64th Annual American Thresherman Association Show

Come see me at the Fair on Midway Drive

• Extremely Durable

• Low Maintenance

• Easy to Clean

• Array of Colors

• Resistant to Salt, Stain, UV and High Traffic.

• Unlimited Amount of Designs and Patterns

Still offering POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS and CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS.

Schedule of Events

Various activities on the grounds run concurrently. Times listed indicate approximate starting only. Some activities may run at additional times.

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. 16

Tractor Parade Through Town @ 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17

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.

Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers Association @ 6 p.m.

ITPA Tractor Pull @ 7 p.m.

Grandstand Admission $10 Ages 13 and Up/Ages 6 - 12 $5/ 5 & under

Free

5800 lb. Modified

6850 lb. Pro Farm & 11000 lb. Pro Farm

Friday, Aug. 18

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

6000 lb. Super Stock -- 9500 lb. Pro Stock

8500 lb. Limited Pro Stock -- 10,000 lb. Pro Stock

Saturday, Aug. 19

Flag Raising/National Anthem @ 9 a.m.

Pedal Tractor Pull @ 10 am. Basketball Court in Center Ring

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 @ 6 p.m.

Grandstand Admission $10 Ages 13 and Up/Ages 6 - 12 $5/ 5 & under Free

8500 lb. Limited Pro Stock -- 9500 lb. Limited Pro Stock

9500 lb. Pro Farm -- 10000 lb. Pro Stock

Sunday, Aug. 20

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 64th Annual Show

Welcome to the 64th Annual Steam, Gas, and Threshing Show. The American Thresherman Association is featuring Illinois J.I. Case Collectors. Sideshaft 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.

As you walk or ride around on our show ground, check out the new fresh look of our original museum. The museum was built in 1976 the same year I was born. It took the dedication of several volunteers. A couple good leaders to get building rebuilt and looking good hopefully it will last another 46 years. Thanks to all that help work on the building. Especially, 3rd Vice President Kent Jansen, his dad Ed Jansen, was president when they built to originally in 1976.

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 20-22, 2023. Hope to see everyone there.

Enjoy the Show!

--Josh

Giacomo, President American Thresherman Association

American Thresherman Association 64th Anniversary and Counting

The City of Pinckneyville is full of traditions. The Thresherman show has been in Pinckneyville for 62 years, so needless to say, it’s one of the longest running traditions in the city. This year marks the 64th 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, 62 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. 16-20 at the Perry County fairgrounds. The 2023 feature is Illinois J I Case Collectors and Side Shaft Engines. The 2023 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 64th 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-so-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 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 show when

American Thresherman Association 64th Anniversary and Counting

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 2019 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 53rd 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 morning will begin with 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 basketball court in the center ring. Make sure to get there early to get a good seat. In addition to these Saturday morning activities, bluegrass music will return with four more bands performing throughout the day. 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. This year the show is featuring Chevrolet Corvair. 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 64th 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 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

Upcoming Shows:

2024: Triple A Allis Club & National AC Gathering of the Orange

2025: IHC & Chapter 32 & Chapter 10

2026: Massey Harris

Letter from First ATA President

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.

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.

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.

618 Motor Sports - Nashville, IL

Alstat Wood Products

Anderson Crop Insurance - Johnston City, IL

Audra’s Footprint - Pinckneyville, IL

Asgrow - DeKalb

B.A.M. Tarps and Liners Service - Buckner, IL

Barr Trucking - Pinckneyville, IL

Bartling Farms - Nashville, IL

Ben Zelasko

Bibs AG Tiling Company

Bigham /cable Construction Inc.

