Generation to generation

The 36th Annual Ron Kuhlmann Memorial Farm Toy Show will take place on Sunday, December 3, in Charter Oak.

“The Farm Toy Show started out as a fundraiser for the Charter Oak Centennial,” said Jeanne Kuhlmann. “Kevin Pester and my husband, Ron Kuhlmann, had the brainstorm of doing a farm toy show. It was more popular than they ever expected and we can’t believe it’s been going on for 36 years.”

Ron died in 2006, but the show goes on in his memory.

“We have good attendance every year and a lot of interest from a lot of collectors,” Kuhlmann said. “We see generations; some of these kids came when they were little and now they’re married and bringing their own children. It’s rather interesting how it all turned out.”

The Farm Toy Show is a good place for families to find unique Christmas gifts for kids.

Many of the same dealers return to the show each year.

“They always say it’s a good show, so I think they make a lot of sales,” she said. 

Nine vendors will bring their wares to the Charter Oak Community Building for the show. Each will display items on multiple tables.

The Community Building will be completely full.

“Of special interest this year, Harvey Thies from Ute is going to have a display,” Kuhlmann said. “He makes tractors from old sewing machines.”

Thies’s trick is to save the sewing machine but add parts to make it look like a tractor.

“He uses various items to create details and a final paint job along with stencils,” she said. “It’s very detailed and he has different kinds: International, John Deere, Ford, Minneapolis-Moline. He’s going to be there to visit if anyone has questions.”

All profits from the Farm Toy Show will go toward the Charter Oak Achievement Day fund, and the Charter Oak Achievers, Charter Oak Boosters and East Monona Explorers 4-H clubs.

“The 4-H kids will sell sandwiches and there will be pie and desserts,” Kuhlmann said.

Drawings for prizes will take place during the event.

“You have to be present to win,” she said.

The Ron Kuhlmann Memorial Farm Toy Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Charter Oak Community Building.

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