AETA Celebrates 100 Years Of International Harvester (photos)

The Antique Engine and Tractor Association (AETA) of Geneseo presented their 62nd annual working farm show over the past weekend on the association’s 50-acre show grounds near Joslin. The three-day event featured various farming demonstrations with equipment that was widely used in the mid-1900s.

During the course of the event, 40 acres of corn and soybeans were harvested both by machine and by hand; wheat was threshed using steam engines to power the large threshing machines; potatoes were dug; soil was plowed by horse and machine; and a half-scale train once used in a copper mine provided rides around the grounds.

The show featured International Harvester tractors and equipment as the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. Among the notable attendees was Max Armstrong, nationally know broadcaster, who brought his IH Model M tractor to the show. He participated in the parade on Saturday, posed for pictures, and did a book signing.

Hundreds of visitors attended the ever-growing event as the AETA continues to add buildings to the grounds, including an new learning center this year. The show strives to entertain all ages with a children’s area featuring a shelled corn pile, homemade baked goods, antique vendors, a working saw mill, and plenty of food.

The group’s stated purpose is “To promote the collection, restoration, preservation and exhibition of gasoline and oil engines, gasoline and steam tractors, power driven farm machinery and other equipment of historical value.”

Next year’s show will feature Allis-Chalmers tractors and implements with the show dates set for Sept. 14-16.

Learn more about the AETA.

Photo Gallery of the Show