Who:
Lake Country Antique
Tractor Association
What:
An association of over
200 antique tractor owners from East Texas. The
organization hosts a bi-monthly “tractor pull,” where
antique tractors compete to pull a weighted sled the farthest.
In other months, members join together for “play-day” trail
rides and plowing contests. A scholarship fund provides
aid to college-bound students and routine visits to nursing
homes entertain the elderly.
History:
The association was born
in the garage of Charles and Barbara Thompson of Quitman.
About ten years ago, they purchased a 1952 Farmhall Cub with the
intention of restoring it. Mr. Thompson and his son fully
renovated the tractor’s mechanics, finding parts wherever they
could, while Mrs. Thompson cleaned and sanded the body.
According to Mr. Thompson, “pretty soon our neighbors were
coming over on Saturdays to watch [the restoration].”
By
2000, those neighbors and the Thompsons had founded the
association. In the beginning, they were a group of seven
members and nine tractors. Today, LCATA’s 200 members
– from towns like Gilmer, Mineola, Winnsboro, Lindale, and
Quitman – own a combined total of over 400 antique tractors.
What
Inspires Us: Whether
participating in a parade or visiting a nursing home, the
Thompsons say that the association’s tractors impress young
and old alike. “Someone has a story about every tractor,”
said Mrs. Thompson. She recounted the story of a
92-year-old man who “came alive” at the sight of a tractor
like the one he used in past years. “We’re especially
glad to see parents and grandparents able to show kids examples
of the tractors they used to have,” she said.
A
Physics Lesson: Curious
about what goes on in a “tractor pull”? First, a
tractor is hooked up to a special sled. As the tractor
starts pulling the sled, weights originally located at the back
of the sled move toward the front along an inclined ramp.
This movement transfers weight toward a pad on the front of the
sled. The pad comes into contact with the ground, and as
the weight moves closer to the front, more friction develops
between the pad and ground. Eventually, friction brings
the tractor to a halt.
On
average, tractors are able to pull the sled between 80 and 90
feet. The sled can stop any tractor hooked up to it –
though some have made it more than 100 feet.
Rules
of Entry: Any tractor
built before 1972 can be part of the association.
Slow
But Steady: The
association organizes weekend tractor drives between neighboring
towns. The tractors typically move at about 10 miles per
hour, meaning a recent trip from Quitman to Winnsboro took more
than two hours to complete!
Check
it Out: Besides tractor
pulls, you may see association members’ antique tractors in
community parades and festivals. Information is also
available online at www.lcata.com.
