Antique tractors pull their weight at the Holmes County Fair
By Kelley Mohr
August 12, 2011
743
Summary: Participants brought antique tractors and many memories to the Antique Tractor Pull at the Holmes County Fair
Story:
On Wednesday, August 10, The Holmes County Fair hosted the Antique Tractor Pull, an event that attracted tractor-enthusiasts from across the state and drew an afternoon crowd to watch the show.
The tractors were hooked up to a sledge that they pulled along the track, the winner being the tractor who could pull the heavy weight the farthest. This time, the tractors doing such arduous pulling were antique models, some over 50 years old.
The antiquated equipment used at this pull requires extensive renovation and upkeep, a labor that can cost the tinkerer valuable time and money. However, enthusiasts agree that this is a small price to pay. The cleaning, hauling and remodeling of these antiques is a labor of love for most owners.
The tractors, all beautifully restored to their former glory with bright red, green or blue paint and immaculate finishes, recall memories.
Howard Cooper, a veteran who came to the fair on Wednesday for the tractor pull, said he loves seeing the antique tractors because they remind him of his childhood. I was raised on a farm but I wasnt a farmer, said Cooper. They are going to pull old tractors that I remember from years ago.
Tim Wolf, who has been competing in antique tractor pulls off and on for about 20 years, brought a 1947 Allis Chalmers tractor to the show. Its been in mothballs for five years, said Wolf. So now were bringing her out to play.
Jake Humrichouser has been pulling at the Holmes County Fair for 53 years, despite some health problems and hardships. This is my vacation here, said Humrichouser, who added that he participates for the love of the game, not for the trophy. I come to the fair and pull it for kicks.
Like most of the contestants in the Antique Tractor Pull, Humrichouser cares more about the tractors than the competition. This year, he brought his beloved 1952 McCormick Farmall International Super M to use in the pull. All of my Internationals are my favorites, he said.
Because he treats his tractors more like friends than machinery, Humrichousers tractor did not require the intense labor that is often required to prepare such an old machine for a pull. Its been 42 years since its had a plug changed, he said. I put five gallons of gas in it and checked the air pressure and thats it.
Humrichouser and the other were not too concerned about the soggy conditions. As bulldozers and tractors added dry dirt and smoothed out ruts on the mucky track, the competitors patiently awaited the time when their antique tractors could perform, mud or no mud.
They said they had it covered so we should be okay, said an unworried Wolf.
Humrichouser agreed, saying the muddy conditions do not matter because every contestant will face equal difficulties. Its the same for everyone, said Humrichouser. Its the same for me as the next tractor and the next tractor.
The loud roars emitting from the grandstands and plumes of smoke billowing into the air, alongside such beautiful antique tractors, caught many fairgoers attention and devotion. To see the types of antique tractors used in the show, visit the Antique Tractor Display, held every day in the Green Area at the Holmes County Fair.
