Tractors in the Wild, Wild West
Revisit the Wild West at Chisholm Trail Day in Abilene, Kan., on Oct. 7. Combining a vintage tractor show with history of the old west, the event is held at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. And plan to spend the day: the heritage center is directly east of the Eisenhower Center.
Events on tap: train rides through the Smoky Hill River Valley, rides on a restored C.W. Parker carousel dating to 1900, sheep shearing, cane pressing, molasses making, a complete working blacksmith shop and a sawmill.
Adjacent, on 10 acres, collectors from through out the midwest will gather with demonstrations and displays of old iron at work. Threshing, hay baling, rock crushing, corn shelling, and grinding are planned. A 1920’s John Deere paddle elevator will be used to elevate wheat from a wagon to a truck. A favorite at last year’s show: the Tractory Dyno, where exhibitors put their tractors on the dyno to measure horsepower output. Featured this year: a 1929 Model 15 Caterpillar, industrial tractors, and Dempster engines. Also planned: parade of power, tractor games, contests, barrel train, antique car show, and crafts.
For more information: Dickinson County Heritage Center, (785) 263-2681.
On the Cutting Edge
BLADE SHARPENER SAW HEAVY USE IN SMITH’S SHOP
This Root Brothers blade sharpener was designed to sharpen the blade on a reel lawnmower. Owner Bill Rye, Pierce, Neb., says the sharpener was originally put to work in a black smith shop. ‘It was in terrible shape when I got it,’ he says, ‘so I know it must have worked, because they sure used it.’ The piece was patented in 1902, and manufactured in Plymouth, Ohio. Providing power: Bill’s 11/2 hp Rawleigh- Schryer, made in Freeport, Ill, in about 1910.
