ATA Show Index
On The Cover
Amanda
Sydnee
Got
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 the day ~ 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. 14
Tractor Parade Through Town @ 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15
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 @ 6:30 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. 16
Tractor Ride 8:00 a.m. - Line up at the old museum building at the southwest corner of the park.
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. 17
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, 12 p.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. 18
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.
Welcome to the 65th ATA Show
Welcome to the 65th Annual Steam, Gas, and Threshing Show. The American Thresherman Association is featuring Allis Chamber Gathering of the Orange & Triple A Allis Club and Olds & Rumbley Related Products will be the feature on Gas Engine Hill this year.
As you walk around and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of our show, we invite you to follow the progress of agriculture over the last 100+ years. We are a working show, with various demonstrations occurring throughout the day. At night enjoy championship tractor pulls. We are a family friendly show with something for all ages.
We would like to thank Mayor Robert Spencer and the City Commissioners for all of their support throughout the year. We would also like to thank all of those that have helped us through financial donations along the way.
We would like to thank all the tractor enthusiasts. Without you attending we would not be able to have a successful show. We hope you enjoy yourself and go away learning about the history of farming. We would enjoy seeing your photos and videos from the show so when you get a chance, please post them on our Facebook page.
Visitors, while you are in the area, be sure to check out some of the other great things our community has to offer. Across the road from our show is the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum, featuring displays on 1850-1950 rural life. Several in the community find this is a great opportunity to have a yard sale, turning into the traditional city-wide yard sale weekend.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Fall Show October 18-20, 2024. Hope to see everyone there.
Enjoy the Show!
Quoin
American Thresherman Association 65th Anniversary and Counting
The City of Pinckneyville is full of traditions. The Thresherman show has been in Pinckneyville for 63 years, so needless to say, it’s one of the longest running traditions in the city. This year marks the 65th 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, 63 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. 15-18 at the Perry County fairgrounds. The 2024 feature is Allis-Chalmers, Gathering of the Orange & Triple A Allis Club & Olds & Rumely Related Products. The 2024 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 utilizing steam engines and gas tractors. Plowing, threshing and baling
American Thresherman Association 65th Anniversary and Counting
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 to the huge oil-field types of engines. Gas Engine Hill is 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 Fairbanks Morse 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 “not-soyoung!” 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 Sunday. 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 even the sawdust! We use this off-fall from the saw mill to cover areas of walking/driving in case we have rain, and the scrap pieces of the logs are used to fire steam engines and are saved for our Fall Festival
Perry County
Counseling Center
Providing
• 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!
American Thresherman Association
65th Anniversary and Counting
show when we make outdoor apple butter in our big copper kettle!” 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! It is a work in progress and will be partially up and running for the 2024 show, so make sure to meander over there and see the big engines chug!
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 56th 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 2 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. Saturday night again features ITPA with the AA ProStock 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 $7 and children under 12 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 getting 87 tractors on the grounds! 10,000 paid admissions over the 4 days,
American Thresherman Association 65th Anniversary and Counting
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
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
Upcoming Shows:
2025: IHC, Chapter 32 & Chapter 10, International Engines and Electrall Demonstrations
2026: Massey Harris
Also don’t forget to check out our annual fall show this October!
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
Gutjahr Auction Service
Henson’s Septic Service
Hutch’s Tire
Hick’s Oil
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
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 - Jeff Arnot
C & M Tools
Cardinal Veterinary Service - Nicole Cresser Musselman
Clover Leaf Grain
Continental Tire
Donoho Insurance
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 Solutions - Brent Brisco
Nutrien Ag - Warren Jones
Panther Creek Farms
Pioneer Seed- Templeton Seed (Karen Busby)
Property Peddlers -Amber Skinner
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
SRMD Solution LLC
Stine Seed Company –Keith Krebel
Suchomski Equipment
Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners
The Flower Patch, Ltd
Wabash Valley
Warner Communication
Bill Kemme, State Farm Insurance
Kellerman Farm and Excavating
The History of Allis-Chalmers
Edward P. Allis was a shrewd businessman when he purchased the Reliance Works company in 1861 for $22.72 . By 1865 sales had reached $100,000 and Edward P. Allis & Company had become a viable and thriving firm. It produced heavy equipment machinery such as steam engines, turbines,flour mills ,which mechanized a growing America.
