I actually have a personal story for this issue’s First Things. On Memorial Day weekend of this year, I joined my family on a brief trip north to my parents’ hometown. We have a tradition of meeting with our extended family who live in the area on that weekend.
While I was there, we saw the old tractor seat chair my great-uncle had made years ago, which sat in my father’s childhood home. With permission, we brought it home to cleanup.
Maybe it’s all the articles I’ve read for this magazine, but I’ve developed an appreciation for items made from farm equipment. The Cast Iron Seat Collectors Association article in the June/July 2024 issue and the welded metal statues article in April/May 2025 come to mind. I’m glad my family and I have a little piece of art like that, too.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about this issue of Farm Collector!
Fred Hendricks is bringing a story on an impressive collection of steam and gas tractors in rural Indiana. This collection, heavily featuring International Harvester machines, can be seen An IH Collector’s Delight.
In this issue’s “Tales from Wales,” we have a look at some of the oldest farm relics that can be found today. Have you ever seen a strickle used to sharpen a scythe?
From Twin Rivers, South Dakota, Loretta Sorensen has a story about the Twin Rivers Old Iron Association and its annual Harvest and Kuchen Festival. Learn about the organization, festival, and the bond that brings its members together in “Harvest and Kuchen Festival.”
Have you heard of the Fageol Tractor Co.? It had an extensive history in tractor and truck manufacturing before WWI. The Fageols were even involved in the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1916. Read the full story in “The Fageol Tractor Company.”
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have!
Until next time!
