When is an M-M not an M&M?
Minneapolis-Moline Tractor Logo
By Kent Dinnebier, The Clarinda Herald-Journal
Antique tractor enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Clarinda from March 18-20 to celebrate the history of "The World's Finest Tractors."
Over those three days, Clarinda will be hosting the 2010 Minneapolis-Moline Collectors, Inc. Winter Convention.
"It's an honor to be serving as the host community of the Minneapolis-Moline Collectors, Inc. Winter Convention," Clarinda Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elaine Farwell said. "This is a great opportunity for us to show off our community."
The Minneapolis-Moline Power Implement Company was formed in 1929 and its tractors earned the prestigious designation as "the world's finest" because of the many advances in tractor design and operation that was introduced by the company.
In 1987, Minneapolis-Moline Collectors, Inc. (MMCI) was chartered to preserve the products and history of the Minneapolis-Moline Company, its predecessors and related companies. The club consists of approximately 350 members.
Paul Sunderman, 73, of Clarinda has helped coordinate plans to hold the Winter Convention in Clarinda. He has been a member of MMCI for nearly 20 years and has a collection of approximately 60 Minneapolis-Moline tractors that will be displayed at his farm west of Clarinda on Thursday and Friday, March 18-19, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
"Some of the board members came out to look at Clarinda, the facilities available and my tractors," Sunderman said. "Clarinda has a lot to show people since 4-H was started here, Glenn Miller was born here, and Ozzie Smith played baseball here. Stuff like that is pretty interesting."
Sunderman said the board members were particularly pleased with Wibholm Hall and the other facilities at the Page County Fairgrounds and he felt that was a key reason Clarinda was selected to host the convention.
As a result, the Page County Fairgrounds will be put to good use during the three days of the convention as a vast majority of the events will be held there.
On Saturday, March 20, the Clarinda Lions Club will be presenting a pancake breakfast at Wibholm Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
An auction will follow at 10 a.m. in the south section of Wibholm Hall. Participants may check in auction parts from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 19, and from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday in the south section of the building.
The convention will then conclude with banquet for the club members at Wibholm Hall starting at 6 p.m.
Reservations are already being accepted for the convention and Farwell said interest for the event is so high all of the lodging properties in Clarinda and the surrounding communities are already booked for the weekend.
Reservations are already being accepted for the convention and Farwell said interest for the event is so high all of the lodging properties in Clarinda and the surrounding communities are already booked for the weekend.
Visitors may begin registering for the convention at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, at the Page County Fairgrounds.
The opening day of the convention features a 1 p.m. tour of Lisle Corporation and a 2:30 p.m. tour of NSK Corporation. Tours of the two plants will also be offered on Friday, March 19. The tours of Lisle Corporation will be limited to 16 people, while 30 people will be able to attend each of the tours of NSK Corporation.
A tour of Keanne Thummel Trucking is also scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday.
"We have had very good response from all the businesses," Sunderman said.
An official welcome reception will cap off the first day of the convention on Thursday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ice House Restaurant in Clarinda.
Activities resume on Friday morning, March 19, with a seminar by Bob Virgil of Kansas on the electrical systems of tractors. That event will begin at 10 a.m. at Wibholm Hall.
Meanwhile, Immanuel Lutheran Church will be hosting an evening social event for the club members and their families at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Ice cream and brownies will be served, while the entertainment will be provided by magician Bernie Andrews.
The event at Immanuel Lutheran Church is only one of the activities planned for the women who will be attending the convention.
Evelyn Herzberg, Sunderman's sister, has assisted in planning the convention and said she paid special attention to organizing events that would be of interest to the wives of club members or other women attending the convention.
"We want to make sure they enjoy their time in Clarinda and have plenty of fun activities to keep themselves occupied," Herzberg said.
On Thursday, March 18, Sally Nordland will be presenting a program entitled "Grandma's Sewing Box" at 2 p.m. at the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum. The museum will also be offering extended hours during the convention for visitors that would like to tour the facility.
Then, on Friday, a bus tour focusing on the history of Clarinda will be offered at 10 a.m. and will be followed by lunch at The Garrison House. The bus tour will depart from Wibholm Hall.
Finally, Carlene Buck will present a program on quilting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Wibholm Hall.
Farwell said the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce Community and Retail Planning Committee will be presenting people attending the convention with gift bags to welcome them to Clarinda. The welcome bags will include special offers from several local retailers that can be redeemed while shopping at the respective businesses.
"The businesses are really looking forward to having the convention in Clarinda," Herzberg said. "They are proud of Clarinda and are happy to have the opportunity to show what we have to offer."
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