The 23rd annual Red Power Round Up was July 19-21 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Illinois. Hot, hot, hot was the only way to describe the weather at this year’s event!

The great thing was the grounds of the Du Quoin fairgrounds offer an impeccable place for this annual show that brings lovers of everything Farmall red together. There were even a few air-conditioned buildings that gave reprieve from the excessive heat.

“Relics of the Road” was the sign near the display of high-wheel wagons brought to the Round Up. These distinctively American autos, called high-wheelers or auto wagons, were an intermediate design between the horse and the truck.

One of the exhibitors shared some history: “IH came out with an auto buggy. These were two-cylinder vehicles and had high wheels, 40 inches in front and 44 inches in back; with the high wheels they handled the deep-rutted dirt roads and were well accepted by the rural population.

“These high-wheeled vehicles continued through 1915. By this time, IH was concentrating on building trucks, which has continued for over 100 years.”

One couple from Stanhope, Iowa, Varlen and Fern Carlson, brought their 1915 Model EY high-wheel motor truck. The Carlsons created a mini International Harvester museum in their van trailer and used an IH fire utility vehicle to pull their trailer.

While not really a high-wheeler, Tom Maudlin’s Model J touring car was displayed among them. Tom was one of the organizers of this great collection and said IH, for a short time, started building conventional cars with low wheels and balloon tires. These vehicles were built from 1910-11.

“There were two models of roadsters and one full-size touring car,” Tom said. “All were produced in low numbers, starting and discontinued in less than one year.”

For the newer and more revved-up IH equipment, the American Threshermen’s Reunion and IH Chapter 32 joined forces to bring their dynamotor, to see just how much power each tractor had.

The IH 1206 was the featured tractor for the show and Brad Bodine, along with his father, Roger, and nephew, Matt, traveled all the way from Guntersville, Ala., to the show.

Brad’s brother, Randy, was also at the show. “We bought the 1206 and restored it,” Brad said. “My grandpa used it on the farm and we bought it back.”

It is a sentimental story like that of the Bodines that makes a tractor come alive and meaningful for a family. Another tractor from Danville, Ala., that made its way to the dynamotor was a 1970 IH 140 Serial No. 66886, which owner Gary Bell said “is the fifth from the end of production.“

Other historical items were also part of the Red Power Round Up. Matthew Frey brought his 1940 combine, which has its own unique history: “It was the very first off the assembly line.”

Little tractors as well as big ones were on hand, with a collection of Cub Cadets. In fact, part of the excitement of the Red Power Round Up is that along with tractors, there were also many other things to “ooh” and “ahh” about.

Jack Hughes of Vine Grove, Ky., brought his threshing display, which he created over time. The display was in a case that visitors could enjoy, remembering a way of harvesting crops that only a few still recall.

Inside the buildings were an array of great literature and memorabilia. IH collector “Wild Bill” Anderson had some rare items such as a security badge and an IH tobacco pouch. He had other collectibles like an IH luggage tag, an IH egg separator and even a pair of neat IH cufflinks – in the shape of a kangaroo.

Whether they arrived pulling a trailer filled with tractors and a golf cart or just brought themselves and an acute interest in all things Farmall red, visitors came, saw and created memories to sustain them until the next Red Power Round Up. The 2013 show will be June 19-22 at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio.

Readers with questions or comments for Cindy Ladage may write to her in care of this publication.