ATA Show Index
Jeff
Stephanie
Amanda
Pete
Sydnee
Pat Bathon,
On The Cover
Schedule of Events
Various activities on the grounds run concurrently. Times listed indicate approximate starting only. Some activities may run at additional times.
Daily
American & Southern Illinois Miniature Railroad
Stationary Steam Demonstrations at North End of Grounds in Steam Shed
Blacksmithing ~ Grist Milling ~ Broom Making ~ Gas Engines In Operation
Rope Making Demonstration ~ Large Flea Market ~ Noon Whistle
Sawmilling, Periodically throughout Thursday-Saturday ~ Shingle Milling, 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Veneer Milling, 11 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.
Baker Fans & Dynamometer Testing, 11:45 a.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Primitive Wheat Threshing, Baling & Plowing by Horses & Mules, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Wheat Threshing, Broom Corn Thrashing, Baling & Plowing by Tractor & Steam Engines, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Antique Construction Demo Area, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
All Activities Will Run on Sunday until 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Tractor Parade Through Town @ 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Opening Ceremonies with Flag Raising/National Anthem @ 9 a.m. at the Flag pole in center ring
Feature tractor events on the demonstration fields @ 11:00 a.m.
ITPA Tractor Pull @ 7 p.m.
Grandstand Admission $10 Ages 13 and Up/Ages 6 - 12 $5/ 5 & under Free
Light Super Stock -- 6850 lb. Pro Farm -- Heavy Super Stock & 11000 lb. Pro Farm
Friday, Aug. 15
Flag Raising/National Anthem @ 9 a.m. at the Flag pole in center ring
Steam Block Race - In front of the Grandstand 10:00 a.m.
Feature tractor events on the demonstration fields @ 11:00 a.m.
Parade of Power @ 11:30 a.m. Grandstand
Bluegrass Music, 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in Steam Shed
ITPA Tractor Pull @ 7 p.m.
Grandstand Admission $10/Ages 6 - 12 $5/ 5 and under Free
Light Modified -- 8500 lb. Limited Pro Stock
9500 lb. Limited Pro Stock -- Pro Stock
Saturday, Aug. 16
Flag Raising/National Anthem @ 9 a.m.
Pedal Tractor Pull @ 10 am. Near the stationary steam shed Children 12 & Younger Accompanied by a parent -- TRACTOR WILL BE PROVIDED - No charge
Feature tractor events on the demonstration fields @ 11:00 a.m.
Bluegrass Music, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. in Steam Shed
Parade of Power @ 11:30 a.m. Grandstand
ITPA Tractor Pull @ 7 p.m.
Grandstand Admission $10 Ages 13 and Up/Ages 6 - 12 $5/ 5 & under Free
8500 lb. Limited Pro Stock -- 9500 lb. Pro Farm
9500 lb. Limited Pro Stock -- Pro Stock
Sunday, Aug. 17
Church & Memorial Service 8 a.m. in Steam Shed
Antique Tractor Pull @ 10:00. Admission FREE
1970 Or Older Tractors ~ Weighted Classes ~Southern Illinois Rules
Antique Auto Show & Swap Meet Sponsored by The Egyptian Antique Auto Club located West of Grandstand
Judging @ 1p.m.
Awarding of Trophies @ 2 p.m.
18”x8”x8” Bevel Monument starting at Cathy works in the offices or will be happy to come to your home!
Unbeatable Prices, Exceptional Customer Service & Products, & Local Salespeople.
Welcome to the 66th ATA Show
*Some cemeteries have setting fees not included in this price
Welcome to the 66th Annual Steam, Gas, and Threshing Show. The American Thresherman Association is featuring IHC, IHC 66 Series IHC Collectors from Chapter 32 & Generators. International & McCormick Deering engines are the small engines that are on
We would like to thank Mayor Robert Spencer and the City
--Josh Giacomo, President American Thresherman Association
American Thresherman Association 66th Anniversary and Counting
The City of Pinckneyville is full of traditions. The Thresherman show has been in Pinckneyville for 64 years, so needless to say, it’s one of the longest running traditions in the city. This year marks the 66th annual Steam, Gas and Threshing Show. The annual show features tractors and steam engines on display, food vendors, tractor pulls, a flea market, train rides, bluegrass music and various demonstrations throughout the Perry County fairgrounds. But before looking at what all is happening at this year’s exciting threshing show, how about a look at how it all got started.
The American Thresherman Association was organized in March of 1959. A group of 17 people attended the first organizational meeting in October of that year in Brownstown, Illinois—which ultimately led to the creation of the ATA organization.
During the annual meeting in 1962, one of the members commented that the association “organized three years ago this month for the purpose of furnishing some enjoyment to its members and to be the beginning of something very worthwhile.” Although it had only been around a few years— it had sparked enough interest that three towns vied for the chance to become the permanent home for the show.
The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce invited the ATA with open arms and pledges of support. And now, 64 years later, the community remains
the home of the American Thresherman Association—being chosen over Mascoutah and Highland for the show’s home.
The American Thresherman Association is blessed with many different types of equipment, from the very beginning when hand tools were used, to draft horses and the equipment they used, and the “progress of power” to the massive power of the steam traction engines and stationary steam engines, to the economy and convenience of gas tractors and gas engines!
This year’s show will be held Aug. 13-17 at the Perry County fairgrounds. The 2025 feature is IHC, IHC 66 Series IHC Collectors from Chapter 32 & IHC Chapter 10 and Electrall Generators. International & McCormick Deering small engines. The 2025 show will literally kick-off on Wednesday evening with the tractor parade through town at 5:00 p.m. The parade through town will have tractors and equipment, featured tractors go first, so get your engines warmed up and get in line!
