Wrenching Tales

By Cindy Ladage

 EFFINGHAM, Ill. – Effingham was the site of two fun tractor events on June 21st. The Effingham Tractor & Vehicle Museum had its grand opening and ribbon cutting. Austin and Oliva Walk have come up with a unique concept with this museum/storage 10,000-square-foot facility on the edge of Effingham. Situated on Route 45, the Walks provide a climate-controlled and impeccably maintained facility for enthusiasts and collectors of classic cars, jeeps, antique tractors, garden tractors and motorcycles. Collectors can store their tractors and vehicles in the building that also serves as a museum.

Austin said for those frequent collectors that pick up their vehicle more than three times a month this may not be practical. It is perfect, however, for those that just take their treasure out occasionally. They offer an economical way to store and show at the same time.

On their website, www.effinghamtractorandvehiclemuseum.com, the Walks share their mission in their welcome. “Explore the fascinating world of tractors and vehicles at our museum. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our exhibits are carefully curated to provide a glimpse into the past, while celebrating the technological advancements that have shaped the present. With a passion for agriculture and America’s farming heritage, and classic cars, Austin and Olivia Walk decided to share their passion with the rest of the world by opening their museum in 2024. They want visitors to their museum to share their passion and appreciation for agricultural heritage.”

Besides the inside, the Walks also have outdoor parking lot storage for items like trailers, boats, campers and RV’s. These outside parking lot sites can be accessed 24/7 with an access gate code. For those tractors and vehicles inside the climate-controlled building, a time needs to be set for Austin or Olivia to open the building.

They purchased the building in June 2024. “Just a little over a year ago, we opened today,” Austin said, starting the day with a ribbon cutting.

Besides owning and running the museum, Austin also farms. “Austin is a 4th generation farmer,” Olivia said.

The two have been married since 2022. Austin proposed to Olivia in a wheat field, bringing his love of agriculture into the moment.

Working with groups like FFA and 4H, clubs can make money from donations, creating a fund-raising opportunity.

This whole idea made sense to the Walks because they are collectors themselves. Austin has a series of John Deere tractors all from 1941. “When I was 16, I went to an auction, and bought a 1941 John Deere Model B.”

Learning there are a lot of JD options in that year, Austin decided to focus on tractors from 1941. Today he has two tractors he restored himself, and others he bought already restored. He has a John Deere B tractor, an A, AR, BR, H, LA, D and a beautiful hit and miss engine with an ice cream machine. The museum offers him a place to keep and show his own collection along with that of others. Besides the Deeres on display, he also pulls a John Deere 5010.

The museum currently has some lovely Farmalls, a rare 1928 Stinson Heavy Duty 18-34 model of which there are only three models known to exist. Owned by Karl and Sandy Jansen, they also have their 1909 Sears Auto Buggy on display. The auto buggy, powered by a two-cylinder opposed engine, was sold through the Sears Catalog for just under $400. In the museum, visitors can also see pedal tractors, AC tractors, a few cars and trucks and more.

The museum is open Monday-Thursday by appointment, and Friday, Saturday and Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and $1 for military. For more information about the Effingham Tractor & Vehicle Museum, call 217-994-0504, or visit their website.

June 21st was a busy day in Effingham with the Mill Road Threshers antique tractor show titled, “Tractor and Butter Burgers,” held in the Culver’s Restaurant parking lot. Chris Debolt, owner of Culver’s, was on hand greeting visitors. He runs Culver’s with his wife Beth. Chris said they opened their restaurant in 2006.  “My wife is from Effingham, and I am from Stewardson. My grandfather farmed south of Windsor.”

Chris likes the fact that Culver’s has a Thank You Farmer Project that he said, “Recognizes the hard work and contributions from farmers.”

Sourcing their food from ethically raised and sustainable agriculture, they support and create awareness and education about farming. “So many people are removed from family farming these days,” he said, adding that sharing this information benefits everyone.

The variety of brands on display in the Culver’s parking lot included Farmall, John Deere, Minneapolis Moline and Allis Chalmers. Along with the other tractors, Chris had his own family tractor on display. A 1963 John Deere 3010 that Chris said, “Belonged to my grandparents. They bought it new in 1963 at a John Deere dealer in Toledo, Ill. Grandpa used it on his grain and cattle operation.”

The 3010 is all original. Chris said he has only added steps to help the kids get on and off. To keep it maintained he said, “I rub it down with linseed oil.”

Besides this family tractor, he also had a fully restored 720 John Deere. Besides these Deere models at the Culver’s entrance, there is a 1941John Deere B yard art tractor that they decorate for the seasons. Chris’s son Cohen was at the show enjoying the tractors as well. He enjoyed being part of a photo op.

For more information about the Mill Road Thresherman’s Association, check them out on Facebook. They have a summer show coming up with their 44th show at the Effingham County Fair Grounds in Altamont on Aug. 7-10, 2025. This year they are featuring International Harvester, Case, Leader and Orphan tractors. They are showcasing Farmall regulars.