ROCK RIVER THRESHEREE

Article Tools

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Secretary

On a wet and cloudy morning of Sept. 2 the fifth annual reunion of 'The Rock River Thresheree' opened its gates in readiness of another show. The parking lots were wet and soggy as well as the fields. Cars were stuck engines were mired in the mud. Some tents were partially down due to an early rain and wind storm. These had to be re-erected, as well as resurfacing of entrance and driveways. Soon the park became alive with spectators, the sky cleared soon afterward, the ground dried off and everyone smiled again.

On this morning of Sept. 2 A. M., 'The Dedication' of the park took place, with the Rev. Holiday of Edgerton present, speaking briefly. Miss Ruth Reiner, of Cambridge sang 'Our National Anthem' as four Boy Scouts unfolded the Flag, and slowly raised it to the top. For a moment it remained motionless, then with just a whisper of a breeze, unfurled and gently waved over what is to be known as 'Threshermans Park'. This event we shall long remember, and cherish forever in our hearts. Our sole purpose in the development of this park, is for the 'preservation' and' restoration'' of the implements of agriculture of some century or less ago. We feel many will benefit, learning of its existence and its use. To some it is entertaining, others educational.

In the early winter months of 1961, a dream had become a reality. Two parcels of land were available for purchase, to be developed in to a permanent park. A 65 acre parcel of land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Grob. Another 5 acre parcel adjoining the Grob property was purchased from Martin Bro's., thus giving the club some 70 acres, to develop in to a permanent park and show grounds.

Came spring, about 25 acres were plowed and sowed to oats, so we would have our grain to thresh at. the park come show time. This was later placed in stacks, to give that old fashioned threshing scene.

In June we started to clean up the park, what a mess, broken down trees, long grass and weeds, trees to be trimmed, stumps to be removed, an old basement to be filled in, the well had to be repaired. Many hours of hard work went into this project, yet no one receives any pay.

After the cleanup came the task of wiring. Used poles were obtained, once erected wiring was purchased, funds being made available thru funds donated by some of the Directors. A sincere thanks to Glen Beedy, of Beloit, Wisc., our chief electrician who gave a great deal of his time to do the job. A real swell guy.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print