Thursday morning begins at 9 a.m. with field action working with horses and mules. There are demonstrations of many pieces of equine equipment from plowing, wheat threshing using a multi-horse drawn sweep, a “groundhog thresher” powered by a one-horse treadmill to baling using a single-horse powered baler. The afternoon is loaded with field activities
American Thresherman Association 66th Anniversary and Counting
utilizing steam engines and gas tractors. Plowing, threshing and baling are all demonstrated near the “Field of Dreams” area. Exhibitors are also allowed to take their equipment on a daily tractor drive in this “Field of Dreams” area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Association has gained access to 50 additional acres for field plantings and demonstrations. This area is a pleasant walk from the main center grounds or you can catch a tractor pulled tram, especially if you want to go all the way back to the working fields. Guests will see the Association-owned 12-bottom John Deere Plow used in our field demonstrations. This plow was used in the world record setting 60-bottom plow hitch demonstrated in Rantoul, Illinois in 2009, pulled by the three Case 110hp steam traction engines, one of which is owned by a member of our Association. A 14-bottom plow will also be pulled and is sure to be a “handful” in the Southern Illinois August ground! Gas tractors of all makes and styles abound at the show; with Illinois having been the hub of farming in the early years, a large assortment of tractors is always available for demonstration and exhibit on the grounds. “Gas Engine Hill,” as they like to call the dedicated area, plays host to many small gas engines, scale models and all the way up always packed to the edges with every make and kind! Stroll through the many displays and watch the working machines. Many exhibitors love to talk
and explain their “toys,” so get in there and ask some questions! Guests will really feel the earth shake when the big Fairbanks-Morse is cranked up! This year’s featured gas engines are International Harvestor & McCormick Deering Engines. The center ring show area is surrounded by a Railroad track that our new train, runs every day from morning ‘til evening for the young and “notso-young!” Climb aboard for a nostalgic ride around the grounds and tour the show! A $2 ticket gets you a nostalgic ride on a train and helps support the upkeep of the engine! One may also tour the grounds in an authentic built stagecoach, “The Wild Bill,” which was built by William T. (Bill) Schrader of Pinckneyville, Lifetime Member of the ATA! Climb on in to the red stagecoach and relive the travel of the Prairie Days!
The center ring area of our show is also filled with many working exhibits. There is a permanent shed to house the sawmill and it runs every day, Thursday through Saturday. It is powered by steam engines and gas tractors. Guests may have a seat on the bleachers and watch that 54” saw slice down through those logs to make beautiful lumber! Come watch members churn out some lumber in short order and make little logs out of big ones in a hurry! Previous Secretary Deb Schrader notes, “Nothing is wasted at our show, not
walking/driving in case we have rain, and the scrap pieces of the logs are used
American Thresherman Association 66th Anniversary and Counting
to fire steam engines” She continues, “As it was in the ‘olden days,’ everything is saved and used for some purpose!”
Also in the center ring, adjacent to the sawmill is the shingle mill where they cut cedar logs into shingles. You’ll be able to pick up a couple of shingles to take home and enjoy the aroma of the cedar! Next in line is the veneer mill, and it is also powered by a steam engine. Huge logs are pinned into the arbor and the massive blade shaves off thin sheets of the wood! These thin sheets of wood were used to make berry and vegetable baskets long ago. The show is very lucky to also have two or three local blacksmiths set up “shop” and demonstrate their talents during the show. Baker fans and a Dynamometer are also available for exhibitors to hook up and test their tractor and steam engine horsepower. A couple of years “new”, we now have a grist mill in the center ring, near the saw mill and it cranks out fresh, whole-wheat flour every day with a huge stone mill! Be sure to check it out while you are here.
In the north and northwest areas of the center ring are where they also have the gas tractor and related equipment on display and a brand new dedicated area for lawn tractors and their equipment. Adjacent to the center ring area, north of the racetrack, is the new stationary steam shed that houses many stationary engines! Make sure to meander over there and see the big engines chug! Also don’t forget our new cooling center/general store in center ring.
Don’t forget to get tickets and get a seat in the grandstand or bleachers for the first night of special 3-day ITPA sanctioned pulls!! This year we are celebrating the 57th Year of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association at The American Thresherman Association show! There will be special exhibition pulls each night before the regular pulls begin, so get to your seat early! There is sure to be a lot of reminiscing going on this year watching some of the antique tractors and the older gentlemen who have been pulling them for years!
Friday there will be bluegrass music beginning at 12 p.m. and will continue throughout the day until around 5:30 p.m., or whenever the fingers can’t pick anymore, fiddles won’t fiddle and the bass refuses to walk. Check out more in the music section of this year’s book for times and muscian information. Then, on Friday night at 7 p.m. the ATA sponsors the Illinois Tractor Puller Association (ITPA) second night of sanctioned pulls with several different classes sure to make the ground tremble with some of the best AA modified pulling tractors in the Midwest.
Saturday morning at 10 a.m. brings on the always-packed pedal tractor pull for kids up to age 12 at the t-ball field south of the steam shed. Make sure to get there early to get a good seat. In addition to these Saturday morning activities, bluegrass music will return with four bands performing throughout the day starting at 10 a.m. Saturday night again features ITPA with the AA Pro-Stock who pull some of the best of the powerhouse tractors in the area. Come watch them battle it out in front of the grandstand! On both nights of the tractor pulls, tickets are sold for a 50/50, so be sure and take a chance or 10!
Sunday morning everyone takes time out to have a worship and memorial service at 8 a.m. Please join members of the Thresherman Association in the Steam Shed to participate in this important and meaningful service. Music is provided by Brothers and Others every year and is always a joy to hear and sing along!
On Sunday there is also one of the best outdoor, true antique car shows and swap meets! The Egyptian Antique Auto Club sponsors it. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and there are 21 classes. Judging takes place at 1 p.m. and Trophies are awarded at 3 p.m.
Continuing this year, for Sunday, will be the Antique Tractor Pulls starting at 10 a.m., so be sure to stick around and finish out the show with some good old antique tractor fun!