Thomas Chalmers, an immigrant from Scotland, formed the company Fraser and Chalmers in 1872. The firm manufactures mining equipment,boilers and pumps. Later, stationary steam engines were added to the line.
In 1901 a merger of Edward P. Allis Company and the Fraser and Chalmers company formed the Allis-Chalmers Company. A new factory was built just west of Milwaukee Wisconsin. The area is soon named West Allis and would remain the company’s home for the next 80 years.
The formation of this company expanded the lengthy line of equipment but it wasn’t until the early 1910s that tractors emerged as a priority. General Otto Falk, A-C president 1913-1932, revolutionized the product line and introduced the Model 10-18
The History of Allis-Chalmers
tractor. This was the first in a series which would eventually become a full line of equipment for the family farm.
Otto Falk then brings in Harry Merritt to help bring life into new but struggling tractor division. Merritt has a successful track record with several brands of farm and construction equipment, most notably the Holt company. It is Merritt who in 1929 will find inspiration in a field California poppy blossoms to start painting Allis-Chalmers tractors Persian orange.
In 1928 the Monarch Tractor Company of Springfield, Illinois is acquired. This gives the Allis-Chalmers a foothold in the crawler tractor business. Then in 1931, the Advance-Rumely Company of Laporte Indiana is purchased giving Allis-Chalmers an established farm dealer network with over 2000 locations.
All-Crop combines are offered for the first time in 1935. A-C utilizes the former Rumely facilitiesin Laporte to build the highly regarded harvesters. Other products built here will include Rotobalers, corn pickers, cotton pickers and manure spreaders.
When the United States enters the World War ll, Allis-Chalmers like many other companies joins the war effort and turns their
production efforts toward military equipment. A-C builds M4 and M6 utility vehicles for the Army, propeller shafts and other components for the Navy, as well as key equipment used during manufacture of the worlds first atomic weapons.
Several “firsts” were established in the Allis Chalmers in its history that deserve special mention. In 1929 rubber tires were developed with the Firestone company for the model U. At the time this was a radical idea but proved superior over the steel lugged wheels in every regard. Then in 1961 the D-19 is introduced as the first tractor to utilize a turbocharged diesel engine . 1963 brought the D-21 as the first tractor to eclipse over 100 pto horsepower. Today the D-21 is one of the most sought after collectible AC tractors.
In 1982 the 8000 series is introduced. One of the best, most advanced tractors available at the time, but was not enough to overcome the economic and labor pressures the company faced. Production continued until December of 1985 when the last ever Allis -Chalmers tractor rolled off the West Allis assembly line. The company files for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it desperately
The History of Allis-Chalmers
tries to reorganize into smaller but viable company. Then in March of 1985 the Farm Tractor division is sold to Humboldt-Deutz AG of Germany.
The nearly 150 year old story of Allis -Chalmers comes to an end in January of 1990 with the closing of the company’s rented offices in its former West Allis offices.
Photos with this article are provided by Triple A Tractor Club INC.
TRIPLE A TRACTOR CLUB
(All About Allis-Chalmers) Since 2014
The Triple A Tractor Club (All About Allis) was formed in the spring of 2014 by a group of Allis Chalmers enthusiast spearheaded by Carolyn and Bob Hollar. Our first show was held in September of that year.
The club has an annual Farm Days show every year at Percival Springs in Watson, IL. The show date is always the 3rd weekend in September.
Meetings are held at Amelia’s on the show grounds the 3rd Thursday of the month. The club is active at various shows in the central Illinois area. The club currently has around 175 members.
The annual show features ; Threshing, Bailing, Combining Beans, Picking Corn, Potato Digging, Field Work, Antique Tractor Pull, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Kids Games, and Tractor Games. A new feature added at last years show was a Steam Engine spark show on Saturday night.
For more information visit our web site; tripleatractorclub.com or our facebook page;TRIPLE A TRACTOR CLUB, INC.
American Thresherman Association 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Gaylen Greer, board member for the American Thresherman Association attended the Trico FFA banquet to present Brady Heins with his ATA Scholarship.
American Thresherman Association Scholarship recipient Jamison Dudek. Pictured with Dudek receiving his scholarship is ATA representatives Gaylen Greer and Josh Giacomo.
Aaron Fikuart (center) received the American Thresherman association’s scholarship and is pictured with ATA representatives Josh Giacomo (left) and Gaylen Greer (right).