Boyd & Sons - Washington, IN

Brand Electric

C & M Tools Cornwell Tools, Douglas Vickery

Cardinal Veterinary Services, PLLC

Case-IH H & R Agri-Power - Vergennes, IL

Clover Leaf Grain - Hoyleton, IL

Continental Tire - Mt. Vernon, IL

D & D Seed - Nashville, IL

Dixie Cup Cafe

Donoho Insurance, Mt. Vernon, IL

Gutjahr Auction Service

Great Heart Seed - Tamaroa, IL

Hagene Excavating - Pinckneyville, IL

Haney Equipment & Tractor - Mulkeytown, IL

Henson’s Septic Service - A/C Portable Toilets

Hicks Oil Company - Du Quoin, IL

Hines Oil Company - Murphysboro, IL

HNA Skid Steer Service - Pinckneyville, IL

Hoffman Seed House - Hoffman, IL

Hutch’s Tire - Pinckneyville, IL

Illinois Harvest - Pinckneyville, IL

Jansen Computer

Jansen Bros. Garage

Jansen’s Heating & Air Conditioning

Kevin Tolka

Kincaid Stone - Ava, IL

Knight Hawk Coal

Kuhnert Farms & Mining - Ava, IL

Kurt Jansen Farms

L & L Tire Service - Sparta, IL

Larry Loos

Lehde Auction Service - Addieville, IL

Lone Oak Timber

Loos Farms, Larry Loos - Pinckneyville, IL

Matthews Ag Supply - Tamaroa, IL

McCoy Equipment - Mt. Vernon, IL

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Panther Creek Farms, Gene Opp - Tamaroa, IL

Perry County Ridge Landfill

Rays Auto Body - Tamaroa, IL

Rend Lake Plumbing - Bonnie, IL

Rulevish Excavating - Tamaroa, IL

Rulevish Farms - Tamaroa, IL

Riechmann Bros. - Okawville, IL

Suchomski Equipment

Shaw Heavy Equipment - Sparta

Sievers Case-IH N.C. Pries Implement - Hoyleton, IL

Sizemore Pressure Washing - Tamaroa, IL

Snider Parts - Grand Tower, IL

Southern FS - Pinckneyville, IL

Southern Mutual Insurance Co. - Pinckneyville, IL

Sparta Equipment - Sparta, IL

SRMD Machine Shop - Dietrich, IL

Steve Miller - Miller Repair Shop - Pinckneyville, IL

Stephens Trucking -Percy, IL

Stotlar Contractor Supply - Marion, IL

Syngenta Crop Protection

Templeton Seed - Pioneer Seed

The Flower Patch - Pinckneyville, IL

Top Ag - Okawville, IL

Tree-O- Lumber

Trophy Room - Pinckneyville, IL

Illinois J I Case Collectors

Jerome Increase Case founded the J.I. Case Company in 1842 and focused primarily on the production of quality threshing machines. In 1844 the company was moved to Racine, Wisconsin where threshing machines and steam engines were built through 1892 when the addition of the first Case gasoline tractor was built. In the early 1900s Case took on building luxury automobiles, cross engine tractors, and combines. In 1939 the D series tractors were introduced in the new Flambeau Red color. In the late 50s Case began producing construction equipment and agricultural tractors with a Case-O-Matic transmission. The beginning of the 30 series tractors started in 1962 and would continue through 1969 when the Agri King 70 series tractors were introduced and in service till 1979 when 90 Series tractors were introduced and produced through 1983 when the 94 series was built until International Harvester’s agricultural division was acquired in 1985 and CASE IH was officially consolidated in 1986. After this point the rest of the tractors that were produced were painted red and labeled CASE IH.

Illinois J I Case Collectors

Stuart Thomas’ J.I. Case 870 tractor (left) and Tom Sanders’ J.I. Case 770 tractor (right). They are featured on this year’s cover.

Above: Kasen Sanders, son of Tom and Sara Sanders of Benton, Il. is pictured on his tractor. Tom is a director of the Illinois JI Case collectors and has a collection of primarily JI Case tractors focusing on Black Knight / Golden Demonstrators as well as a couple Spirit of 76 tractors. Left: Tom Sanders takes a ride on his Case 1070 Demonstrator. These are also featured on this year’s cover.

A Case Story by Delbert Baursachs

My name is Delbert Bauersachs I am the third son of Calvin and Mayme Bauersachs. On February 28, 1959 I was called to the US Army for two years. Following my two, eight week training’s I was shipped to Butzbach, Germany over 5,000 miles from home for 18 months of more training. On April 14, 1959 my parents bought out the Case dealer in Pinckneyville and on April 28 the contract was signed by the St. Louis branch manager Ed Reiske, territory man Duane Chronister and my folks.

