A Connection to the Past

Who: Lake Country Antique Tractor Association

What: An association of over 200 antique tractor owners from East Texas.  The organization hosts a bi-monthly “tractor pull,” where antique tractors compete to pull a weighted sled the farthest.  In other months, members join together for “play-day” trail rides and plowing contests.  A scholarship fund provides aid to college-bound students and routine visits to nursing homes entertain the elderly.

History: The association was born in the garage of Charles and Barbara Thompson of Quitman.  About ten years ago, they purchased a 1952 Farmhall Cub with the intention of restoring it.  Mr. Thompson and his son fully renovated the tractor’s mechanics, finding parts wherever they could, while Mrs. Thompson cleaned and sanded the body.  According to Mr. Thompson, “pretty soon our neighbors were coming over on Saturdays to watch [the restoration].”

By 2000, those neighbors and the Thompsons had founded the association.  In the beginning, they were a group of seven members and nine tractors.  Today, LCATA’s 200 members – from towns like Gilmer, Mineola, Winnsboro, Lindale, and Quitman – own a combined total of over 400 antique tractors.  

What Inspires Us: Whether participating in a parade or visiting a nursing home, the Thompsons say that the association’s tractors impress young and old alike. “Someone has a story about every tractor,” said Mrs. Thompson.  She recounted the story of a 92-year-old man who “came alive” at the sight of a tractor like the one he used in past years.  “We’re especially glad to see parents and grandparents able to show kids examples of the tractors they used to have,” she said.

A Physics Lesson: Curious about what goes on in a “tractor pull”?  First, a tractor is hooked up to a special sled.  As the tractor starts pulling the sled, weights originally located at the back of the sled move toward the front along an inclined ramp.  This movement transfers weight toward a pad on the front of the sled.  The pad comes into contact with the ground, and as the weight moves closer to the front, more friction develops between the pad and ground.  Eventually, friction brings the tractor to a halt.

On average, tractors are able to pull the sled between 80 and 90 feet.  The sled can stop any tractor hooked up to it – though some have made it more than 100 feet.

Rules of Entry: Any tractor built before 1972 can be part of the association.

Slow But Steady: The association organizes weekend tractor drives between neighboring towns.  The tractors typically move at about 10 miles per hour, meaning a recent trip from Quitman to Winnsboro took more than two hours to complete!

Check it Out: Besides tractor pulls, you may see association members’ antique tractors in community parades and festivals.  Information is also available online at www.lcata.com.