The American Thresherman Association presented three scholarships to local students at Du Quoin High School, Pinckneyville High School and Trico High School during the schools award ceremonies this year. Greer said “We fully support these FFA kids in their future endeavors. They help us every year with parking and gate help, along with assisting in tractor registration and other areas. The board decided to present these scholarships to three deserving students, in addition to the donations we make to their chapters to help them offset costs of their various activities. The opening paragraph of the FFA crew references their belief in the future of agriculture, the promise of better ways, and better things from struggle of former years. As they spend time with us, we are able to show them agriculture practice from times past as they prepare to learn about new technology.”
Above Left: One of the 2016 feature tractors, the Allis-Chalmer, lines the street in front of the Pinckneyville Fire Department, turning the town orange during the tractor parade. Above Right: Laurie Dancik belts up the Rumely Oil Pull for the dynomamoter at the 2016 show.
Allis-Chalmers & Rumley at the 2016 Show!
Rumely and Allis-Chalmer tractors were featured in 2016. Above: One of the feature machines, the Rumely, was honored with an aerial photo taken on Saturday afternoon of the 2016 show.
Gathering of the Orange
Old Allis News Connect A-C Fans Worldwide
More than 40 years after they were founded, Old Allis News magazine and the Gathering of the Orange shows continue to connect Allis-Chalmers collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
Old Allis News began in 1983 as “a little newsletter” for A-C folks. The first edition, containing two pages, was published by Nan Jones of Bellevue, Mich., who had been approached about taking on the project by Richard Sleichter and Norm Meinert after she wrote an article titled “Mothers Get Hooked on Antique Tractors, You Know” for “Engineers and Engines” magazine.
That conversation led to a meeting about the possibility of an A-C
feature show to be held in July 1983 at the Stephenson County Antique Engine Show in Freeport, Ill. The first newsletter was printed early that same year to inform people about the upcoming show.
While no goal was set for the number of A-C tractors at that first GOTO, more than 50 showed up, and it was considered a great success. Not long after that, a 1984 A-C event entered the planning stages for Dalton, Minn., then Baraboo, Wis., and Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Both the GOTO and Old Allis News continued to grow through the years under Jones’ direction. In 2008, Jones sold both entities to Dave and Heidi Clausen of Clayton, Wis., who have published Old Allis News and coordinated the GOTO events for the past 16 years. Their first GOTO as the new owners was in Tulare, Calif.
Dave and Heidi both grew up on dairy farms. Dave’s dad worked for A-C at the Carol Stream, Ill., parts depot before going into dairying and used A-C equipment on the farm. Dave still has his grandpa’s “B,” along with a 200 and 220 in his A-C collection. Heidi worked for a Wisconsin agriculture weekly newspaper for 26 years.
More than four decades later, the GOTO has been held twice annually, mostly in conjunction with existing shows at host sites from Maine to Washington, as well as in Canada. That “little newsletter” has grown into a more than 60-page, full-color magazine that is published quarterly and mailed to about 4,200 collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
For more information about the GOTO or Old Allis News, or to subscribe, visit www.oldallisnews.com, call (715) 268-4632, or find them on Facebook at “Old Allis News.”
Above Left: The first GOTO in 1983 in Freeport Illinois. Above Right: Old Allis News magazine covers from the past year.
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 is moving 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.
The American-Southern Train Railroad gives rides daily.
Engines Featured
Olds Engines & Rumely Related Products
The Olds engines were built by the Seager Engine Works in Lansing, Michigan. Olds later made automobile engines.
From 1912 to 1915 the Rumely Company’s sales branch was called Rumely Products, Inc. They sold many short line implements and engines to become a full-line company. This Rumely light plant was used to power a cotton plantation on the Chattahoochee River near Omaha, Georgia. The light plant consists of a 3 horse power Falk sideshaft engine, which was Rumely’s top of the line; they also sold Rumely-Olds engines from the Seager Olds Company, and industrial engines named Rumely-Adams. The generator is a 1500 watt Sangamo made in Springfield, IL; the control board is a Warner product. The unit, which is still mounted on its original skids, has been secured in a closed trailer, which has bank of batteries under the floor that the generator charges. The batteries can be used to operate the generator as a motor, in order to start the Falk engine. The original control board is mounted on the wall of the trailer, but is only for display; a modern electrical panel is behind it, which controls the unit. The current voltage is 72 V, being set-up with six 12-volt batteries hooked up in series. I purchased this unit after it was reconditioned/restored by Scholl’s Engine Shop of Sugar Grove, North Carolina. This engine was on display at the 2016 ATA Show.
