Star Route 7, Box 35A Pueblitos, NM 87002
I’m sending along a few photos I took at Bird City, Kansas
during the 33rd annual show of the Tri-State Antique Engine and
Threshers Association. Norman Dorsch, Association President, Harold
Nelson, V.P. and the board of directors made the 1986 show more
than its usual crowd gathering, excitement-filled four days.
Included along with the tremendous array of antique farm
machinery was the swap meet, the Tri-State Antique Auto Club, the
stationary engine display, plus the numerous exhibits and
demonstrations depicting nearly every aspect of early pioneer life
on the high plains.
18-65 HP twin cylinder under-mounted Avery owned and operated by
Dwayne Nelson of Bird City, who demonstrated her power by pulling a
twelve bottom turning plow;
The program for the steam traction engines included daily races,
(both fast and slow), parades, grain threshing, horse power testing
on the Baker fan, plowing, and the ever popular stunts on the
pyramid block.
Setting the pace and keeping the fast moving show rolling on
schedule was M. C. and announcer Hal Sager.
The high light of the four day event was the Friday evening
antique tractor pull. The contest, which included almost every size
and style of antique tractor imaginable, ran well past sunset and
into darkness.
I’d like to give special recognition at this time to the
wonderful ladies of the Bird City area who prepared and served all
the fabulous superb food that kept everyone well fed. I especially
was fond of the fresh baked pies that I consumed as fast as the
fire box took coal.
The growth of the event in the past several years promises an
even greater show for next year, when once again the ground will
shake and the earth will move under the awesome display of horse
power.
