The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 21, 2008

IH tractors star at Pioneer Power Show

Event begins today

By Tim Krohn

LE SUEUR — If you’re a collector of International Harvester tractors, it’s all about the alphabet.

“I’ve got at least one of every letter,” said Bob Koepp. “A, B, C, two Hs, the M. Super M, three F14s, two F20s ...”

The retired Litchfield farmer was parking a couple of his restored M tractors at the Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show grounds Thursday in preparation for today’s opening.

Each year the show features one type of tractor, choosing the red IH brand this year. The Minnesota IH Collectors Club members brought 120 M tractors — parked in order of age, representing the span of years the popular tractors were made from 1939 to 1954.

Allegiance to a brand of tractor, Koepp said, is a family matter.

“That’s what Dad started with and then I did. That’s how it goes.”

After acquiring a tractor, Koepp and the other members spend months doing meticulous restoration, bringing them back to near-new appearance.

Koepp travels to about a half-dozen shows a year but says the Le Sueur show, which will draw about 15,000 to 25,000 visitors the next three days, is the best.

“This is really top line. There’s a lot of stuff and it’s organized well, and they’re nice people to work with.”

Tom Graham, president of the Pioneer Power Board of Directors, said the 500-plus members work hard to put on the show, which is celebrating its 35th year and draws people from more than 20 states and some foreign countries.

“A lot of members put in time out here. Some come this week to help and a lot are out here all summer.”

The show features hundreds of pieces of old farm equipment from giant threshers to small steam engines.

There’s also a variety of demonstrations, including a working lumber mill, broom making, combining, blacksmithing and printing.

The show started as a small neighborhood celebration on a nearby farmsite when neighbors put on a threshing demonstration.

“It was one of those things where we said, ‘Hey, that was kind of fun, let’s do it again next year,’” Graham said.

The group eventually bought a 110-acre site, erecting buildings, bringing in old buildings and collecting old equipment donated mostly by members.

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