Shingle Milling
The shingle mill is owned by Tim and Mark Kellerman. Shingles are shown being made by Mark at last year’s show. The shingle milling takes place at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Tom Garner of Pinckneyville heads up 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
Warehouse
Allis-Chalmers at the 2024 Show
Music in the Steam Shed
Friday, August 16
Website:
Sponsored by The Grecian Steakhouse in Pinckneyville
4-5:30 PM: The Tomcat Hill Social Club
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 PLP Battery Supply in Murphysboro
The Tomcat Hill Social Club
The Gordons
Mila Maring & John Reimbold
Music in the Steam Shed
Saturday, August 17 Continued
2-3:30 PM: Calico Country
Cobb (upright base), Andy King (fiddle), and Cassie Andrews (banjo). The group plays a mix of bluegrass and classic country and play a wide variety of shows in Southern Illinois, including the Southern Illinois Opry, which is held on the third Saturday of the month at the Herrin Civic Center. The band’s first year at the American Thresherman Association show playing was 2019. Sponsored by Jason Woodside – Country Financial
4 - 5:30 PM: Borderline Bluegrass Band
Nashville, Illinois-based band Borderline Bluegrass Band consists of members Amanda Pytlinski (fiddle/vocals), Ryan Pytlinski (guitar/ vocals), Steve Browne (mandolin/vocals), Lucas Morgan (bass/vocals) and Steve Hagene (guitar/banjo/vocals). The band formed in April 2024 and Browne is the current band/chorus director at Nashville High School. According to Hagene, the band held its first practice on April 26 and then played a two-hour show at Nashville American Legion Post 110 two days later. Borderline Bluegrass Band was invited to participate in Nashville’s Concerts on the Square summer concert series and performed there on June 27.
Sponsored by Greg Thompson - Country Financial
Calico Country
Borderline Bluegrass 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
Jason Woodside- Country Financial
Perry County Farm Bureau
Auto Tire & Parts/Napa - Pinckneyville
Orielly Auto Parts - Pinckneyville
Sound System by Greg Epplin
Internet Streaming by Jon Bivin
Sponsored by
Auto Tire & Parts/Napa
O’Reilly
Giacomo Auto Repair
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
ATA Wheat Threshing Machines
Above Left: An antique and still at work McCormick Deering Thresher machines are used during the American Thresherman Association Shows.
Above Right: Gaylen Greer (center) stands atop a threshing machine during the 64th annual American Thresherman Association’s Steam, Gas & Threshing Show.
Wheat Binding
Jerome Ripperda (orange shirt) and Chuck Hoene work on binding wheat in June of 2023.
Horses and mules are used out in the fields to plow early in the day during the show. Horse and mule activities are done every morning during the show.
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!
DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Baker Fans & Prony Brake & Dynamometer Testing 11:45 am & 3:15 pm
Primitive Wheat Threshing, Baling, Plowing & Potato Digging By Horses & Mules 9:30 am - 11:30 am Wheat Threshing, Baling & Plowing By Tractor & Steam Engines 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Getting Around at the Threshermans
VENUE DIRECTORY
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 large 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.
Broom Making
Broom Making and Broom Corn Threshing are some of the many demonstrations held at the American Thresherman Association Steam, Gas and Threshing Show daily.
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 15-18. The yard sales will be printed in the Weekly-Press on August 14. 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!
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 20 at 8:00 a.m. Come join us for services.
On Sunday, August 18 worship and memorial services for the American Thresherman Association will open with Chaplain Aaron Whitworth, of Collinsville, 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. After the service come watch the Antique Tractor Pull at 10 a.m. at the grandstand.
ATA Chaplin Larry Gartner blowing the whistle and the end of the memorial portion of the service.
56th Anniversary of Tractor Pulls at ATA
Tractor Pulling has always been a big part of the American Thresherman’s Show. This year is the 56th 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 56 years in a row. We have 3 nights of ITPA pulling with classes. We also have Antique
classes on Sunday.
Come out to the pulls and see us. The pulls start at 6:30 pm on Thursday and 7pm on Friday and Saturday. Antique classes start at 10 am on Sunday. 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.
