Grey skies and mild temperatures met the 25 tractors and drivers taking part in Saturday’s 10th annual Washington Township Consolidated School tractor ride, which rolled westward on the Minburn Road shortly after 9 a.m. on a circuit that took in the town of Yale, Moffit Grove Cemetery, Springbrook State Park and Bay’s Branch.
Red and green were mostly seen, with classic John Deeres and Cases and International-Harvesters sharing much of the field but with Massey Fergusons, Allis-Chalmers and McCormick-Deerings cropping up here and there.
A flare wagon, one of 77 manufactured at the school during World War II, was on display among the big engines. An old timer recalled feeding the hopper as a lad with alfalfa seed, which was broadcast and then disced into the soil.
Dave and Kathy Book of Minburn have organized the annual rides since 2012. Their daughter, Sheryl Book, delivered the pre-ride orientation and explained the day’s game plan and safety protocols.
The circuit brought the tractors to Washington Township School, with pie and ice cream awaiting the rustic travelers.
In the Dorothy Wright Room of the school, visitors admired the recently hung barn quilt, created by Jani Harrison of rural Adel. Blending the colors of the Washington Township Consolidated School, Minburn School and Central Dallas Community School District, the quilt was donated in memory of Daniel Nissly, class of 1970..
Proceeds from the annual tractor ride help support ongoing restoration efforts at the 100-year-old Washington Township Consolidated School, which will mark its centennial Sept. 18 with a big celebration.
