Snowbird show 'n' tell time The Green Girl ventured into the sunny and sandy Greater Phoenix area the week of February 16 to 23 in hopes of spreading the word about her new book ("John Deere Collectibles") to the scores of snowbirds soaking up the sunshine.
I started my search for these green-lovin’ guys and gals at the Arizona Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association’s annual show at the Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale, Arizona. With 400 members, the AZ EDGE & TA hosts several tractor shows and pulls during the year, including this one and another at Apache Junction in March. The park itself is a "living history farm" of sorts complete with homes and buildings from the late 1800s, plus a working blacksmith shop and other neat agricultural antique areas. According to show organizers, approximately 8,000 antique tractor fans poured through the gates, past the grapefruit groves and beneath towering palm trees to check out the rusty and restored relics on display. For two gorgeous 70-degree days, enthusiasts enjoyed the sunshine and some special sights, sounds and smells that you can only find at an antique tractor show —Ýthe cock-a-doodle-doo of roosters strutting through the grapefruit groves…the familiar pop-pop of those famed green two-cylinder tractors strutting their stuff against the weight sled…the smell of hot dogs wafting across the lawn from the nearby vendor…the peals of laughter from the children racing on pedal tractors…the country crooning of a guitar player serenading the crowd in the shade. Bunnies hopped freely across the grounds and tractors paraded by on a loop led by a massive Case steam engine. Green world The predominant color at the show was green (of course), which made The Green Girl as proud as a parent. My mini-booth on the lawn in front of the Foreman’s House was my station for selling and signing books. However, what first interested most folks was my little display of toys.
I was showing off my 1/16-scale 2-bottom plow made by Eska-Carter in 1956. The version I had on the table was the cylinder one, not the crank one. Now valued at around $75 to $375, I had many offers to buy it from me, but I wanted to keep it in my possession for a little while longer. The other item that brought back many memories for some of the older gentlemen was a replica of the famed walking plow — the famed product of blacksmith inventor John Deere. More than one person told me they could recall following a horse’s rump to plow one agonizing acre after another. The 10-inch plow replica can be found in a few variations. One is known as the FFA version as it honored the Future Farmers of America. Others were possibly salesman incentive awards or dealer prizes. Assumed to be produced around 1936, this piece of plow memorabilia may bring from $80 to $300 today depending on the type and condition. Have book, will travel Hundreds of people stopped by to check out my book, the toys and other memorabilia on display at my booth. Many were drawn by the "meet the author" signs I’d plastered all over the large park! I met friendly folks from all over the U.S. and Canada. Many visitors were familiar with my Northwest Iowa stomping grounds. In fact, even a few snowbirds from my hometown came to see me at the show! It was great to see their familiar faces and make so many new friends too.
I had the pleasure of meeting the head of the Arizona Two-Cylinder Club and was invited to speak at their monthly meeting later that week. Unfortunately, other commitments did not allow me to join them, although I hope to attend their March meeting! Another stop for this author hawking her book included The Brass Armadillo antique store. It’s like the Mall of America for antiques! A Sam’s Club for neat old junk! I spent hours browsing the displays there and even saw a few items featured in my book. With other locations in Denver, Des Moines, Omaha, Cincinnati, and Kansas City, it’s a prime place to scout for John Deere memorabilia. The good news is you’ll soon be able to buy my book there too! I also visited several bookstores to show off the book, introduce myself, and ask them to carry it. Managers were very enthusiastic about it so if you’re in the Phoenix area, be sure to ask for a copy of John Deere Collectibles at any area bookstore. And what visit would be complete without a trip to the local John Deere dealer?! Arizona Machinery has multiple locations, but their Avondale store on the west edge of Phoenix was where I paid a visit. After introducing myself and meeting a few fine folks there, I did a little shopping of my own and scored a nice new shirt and good tractor reference book. Ý
Text Ý © 2000 Brenda Kruse. Photos by Brenda Kruse unless otherwise noted. |
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