On a nearly perfect August morning on the way to Cheeseburger in Caseville, I stopped off in Caro at the County Fairgrounds and took a look at the 32nd annual Thumb Area Old Engine & Tractor Associations show. I thought it was a pretty neat event that celebrates vintage and classic farm tractors, cars, antique farm equipment, and small motors.  I like to see the history of agriculture in the Thumb so I found it to be pretty interesting and worth the $4 entrance price.

 There easily over 100 different displays showing off a number of classic tractors restored to their full glory. As soon as I entered the show there was a display of perfectly restored tractors of all makes and models, with the centerpeice being a truly antique steam powered tractor. Looking at this huge metal beast I could just imagine how excitied the original owner must have been to have this labor saving miracle. The steam tractor was fully operational and even blew out steam to the delight of young lookers on.

It seemed to me that many if not all of the antique tractors were fully working and not just for show. These work horses could easily get out in the field today and still hold their own. There is maybe something to be said for the utilitarian and simple designs of these old time tractors.

I was able to catch a couple of demonstrations, including the threshing demonstration that showed just how hard farming was back in those days. I also got to see an authentic lumber mill in action as it tore through logs with ease. 

Looking at the displays there were of course plenty of tractors including many painstakingly restored vintage John Deere tractors, plus International Harvester, Farmall, Oliver, and a nice collection of lesser known brands of tractors and farm engines. There were also plenty of displays of ingenuity from water pumps to ice cream makers, as well as antique cars, vendors, and food.

 The Danny Ewald band played live under the tent where you could relax in the shade and listen to classic country ballads.

All in all I spent around 2 hours enjoying the show and then headed up to Cheeseburger. It was a nice time and I think it had something for just about everyone interested in history of the thumb, farming, and nostalgia. You can see more pictures of the 32nd Annual Thumb Area Old Motor & tractor Association Show in the Photo Gallery.

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