Tractor Trivia
Northland Threshing Bee
By Auctioneer Eric Mickelson
After church last Sunday, my wife and I were driving home, I mentioned that I would like to got to the Northland Threshing Bee near Strathcona. We had some jobs and chores we wanted to get done around the house and farm, but Patty said, “It is a nice day-let’s go!” Well, you didn’t have to ask me twice.
The Northland Threshing Bee was started by the WIskow family, from north of Strathcona. Fall is so busy-so some years I don’t get the opportunity to go to this one, I was so happy we got the chance to go.
One thing we always like is the flea market with, of course this time of year, many fresh vegetables and jellies and jams. We checked it out and bought a few things, took them to the pick-up, and then watched the parade. I always enjoy the parade at tractor shows because you get to see quite a few of the exhibits. There were many great tractors in the parade but I enjoyed a nice line of John Deere tractors that came through!
Many of you know that my favorite tractor is the model R John Deere. This parade a couple as well as another lined up with the tractors. One of those Rs was owned by a friend of mine, Gary Kiesow. Gary’s R is a nicely restored unit and is the tractor that is on the cover of the book I wrote, “For the love of Friends, Family, and Tractors.” Gary’s R is a 1953 model that was owned by is dad, August Kiesow.
Add to all the tractor fun we sat down to have a barbeque plate served by the 4-H Club. Low and behold as we sat down to eat a band started playing on the stage in the music area. After a second look we found out it was Key Beat, a brother and two sisters from Newfolden. I have heard them before…..and they are very good. Besides that I had the opportunity many years ago in VIking, MN, to teach the parents of these talented youngsters. We got in an extra visit with Miki, their mother. What a fun beautiful day!! Next fall, the second weekend in September, if you are not busy go ahead and head to The Northland Threshing Bee, you won’t be sorry!
How about a little tractor trivia!
1. T or F: The model R John Deere was the first John Deere Diesel.
2. The John Deer R was started with a “starting” or “Pony” motor. How many cylinders did this starting motor have?
3. The model 80 replaced the R. It also had a “starting” motor. How many cylinders did the 80 starting motor have?
4. The R was manufactured from 1949-1954. In 1954 the cost of a new model R John Deere was ______________.
A)$3000 B) $3250 C) $3500 D) $3650
5. Finish the progression of tractors. First the R, which was replaced by the 80, next was the 820…..What model replaced the 820?
Answers: 1. True 2. 2 cylinders, 3. 4 cylinders 4. D. $3650 5. The 820 was replaced by the 830.