Along with these special events, there will also be daily attractions and demonstrations. Some attractions include: steam and tractor powered plowing, wheat threshing, animal teams, wood veneering, saw and shingle milling, grist milling (whole wheat flour will be available!), blacksmithing, baker fans, miniature model displays, various tractor activities, a special lawn and garden tractor (and equipment) area, a large flea market, and stationary gas and steam engines. There is something going on all the time during our show! Lots of good food, big, old shade trees and plenty of Southern Illinois hospitality! There is a large flea market that is always growing, and many vendors under the grandstand, so make sure to take some time to browse the many antiques and items up for sale.
Parking is free as always, and the grounds admission is $10 and children 12 and under are free. There is an additional fee for the nightly shows, but children 6 and under are free.
A little bit of history to be shared of some past years...And on into the future!
2003: Massey-Harris
2004: Oliver Hart-Parr. On display was the Hart-Parr #3 and IH-C turbine tractor (both tractors were in the Smithsonian and on loan to us). Much fanfare with a tractor caravan from Sigel to Pinckneyville to bring these tractors to town!
2005: Minneapolis-Moline
2006: John Deere. Walter Keller’s GP Wide Tread Experimental on display. Another tractor caravan from Sigel!
2007: International JI Case Heritage Foundation Show. Helen Case Brigham, granddaughter of JI Case was in attendance! This group is returning in 2015. We registered over 800 tractors, 200 gas engines and 18 steam engines, one team of mules, 6 teams of horses and one stagecoach! Our paid attendance was over 7,000 over 4 days of 100+ degree temperatures! (IT IS August remember!).
2008: National Sears-Graham Bradley Collectors was the host club, Allis-Chalmers and Rumely also featured.
2009: 50th Anniversary of the American Thresherman Association. Featured: International Harvester. We planned a special exhibit of at least fifty 560’s to celebrate the 50th year of the 560 and exceeded our goal by
American Thresherman Association 66th Anniversary and Counting
getting 87 tractors on the grounds! 10,000 paid admissions over the 4 days, over 1,000 tractors and implements registered.
2010: Massey-Harris, Ferguson and Wallis featured, with Massey Collectors of Illinois and the Massey Exposition of North America held here.
2011: Oliver Hart-Parr featured and hosted by the Hartland Oliver Collectors.
2012: John Deere featured and hosted by the Southern Illinois Green Iron Club. Ninety-one John Deere B’s on exhibit and over 310 John Deere tractors. Over 1,000 tractors and equipment on the grounds. Record setting paid attendance this year!
2013: Minneapolis-Moline. Hosted by the Minneapolis-Moline Collectors Club.
2014: Ford and the Illinois Chapter of Ford and Fordson Collectors and Custom Collectors.
2015: J. I. Case and the Case Heritage Eagle Collectors; International J. I. Case Heritage; Foundation 29th Annual J. I. Case Exposition
2016: National Rumely Products Collectors and The AAA AllisChalmers Club
2017: IHC and “50 years of Tractor Pulling at the ATA with ITPA”
2018: Massey Collectors of Illinois, the Vintage Garden Tractor Club
of American and the Graham-Bradley & Sears-Sold Farm Tractors
2019: Oliver, Heartland Oliver Collectors, Heartland Earth Movers (CAT-collectors), Heartland Rope Makers
2020: Show Cancelled due to COVID-19
2021: John Deere featured with John Deere Engines, Waterloo Engines, Root & VanDervoort Engines, Southern Illinois Green Iron Club, Oddballs & Orphans, aka Lesser Known Classics, Empire Tractor Owners Club along with 22nd Annual Empire Tractor Expo.
2022- Ford & Fordson Tractors, Minneapolis-Moline Tractors and the National Leader Tractor Show
2023: Illinois J.I. Case Collectors
2024: Allis-Chalmers, Triple A Allis Club & National AC Gathering of the Orange, Olds Engines and Rumley Related Products
2025: IHC, Chapter 32 & Chapter 10, International Engines and Electrall Demonstrations
Upcoming Shows:
2026: Massey Harris, Crawler Tractors & Tempered Track Rustic Rails
Also don’t forget to check out our annual fall show this October! More information can be found inside.
Letter from First ATA President
Amos Rixman was the first president of the American Thresherman Association. The following letter was written by him and published in the Iron-Men Album magazine from the May/June 1961 issue. The letter gives an account of the first show conducted from Highland, IL.
Amos E. Rixmann
Originally printed in the 1961 May-June issue of The Iron-Men Album. Reprinted with permission from Farm Collector magazine/Ogden Publications, Inc.
The 1960 show of The American Thresherman Association was a spectacular event at Highland, Illinois. This first Agricultural Power Progress Show proved to be a huge success and for the most part needs no detailed description here because so many people carried good reports with them. However, there are of course many who did not see the 1960 show.
In order to describe the event, the main and most important point to report would be to describe the continuous activity. Simply said, there was no show anywhere that would compare in terms of action and activity. For example, 15 acres of land was plowed with steam and modern tractors; 30 acres of wheat was threshed (at one time 16 loads of bundles could be counted at one time); contests involving threshing, pulling power, belt power, and the famous setting (or getting into the belt) were sponsored. Also, a modern concrete and covered grandstand and track equipped with fine lighting enabled a lovely evening show and parade of Farm Power Progress. All this plus a nearly continuous operation of the sawmill, brake, fan and also Veneering machine, made it different from any event.
All of this action, except for the plowing, took place in a most beautiful setting. There was an abundance of shade on the level where the machines operated and even more on a plateau at tree top level from which hundreds and thousands could see the grounds in back yard lounging conditions away from the dust and dirt.
So you can see why people left the show filled with enthusiasm and carrying such good reports. There were many more activities than can be reported here.
