A Trip To Montana
(Page 2 of 3)
September/October 1995
Kevin M. Small,
Later on that day, Laurie and Lanceine Barnes threw everyone
they could find into the water tanks. As I slowly tried to walk
away, they got hold of me and threw me in as well! Actually, it was
quite nice after a hot, enjoyable day of plowing.
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A Worthington Ingersol Rand cooler engine.''...
The Rollag Reunion had stack threshing''...
Several old steam threshing engines''...
Aultman-Taylor outfit''...
Aultman-Taylor outfit''...
It was hard to say goodbye to the many friends I made at
Belgrade, but this trip was far from over. Next, it was on to the
Carl Mehmke Museum 10 miles east of Great Falls on Highway 89.I
arrived that morning, on the 29th, and was greeted by Carl and
Martha. Later on we were joined by John and Jim Schrock of Mason,
Michigan, Bill and Renee Kennedy of Grafton, Ohio, and Vic and
Delores Johnson of Napoleon, Ohio. They also attended the Barnes
Show.
Carl has an outstanding collection of steam engines, gas
tractors and machinery. We pulled out the 20 x 70 Nichols and
Shepard and the 1907 32 HP Case. The 32 HP Case was bought by
Carl's father, Walter, in 1922 I believe, and was used to plow
from Great Falls to the Belt, Montana, area. Carl recently restored
the 32 HP Case and his 1911 110 HP Case as well. I also wrote Carl
some years ago and have wanted to visit his museum too. The day was
certainly enjoyed by all of us. I sure hope to visit with Carl and
Martha again. They were wonderful hosts. My next visit was to the
Max Tyler Ranch. Driving across the Judith Basin from Great Falls
to Moore, I could just imagine a 32 HP or a 40 HP Reeves plowing
these wide open spaces. I pulled into the Tyler Ranch and there
sits a 40 HP Gaar-Scott double cylinder, tandem compound steamer.
It is the only one in the United States and there is one in Canada
somewhere. It is an awesome looking engine I would say. It was an
honor to meet Max Tyler. Max grew up with Reeves engines. The 32
Canadian C. C. with those 4 ft. drivers and friction guide power
steering was an engine hard to beat in that area. There is also 32
HP U. S. C. C, a 30 HP double cylinder, double geared Minneapolis,
a 22 HP undermounted Avery, a 20 x 70 Nichols and Shepard, and the
best collection of Caterpillars I have ever seen. I learned a great
deal from Max about 32 HP and 40 HP Reeves engines. I would like to
visit Max again as well.
40 HP Gaar Scott double cylinder tandem compound owned by Max
Tyler, Moore, Montana. Only one in U.S.; there is one in Canada
somewhere.
Next, it was on to Don Bradley's place in Forsyth, Montana.
Upon arrival, Don was busy taking apart his 50 HP Case. I kind of
expected Don's place to be outside of town, out in the middle
of nowhere, yet his place is right in the nice little town of
Forsyth. His 1910 110 HP Case was parked outside so I knew this had
to be the right place! His 30 HP Avery Undermount was most
impressive, being assembled with parts from 18 different engines.
There is also a nice 30 HP Case, 75 Case and a late 80 HP Case
there as well. Don is a first class person I met back in 1988 at
the Kinzers, Pennsylvania, Show.