Tractors take over museum

Garden tractors, from the very old to the very new, are the feature display through this weekend at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla.

The show has old-time and unique garden tractors in original condition as well as some that are meticulously restored.

It's a chance for Valley residents to see one-of-a-kind and rare models, organizers said.

This show is drawing a remarkably wide level of participation. The museum owns several garden tractors and they are part of the show.

The museum has had great participation from their members, volunteers, and members of the community. More than a dozen individuals and businesses have loaned the museum tractors.

One model drawing much attention is a John Deere that isn't -- and never was -- green. The series of John Deere Patio Models came in spruce blue, patio red, April yellow, and sunset orange. Owned by Gary Witt and painstakingly restored by Chris Anton, it's worth a trip out to the museum just to see this one alone, organizers said.

Jim Redding and Phil Lockwood have brought in Gravelys for the exhibition and display.

Redding's Gravely is a walk-behind with a rotary garden plow, while Lockwood's Gravely is a ride-behind, with a sickle.

One of the older models with a long Alaska history is a 1927 steel-wheel Centaur, owned by Frances Hunt. It was reportedly shipped from Seattle north to Cordova, and then up the Copper River by stern-wheel riverboat to Chitina.

The Elect-Trak on display was first introduced by the Matanuska Electrical Association at the Alaska State Fair in the early 1960s. The International Harvester McCormick Farmall Cub was the forerunner of the International Cub Cadette. Chuck Snyder and John Warner both loaned models to the museum.

The collection of garden tractors is diverse. The Warner Diesel is a one-of-a-kind homemade tractor. Craig Taylor Equipment, Bailey's Rent All, Sears and United Rental have loaned popular new units.

All of the brands represented are: Allis Chalmers, Gravely, Chain Tred, David Bradley, Warner Diesel, Craftsman, Panzer, General Electric Elect-Trak, McCormick Farmall Cub, John Deere, Troy Built, International Cub Cadet and New Holland.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The museum is located off Mile 47 Parks Hwy., on Neuser Drive near the Wasilla Airport. Call 376-1211 for more information .