The Allis Connection

From the President's Pen

The Allis Connection Father’s Day show is now history. There were a number of firsts; probably the best was the Eastern Iowa Brass Band, a 30 piece brass band that contacted me about appearing one evening during our show. Everyone in attendance and there were many, all agreed it was a wonderful show and a great addition to our show. The final arrangements came about after the last newsletter had gone to the printer. They have offered to do it again next year so stay tuned for future announcements. Friday afternoon we took a bus from the show grounds to Ron and Theresa Sexton’s Allis-Chalmers collection. Twenty five traveled almost forty miles on the bus and several traveled in private automobiles to view the Sexton’s collection of tractors, plows, disks, balers, tillage equipment and planters. Ron is a talented mechanic, painter and restorer. We want to thank him for the effort required to bring everything out and then when everyone had left, put it all back again. Thursday evening found a group of about twenty people enjoying our now annual cookout. We ask that everyone bring a covered dish to share with the group, there is always plenty to eat and some great desserts as well.

We had a record number of tractors and garden equipment this year at the Middle Amana park with over one hundred pieces. The Club advertised for the first time on the radio on a Mt Pleasant, IA radio station KILJ. They were very easy to work with and provided us with a special rate and provided a lot of coverage in SE Iowa and NE Missouri. Our attendance Saturday was also outstanding with more cars parked along the road into the park than I have ever seen and the parade reflected the record number of displays. We had a great banquet and a great meal followed by the scholarship auction which netted $3900.00 resulting in funding for over five scholarships. A big thanks to all the bidders and to those who donated so many great items.

This was the inaugural show for the new Club trailer and I believe it was a success, it is a lot easier to set up and easier to keep our inventory without having to recount every piece after the show. The Board has decided to offer the 20’x20’ show tent for sale for $2500.00 sides and frame included. It is a very durable tent manufactured by Celina tent Company in Celina Ohio. For information call Mike Anderson 309-462-3517, Ron Sexton 319-648-5641or Skip Welte 712-259-0865.

The rest of the summer is ahead of us with lots of shows and tractor rides during the next few months, including the D-21 event at the Half Century of Progress . Which brings up the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL we always need more tractors, garden tractors and displays The Allis Connection is an exhibitor and will be located on Antique row, and as such will receive extra passes that we can use to let exhibitors on the grounds. The Farm Progress show is the premiere Farm show with the newest and biggest equipment and is fun to spend the day, FPS runs August 29-31, exhibits must be at the grounds no later than Monday August 28 and must stay till August 31st. There is plenty of security and Dan and I will also be there. For information call me at 309-462-3517 or Dan Hauter at 217-710-8056.

There are and will be several auctions coming up, prices continue to be strong on quality pieces and hard to find pieces. Mecum auctions sold a nice 190XT series 1 gas $11,500 n/s, D-10 series3 very nice $10,000, D-17 series IV diesel very nice $17,500 and a 190XT series III diesel very nice $19,500. Each of these tractors had exceptional paint and new tires all around.

Will close for now hope you enjoyed your summer and are looking forward to autumn I know I am.

Mike and Bonnie