The dealer in Pinckneyville was McKinstry Tractor & Implement Company. They wanted to move the business out five miles west of town to the farm. So they built the block building 84x36 in the fall of 1959. They moved all the parts and tools to the new building. My two older brothers, Kenny and Glen were married and lived close by to help. The year 1960 was a very slow and hard year, my two brothers bought a new Case 611 and 700 tractor. I got home on February 13, 1961 and my folks wanted me to help. My two brothers farmed on their own and eased away from the business.

Featured are photos from the Baursachs family archives showing the equipment and building purchased in 1959 depicting the Case dealer business they built together through the years.

A Case Story by Delbert Baursachs

In July 28, 1961 I married my special farm girl Mildred that was waiting for me. My folks just lived across the road from the shop and I lived a couple hundred feet south of the shop. My mother, Mayme was the bookkeeper and parts lady, and she was very good at it. My dad and I were the mechanics and salesmen.

In 1962 sales started getting better, and in 1963-1965 sales took off big time. We sold around 600 pieces of Case equipment in the years that the business was open. I setup a lot of new machinery and helped in parts when it was needed.

When my folks reached retirement age the Case Company wanted them to move the dealer back into Pinckneyville, my folks said they didn’t want to. Therefore in October

A Case Story by Delbert Baursachs

31, 1973 the contract with Case was cancelled. I still farm with a 630, 830 and 1030 which were sold through the business. After the shop was closed I ended up buying the building and property, and we now use it to store restored tractors. Featured are the Baursachs family photo archives.

Featured are the Baursachs family photo archives.

Take a Ride on the Train!

The American-Southern Train is a Crown locomotive and will be back on the tracks this year for the 64th Anniversary of the American Thresherman’s Association Steam, Gas and Threshing Show.

The American-Southern Train was acquired from Marion, Illinois in 1971 and has been running at the show every year since! After over 40 years of service, the locomotive underwent extensive repairs to bring it back to its original splendor. And what a difference it has made! The engine hasn’t run as fast and smooth in years!

A new addition to the show the year before last is the gas locomotive 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 new volunteers. The steam train is out for repairs this year.

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.

The new gas powered locomotive that ran for the first time in 2021.

Welcome to the 64th ATA Show!

Engines Featured

Right Lube, Right Application

The Rare Blakeslee Sideshaft Engines

The company is thought to have started in 1901 as Blakeslee Mfg. Co. of Birmingham, Al. Around 1905 the company was reorganized as WhiteBlakeslee Mfg. Co. In 1917 the company was purchased and re-named the American Blakeslee Mfg. Co. and continued to sell gas engines at least through 1919. There is vary little information known on the Blakeslee engines. At the show this year the only 3 engines known are here at the show on Engine Hill!

• Complete lines of automotive & industrial lubricants

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• Buy direct from the manufacturer! Walk up sales available Monday Friday 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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845 N. Hickory, Du Quoin, IL 62832

P: (618) 542-5431

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Case at Past ATA Shows

Pictured above, Brandon Lee puts on the spark show during the tractor pulls with the family’s 80hp Case engine. Below: Clarence Gewin of Pleasant Hill, LA and Garrett Jennings of Lufkin, TX, take a break and have a seat on the back of one of the Case steam engines at the show!

Above: Both 110hp Case Steam Engines in the Plow Field. Below: Helen Case Brigham, great-granddaughter of J. I. Case attended the 2007 American Thresherman Association show and rode high in one of the Case 110hp engines!

Case at Past ATA Shows

Above: Display put up by the Case Expo 2007. Below: Gas Engine Hill featuring all makes and sizes of gas engines. Come on over to “the Hill”!

The Case steam engine line-up for the 21st annual J.I. Case Expo held in Pinckneyville in 2007.

