Nancy Eberts – Eberts Harvesting Inc.
Myron and I took a whirlwind of an overnight trip again this year to ROLLAG for the 64TH ANNUAL WESTERN MINNESOTA STEAM THRESHERS REUNION. We truly enjoy this show and honestly have yet to see all there is to offer. It’s four full days of activities and really like stepping back in time.
We have gone three years now and still need a couple more trips to take in all there is to offer.
Upon arrival, we started with a Saturday evening stroll along the lines of tractors and implements and reminiscing about what both Myron and I drove and worked with as kids. It was “a perfect date” and so much fun! Myron, as always, even helped me remember a few things.
Some of every size, shape and color.
Needed this picture to show Myron this winter for a “grandchild seat” project!
Always new little ideas.
I remember riding the side of the hay basket (attached on a tractor like this) and hauling hay for many years until I got married.
Then there’s the 60 that, as a young dairy farmer, I drove pulling a manure spreader that was full of personally hand pitched manure! I also tipped it over…think I am still taking corners too fast.
Here is what the manure spreader looked like (only ours was a little browner from rust).
I was even younger when I had my first “chew” sitting on the side fender of a tractor like this. My dad gave me and my brother a pinch of Copenhagen! I ran all the way back to the house crying because I chewed and swallowed it.
The fender made me smile and I remember it like it was yesterday.
What could be better than sharing a Farmall sunset?
We went to the 9 pm Catholic Mass at the “workers shack” and were thoroughly moved. We didn’t do a headcount but both guessed it was well over 100. These workers and their families, who put in their time and labor for the full day, were all crammed into an old pole building. No one minded, no one complained about the dirt floors or cramped wooden benches and tables on saw horses. Everyone simply gathered. Many still in their overalls and work clothes, but were there for ONE reason…to worship.
Over the years, we have been blessed to see many beautiful, historical and even several fancy newer churches. All, of course, where our faith and history surrounded us, be it through stained glass windows or statues and altars. Yet tonight, it was the “Community of Saints” that blew us away. Music was led by two amazing accordion players and everyone (I mean everyone…even Myron) sang! To us, it was FAITH at its finest. The sermon touched on “No pain, No gain” and the sacrifices necessary in a life of holiness, as well as work. We all prayed for those affected by the storms and fires and sang some more!
I am sure if you catch Myron, he will give a full report of how much it meant to him.
We rounded out Saturday night by walking to and from a few buildings to listen to the music being performed and called it a night at 11 pm. We traveled back to Moorehead and spent the night and were up and out of there by 6:30 am!
Yep, I rode the Merry Go Round! I have wanted to for the last three years! It was worth every second. I may have been the oldest but I felt like a little kid again!
Sunday was our Funday! We spent the morning walking among the tractors and steam engines. So much to see and learn as these big. beautiful machines start to wake up (getting ready for the parade). There’s water, firewood, ashes and so much more to get them ready. Myron calls it “pollution, steam and exhaust at its best”! We were both so impressed to see young men and especially many young women working on these monsters of a steam! Families working together, everyone helping each other. I think we related so well because of our way of life.
Cleaning out ashes.
Hot steam!
Women working…hauling ashes.
Stoking it up.
Some use coal.
Notice the woman driver in the water truck and women working on the steam engine!
The parade started at 10 am and ended at noon (yes, a two-hour parade…like no other). So many threshers, pioneer cars and, of course, tractors to see. Once the parade was over, I headed into the Pioneer Village and the “Horse-drawn” Village, which I hadn’t taken in last year. Both are like stepping back in time and watching how our ancestors lived and worked. I posted last year about the trip, as well.
A few parade shots:
Can you see Myron?
By 2:30, Myron and I met back up and headed to the tractor pull. Myron’s phone went dead so trying to find me and charge it took time away from his tractor visits and checks, Lol. I was busy taking in all I could and had no concerns because we agreed to call each other by 2 o’clock. or so.
I am in hopes the pictures will explain our lovely time all the more. We highly recommend this wonderful place! Every year, we see hometown faces and also get the opportunity to meet new individuals. We love that it is family friendly and “real life…back in the day” learning adventure.
The mileage is correct!
Our people carrier was pulled by a Minneapolis Moline.
The scenery on all rides was beautiful.
Trains
Is this not your typical engineer?
Myron said, “An old jack like this would be something”!
I can remember the old windmill water tank.
Living models in all of the old houses, shops and buildings.
Notice the line of kids waiting for a pony ride.
I watched these young men load this trailer and wondered if I could do that all day.
Was kind of proud I still use a clothesline and that my washing machine is updated!
I told myself I am blessed with my pickup!
A miniature display of threshing, steam engines, combines and even a baler.
The young ones chopping wood.
Every “team” simply took my breath away.
Loved the rides.
Slight traffic jam.
While some horses drive us around, some were working. These two are “makin hay”.
Bringing up the potato harvest.
Next year, we want to get to the “spark show” and “sandbox”. Click here to go to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion website. Once there, you can get a taste of what you and your family could also enjoy. No big screen can match this!
