track of the toys is no problem. Although he has inventoried his collection, "I remember what I have," Dan said.
His favorite toy is his old pedal tractor, rescued from a ditch on his father's farm several years ago. Half the metal had rusted away, but he had the tractor restored.
Most of his pedal tractors have been restored, but most of the other toys on display are in their original condition.
"I never did go to a toy show every week," Dan said. "Now I go to two or three shows a year. It's pretty hard to find things I don't have, and they are very expensive."
Although he has new and used toys for sale, he will not sell pieces from his personal collection.
He gets his biggest kick from the visitors --especially the young ones. Kids who like the toys give Dan a special thrill. One 2-year-old who stopped every week with his grandparents would stand and scream with delight at the spectacle.
"Those memories are the kinds of things you can't put a price on," Dan said.
Dexter Farm Equipment is located at 606 North Sparta, Wataga, IL 61488.
Dianne L. Beetler is a lifelong rural resident who enjoys writing about people with unusual collections. She has been published in Country, Farm Journal, Farm Show, Antique & Collectible News and AntiqueWeek. FC