In Memory of Anthony “Toby” Jansen

Anthony “Toby” Jansen

April 4, 1934 - April 25, 2023

Toby and his family have attended the American Thresherman’s Show in Pinckneyville for many years. His family consisted of his wife, Mardell and his seven children, Marlene, Karen, Joyce, Linda, Mark, Richard and Wayne. During those 50 years his family grew, adding 7 in-laws, 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way. His brothers Eddie, Virgil and Johnny and brother in law Norbert Hoene got him started in 1972. The first piece of equipment Toby brought was an Allis Chalmers WC tractor and then in 2005 followed his beloved threshing machine. Toby helped build the Steam Engine building and he ran his threshing machine for on lookers. He took pride in all his grandchildren, however, watching two of his granddaughters, Beth and Kelly, work with him threshing was extra special. It was no surprise to see a man in a pair of bib overalls over a long sleeve white shirt and a straw hat walking around the grounds in 90 degree weather. The family took care of parking the trucks and trailers carrying tractors and other machinery for several years. Toby took the job very seriously. When he wasn’t threshing he would spend time with other old folk reminiscing. He knew no strangers and made many new friends. He may have been seen eating breakfast at Kittens, known now as the Dixie Cup Cafe. He attended the Saturday evening mass at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church with the family. Toby enjoyed watching all his kids, grandkids and great grandkids experience all that he loved about this place. He will be greatly missed.

Above: Anthony “Toby” Jansen and his wife Mardell take a ride on their Allis-Chalmers tractor. Right: Wayne Jansen stands on the wheat binder with his father Anthony “Toby” Jansen helping out to the right.

In Memory of Kenneth Crouch

Kenneth “Kenny” Crouch

July 7, 1948 -December 20, 2022

Kenneth Crouch was a member of the American Thresherman Association for most of his life. He worked in several areas and was available to help when asked. He always had an opinion! He attended shows as a child with his parents Charles and Pearl Crouch as well as his siblings. He helped his dad with the building and running of “The Scrap Pile Fugitive” which in turn got his interest in steam engines. He ran the Station Steam Shed for years.

He found unique tools while going to yard sales, auctions, and flea markets. While going to yard sales he enjoyed finding items for his friends and getting them and taking them to his friends. He enjoyed going to stock car races in Highland and elsewhere. He worked on several stock cars also here in Highland. He loved going out to eat.

Above and Right: Kenneth “Kenny” Crouch (above far right and right) prepares to make apple butter.

Early ATA Show Memories

Past Case at 2015 ATA Show

Kase Howell, 2 of Pinckneyville spends a moment on a Case. J. I. Case and the Case Heritage Eagle Collectors were the featured brand of the 2015 Thresherman’s show.

Above: Tom Brantley of Murphysboro holds a model Case tractor he had re-purposed from a singer sewing machine back in 2015.

Case steam engines pull plows during Saturday’s plow display at the 2015 ATA Show in Pinckneyville.

Music in the Steam Shed

Friday, August 18

4-5:30 PM: The Gordons

12-1:30 PM:

George Portz’s Friends of Bluegrass

The Late George Portz - Fiddle

George came from a fiddlin’ family and his foundation comes from his grandfather, Perry Biggs. During the next 47 years he forged his unique, driving style that has been an influence to hundreds of area fiddlers and students. Included with George’s 150 Fiddle Championships is his 1982 National “Open” Championship, Five Illinois State Fair and two Illinois State Championships. He was one of the nation’s premier fiddlers.

‘Ranger’ Dave Montgomery – Lead Guitar & Vocals

As Dave enters his 45th year with the Friends of Bluegrass he continues to be the area’s finest and most entertaining flat top picker with numerous awards to his credit, including both the Illinois (multiple times) and the Missouri State Flatpick Guitar Championships, Ranger Dave has also placed in the prestigious Guitar Competition at Winfield Kansas. Also an award winning singer, Dave’s “Bar Room” singing style is a show favorite.

David Dalton – Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals

Award winning singer and songwriter, David Dalton has become one of the leading vocalists in the Midwest and exhibits a wide range of styles from Monroe Bluegrass to heartfelt Country songs. Whatever David sings, it will be great!

