One August day in 1977, Funk's Seed Corn hosted a variety plot tour at the Duaine Kurtzbein farm located six miles northeast of Montevideo in Rosewood Township. As an added attraction, a group of area farmers brought a few old engines and antique tractors to display. Due to their common interest in the preservation of agricultural history, a neighborhood group gathered to form the organization known as Minnesota Valley Antique Farm Power and Machinery Association hosting its first show in 1980. The association drafted its articles and incorporated on June 18, 1981. From 1981 to 1986 MVAFPMA hosted its annual steam threshing show at the adjacent Denneith Kurtzbein farm. The association relocated the show to the Chippewa County Historical Society's Olaf Swenson Farm in 1987. This site, located six miles east and five miles south of Montevideo, featured a large two-story brick farm house and large red livestock barn providing an ideal historic atmosphere for such an event.
Due to the volunteer efforts of association members, the threshing show exhibits have grown in number. Over the years the annual spectator attendance has increased accordingly. At the association's annual meeting held December 12, 1998, a resolution was passed to purchase a 25-acre parcel of land located four miles east of Montevideo on the corner of Minnesota Highway 7 and Chippewa County Road 7. The annual threshing show is now located here. Included in the long range site plan, new and relocated buildings are to be added for future attraction. The association anticipates the new location will enhance visibility and will encourage new members and membership participation.
In the past (and in future) years, the association members and guests have exhibited antique tractors, gas engines and machinery for all to see and enjoy. Other activities at the show have included threshing, daily parades, queen coronation, Sunday Church Service, camping, vendor exhibits, blacksmithing, slow tractor races, live entertainment and other historic farm activities.
Over 200 volunteer members have joined the Minnesota Valley Antique Farm Power and Machinery Association. The members are widely dispersed throughout Southwest Minnesota and the surrounding states. The membership roster includes young and old. New members are always welcome.
If you would like to attend one of our meetings, or become a member, contact us here.
Due to the volunteer efforts of association members, the threshing show exhibits have grown in number. Over the years the annual spectator attendance has increased accordingly. At the association's annual meeting held December 12, 1998, a resolution was passed to purchase a 25-acre parcel of land located four miles east of Montevideo on the corner of Minnesota Highway 7 and Chippewa County Road 7. The annual threshing show is now located here. Included in the long range site plan, new and relocated buildings are to be added for future attraction. The association anticipates the new location will enhance visibility and will encourage new members and membership participation.
In the past (and in future) years, the association members and guests have exhibited antique tractors, gas engines and machinery for all to see and enjoy. Other activities at the show have included threshing, daily parades, queen coronation, Sunday Church Service, camping, vendor exhibits, blacksmithing, slow tractor races, live entertainment and other historic farm activities.
Over 200 volunteer members have joined the Minnesota Valley Antique Farm Power and Machinery Association. The members are widely dispersed throughout Southwest Minnesota and the surrounding states. The membership roster includes young and old. New members are always welcome.
If you would like to attend one of our meetings, or become a member, contact us here.
