Will County News

The 60th Annual Will County Threshermens Steam Engine and Antique Tractor Show will be July 21 to 24 at the Steve Spiess Farm at 14151 W. Arsenal Road in Manhattan, Illinois.  The Threshermens Show features living history demonstrations such as using steam engines to saw logs and to thresh wheat.  Before combines, harvesting wheat was done in two steps.  First, the wheat was cut and bundled, then it was put through a threshing machine to separate the wheat from the chaff.  Here is an example of a wheat threshing demonstration at a previous Will County Threshermen's Show:  The 2022 Will  County Threshermens Show is also the Grand Finale for the beautifully restored George Schaaf Museum Tractors.  This is the last chance for the public to see the tractors working before they head for auction.  The George Schaaf Museum Tractor Collection is one of the finest examples of early tractor engineering and history.  Check out some of th...

The Will County Threshermen's Association will host its annual Summer Show Thursday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at the Round Barn Farm Park in Manhattan, Illinois.  Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.  Antique farming enthusiasts will display how steam-powered machines served the needs of farmers in the early 1900's by: sawing logs: Separating wheat from chaff: A wide variety of antique tractors will be on display: Live plowing demonstrations are also planned: The show is a great way to bring history to life for younger children.  For example, parents could create "where was it made?" scavenger hunt for kids.  Parents could ask their kids to look on each piece of antique machinery and write down where it was manufactured. For a full schedule, go here .

Hand-Painted Sign outside of Wilton Township Community Building in Wilton Center, Illinois