The American Thresherman Association will sponsor the 1961 show in Highland, Illinois, on August 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Progress of tractors and farm machinery will be featured from a large variety of steam engines to the most modern power. The 1961 event has already been well planned. It will be a pleasure to attend and will be of educational value. The first one in 1960 ranked with the big nationally known shows and offered more activity than the two biggest and best known events. The 1961 action event is open to all of you. However, if you are interested only in visiting, only in a parade, and only in steam engines standing idle, just smoking away, then don’t come to Highland because you may be left to talk to yourself or get run over, unless you like the lovely shade and grass on the cliff overlooking the area. – So all are invited! We can promise only that there will be truly a good active show for you to witness and one you can see nowhere else.
ATA Show & Tractor Pull Sponsors
These sponsors have provided the American Thresherman’s Association the opportunity to improve and grow to the quality show we offer to you now. Please be sure be sure to frequent these generous businesses and thank them for their support.
Case IH General/Tractor Pulls
Alstat Wood Products
Asgrove DeKalb
Brand Electric
Barr Trucking
Bibs AG Tiling Company
Dixie Cup Cafe
Fred’s Meat Processing
Gutjahr Auction Service
Henson’s Septic Service
Hutch’s Tire
Interstate Battery of Mt. Vernon
Jansen Bros. Garage
Jansen Computer
Jansen’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Kincaid Stone
Knight Hawk Coal
Larry Loos
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Perry County Ridge Landfill
Schaffer Oil
Southern FS
Syngenta - Chemical
Tree-O- Lumber
The Trophy Room
618 Motorsports
Anderson Crop Insurance
Audra’s Footprint
Asgrow - Derek Smith
BAM Tarps
Bartling Farms
Bard Excavating
Barker Implement
BASF -Trevor Michael Wejtyla
Bayer Chemicals
C & M Tools
Cardinal Veterinary Service - Nicole Cresser Musselman
Clover Leaf Grain
Continental Tire
McCoy Equipment
Equity
Farm Credit Illinois
Great Heart Seed
HNH Skidsteer Service
H & R Agri-Power
Hagene Excavating, LLC
Hotz Tool Supplies
Illinois Harvest, LLC
Jansen Farms
Haney Equipment
Hines Oil Company
Huels Oil Company
Kevin Tolka
Kuhnert Farms, Inc
Lone Oak Timber
Randy Junger
Matthews Ag Inc
Miller Farms
Montrose Equity
Morgenstern Law
Murphy Wall State Bank
Sievers Equipment
Nutrien Ag - Warren Jones
Panther Creek Farms
Pioneer Seed- Templeton Seed (Karen Busby)
Ray’s Auto Body
Rend Lake Plumbing
Tibretta & Randy Reiman
Rulevish Excavating & Farms
L & L Tire Service
Sizemore Pressure Washing
Southern Maintenance & Repair - Briagi Weathers
Stephens Trucking
Snider Parts & Repairs
Sparta Equipment
Suchomski Equipment
Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners
The Flower Patch, Ltd
Wabash Valley
Warner Communication
Bill Kemme, State Farm Insurance
Kellerman Farm and Excavating
Illinois Harvester Collectors Southern Illinois Chapter 32
The Southern Illinois Chapter 32 of International Harvester Collectors Clubs was formed January 18, 2003, at a meeting in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The purpose of this club is to promote International Harvester collecting, restoration, and representation at agricultural shows. IHCC also helps to preserve, research, and complete the history of International Harvester Company. Different chapters throughout the country host the annual winter convention and the summer Red Power Round-Up. Chapter 32 hosted a successful Red Power Round-Up at the It was the 32nd Annual National Red Power Round Up.
The chapter holds four meetings a year, at different locations throughout Southern Illinois. The annual meeting, which includes election of board members and officers, is usually held in Mt. Vernon. Our chapter
Chapter 32 has been very fortunate to be able to lease a building from the American Thresherman at the site This has been a great addition for the club. Chapter 32 has been averaging 160 members over the last five years. This year, their raffle prizes include a Cub Cadet Pedal Tractor, and a quilt made of IH fabric with a vintage DeKalb Seed Sack in the center. Tickets will be sold at the Thresherman Show and the winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday of the Midwest Cub Fest and Cub Cadet Show in Pinckneyville on September 20. Some of the money raised is used to fund two $1000 Scholarships to More information can be found on our website at www.ihcc32.com.
Paul Olson, President - Campbell Hill IL
Drew Kocian, Vice-Pres -Swanwick, IL
Denny Heck, Treasurer -Waterloo, IL
Rick Garner, Secretary -Patoka, IL
Derrick Brandt -Sandoval, IL
Jared Olson -Campbell Hill, IL
Brian Pierce -New Harmony IN Tim Van Dyke -Tamaroa, IL
Mike Wiegmann -Breese, IL
IH 1466 owned by Chapter 32 Director Mike Wiegmann of Breese, IL.
Chapter 10 International Harvester Collectors Club
Chapter 10 International Harvester Collectors Club started in 1994. The first Board Members were: Darius Harms, President; Kelly Birkey, Vice-President; and Ivan Sherborn, Secretary-Treasurer. Directors were: Siegfried Buhr, Gary Keister, Bill Shumate, Mahlon White and Joe Yabkley.
In 2002, Chapter 10 hosted the Red Power Roundup at the I & I Antique Tractor & Gas Engine Club (I & I Club), Penfield, IL. Every February since 1996, we have had a booth at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY, where we sell t-shirts and other merchandise to promote IH. Since 2002, we have rented a room in the northwest corner of the Penfield School at the I & I Club where we built a mock parts counter with part shelves and IH items for display.
Directors:
J.C. Reitmeier, Pres.
Derek Harms, V.P.
Jerry Edwards, V.P.
Karen Reitmeier, Sec.
Chuck Hoene, Treas.
Rollie Moore, Mem. Ch.
