Tractor show brings back memories
Published 11:36 pm Saturday, November 14, 2009
Of all the cars and tractors at the eighth annual West Dallas Antique Tractor show on Saturday in Orrville, Charles Sides liked the ’55 and ’56 Chevy the best.
“That’s what I had growing up,” Sides said.
Both his brother and daughter enjoy restoring cars with Sides.
“I love old cars,” Sides said. “And, I like tractors. I grew up on a farm in Wetumpka.”
Vic Dungan drove from Vineland to be a part of this event, just as he has done for the past eight years.
“I came yesterday and brought a tractor,” Dungan said. “And I came today and brought this.” Dungan pointed to a Hit n Miss engine, one he believes is from England in 1914.
This type of engine is not meant for installation in a car or tractor, but rather to power mill grinding or assist in woodcutting.
“Most of the people that have these around their homes to do electricity for their homes,” Dungan said.
The first year this event was held, Michael Claunch remembers only one row of tractors on display. More than 50 tractors and 20-30 cars were on display this year.
“These shows have been getting popular now,” Claunch said.
Claunch used to also bring an engine to display, but has since chosen to only display his John Deere Model B 1938 tractor with a hand start for the engine. This model is part of the last year before the tractors were redesigned.
“It was cosmetic work more than anything else,” Claunch said.
Although the tractor has been retired, Claunch does use it to pull hayrides or in parades.
The event also featured students from Keith High School band and color guard, singers, cakewalk, petting zoo, rock climbing wall and craft vendors.