Kathie Pohlman – Bass, Cajun Accordion, Irish Whistle & Harmony Vocals

Kathie’s dominant slap in her bass playing anchors the FOB and her harmony singing is top notch. She fires up the Cajun accordion for some traditional Louisiana Bayou music and plays the Irish whistle on the Celtic tunes. Kathie has won Awards for Best Rhythm Musician at the Illinois State Fiddle Contest and All Around Back Up Musician at the elite Bethel Missouri Old Time Competition.

Samuel Webb - Banjo

“Sammy “ is the newest addition to the band and is a recent High School graduate who has only been playing banjo for a couple of years but excels at his craft.

Show sponsored by NAPA/Auto Tire & Parts of Pinckneyville.

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/

The Gordons show is sponsored by Grecian Steakhouse in Pinckneyville.

Saturday, August 19

12 - 1:30 PM: Banjovi

The stringband, Banjovi, has played for square- and contra-dances in southern Illinois and Missouri for over two decades. They have made music for numerous other events, such as the Art Education Festival at SIU, other festivals, birthdays, and even one bar mitzvah. Their repertoire includes not only old time dance tunes but also songs from different traditions such as bluegrass, classic rock, folk, and blues. This diversity means there is something in every performance for most anyone to like.

2-3:30 PM:

The Ol’ Fishskins Bluegrass Band

The Ol’ Fishskins play traditional bluegrass concentrating on music from the pre-1965 era and more. The Ol’ Fishskins Bluegrass Band is based in Carbondale, Murphysboro and Pomona.

Sponsored by PLP Battery -Murphysboro.

Banjovi is named for the banjo, but the band’s music includes five other instruments. Lew Hendrix plays dobro and clawhammer banjo—the oldest style of playing with roots in Africa. He is also in the Tomcat Hill Social Club bluegrass band. Cathie Hutcheson plays upright bass and guitar. Toby Merriman plays fiddle and mandolin and has been in numerous Southern Illinois acoustic bands, such as the Rural Kings, Storm Crows, Bosco and Whiteford, and the Jenny Johnson Band. Lew and Toby sing lead while Cathie sings harmony.

Banjovi will be sponsored by Jason Woodside- Country Financial.

2-3:30 PM: Mila Maring & John Reimbold

Mila Maring and John Reimbold offer an acoustic mix of heartfelt originals and covers with beautiful harmonies and a variety of instrumentation- guitar, mandolin, upright bass, accordion, and banjo. The duo recently released a EP/album entitled ‘Without Question’ which is available as a CD and digitally (Spotify, Apple Music, and several other streaming formats).

George Portz’s Friends of Bluegrass

Banjovi

The Ol’ Fishskins Bluegrass Band

The Gordons

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 The entertainment will primarily sprout from Bluegrass territory, though one can expect that each musical act’s interpretation will be at least

Find Music in the Steam Shed at this year’s 64th Annual ATA Show

Mila Maring & John Reimbold

Wheat Binding

Jerome Ripperda (orange shirt) and Chuck Hoene work on binding wheat in June of last year.

ATA Members Wheat Production

ATA Members collect wheat bundles for making shocks in June.

ATA members operate the wheat binder and pick up the wheat with the tractor and wagon this past June as part of the wheat production at the Perry County Fairgrounds.

Horses and sometimes 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

Lucas Russell of Oblong, Illinois on his family’s 1904, Advance 20 hp steam engine. Lucas is hooked up to one of the Baker fans to run it under load.

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wheat Threshing & Baling

ATA board members Chuck Hoene (on top of separator) and Kent Jansen (lower center) keep an eye on operation of the threshing machine as family members feed wheat bundles into the machine Look for demonstrations at this year’s ATA Show.

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 and Broom Corn Threshing are some of the many demonstrations held at the American Thresherman Association Steam, Gas and Threshing Show daily each year.

Tim Bauman pulls his horses to the finish at Horse Pulls. Horse Pulls and Relays will not be happening this year, but have been a part of many shows in the past.

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 16-20. The yard sales will be printed in the Weekly-Press on August 16. 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 opens up the service on Sunday morning at a previous show. 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 20 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.

55th Anniversary of Tractor Pulls at ATA

The ITPA 2022 Tractor Pulls were a big part of the ATA Steam, Gas, & Threshing Show experience.