Steve Appl
Stan Dietz
Kurt Jansen
Roger Musson
Austin Reitmeier
Duane Stone
We have three shows in August 2025 where IH will be the feature brand. Beginning the weekend of August 8-10, Chapter 10 will be at the Effingham County Fairgrounds at Altamont for the 44th Annual Mill Road Thresherman’s Association Show featuring IH and Case. The next weekend, August 14-17, Chapter 32 and Chapter 10 will be at The American Thresherman’s Association Show at Pinckneyville. They will also feature IH. It is their “66th” annual show and they will have a special display of IH 66 series tractors. Last, but not least, August 21-24 will be Half Century of Progress at Rantoul. The Chapter 10 tent will be in the same area as it’s been in the past. There will also be a special display celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1206.
In Memory of Thomas E. Garner
When you think about American Thresherman Association (ATA) or Perry County Fairgrounds, there is one common denominator, Tom Garner. As being around the ATA since early 2000’s, Tom has been there and always looking for ways to improve the park look or work at making it better.
Anyone who knew Tom knew that yellow ran deep in his heart. He loved his Cub and Cub Cadet and was a Charter member of International Chapter 32.
When the ATA acquired the old Contempri Homes Factory, Tom said Chapter 32 needs a home. The old office and pole barn got a major overhaul and they now have a place to call home.
Tom was a lifetime member of the ATA and always working on something. When we talked about projects to complete and new ideas, he was always part of those accomplishments. Many people went to Tom for advice and guidance. He always made you or any new member of any organization he was involved in feel welcome.
A new pavilion on the south side of the feature tractor area has been built and has been dedicated to Tom and honoring his wife Diane for all their hard work and dedication to the ATA and Chapter 32.
American Thresherman Association
Josh Giacomo President and friend
Mark Kellerman’s 1905 Vertical International Engine
Finance FARMLAND
IHC, 5 H.P. Vertical Engine, Serial #362, R.P.M. 310. Manufactured in Chicago, IL by the International Harvester Co. August 1, 1905. This 5 H.P. vertical engine was bought new in1905 by Wm. Isringhaus of Plum Hill, IL. It was sold by Henry Brennecke of Addieville, IL who was the I.H.C. dealer at the time. The Isringhaus family used this engine on their family farm. The
again and started to take it to the annual American Thresherman Association’s Steam, Gas & Threshing show in Pinckneyville, where it had been shown many years prior. This engine is now 120 years old and still in running condition. Much of the original paint and pin striping is still visible when the engine is clean. There is even a parts packing list from when the engine was delivered to the original owner and this was passed on when the engine was sold to Steve. Steve took pictures of the engine before it was removed from the barn it had spent its entire working life in. After being removed from the barn, it didn’t go far, and in fact, it only went about 15 miles! The engine is now owned by Mark Kellerman (Steve’s son). Steve bought this engine the same year Mark was born. This engine is a rare find because of its age and the low production of the 5 H.P. version. This is a highly collectable engine, but is priceless to the family that has been taking care of it for the last 32 years. Mark will carry on the tradition that was started with his Dad, caring for an incredible piece of agricultural history, appreciating it for its age, its function and the legacy it represents both for the engine and for the Kellerman family.
Take a Ride on the Train!
The gas locomotive train purchased in 2020 from American Farm Heritage Railroad in Greenville, Illinois. Featuring a Wisconsin V4 engine, this train is similar to a streamliner. The addition of a gasoline powered train makes operation easier for volunteers. The Crown locomotive steam train is out for repairs and hopes to return sometime in the future.
The train station has moved this year to the back stretch near the basketball court in hopes to improve safety for the children. The Thresherman happily invites all families to come and share in the excitement of riding the train!
Rides will be $2 each and there is now a ticket booth to purchase tickets. .
The American-Southern Train Railroad gives rides daily.
ATA Members Wheat Production
ATA members operate the wheat binder and pick up the wheat with the tractor and wagon as part of the wheat production at the Perry County Fairgrounds. This is done annually by ATA members. (Photos courtesy of Helen Mayer 2025)
Come see the vintage Lawn & Garden tractors exhibits at the American Thresherman Association annual show. The number of lawn tractors and related equipment continues to grow every year and commands a big presence in the display area!
Lawn and Garden Show
Music in the Steam Shed
Friday, August 15
12-1:30 PM: Friends of Bluegrass
The Friends of Bluegrass, founded in 1978, blends its fiery Bluegrass roots with traditional Irish and Louisiana Cajun music. The band is based in southern Illinois and includes members from Illinois and Missouri. The band performs dozens of shows a year throughout southwest Illinois and eastern Missouri. A typical set contains bluegrass, traditional country, bayou/Cajun, and Gospel music that entertains audiences of all ages. in addition, the band hosts various fiddle contests each year.
Sponsored by NAPA/Auto Tire & Parts Pinckneyville
Saturday, August 16
Sponsored by PLP Battery Supply Murphysboro
10- 11:30 AM: Big Spike Hammer Newgrass Band
A five piece band from the Effingham area. A well rehearsed fast paced bluegrass band with a wide variety of songs on our long list of songs.
2-3:30 PM: The Gordons
Meet “The Gordons” – Gary and Roberta. Influenced by the great music of their era, this husband and wife duo were baptized by bluegrass music and have made wonderful folk music ever since.
Accompanied by Gary’s tasteful Gallagher guitar and dobro, Roberta plays the American born Appalachian autoharp. With many recordings to their credit since 1976, harmony singing is their signature. Visit The Gordons Website: www.thegordonsmusic.com/
Sponsored by The Grecian Steakhouse in Pinckneyville
4-5:30 PM: Snowbird Street Band
Snowbird Street Band is a Southern Illinois Folk-Grass duo with Cody Dawkins on banjo and Betsy Brink on guitar.
Sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts Pinckneyville
The Gordons
Friends of Bluegrass
Snowbird Street Band
Music in the Steam Shed
Saturday, August 16 Continued
The Tomcat Hill Social Club - playing Saturday, August 16 from 4-5:30pm
The Tomcat Hill Social Club plays traditional bluegrass music. The band features Jerry Giffin on guitar, Joe Stafford on the fiddle, Bill Fuson on bass, Roy Davis on banjo, Lew Hendrix on dobro and Dan Schingel on guitar. All band member, with the exception of Roy Davis, also do vocals as they play.
