I think this saying is a great metaphor for life. Who knew that in these parts it has real meaning? For years I have heard my relatives talk about something called the “threshing bee.” Several years ago, I went out to check it out and see my uncle, Mick, drive his old tractor in the parade but arrived too late in the day to get in on the threshing demonstration. Last year, as the industrious organizers readied for the upcoming event, I got a call from my cousin’s wife, Donna, asking me to come out and learn more about the event which many family members help orchestrate. The Twin Brooks Threshing Show has been going on for just over 30 years and I learned there are many such events, sponsored by the machine manufacturers, all over the Midwest. This local area event was initiated by and held on the land of Murlyn and Clarice Schnaser. Over the year’s it has grown into quite a popular event attended by some 3000-5000 folks from all over the country. Its original purpose was to keep the old way of harvesting wheat alive through equipment demonstrations that teach young and old alike how things were done before modern day farm machinery took its place in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
The pastoral 21 acre site, just east of Twin Brooks, has many large deciduous trees and a meandering creek along with several bridges which allow for easy strolling thru the property. The actual event area is a replica of an old town on the prairie which includes; an old log post office, railroad depot (caboose to come), blacksmith shop, tool shed, saw/lathe mills, sheepherder’s wagon, old kitchen/dining hall, ladies general store, bakery, women’s meeting hall, etc. Of particular interest is the old Vernon Hall which was transported onto the site several years ago from the Vernon Township area just north of the Adams Township in which Revillo and Albee are located. Historically, townships (consisting of 6 X 6 sections of land) were formed as jurisdictional boundaries to provide small basic units of local government. Within the well preserved building, which includes the original wood stove, are old church benches for seating along with historical memorabilia including an old organ and a wicker stroller. I learned the stroller came from my family and was used by my grandparents, John and Mary Roggenbuck, my Aunt and Uncle, Lloyd and Monica Collins, along with my cousin, Jim and Donna Collins. My father, Dan, and his siblings actually slept in this stroller. Thru a generous donation, the organizers recently completed construction of a new building that houses horse equipment and is the site for related demonstrations and events. Future plans include adding a church along with a caboose and rails adjacent to the train depot.
I have learned that the threshing process using old machinery includes cutting the wheat that is then assembled and tied into small bundles, stacked into shocks (of eight or more bundles) to dry, collected and put into a threshing (separating) machine that separates the wheat from the chaff (straw). The time and labor intensive nature of the process is overwhelming and difficult to comprehend for today’s workforce and, I assume, most modern day farmers as well. The event has grown beyond threshing demonstrations to include: old farm machinery/equipment displays, tractor plowing, a tractor pull, antique combining, horse demonstrations, corn grading/shelling, haymaking, a parade, flea market and, of course, a large concession area and pork supper. This year, “coming home” will, once again, include attending the Twin Brooks Threshing Show this coming weekend. Maybe you will join in the fun! 2017