UNL Larsen Tractor Museum seeks tractors for display at State Fair
Released on 08/12/2008, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, through Sep. 1, 2008
WHERE: State Fair Park
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Larsen Tractor Museum is coordinating an antique tractor exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. Those interested in exhibiting a tractor should contact Jeremy Steele at (402) 472-8389 or by e-mail for more information. The deadline for entries is Aug. 20.
Tractor exhibitors will be provided with a sign for their tractor and a ticket to the fair for the days they can participate in the parade. First-time exhibitors receive a one-year membership to the Friends of the UNL Tractor Museum. Unique prizes will be awarded throughout the fair.
"Exhibitors just might win a giant turkey leg or something on a stick before it is all said and done," said Jeremy Steele, project coordinator. In addition to the outdoor tractor display, the museum provides an indoor toy tractor exhibit and gift shop consisting of tractor books, toys and items.
A new program this year, "The Hour of Power," will occur twice daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During that program the Tractor Test Museum will share the unique story of what started the Nebraska Tractor Test, how a Nebraska farmer bought a tractor that would not pull the hat off of his head. Test Lab Director Roger Hoy is scheduled to present information about the modern tractor test program. Tractor collectors and tractor-related State Fair vendors are invited to participate in these educational programs for all fairgoers.
The actual UNL Larsen Tractor Museum is housed in the original 1920 Nebraska Tractor Test facility on the UNL East Campus. The building was declared a historical landmark by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers in 1980 and dedicated as a museum in 1998. The Friends of the Museum was instrumental in early renovation efforts and continues to raise funds for the museum. Exhibits include more than 30 historic developments in power, safety, innovation, performance testing equipment and instruments, including early tractor dynamometers. Displays also include pioneer hand tools, household devices, planters, cultivators and horse-drawn plows. Regular museum hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.