History 21 The Podcast - 1.18 Nowthen Threshing Show with John & Anne
Just in time to head out for the annual Nowthen Threshing Show, John Wetter and Anne Zimmerman, President and Director of the Nowthen Historic Power Association, talk about what exactly threshing is, everything you can find at the show in Nowthen, and why it’s important to preserve and showcase these skills for kids today.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Nowthen Threshing Show
Organized as part of the Nowthen Historic Power Association
In existence for 50 years, the Nowthen Threshing Show attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to the unique exhibits, demonstrations, and the variety of food and entertainment. The Nowthen Threshing Show gathers hundreds of rare and historic antique tractors, small engines, steam engines, trucks, cars, implements and tools in one place for a fun-packed three day event geared towards “Bringing the Past to the Present” for people of all ages.
Learn more about the show, what you can find on the grounds and directions to visit yourself at their website: Nowthen Threshing Show
Show dates: August 20-22, 2021
History 21: The Vault Extras
Listen to John and Anne’s full interview.
Kids buying candy at the ACHS General Store during the Nowthen Threshing Show.
Poster for the Rogers Threshing Show - which eventually moved locations to become the current day Nowthen Threshing Show.
Nowthen threshing Show, 1999
Anoka County Library Minute
Further Reading:
This Old Tractor: A Treasury of Vintage Tractors and Family Farm Memories by Michael Dregni (Q631.37209). This book is a gem. It contains essays authored by farmers looking back on their farming lives. There is an extensive chapter entitled Threshing Days, with voluminous photography and illustrations, one of which is a 1934 photo of Machinery Hill at the Minnesota State Fair.
Junk Gypsy: Designing a Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander by Amie & Jolie Sikes (745.5 SIK). Authored by the stars of the HGTV show, sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes share their insights on flea market picking and how to make the most out of repurposed objects.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery (640 EME). The 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic manual on sustainable living is a must-have reference for backyard homesteaders.
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour (630 SEY). Have you ever dreamed of living off the land? The late Seymour, an idealist who envisioned a world where people aren’t alienated from their labor, was the father of the back-to-the-basics movement. He paradoxically wrote of the practical ways to do just that.
Build Your Own Farm Tools by Josh Volk (631.3 VOL). Those who can’t afford or don’t need a tractor will appreciate the flinty instruction on how to equip your farm or garden shop. There are chapters on greenhouse and irrigation tools, among others.
Young children and early readers may enjoy the following books or others found at these call numbers:
Truck and Tractor Pulls by Kate Mikoley (E796.7 MIK)
Welcome to the Farm: Combine Harvester by Samantha Bell (E631.3 BEL)
John Deere That’s Who by Tracy Nelson Maurer (E631.3 DEE MAU)
What Does It Do? Combine by Mark Friedman (E631.37 FRI)
Combine Harvesters by Hannah Wilson (E629.225 WIL)
And for older children with more advanced reading skills:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (J FICTION WHI)
Down to Earth: How Kids Help Feed the World by Nikki Tate (J630 TAT)
Video
The American Farm from the History Channel – found on Kanopy.com, an online video streaming service available to library card holders. This 8-episode series follows five family farms through an entire year to document the entire growing and harvesting processes, as well as the struggles and successes that are a daily part of farming life.
The Straight Story directed by David Lynch (DVD STR). Based on the true story of 73-year-old Alvin Straight, whose vision deteriorated enough to lose his driver’s license. Wishing to visit his estranged, ailing brother in Wisconsin, Alvin hopped on his 1966 John Deere lawn mower and rode it across Iowa at 5 miles per hour. This poignant, funny, and charming G-rated film was a departure for the unconventional director Lynch