HUMBOLDT Today, tractors as large as small buildings, can work fields that 100 years ago would have been considered a complete farm, in a days time.
Many a family farm in the early 1900s consisted of about 80 acres.
Tractors of manageable size were just finding their ways into fields, replacing steam-power behemoths that were more novelties than everyday working machines, as well as teams of horses.
On Saturday, St. Peters Lutheran Church was the venue for antique tractors from these parts and in between. Owners gabbed and enjoyed a light lunch, courtesy of the churchs mens group.
The event was conceived by the Plowmans Tractor Club, an area group that fancies antique tractors and farm equipment.
An eye-catcher was Neil Hartwigs 1919 Indiana. The tractor has been back in Humboldt just a few months after undergoing seven years of full restoration in Minnesota.
Hartwig said his uncle, Fritz Hartwig, had bought the tractor new in 1919. Hartwigs father, Charlie, used it for 15 or 20 years to plow ground west of Humboldt.
After many years, an endless belt was attached to the front of crank and then to a buzz saw for cutting wood.
The tractors retirement came when a main sprocket wore out and the tractor was relegated to a shed.
Out of sight, out of mind, until the building burned several years ago and the old tractor came away with only limited damage.
The sight of the old tractor inspired a restoration, and its now almost like new, Hartwig said.
We looked all over for the original colors and think these (silver, red and black) are right, said Hartwig, who at 94 isnt much younger than the tractor.
Hartwigs son, Bob, was home in late May from Mississippi and helped with the finishing touches, including installing hard rubber treads on the drive wheels at the tractors front end.
The back part lacks wheels, rather has a one-bottom plow that came with it. The plow can be removed in favor of other tools, and the tractor balances upright on two wheels.
At full power it will creep along at 4 mph.
When Curt Mueller, a farmer east of town and a friend of Neils, attached a hand crank to the front end and gave it a twist; nothing happened. Then, Neil remembered to hook up a dry cell battery needed to give the engine a spark.
