By Fred Hendricks
The Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association (CAFMA) will host the All-Ohio Allis-Chalmers Show in conjunction with the 14th Annual Crawford Farm Machinery Show. The show will be held June 26, 27 & 28, 2014 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds in Bucyrus, Ohio.
“The focal point of the 2014 Farm Show will feature Allis-Chalmers, an iconic tractor brand from the 20th century. The show will draw collectors of vintage farm machinery from Ohio and the surrounding states. We’re confident this popular tractor brand will create great enthusiasm for our upcoming show. There will also be numerous activities relating to antique farm machinery that will interest the entire family,” stated Earl Smith, President of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association.
It is fitting to host a show of antique farm equipment reminiscent of those early agriculture engineering achievements. Following is the history of Allis-Chalmers, a major contributor to those achievements.
Allis-Chalmers dates back to 1847 when it was a small burr millstone maker. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the parent company was known as Decker & Seville Reliance Works. The focus of Decker & Seville was the manufacturing of burr millstones, portable mills, shafting and water wheels.
Edward P. Allis & Company acquired the company in 1861. Under new ownership, the company expanded into steam power and the first Allis steam engine. An aggressive and successful company, Allis grew to 1,100 employees by 1889. In 1901, a newly formed company known as Allis-Chalmers emerged through the combined enterprises of Edward P. Allis Co., Fraser and Chalmers Company and Gates Iron Works.
Through diversification, Allis-Chalmers built its first farm tractor in 1914. In their agriculture expansion, Allis-Chalmers focused on the small and medium sized farmer. Consequently, their new tractor design became the most popular series of tractors ever manufactured.
Over the years, Allis-Chalmers acquired numerous companies, including Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. A new and expanded product line included combines, hydroturbines, valves and pumps, compressors, electric motors and Simplicity lawn and garden tractors.
An evolving economic environment during the 1980s resulted in financial challenges from which Allis-Chalmers could not emerge. Simplicity Manufacturing was sold to management in 1983. K-H-D AG of Germany acquired the farm equipment division in 1985. The German firm was named Deutz-Allis. Deutz-Allis was later sold to AGCO Corporation.
The remaining remnants of Allis-Chalmers were dispersed in 1998. The company officially closed its offices in Milwaukee in January 1999. The remaining service business became Allis-Chalmers Energy in Houston, Texas.
The Crawford Farm Machinery Show offers an educational and fun-filled experience during the three-day event. Whether you are engaged in farming or interested in the equipment and methods used to produce your family’s food, there will be something of interest. There will be plenty of activities for the children, so bring them along. For additional information, contact Earl Smith, President of CAFMA at Phone: 419-569-3285.
