Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Tools
IH tractors star at Pioneer Power Show
Event begins today
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.
- Local News
-
-
Flood wall gets twice-daily inspections
The repeated foot inspections are required during flood conditions by the federal government.
-
River's rise relents
More roads are closed, including a northbound lane of Highway 169 north of St. Peter.
-
Local economy a mixed bag
Commerical construction slumps, and the increase in residential construction is largely from one project near the MSU campus.
-
Flood warning for region upgraded to "moderate"
CLICK for latest Mankato weather forecast
Detailed floodwatch for New Ulm, Mankato, St. Peter, Henderson.
-
County hopes to save mental health crisis center
The plan would still require more than $500,000, and it's not certain the Legislature will go along with that expenditure.
-
Wal-Mart crasher may be in court Monday
Raymond Mager Jr., 47, of Minnesota Lake was involved in a bizarre incident that started with a hit-and-run accident near Mankato at 6:20 a.m. Thursday and ended inside the Wal-Mart store.
-
Rep. Morrow attempts to save for disaster
Federal funding comes quickly after a disaster, but damage under a certain level must wait for the Legislature
- Today's Services (3/20/10)
- Weird News: Least competent criminals
-
In praise of heroes — real ones
VFW member Tim Adams' heroes are the real deals.
- More Local News Headlines
-