Sponsored by Greg Thompson - Country Financial
Mila Maring & John Reimbold
Calico Creek Band
Music in the Steam Shed
Music in the Steam Shed Sponsored By:
Giacomo Auto Repair - Pinckneyville
PLP Battery Supply - Murphysboro
Greg Thompson - Country Financial
Grecian Steakhouse
Perry County Farm Bureau
Auto Tire & Parts/Napa - Pinckneyville
Orielly Auto Parts - Pinckneyville
Sound System by Greg Epplin
Internet Streaming by Jon Bivin
Come All Ye Tender-Hearted: ATA Weekend of Music
It’s that time again, and the sweet and sorrowful sounds of guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass will echo through the fairgrounds for two straight days from the building next to the north gate.
The entertainment will primarily sprout from Bluegrass territory, though one can expect that each musical act’s interpretation will be at least slightly different. The two days of rejoiceful sound is being sponsored by several local businesses.
In addition, John Bivin will be livestreaming audio of the event for audiences with access to the internet and a love for music. Bivin will be holding interviews with each band in between each performance.
Those at home or not at the show can listen live at one of the following sites:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/the_jon_bivin_show
http://www.altaredmusic.com/
http://www.radioforest.net/radio/the-jon-bivin-show/753493
Wheat Binding
Jerome Ripperda (orange shirt) and Chuck Hoene work on binding wheat in June of 2023.
ATA Wheat Threshing Machines
An antique and still at work McCormick Deering Thresher machines are used during the American Thresherman Association Shows.
Plowing
Horses and mules are used out in the fields to plow early in the day. Horse and mule activities are done every morning during the show.
Getting Around at the Threshermans
Steam Traction Engines
Bob Beckmeyer Family’s Advance 20hp steam engine is hooked up to one of the Baker fans to run it under load. Steam traction engines are on display throughout the weekend!
Southern FS Inc.
Veneer Milling
The St. Joseph Iron Works Veneer Mill, donated to the American Thresherman Association by the family of Edwin Eddleman is hard at work. This mill came out of a basket factory in the Cobden area. The veneer was originally used to make strawberry and other larger baskets for the orchards. The veneer milling demonstrations will take place daily beginning at 11:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Above: Jonathan Kujawa, of Tamaroa, rolls up a section of soft wood created by the veneer mill behind him. Veneer mills were used to make fruit baskets for orchards.
Flea Market
Every year the flea market grows in size and in merchandise, everything from old tools to new toys. There will be something for everyone. Be sure to check it out as you make your way around the show.
Perry County Counseling Center
Providing services in Perry County since 1971.
• Outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment from ages 5 and older.
• DUI evaluations and Risk education classes as well as DUI groups.
• Supported employment program that assists individuals to become employed.
• Case management program that assists clients with every day needs.
• Supervised residential program that allows individuals to “step down” from a recent hospitalization helping them acclimate back into independent living.
• Supported residential program that assists individuals living independently, but still requiring some assistance.
• Prevention Specialist in Perry County schools educating our youth about substance use disorder.
• We offer telehealth services!
We accept all MCO’s, Medicaid & most private insurance companies. We offer a sliding fee scale for Perry County residents needing mental health treatment and for all Illinois residents needing substance use disorder treatment that are not covered by any type of Medicaid or insurance.
& Wed. 8-5, Tues. & Thurs. 8-6:30 & Fri. 8-12
We are a 24 hour crisis hotline, always answered by a person, not a machine.
Worship & Memorial Service
Brothers and Others will once again open up the 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning church service with musical entertainment.
Left: Brothers and Others members Rob Mathis, Todd Rushing and Bob Priebe stand with ATA Chaplin Aaron Whitworth as he reads scriptures at last year’s worship service. The Sunday church and memorial services are set to take place on Sunday, August 17 at 8:00 a.m. Come join us for services.
On Sunday, August 17 worship and memorial services for the American Thresherman Association will open with Chaplain Aaron Whitworth, of Staunton, welcoming everyone and leading the service at 8:00 a.m. Brothers and Others will once again provide the musical entertainment and sing along for some old time hymns. Services will begin at 8 am in the Steam Shed. Come and join us on Sunday! Traditionally, every year an American Thresherman hat is passed around for donations. All donations go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Center. After the service come watch the Antique Tractor Pull at 10 a.m. at the grandstand.
57th Anniversary of Tractor Pulls at ATA
Tractor Pulling has always been a big part of the American Thresherman’s Show. This year is the 57th anniversary of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association pulling at our show. The Thresherman’s Show is one of the few organizations that can say they have booked the ITPA 57 years in a row. We have 3 nights of ITPA
pulling with classes. We also have Antique classes on Sunday starting at 10 am. Come out to the pulls and see us. The pulls start at 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also, remember to support all of our sponsors. With out them we wouldn’t have the quality show that we have.
The ITPA Tractor Pulls are always a big part of the ATA Steam, Gas, & Threshing Show experience.
Blacksmith Wayne Feig of New Athens works on a piece of iron during the ATA’s show. The blacksmiths are located in the center ring between the sawmill and the ATA office building. The blacksmiths will have demonstrations daily.
Sawmilling
in for
will take place daily Thursday-Saturday.
(left to right) Chad Sherman of Oraville IL, Aaron Whitworth of Staunton IL and Daryl Swartzentruber of Loogootee IN place a log
cutting during the sawmill demonstration. Sawmill demonstrations
Youth Pedal Tractor Pull
Sponsored by First National Bank in Pinckneyville
The pedal tractor pull kicks off on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the be up by the stationary steam shed and the T-ball field south of the steam shed for children 12 and under. This is a free event and tractors are provided! Come and enjoy the family fun! Check out the photos from last year’s show.
