“IF HISTORY WERE TAUGHT IN THE FORM OF STORIES,
IT WOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.”
Rudyard Kipling
I have always been a fan of Kansas. Even in my younger days when Wyoming had an attraction for me. As I have grown and learn more of the people and the many things that make Kansas so unique, I keep finding more things that I even I never heard of.
Now I have heard for years of the Country Threshing Show at Goessel, Kansas but have never had the chance to visit the event. It seems that there is always something going on or it is 105 degrees. But because of my stories that I publish every week and my most loyal paper that carries all of my stories, the Rural Messenger, I had the invitation to attend, finally.
What a great day I had. There were so many who made a point of coming this year because I had been invited to sell my book KANSAS ODDITIES and sign them. It was just intended that I finally make this show. I am an old tractor nut as well as history in general. So many stopped by to visit with me that I was almost blushing. These people were true fans and I was tickled with the responses that they had.
For a fat boy who has a hard time walking it was a really wonderful experience. The people of the show, the readers, and just folks who saw my book for the first time, purchased one and told me their stories. When I was able to venture away from the table for a few minutes I found things I had done research on and will be in a future book. I was able to get great photographs and visit with their owners. I even found something new that I had never heard about before.
One of the people that was visiting with me mentioned that an out of state visitor had mentioned that the Goessel Threshing Days was the best kept secret in Kansas. I agree! The thing that I missed was all the great food, (and most would say I do not miss very much food). I got to the grounds before noon on Saturday and by the time I was set up at my table a good friend of my folks that we have not seen for years stopped by and visited with mom. It was non stop visit the whole time. She had mentioned that the Bierocks and Brauts were gone by noon. The big school house outside the grounds had a big sign LOW GERMAN DINNER and the people flocking towards, it indicated that it was soon going to be out of food also.
I managed to go through the afternoon with only a small cup of ice cream and a couple New Years Day cookies. With all the activity and all the people visiting I missed going through all the food stalls and only had a drive through of the tractor display, threshing, baling, and plowing demonstrations.
If you have never had the chance to go to a Threshing show you should never miss the chance. I was also so proud that I did not get to all the booths. Since I collect toy tractors and always look for photos and other information, I did not buy anything.
I would have loved to spent the rest of the day in Goessel but I only last so long and my walking is not good. You should go to the show next year. Bring your camera, appetite, and curiosity. Also bring your young’uns and learn them something other than I phones and electronic junk.
