On the Road: Auctions

A Monthly Column by Dave Gohl

(c)1998 All Rights Reserved

I was thinking the other day about all the auctions I've been to in the last few years. There've been many. Some have been very good, some have been well, disappointing to say the least. But no matter how good or bad auctions may be, we always seem to stay until the item we've come for or are interested in is on the block. I've been to some auctions near and far. I think the furthest has been the Two Cylinder 7 in the Amana Colonies last year. Lots of stuff, lots of people. I've also attended, years ago, the auctions in Waukee, Iowa at the swap meet.

A few weeks ago, I attended an auction in Menomonie, Wisconsin on a farm where the owner, a younger gent, was selling everything to the bare walls. Including his wonderful collection of two cylinders. Maybe you were there. It was crowded! Almost to the point where it wasn't any fun. It reminded me of the biblical story of the loaves and the fishes. A friend of mine, Al Kastanak formally of Pierz tagged along. This was a most interesting auction, not only for the fine equipment on display to be sold, but as interesting as well was the auctioneer. I've always fancied the way auctioneers can "call" an auction. In fact I've even thought about this as a sideline for myself. No one could get more of a chuckle than listening to me trying to do the "lingo" that these pro's do. In fact, it could be quite entertaining at the next Christmas party. Anyway, this auction was conducted by the Durand Auction Company of Durand, Wisconsin. Not only could this guy talk fast, he was a comedian as well. He'd be picking on someone in the crowd, while calling his numbers, and joke here and joke there. For a while, you'd think you were in the lounge at the Palamino Club in Las Vegas!

This is not to say that all auctioneers are made of the same mold. I thoroughly enjoy going to some auctions in my area around New Prague, Minnesota. These auctions are "called" by the Fahey Brothers. They've been in the auction business since who knows when. In fact, I think they met Noah when the ark and water rescinded. They do it the old fashioned way, they just call it as they see it. Not to say that's not entertaining. For me it's fun to listen to different inflections and style. That's the uniqueness of the service they provide. So the next time you're out and about at an auction, take a minute to enjoy the skill that many of these folks have. Whether they're characters or not, I'm sure you'll find it an entertaining time.

I was quite disappointed when our Field Days flyers came out to see that the board of directors failed to include "Larson Field" on the poster. Here was an opportunity to honor a past member who was chartered in our club. Glenn was one of the gentlest men I think I've met, he worked hard at our field days every year and loved the John Deere hobby as much or more than anyone, besides donating the land we use. And not to bestow this honor to him was regretful to say the least. I'll start my campaign again this fall.

I'm looking forward to participating in the Field Days event this year. Last year I had laryngitis when announcing the parade. This year I had my cold early. Just a reminder, when you're handed a card of some sort to fill out on what tractor you brought and what will be in the parade, don't forget to put in any interesting facts about your show piece. It could be entertaining for all watching.

Deere thoughts:

The BO Lindeman crawler was made between 1939 and 1947..... The height of an unstyled G radiator was increased after serial #4251..... When the model "H" was produced, it delivered 9.68 drawbar hp and 12.97 belt hp..... There were only 1,091 330's built.... Because of demand, the last 92 production model "D" tractors were assembled from spare parts outside because the production line broke down. These tractors are known as "streeters"..... There were only 65 Model BNH's made..... Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson went there separate ways in 1947.

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