About us.
Welcome to the Will County Threshermen’s Association, a 501c3 nonprofit organization passionately dedicated to preserving and honoring America’s agricultural legacy. Our mission comes to life through the collective efforts of our dedicated volunteers, members, and the generous support of donors. We host regular member events including our Annual Show, Vintage Tractor Drive, Plow Day, and more!
Our Origin.
Established in 1962 by the visionary Ray Kestel, our organization began with an annual Threshing Bee Show. The inaugural event took place at the Ed Kestel Farm, later moving to the Ray Kestel Farm, three miles south of New Lenox, IL.
On February 15, 1966, Ray called a meeting that marked a pivotal moment. The gathering of forty-five men approved the formation of an organization to support the annual show celebrating old-time agricultural methods. Thus, the Will County Threshermen’s Association was born, with Ray serving as its president for the first five years. Ray, along with his son Ken, were active members, contributing their Keck Gounerman Steam Engine, threshing machines, tractors, and gas engines to our rich heritage.
Annual Show.
Continuing our commitment to America’s agricultural heritage, our annual show held in late July near Manhattan, IL, offers a captivating journey into the past. Showcasing antique engines, steam engines, tractors, and machinery, the event invites visitors to explore the evolution of equipment and witness the transformation of farming practices. Members are invited to bring their antique machinery and equipment to exhibit at the show, participate in our Tractor Pulls, and drive in our daily Parade of Power. Machinery can also be seen in action with fieldwork demonstrations, corn shelling, and threshing during the show. The annual show will often feature a specific manufacturer or type of machinery, but all makes and models are welcome. (Image from our 1975 Show Book. The caption reads: Another view of Thompson’s Case 80 and plow. A complete exhibition of plowing is featured every day that the weather permits at the Will County Thershermen’s Assocation Show.)
The show has also grown with more fun for the whole family including kids activities, magician, petting zoo, horse and wagon rides, food vendors, craft and flea market, live music performances, civil war living history camp and reenactors, and more! In 2024 we will introduce a new event of a Human Tractor Pull Competition. (Image of member Russ Jacobs driving Tater’s Train at our 2023 Annual Show. It is a kid’s barrel train ride built by member Bob Homerding.)
In its early years, the show took place at the Fred Francis 4-H Field in New Lenox, Illinois. Notably, the fourth annual show witnessed the feeding of twenty-five acres of oats through a steam-powered thresher while plowing with oxen, horses, and steam engines – bringing history to life. The event has evolved, moving to various locations over the years such as the Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone (1970s), Byron’s Woods in Delselm (1980), Burns Woods in Wilmington (1983), Dollinger Farm in Channahon (2004), Round Barn Farm Park in Manhattan (2013), Crawford Farm in Manhattan (2015), Charlie and Jeannie Kestel’s Farm in Frankfort (2016), and presently, since 2018, on the Steve Spiess Farm in Manhattan, Illinois. See more of our history in our Archives. (Image from member Dave Kestel, is an aerial shot of the show grounds during our 2023 Annual Show.)
In 2014, the Will County Threshermen’s Association achieved 501(c)(3) status, marking a significant milestone in our journey to actively engage with the community, educate upcoming generations, and preserve our agricultural heritage. Join us in celebrating our rich history and contributing to the legacy of American agriculture.
Image of member Jay Roesel with our volunteer member restored and maintained 1922 Fairbanks-Morse Model Z engine on display and in action with a grinder at our 2023 61st Annual Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show.