Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

Agriculture

August 10, 2012

Ushering in a new past

Tess Rowing Greensburg Daily News

Greensburg — Twenty-three years ago nine men wanted to make an antique tractor club.

Donald Herbert was one of those nine men and the only one still active in Power of the Past. Herbert said Power of the Past started with some club meetings which eventually expanded. The brainstorming for an actual show was held among all nine men, though Herbert credits fellow-founder Dale Wilson with the majority of the leg work.

The first five to 10 years of planning were by the "seat of their pants," Herbert said, but the original group tried their best.

More than two decades later Power of the Past is a legacy all its own. Herbert says the eight others either died or are feeling older and "tired-er" and that's why they don't participate anymore. He was originally Chairman of the Tractor Pull.

Herbert says he's proud to have been part of what started the show. He is pleased "the young people" have kept the show running and says Power of the Past is much more organized than it was in the beginning. He doesn't see Power of the Past ending any time soon because interests in the show include more than just tractors. Power of the Past also shows horses, steam engines, sawmilling and other hobbies of interest.

Herbert still shows his 1938 Allis-Chalmers tractor, and has shown the tractor since Power of the Past began. He also shows Bolens garden tractors, but says he's known as an Allis-Chalmers collector.

Herbert explained that he spends anywhere from 50 to 300 hours doing maintenance on his tractors. Some of the parts have to be hand-made because with a machine 74-years-old, the parts aren't all in production. Even his tractors made in the '70's don't always have parts still available.

Herbert calls Power of the Past "The best $3 you can spend for entertainment in Decatur County," and intends on participating for as long as he's able.

Power of the Past is scheduled to begin Aug. 16, running through Aug. 19.

This yearÕs featured tractors will be Oliver and Case. Admission to the fairgrounds is $3, and free for anyone 12 and under. Power of the Past also sponsors Big Brother Big Sister, 4-H, Hospice, and Wishard Foundation Burn Center.

For more information call 812-593-8977 or visit greensburgpowerofthepast.com.



Contact: Tess Rowing 812-663-3111 x7004

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