Tractor Pulling has always been a big part of the American Thresherman’s Show. This year is the 55th 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 55 years in a row. We have 3 nights of ITPA pulling with a total of 11 classes. We also have

Illinois Hot Farm classes on Thursday night and Antique classes on Sunday.

Come out to the pulls and see us. The pulls start at 6 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.

New Parts for Old Tractors®

Wayne Feig (right), of New Athens, watches his son, Kent Feig, also of New Athens, pound out a piece of iron during the American Thresherman Association’s August show. Wayne has been a blacksmith for 60 years, while his son has been blacksmithing for 35. The blacksmiths are located in the center ring between the sawmill and the ATA office building. The blacksmiths will have demonstrations daily.

Aaron Whitworth of Collinsville, IL, and Josh Hamilton of Benton, IL conduct a sawing demonstration during a previous ATA show. Sawmill demonstrations will take place daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Youth Pedal Tractor Pull

Grist Milling

The pedal tractor pull kicks off on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the basketball courts for children 12 and under. This is a free event and tractors are provided! Right: Charlie Hill gets some assistance as he excitedly climbs aboard a tractor during the 2022 competition. Below: St. Bruno Catholic fifth grader Clayton Hawkins competes in 2022. Hawkins finished second in his age class.

in 2019.

Above: Wade Jokerst, of St. Genevieve, Missouri, sifts flour during a grist mill demonstration last year during the American Thresherman Association’s show. They make fresh whole wheat flour that is stoned ground everyday. The grist mill was newly opened

New Cooling Center Building

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. 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 and relax before continuing to visit the show.

The new cooling center building will be ready for this year’s 64th Annual American Thresherman Show located at the center ring!

Antique Car Show and Swap Meet

This year’s American Thresherman Association antique car show and swap meet take place on Sunday, August 20 on the west side of the grandstand. This year the show is featuring FOREIGN CARS produced before 1973.

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.”

Antique cars at a previous Antique Car Show and swap meet.

Shingle Milling

The shingle mill is owned by Tim and Mark Kellerman. Shingles are shown being made at the 2019 show. The shingle milling takes place at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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 “Side Shaft Engines.” There are always some interesting sights to see on the hill!

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!

1016 S Madison St, Du Quoin • 618-542-4357

Mon. &Wed. 8-5, Tues. & Thurs. 8 - 6:30 & Fri. 8 - 4

We are a 24 hour crisis hotline, always answered by a person, not a machine.

Annual Tractor Parade 2022

Left: Chas Walster, of Red Bud, points out the camera as he drives his 1949 Farmall Model H during the tractor parade. Above Left: 2022 Perry County Fair queens Claira Folden (Junior Miss Perry County Fair), Kyla Epplin (Miss Perry County Fair) and Mia Castellano (Little Miss Perry County Fair) smile for the camera during the tractor parade. Above Right: Patriotism was also on display during the 2022 parade.

Above Left: Rich Winka, of Du Bois, drives down Walnut Street in his 1939 John Deere Model A.

Above Right: Shea Reinhardt, of Baldwin, drives his 1975 Ford 5000 down the Walnut Street. Right: The tractor parade spans generations of tractors and people as well.

Left: David Nehrkorn, of Du Bois, drives his 1958 John Deere 630 with a wagonload of children during the tractor parade. Above Left: A blue Ford 5000 makes it’s way through the parade. Above Right: American Thresherman Association officials kick off the parade.

Lawn and Garden Show

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!

ATA Museum Building Restoration

For the past year the Thresherman’s Association have been working on renovating the original Museum building. This building was built in 1976 in connection with the Bicentennial celebrations. Many repairs have been done over the years, but this year’s renovations were a major overhaul. The renovation started in July of 2022 and was completed in August of 2023. The first stage was repairing the 39 posts holding up the building. Next came removing the old tin and totally replacing it with new tin. The old meeting room was reinsulated. All the doors were replaced with new doors built by the workers. The gutters were placed back on the building. The final touch was to put in a new electrical service.

Steve Kuhnert donated the use of his telehandler and a building platform. John Dudek donated the use of his building platform. These donations help to ease the work the volunteers were doing. Their help was greatly appreciated.

