A rare gem is incredibly hard to find. As the quantity becomes more limited, the value increases. This concept applies whether we’re discussing a gem or a unique farm collectible. Ervin Yoder can attest to this challenge through his assemblage of farm collectibles.

“I’ve always had an interest in old rare farm items. When our family was young and growing, collecting was limited. Now that they’re living on their own, I’m able to collect more. Over time, my interest has shifted to the rare and unusual. Naturally, they’re harder to find and more expensive,” Ervin said.
Collection evolution
After Ervin and Erma married in 1980, they moved off the farm. Through his newly found carpentry work, Ervin moved around to different job locations. “That gave me the chance to buy items like those we used growing up on the farm. Collecting just seemed to grow from that. However, I’m more particular in what I collect today,” he said.

With his Amish farming background, Ervin greatly enjoys scale model farm equipment, especially the horse-drawn versions. “A lot of farm toy collectors have shelves filled with scale model replicas. I have plenty of those, but a friend has made enclosed display cases for mine, each with a different theme,” Ervin said.
Although Ervin continues to collect scale model farm equipment, his horizons have expanded. As you stroll around the couples’ Kidron, Ohio, property, you will find numerous rare items with some put to good use.
Sandstone collectibles
Hand-carved sandstone items date back to prehistoric times. They included weapons, farming tools and artifacts. As the craftsman’s tools improved, they were able to make utility items for farming and household items. Ervin has assembled a number of these items. He also repurposed a water trough of that style.
The origins of hand-carved sandstone troughs trace back thousands of years. They were used primarily to feed and water livestock. The troughs were often located at natural water sources to provide easy access for sheep, goats, cattle etc.

Although available in various shapes and sizes, the troughs were often carved into rectangles. This shape provided ample space to accommodate animals for watering and feeding. Being hand carved, no two stone troughs were exactly the same. When reclaimed, they are wonderful containers to make attractive displays, especially planters.
Ervin described the discovery of the large sandstone feed trough: “I was attending a sale and asked the auctioneer if he knew of any hand-carved sandstone troughs. He knew of one and provided the owner’s contact information. I tracked it down and was able to buy it.
“The owner claimed the hand-carved sandstone trough originated from either Germany or Switzerland. It was reported to have been set in front of a castle to water livestock. I’m guessing it weighs a bit over 2,000 pounds because it’s a task for the Gehl skid steer to lift and move it. We have it located along our driveway where it contains colorful annual flowers during the warm months of the year.”

A complementary collector item at the trough is a water pump made from wood. “I was fortunate in purchasing the unique water pump at auction. It is round and solid wood. A shaft was hollowed out inside to accommodate a metal pipe. And like most water pumps, it was activated by its wood pump handle,” Ervin said.
“Although it’s located at the end of the water trough, the pump has no useful purpose today. But it looks good and makes a nice complement to the water trough containing the flowers,” he said.
Another trough is smaller with a lower profile to accommodate sheep for their water needs. “I was fortunate to buy this smaller trough the same time as the larger one. The tank must have been set close to a building because the top edge of one side has been smoothed down to eliminate irritation to the sheep’s neck,” Ervin said.

Both water troughs have round openings at the bottom of one end to facilitate draining during freezing weather or for cleaning.
Ervin has utilized sections of a hand-carved chimney as an attractive addition along their home. “I acquired these sections from a person who claimed them after a home had been destroyed by fire. The roof line is visible along the lower section.”
When queried about their weight, Ervin said, “With their heavy weight, it takes two people to move each section. I’m estimating they weigh about 120 pounds each.”
Home mill grinder
Before the advent of mills, grain was shelled or husked by pounding. The grain was spread on a slab or block of stone and then hit with a hand stone. Following this crude method, a hollow mortar was development using an improved hand stone.

After moving away from the mortar and hand stone for grinding grain, a hand-operated mill was designed. Ervin acquired one such mill type hand-carved from sandstone. “The person I bought this from was told it had been used on the countertop in a European castle.
“I tested the mill by turning the wood handle as I fed corn into the opening on top. The upper stone rotates over a flat, round stone with edges. As the meal rolled out the bottom, I could not detect any chaff or hull, simply fine corn meal. It worked just fine over a hundred years ago and still works great today,” he said.
Toy wagons
Historians suggest that wagons first emerged during the middle of the fourth century B.C. in Mesopotamia. The wagon was used for transporting farm and building supplies. During ancient Rome, an improvement made the wagon more useful. This was the invention of the pivoting front axle, which provided better steering and turning.
The heretofore large wagon was scaled down as a toy version. The small wagon was large enough to give rides to children or to haul items such as packages. Small wagons were made for newsboys in the 1880s. The young lads hauled the newspapers around the city, shouting the headlines to sell papers.

In 1917, the most famous toy wagons were manufactured by Antonio Pasin in Chicago. Pasin made the Liberty Coaster in 1921 and the famous Red Flyer in 1927. His company became the largest manufacturer of toy wagons.
A highly collectible toy wagon carries the John Deere name. With its size and capacity, it can be pulled by a goat, consequently its nickname, the Goat Wagon.
“I was fortunate to find this wagon for my collection. As you will note by the photograph, it’s predominantly green with yellow John Deere lettering and trim. I’ve seen them colored just the opposite, predominately yellow with green trim and John Deere lettering. I’ve also seen them as natural wood with a finish,” Ervin said.

Another vintage toy wagon in Ervin’s collection is painted with the Superior name. The Superior Drill Co. name lived on for many years following the merger that created Oliver and, subsequently, the “Oliver Superior” line of seeding drills and related equipment.
“These toy wagons are used on occasion for hauling grandkids around. Naturally, they enjoy the ride,”
Ervin said.
A hobby well spent
Ervin has found enjoyment with his collecting hobby. “I enjoy going to shows that relate to what I collect. And estate auctions are hard to resist. The hunt keeps me charged up looking for that next special item,” he said.
Summing up his experience with collecting, Ervin said, “I enjoy seeing how people react when they see what I have assembled. Through the collecting hobby, I’ve met many wonderful people. There’s always fascinating stories that come out when collectors gather.”
For those desiring more information about Ervin Yoder’s collection, he welcomes your contact during the evening by phone: 330.464.8396.
About the author: Freelance writer Fred Hendricks of Mansfield, Ohio, covers a vast array of subjects relating to agriculture. You may contact Fred at fwhendricks@gmail.com