Shucks Ma—“ Now I can work 40 acres a day!”

The Indian stared in amazement, dogs and kids ran for cover and great grandfather swelled with pride as he drove his new J. I. Case steam engine across the prairie.

The mechanical age had really arrived as these and many other smoke-belching behemoths rumbled across the plains of South Dakota years ago. The “dirt farmer” came into his own, turning over as many as 40 acres of virgin sod a day. He was soon to be recognized as the most important single factor in feeding a rapidly growing nation. Today’s farmer, heir to yesterday’s pioneer efforts, finds his role even more important. A hungry world constantly demanding a greater food supply leans heavily on the American farmer’s ability to produce more and more.

The giants pictured here have long since retired. But South Dakota is fortunate to have men of vision who have restored and maintained this part of our heritage to see and enjoy now and for years to come.

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A Rumley Oil-Pull provides the power to drive one of the older threshing machines commonly seen in The wheat country of Central South Dakota. This steam powered behemoth provided belt drive to run the thresher.

An Aultman-Taylor kerosene powered tractor of yesteryear. Note the heavy chain behind the front wheels that provided the linkage for steering this giant. Typical of early equipment, it was all but silent until the drive train was engaged. No one was ever known to go to sleep at the switch.

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Two views of the farm machinery lot at the back of the PIONEER AUTO MUSEUM. Dozens of tractors of all vintages are represented along with countless other pieces of farm equipment from days gone by.

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