The General Store/ Cooling Center
The general store will be open 8am-8pm daily for this year’s 66th Annual American Thresherman Show located at the center ring! We are adding new merchandise, so please come check it out!
For many years the Thresherman’s have discussed how to provide a place for the visitors to rest and cool off. It was decided to use the building Mary Pericolosi donated to the Thresherman’s.
The building was moved to the center ring by Richard Farthing and his crew in 2023 and used as a cooling center. Richard also donated the blocks which were used to raise the building. Brandon Spain laid the blocks. Now visitors have a place to sit down in air conditioning relax and shop ATA merchandise at the General Store. It will be available all day starting at 8am until 8pm.
AUTO & TRUCK PARTS
HOURS: M-F 7:00 am - 5:30 pm Sat. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Broom Making
Above: Mark Herberlie of St. Genevieve, Missouri, runs the grist mill demonstration last year during the American Thresherman Association’s show. They make fresh whole wheat flour that is stone ground everyday. The grist mill was newly opened in 2019.
Gas Engine Hill & Featured Engines
Just a few of the many gas engines you can see, hear and smell over on “Gas Engine Hill” where Director Tom Jansen presides over the thumping and whirring of engines! This year they are featuring “International-Harvestor and McCormick-Deering” There are always some interesting sights to see on the hill!
2025 Featured Engines: International-Harvester Engines
International began experimenting with engines in 1903 and by 1905 had The Famous and Titan lines of engines in production.
The Famous and Titan lines of engines were available from 1 HP to 25 HP in single cylinder engines and 25 HP to 50 HP in 2-cylinder models. These engines were produced from 1905 to 1918.
They also came out with the Mogul line of engines ranging from 1 HP to 50 HP and were produced from 1912 to 1919.
Then in 1917 they started producing the McCormick-Deering model “M” engines. These were available in 1.5 HP to 10 HP with production lasting until 1937.
In 1929, they experimented with a totally enclosed self-oiling engine model “L” which was only produced and sold in 1929. That started the “LA” and “LB” model engines in 1.5 to 2.5 HP and 3 to 5 HP. They were produced from 1934 to 1948.
Antique Car Show and Swap Meet
This year’s American Thresherman Association antique car show and swap meet take place on Sunday, August 18 on the west side of the grandstand. Judging takes place at 1 p.m. and Trophies are awarded at 2 p.m.
Vehicles must be at least 50 years or older to enter and have no modifications. Weather conditions determine when and whether people get their cars out to participate in the show, so all registration takes place at the show. There is no entry fee.
Car registration time: 8:00 a.m. to noon; Judging: 1 p.m.; Trophies awarded at 2:00 p.m.
The first 100 participants in the show receive a dash plaque. Cars are judged on 10 areas that revolve around originality. Any modifications found on the vehicles call for deductions. Among the areas of the car judges are the interior, body, engine and underneath the frames. In addition to placing in the show, entrants also have the opportunity to earn the Joe Mann Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the favorite vehicle of the late Joe Mann’s family members.
“We don’t have cars that have been modified into street rods”, Clara Kiser said. EAAC intends to “keep the heart and spirit for the show as developed by its originator and 50-year leader, Joe Mann. The uniqueness and quality of the cars present at the show attract many visitors from the St. Louis area as well.”
Car show is hosted by ATA and EAAC.
Antique cars at last year’s Antique Car Show and swap meet.
Annual Tractor Parade 2024
Pictured is Jamie Bathon with daughter Lacy at the reins while Crystal Kellerman rides shotgun. The tractor parade kicks off the ATA show each year on Wednesday night! Come out and join us!
Doug Bauersachs escorts the Perry County Fair Royalty Bly Marks and Corra Gilliam in the parade using his Case 630.
Above: Amelia Eisenhauer and her father Christopher power down the parade route on their trusty John Deere. Photos by Jeff Egbert.
Freddie Dean Loos drives a 1938 Huber Model B owned by Verna Mae Mohr.
2024 ATA Memories
Above Left: Two men observe the threshing operation during the ATA’s August show. Above Right: Karl Jansen guides his steam tractor during a plowing demonstration at last year’s ATA’s show. Photos by Pete Spitler.
Above Left: Aaron Whitworth guides a log through the steam-driven sawmill. Above Right: A woman loads wheat into a steam tractor-driven threshing machine.
2024 ATA Memories
A pair of International Harvester tractors are shown lined up in the display yard last year. International Harvester is the featured brand for the 2025 American Thresherman Association show.
Left: Austin Froemling competed in last year’s pedal pull competition. Below: Barrett Froese competed at the Thresherman pedal pull in 2024.
Become an ATA Member!
Interested in becoming a member of the American Thresherman Association, Inc? We welcome everyone (men and women) to become active, participating members in our organization! We could not continue this show without the many members and volunteers who show up each month and every year to help with all the work that goes into producing one of the finest “working” shows in the United States! Come on out to the show this year and drop by the office to get your membership. It’s only $25.00 for the year and supports a great organization that has been around for more than 60 years and is still “growing” strong!
If you can’t make it out to the show, and would like to show your support, Contact Beth Giacomo, Treasurer by calling her at 618-318-0745.
SAMPLE
If you’d like to be involved in any part of the American Thresherman Show and can spare a couple hours of your time, please come to the office or find anyone wearing a blue ribbon. We’d love to talk with you.
The American Thresherman Association, Inc.