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.
New General Store Now Open
The general store will be open 8am-8pm daily for this year’s 65th Annual American
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
The building was moved to the center ring by Richard Farthing and his crew last year 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 will have a place to sit down in air conditioning relax and shop at the General Store. It
Thresherman Show located at the center ring! The store is shown above decorated for the 2023 Fall ATA Show.
Grist Milling
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.
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 1973 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 sponsored by Glen Brickhaus.
Antique cars at last year’s Antique Car Show and swap meet.
A Special 1968 ATA Car Show Memory
1968 American Thresherman Association Antique Car Show
Pictured is Martha Kimzey awarding trophies at the Antique Car Show during the American Thresherman Show August 17, 1968. Provided by Genevieve Hester with the Perry County Jail Museum.
Gas Engine Hill
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 “Olds engines and Rumley products.” There are always some interesting sights to see on the hill!
Annual Tractor Parade 2023
Above Left: A 1964 Case 830 Diesel Case-O-Matic was one of many entrants in the parade.
Above Right: A Case Spirit of ‘76 Bicentennial tractor makes its way along the parade route.
Above: American Thresherman Association officials lead the annual tractor parade last August 16 in advance of the ATA’s Steam, Gas & Threshing Show.
An Allis-Chalmers tractor driven by Tyler Hutchings pulls a wagonload of children in the parade.
2023 ATA Memories
Left: ATA President Josh Giacomo gives remarks during opening ceremonies on August 17. Next to Giacomo is Amelia Eisenhaur, who performed the Star Spangled Banner. Above Left: American Thresherman Association Board of Directors member Josh Hamilton, along with Pinckneyville FFA members, helps raise the American flag during opening ceremonies on August 17. Above Right: The Gordons and friends perform
2023 ATA Memories
Left: Case was the featured tractor maker for the 2023 show. Above: Clayton Hawkins, of Pinckneyville, competes in the pedal tractor pull on August 19 next to the steam shed.
2023 ATA Memories
AUTO & TRUCK PARTS
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.
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
Daniel Haege............................................Nashville, IL
Matthew Elders......................................Carterville, IL
Darren Percival.......................................Effingham, IL
David Logsdon.....................................Pinckneyville, IL
Brett Naeger...........................................St. Mary, MO
Chad Sherman............................................Oraville, IL
Josh Hamiliton............................................Benton, IL
Michael Storck.........................................Addieville, IL
William Jansen.........................................Dieterich, IL
Paul Kurtz..................................................Sesser, IL
Tom Nikrant................................................Ashley IL
Mike Pearson......................................Pinckneyville, IL
Kurt Jansen............................................Effingham, IL
Ralph Schrader.........................................Highland, IL
Mark Heberlie ..................................Ste. Genevieve, MO
Gilbert Helvey .....................................Pinckneyville, IL
Tom Jansen ............................................Effingham, IL
Linda Crouch ............................................Highland, IL
Jason Mohr ........................................Pinckneyville, IL
Jerome Ripperda .......................................Bartelso, IL
Gaylen Greer ......................................Pinckenyville, IL
Mark Kellerman.....................................Pinckenyville, 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 and again next year for the 66th Annual ATA Show.
For additional information visit our website www.americanthresherman.com
NEXT
YEAR’S
SHOW:
August 13-17, 2025
Tractor: IHC and Electrall Demonstrations Chapter 32 & Chapter 10 International Engines 2024 Fall Show Dates: October 18-20, 2024
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
Third Weekend in October Marks Annual Thresherman Fall Festival
The American Thresherman Association’s 38th Annual Fall Festival kicks off on October 18th and continues throughout the 20th 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 and apple butter 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 19th, 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 20th 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, Josh Hamiliton, 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: Pinckneyville District 50 students work at a corn shelling machine.
ATA Fall Highlights
Above: Students and their parents and teachers take a train ride through the fairgrounds. Below: A young child smiles as she creates a strand of rope.
ATA Fall Festival Highlights
Above Left: Jordan Ruholl and Henry Jansen, grandsons of American Thresherman Association Board of Directors member Kurt Jansen, thresh corn during the fall show. Above Right: Pinckneyville District 50 students learn about the types of products corn goes into during the American Thresherman Association’s fall show last weekend at the Perry County Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville. Photos by Pete Spitler.
