Tractor drive draws 6 tractors

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Vintage Tractor Fanatics sponsored a tractor drive with six tractors and Stan and Janelle Cross in a Ford Model A (because Stan’s tractor wouldn’t start).
    There were members from the Three Corners Club of Haigler, Old Iron Club of St. Francis, Ks., and the Heritage Club of McCook.
    The drive began at Pinkie’s corner (Wind Charger at 323 and Hwy 6 (old Detroit-Lincoln-Denver {D.L.D.} Highway), where Dick Hedges gave a small history of the place.
    The group traveled north to the site of the town of Chase, proceeded west to the Stan Cross Farm, which was also on the D.L.D. Highway, to check out Stan’s tractors and old machinery.
    After leaving Stan’s farm, they drove to Lamar for a lunch prepared by Imperial Super Foods and set-up by Janelle Cross. They also had a presentation on the history of Chase, Lamar, the D.L.D., and Arterburn Lake from a booklet compiled by Mike Poe/Mary Sparks.
    The book also had pictures of Wauneta, Imperial and the only train to make it to Lamar.
    Stan Cross told how his dad as a child, had seen circus elephants pulling cages from Holyoke Co. to Imperial along the road that ran in front of his parents house.
    The group left Lamar and headed south to the sight of Arterburn Lake, which is now dried up, but used to be a destination to swim, picnic and water ski. From there the group returned to Pinkie’s corner to end the trip.
    Those driving in the drive were Dan Rowley and Mary Sparks, VTF club, Mike Poe, VTF Club, Tom Solko, Heritage and 3 corners Club, Eldon Zimbelmann, 3 Corners Club, Dick and Waydean Hedges, No Club, Stan and Janelle Cross VTF Club, Steven and Steph Olson, 3 Corner Club, Jerry Verilek, Old Iron Club and Wayne Christner, VTF Club.