Jasper County Retired Iron Club preserves and exhibits old-style farm equipment

RENSSELAER, Ind. — The adjective retired is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “having left one’s job and ceased to work.”

Members of the Jasper County Retired Iron Club of Rensselaer — many of themselves “retired” from farming — have a special place in their hearts and barns for “retired” farm equipment.

Jasper County farmers Phil Teske Sr. and LaVerne Meyer discovered there were others in the county who enjoyed fixing up old farm equipment and called them together to hold the first meeting in January 1995.

They shared stories, passed along knowledge and just had some fun. They elected officers and collected annual dues, still $10 a year.

Their motto became: “To preserve and exhibit for educational and historical purposes old-style power and farm equipment.”

The first exhibit of 10 tractors from the members’ collections was held that same year in the open air at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. The next year they added tents.

The overwhelming success of their exhibits brought about the idea of a permanent structure on the fairgrounds.

With help from the commissioners, the fair board and local sponsors, a building that could display 60 tractors was built.

Inside space for a museum was added where ag-related advertising items and toys could be displayed.

Over the years, they have added attractions to their displays at the fair, such as a threshing machine and steam-powered sawmill.

They added a tractor parade which begins in downtown Rensselaer and travels out to the fairgrounds during fair week.

The knowledge, experience and advice that these members possess collectively is priceless. Their equipment is mainly from the 1950s and 1960s.

They are a philanthropic organization, awarding scholarships to area graduates, giving donations to the local food pantry and monetary donations designated by a passing member’s wishes.

Current officers are Phil Teske Jr., president; Randy Owenby, vice president; Jim Lanoue, acting secretary; and Deb Teske, treasurer.

Their most profitable fundraising effort is their annual consignment auction. Held mid-June each year, they accept consignments up until 5 p.m. the day before the auction.

This year will be their 28th auction, on Saturday, June 17, at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.

Lanoue has been a member for many years. It is his collection of advertising and agricultural material that has been on display in the museum for the past few years, but he also has a few tractors he brings in to display, as well.

“I joined because I like what the club does and represents,” he said.

There are several multiple-generation members.

“When one member of the family joins, the entire family are members,” Lanoue noted.

Having served on the Jasper County Fair Board for 40 years and served as the Sheep Barn superintendent for 38 to 39 years, he has been around farming all his life.

“I’m not a farmer, but was raised on a farm and worked in the hayfields as a youth. To see the implements from those days in action again is very satisfying,” he said.

Contact Lanoue at 219-869-2869 to donate your items for the consignment auction. And see their display during the Jasper County Fair, July 15-22, this year featuring the International Farmall Implement line.