All of this work was done by many, many volunteers. These volunteers worked countless hours to get this accomplished. The master carpenters supervising these volunteers were Jake Jansen and Adam Hoene. They kept the work moving smoothly and efficiently.

A great deal of sweat equity went into this project. These volunteers should be very prould of all they have accomplished.

A view from inside the museum building look east during renovations. Photo by Juliet Brand.

Work taking place on the North Side of the museum building. Photo by Juliet Brand.

The crew builds the sliding doors working inside the old Contempi building. Photo by Juliet Brand.

ATA Museum Building Restoration

On February 25 work takes place on the West end (Above) and South side (Right) of the building.

Photos by Juliet Brand.

Work taking place on the East Side (final side) of the museum building. Photo by Juliet Brand.

Above and Left: The crew works on the South side of the building in January.

Photo by Juliet Brand.

Below: On February 11, work continues on the Southwest corner of the building.

Photo by Juliet Brand.

2022 ATA Memories

People gather to watch threshing machines during last August’s show at the Perry County Fairgrounds. The 2022 show featured Minneapolis-Moline, Ford & Fordson, Leader Tractor and Fairbanks Morse Engines.

2022 ATA Memories

The Parade of Power makes its way through the Perry County Grandstand area on August 20, 2022.

Left: A young boy drives a 1966 John Deere Model 110 during the Parade of Power on August 20 during the ATA’s August show. Above: Chris Jansen speaks with a driver during the Parade of Power at the Perry County Fairgrounds’ grandstand on August 20, 2022.

Joining the ATA

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, IL

Third Vice-President........................... ...... Kent Jansen, Sigel, Illinois

Secretary............................. ........... Helen Whitworth, Collinsville, Illinois

Treasurer ............... .............................Beth Giacomo, Pinckneyville, Illinois

Chaplain..................................... .... Aaron Whitworth, Collinsville, Illinois

Board of

Directors

Matthew Elders......................................Carterville, IL

Darren Percival.......................................Effingham, IL

Roger Lee................................................Tamaroa, IL

David Logsdon.....................................Pinckneyville, IL

Brett Naeger...........................................St. Mary, MO

Larry Gaertner.............................................Walsh, IL

Trish Sherman............................................Oarville, 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 37th Annual Fall Show and again next year for the 65th Annual ATA Show. For additional information visit our website www.americanthresherman.com

NEXT YEAR’S SHOW:

August 15, 16, 17,& 18

2024 Feature Tractor:

Triple A Allis Club and the National AC Gathering of the Orange 2023 Fall Show Dates:

October 20, 21 and 22, 2023

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 37th Annual Fall Festival kicks off on October 20th and continues throughout the 22nd 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 21st, 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 22nd at 10:00 a.m. A new worship service will be 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, Treasurer Beth Giacomo and Chaplain Aaron Whitworth. Board of Directors include Matthew Elders, Darren Percival, Roger Lee, David Logsdon, Brett Naeger, Larry Gaertner, Trish Sherman, Josh Hamiliton, Michael Storck, William Jansen, Paul Kurtz, Tom Nikrant, Mike Pearson, Kurt Jansen, Ralph Schrader, Chuck Hoene, Mark Heberlie, Gilbert Helvey, Tom Jansen, Linda Crouch, Jason Mohr, Jerome Ripperda, Mark Kellerman and Gaylen Greer.

ATA Fall Festival Highlights

Above Left: Pinckneyville District 50 students make rope during their visit to the American Thresherman Association’s Fall Show on October 14, 2022. Above Right: A group of kindergartners from Pinckneyville Community High School’s class shuck corn.

Above: District 50 students learn about corn and cornbased products. Right: Several Pinckneyville students assist with the making of apple butter. Below: A group of students get their turn sawing a log.

ATA Fall Festival Highlights

Above: St. Bruno Catholic School students cut corn sorghum during their visit to the Fall Show last year. Right: A group from Flamm Orchards of Cobden make apple cider during the American Thresherman’s Association’s Fall Show.

Above: Children take part in a carriage ride through the Perry County Fairgrounds as part of the American Thresherman Association’s Fall Show.