I’ve always been something of a history buff. Although, it’d probably be more accurate to call me a “story buff,” but history and the stories that come from it certainly qualify. At least, they do in my case.
Farm collectibles and old iron fit neatly into a very tangible form of history. Old agricultural and industrial practices may have passed by the wayside, but we can still see and learn how they were done and, more importantly, the tools they were done with. All this history certainly makes filling these pages a good time for a story lover like me.
Speaking of history in these pages, this issue of Farm Collector has several historic stories to share. Starting with “IHC’s First: The IHC Friction Drive,” you can read about the history of International Harvester’s first-ever tractor, as well as the history of why we even call these prominent machines “tractors” in the first place.
If you’re more inclined to a bit of mystery, Barry Tuller’s “Secret of the Dairy Maid” is for you. In this story, you can follow our writer on his extensive hunt for the manufacturer of a unique engine featured in the Montgomery Ward catalog.
John Deere has a prominent place in agricultural history. The story of one of their foundational successes, the Gilpin sulky plow, and its designer, Gilpin Moore, is found in “King of the Sulkies: Gilpin Plows.”
We also have an excellent story from our friends at the Coolspring Power Museum (The Marinette Engine Story, Part 1). Their museum features a 75hp Marinette gas engine, and this issue now features the first part of the history of that engine’s design and manufacture.
In this issue’s Tales from Wales, Josephine Roberts covers some of her own personal history, including a brief mention of a world record she participated in with her Massey Ferguson 35.
Farm collectibles and old iron exist as a unique kind of history: functional history. While most artifacts and museum pieces in other genres are too fragile to operate as they did originally, our historical artifacts can still run and perform their original jobs (albeit with a little work at times). It’s a testament to both the quality of the original manufacturers’ work and the skill and dedication of the communities that keep them running.
So here’s to all of you out there working on vintage engines, tractors, and farm equipment and keeping them in operation. You’re now a part of their stories and keeping their histories alive.
Until next time,
Zach Brown