Executive Board
President ........................... ................ Josh Giacomo, Pinckneyville, Illinois
First Vice-President............................ Richard Farthing, Tamaroa, Illinois
Second Vice-President..............................Chuck Hoene, Toledo, Illinois
Third Vice-President........................... ...... Kent Jansen, Sigel, Illinois
Secretary............................. ........... Helen Whitworth, Staunton, Illinois
Record Secretary...............................Marilyn Brickhaus, Perryville, Missouri
Treasurer ............... .............................Beth Giacomo, Pinckneyville, Illinois
Chaplain..................................... .... Aaron Whitworth, Staunton, Illinois
Board of Directors
Mike Bejma.................................................Ashley, IL
Linda Crouch ...........................................Highland, IL
Matthew Elders......................................Carterville, IL
Gaylen Greer ......................................Pinckenyville, IL
Daniel Haege............................................Nashville, IL
Mark Heberlie ................................Ste. Genevieve, MO
Gilbert Helvey .....................................Pinckneyville, IL
Kurt Jansen............................................Effingham, IL
Tom Jansen ............................................Effingham, IL
William Jansen.........................................Dieterich, IL
Mark Kellerman...................................Pinckenyville, IL
Paul Kurtz..................................................Sesser, IL
David Logsdon.....................................Pinckneyville, IL
Austin McAllister..................................Pinckneyville, IL
Jason Mohr ........................................Pinckneyville, IL
Brett Naeger...........................................St. Mary, MO
Tom Nikrant................................................Ashley IL
Mike Pearson......................................Pinckneyville, IL
Darren Percival.......................................Effingham, IL
Jerome Ripperda .......................................Bartelso, IL
Chad Sherman............................................Oraville, IL
Michael Storck.........................................Addieville, IL
Ralph Schrader.........................................Highland, IL
Special Thoughts
The American Thresherman Association ties closely to the most famous Farm Power Magazine published during the decades of the Steam Tractor Engine and Steam Age. We are keenly interested in Farm Power and of the importance of its continual progress.
The key in agriculture has always been, and always will be, the available power, which the farmer has at his command. We dedicate our show to those many unsung men of yesteryear, who lived in an era when our nation was in the prime of its development. Only the power which the ‘Steam Engine’ gave them, made this phase of our development possible.
Thank You
Thank you for coming to our show. We’ve enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you at our 38th Annual Fall Show 2025 and again next year for the 67th Annual ATA Show 2026.
For additional information visit our website www.americanthresherman.com
NEXT YEAR’S SHOW:
August
12-16, 2026
Feature
Tractor:
Massey Harris 2025 Fall Show Dates: October 17-19, 2025
Past Presidents
1960-1963: ...............Amos Rixman-Oklahoma City, OK 1964-1965: ............... Winton Bigham-Pinckneyville, IL 1966-1968: ....................... Paul Wagner-Willisville, IL 1969-1970: ...................... Ollie Knepper-Belleville, IL 1971: ....................... George F. Bahre-Coulterville, IL 1972-1978: ................... Edward Jansen-Teutopolis, IL 1979: ........................ Rudie Lillienkamp-Hoyleton, IL
1980-1985: ..................... Bill Douglas-Granite City, IL 1986-1987: .................. Stanley Kurwicki-Nashville, IL 1988-1998: ................... Don Thomas-Pinckneyville, IL 1999-2001: .................... Ernest Russell-Jonesboro, IL 2002: .................... William Schrader-Pinckneyville, IL 2003-2011: ................. Charles Greer-Pinckneyville, IL Present: .................... Josh Giacomo-Pinckneyville, IL
Weekly- Press Sponsored City-Wide Yard Sales
In conjunction with the American Thresherman’s Show, the Weekly-Press newspaper will be sponsoring a city-wide yard sale August 14-17. The yard sales will be printed in the Weekly-Press on August 13. Copies of the newspapers will be available for pick-up at the Weekly-Press office in Du Quoin, Perry County Market Place, Dollar General, MotoMart and other local retailers for only $1. Call us 618-357-6397 to subscribe today!
Third Weekend in October Marks Annual Thresherman Fall Festival
The American Thresherman Association’s 39th Annual Fall Festival kicks off on October 17th and continues throughout the 19th at the Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville.
Attractions include:
• Flea Market with a variety of arts & crafts, train rides, steam and gas engines on display, broom making machine on display and rope making demonstrations, draft horses and ponies in action all day, corn shelling, corn shredding, corn grinding, burr milling, hacksel cutting, corn pickers and corn binders, cider making, kettle popcorn made on the grounds, sawmilling, sawing firewood, crosscut sawing and buck sawing, animal teams and blacksmithing.
• Other activities include antique tractor pull on Saturday, October 18th, starting at 10:00 a.m. The antique only consignment sale has household items, machinery, hand tools, engines, tractors and more for sale on Sunday, October 19th at 10:00 a.m. A worship service will
be again this year at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Come join us! Admission is FREE! Exhibitors are welcome!
For general information, you can visit the ATA’s website at www. americanthresherman.com or call (618) 318-0745 before the show and (618) 357-6643 during the show.
For more information, contact any ATA Board member. The Executive Board currently includes ATA President Josh Giacomo, 1st Vice-President Richard Farthing, 2nd Vice-President Chuck Hoene, 3rd Vice-President Kent Jansen, Secretary Helen Whitworth, Rec. Secretary Marilyn Brickhaus, Treasurer Beth Giacomo and Chaplain Aaron Whitworth. Board of Directors include Matthew Elders, Darren Percival, David Logsdon, Brett Naeger, Chad Sherman, Austin McAllister, Michael Storck, William Jansen, Paul Kurtz, Tom Nikrant, Mike Pearson, Kurt Jansen, Ralph Schrader, Mark Heberlie, Gilbert Helvey, Tom Jansen, Linda Crouch, Jason Mohr, Jerome Ripperda, Mark Kellerman, Daniel Haege, Mike Bejma and Gaylen Greer.
ATA Fall Festival Highlights
Above: A group from students from St. Mark’s in Steelville enjoy a ride in a horse drawn wagon at the annual fall fest.
Right: Wade Spence of Oklahoma takes a moment to shell some corn at the 2024 ATA Fall Festival on his birthday last year.
Above: The train is always a big hit with area students at the 2024 Thresherman’s Fall Fest.
Above: St Bruno Catholic School was among the area schools that enjoyed a day of fun and learning at the 2024 Thresherman Fall Festival. Pictured are the students taking a break for lunch during the days activities.
