The January Issue of The Prairie Gold Rush is at press, marking the start of 45 years of publication!
A huge Thank You! too all of the readers that have made this possible! Together we keep the spirit of Minneapolis-Moline alive. Fine tractors, machinery and people! … as well as countless other products they made and marketed over the decades. We look forward to continuing to share the history of the MM companies, and their products with out readers, as well as stories of dealers and the people have used them, many still using them decades later!.
Minneapolis-Moline
Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co. “Twin City”
Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co.
Moline Plow Co. / New Moline Plow Co. / Moline Implement Co.
White Farm Equipment
White New Idea
AGCO (Agco White)
Twin City Iron Works
Minnesota Malleable Iron Works
Gillette-Herzog Co.
— just to name some companies in the industrial Lineage of Minneapolis-Moline.
Forty years is quite an achievement for a small publication that started with a few men with similar interests. Many of the people who were instrumental in helping to get this venture started were farmers by trade and/or anyone who was interested in Minneapolis-Moline or Twin City tractors and equipment. Roger Baumgartner, the first editor of the magazine, was the “traveling guy” who made contact with anyone who would listen! He found quite a following for his future interest of a newsletter, and as they say, “the rest is history”!
I am sad to post that the PGR Summer Show hosts, I&I Tractor & Engine Club has found it would be in the best interest of all involved to cancel the Penfield, IL show. The Governor of the State of IL does not give much hope of the State opening up before the July show would have taken place.
With the cancellation of the PGR Summer Show in Penfield, IL, The Prairie Gold Rush will be attending the Mid American Threshing & Antique Show in Tipton, Indiana August 6 - 9! There is no admission fee into the show, one of the main events that everyone enjoys is out 5.3 mile tractor drive through downtown Tipton. This years feature tractor will be Minneapolis Moline with the tent being located in the center of the fairgrounds. There will also be a muscle tractor pull and an antique auction (any one can add items to the auction). There is camping available as well as a motel in Tipton, East St Inn and also have hotels about 15-30 mins out in Kokomo and Westfield. If you have any question you can call or text Chantel Calvin 317-385-7036. Hope to see everyone there!
The July 2019 Prairie Gold Rush issue will feature the Introduction of the G-900 in 1967. The article, written by Brian Gonyea, researches the tractor from its’ inception through the last production numbers.
