International Harvestor tractors, machinery, engines featured at antique show

Hot weather did not keep visitors from attending the Dodge County Antique Power Club's show at the club's Burnett Corners farm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-5.

A brief shower late Saturday afternoon made temperatures more comfortable and brief gusty winds caused a few problems with some vendor's tents but did not deter the enthusiasm of the show participants.

International Harvestor (IH) tractors, machinery and engines were the featured line of equipment at this year's show. The Economy/Power King Tractor Club also held its fourth annual reunion during the show.

That line of equipment was made in Waukesha between 1946 and 1990.

The old school filled with vintage displays featuring different types of textiles, quilting, spinning and weaving skills drew large crowds. Visitors marveled at the intricate beauty of the many antique quilts displayed on the walls of the school.

Several other quilts on display were part of the club's silent auction and when the weekend concluded, successful bidders contributed about $1,000 for the items. The funds will be used to help further develop the old school and its displays.

Children enjoyed playing on the old-style playground equipment outside the school including an old merry-go-round that the club acquired from St. John's Lutheran School in Juneau.

An antique tractor pull drew many competitors, both men and women, in various weight classes.

The farm operated by the members of the Antique Power Club is gradually becoming a living history museum of sorts. Members plant and harvest the crops for demonstrations at the show.

Visitors had an opportunity to view the special permanent displays in the buildings on the farm including the steam engine generator that came out of the former Monarch Range plant in Beaver Dam in 1986.

The club acquired the steam engine generator but it took several years to totally restore it so they would be able to demonstrate how it worked. The machine was built in the 1920s by Allis Chalmers and is a permanent part of the Antique Power Club's displays.

The club is gradually acquiring numerous permanent displays and has several buildings to house the specialized equipment including the shingle mill, saw mill area, blacksmith shop and museum for larger equipment.

An old windmill also operates on the grounds.