Central Illinois Green Club

Bruce Graf had been the editor of Central Illinois Green Club’s monthly publication called “The Greensheet” for many years.  Printed on green paper by a local printer, it is written, edited, laid out, and mailed to each member every month.  To this day it is coveted by members not only because it reports on the multitude of business covered at monthly meetings, but it also gives updates and reports on shows and events that have happened or are scheduled to happen in the near future.  It also has a calendar of future local events as well as items for sale from your neighbors that you never knew they had.  Sometimes there is even a tasty recipe to try!  Today “The Greensheet” is still mailed out, but only to members who do not receive it in electronic form via email.

Bruce said it best when in May of 2004 he wrote that “The Greensheet” reports not only the news of the Green Club and events to attend, but also news relating to antique farm equipment in general. It would be even better if there were more of the general interest information such as farm auctions, equipment sales, and upcoming events. The editor needs help from the membership in order to expand the coverage for the antique machinery enthusiast. The newsletter is not limited to one page and the editor actually enjoys the challenge of presenting this information in an accurate readable, and compact format!  Bruce created and made “The Greensheet” what it is today.  Everything from the format to the articles and classifieds had to meet his approval and receive his final touches.

Over time Bruce included quotes and even added an occasional comment or snippet of wisdom to “The Greensheet”.  When Bruce retired as editor of “The Greensheet” because of health reasons, many of his quotes continued to be reprinted in a section called “Bruce’s Corner.” These quotes have been enjoyed for a second time by many members over the last few years.  As the final issues of “The Greensheet” were prepared, “Bruce’s Corner” featured yet another poignant statement of that which describes the family of the Central Illinois Green Club.  He said DECEMBER – As I prepare for the years final “Greensheet”, I reminisce on the past two years of the Green Club and my involvement in the activities. I find myself very fortunate to become a part of this wonderful group of friends who have shown me some of a different lifestyle and attitude that my city upbringing was lacking. I enjoy the friendship and remain thankful to the Green Club for the experiences.

It is possible that reading “The Greensheet” is the greatest tribute that one can give to the work that Bruce put into the creation of the monthly publication.  That being said, we are sad to report that long time “Greensheet” editor and former Central Green Club Director Bruce Graf passed away on November 1, 2016. Bruce was a valued member that worked tirelessly to make the Central Illinois Green Club what it is today.  He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Our Friend!

As a busy 2015 drew to a close and the members of the Central Illinois Green Club had much to reflect on.  Everyone started the year on a high note, but these feeling were often washed away by the extremely wet spring and early summer that much of Northern Illinois experienced.  In fact, many tractor shows were either canceled all together or had their events severely limited by the weather.  Everyone is hopeful that 2016 will be a better year for the crops as well as for enjoying the tractor drives and many shows in and around Northern Illinois.

The banquet held on December 16 at the American Legion in Herscher was a fitting way to close out 2015.  One high note was special recognition that Dale Armstrong received for selling the most peddle tractor raffle tickets.  He has always been a top seller, but this year he blew away the competition!  He also announced that he will be moving out of state.  This may give our peddle tractor raffle an even greater reach!

This year brings Ride the River 2016.  With 150 drivers enjoying the ride while fundraising money for 8 local FFA chapters, this year should turn our much brighter than last year.  Save August 27 for Ride the River and get your Registration Form in soon!  The annual Covered Bridge Tractor Ride is also being planned as well as many other local rides around the area.  Be sure to plan accordingly!!!

We hope this year will be a good one!

Even though the temperatures have been sub zero and there are piles of snow the size of tractors all over the yard, plans are being made to fill out the New Year at the Central Illinois Green Club.  Continuing and new events are on the calendar and the details are being iron out.    The regular monthly club meetings are on the calendar as well as the May pot luck meeting, so be sure to attend those.  Also, it is time to start thinking about the first outdoor club event – our annual swap meet!

Also on the events list are the Herscher Tractor Ride and Display, the Club’s 12^th annual Covered Bridge Tractor Ride, the Manteno Veterans Home Display and possible tours of the Case IH plant and Keller Antiques.  2014 is looking like it may be another great year!

On July 18-21 the Club set up at the Will County Threshermans Show at the Round Barn Farm in Manhattan, Illinois.  Brad Eike reported that the Show was a great success.  It was a little warm, but the crowd was good on Saturday and Sunday.  Brad thanked everyone that came to the shows, supported, and helped out.

July 21was the first annual tractor show at The Office on 17 east.  Five tractors showed up.  July 27 was the Peotone FFA Tractor Ride and Craft show.  They had 35 tractors on the drive and raised over $6000.  On August 3, 33 tractors and an Army semi tractor trailer exhibited at the Manteno Veterans Home.  There were no reports on the Watseka Farm Show that was held on August 3.  The Collom Tractor show had close to 40 tractors.  They rode through town to the tractor pull where 23 tractors participated in the tractor pull.  The Half Century of Progress in Rantoul, IL was held from August 22-25.  The tractor ride on Thursday had over 100 tractors participating on the drive.

The Schwark Family Farm will be celebrating its centennial year this year.  On September 14 the farm will have a Plow Day.  On November 2 Thee Olde Time Farm Show is having a Cash Bash at the Moose Lodge in Bradley.  There will be over $5600 in prizes.

The club tractor ride is scheduled for September 5.  It will start at the Evans Farm.  From there it will head northwest to Harley & Carol Bunte’s, to Braidwood where everyone will tour D&D Construction’s Equipment collection.  The ride will end at Coal city where everyone will eat Lunch.  After lunch the ride will continue south to Braceville, cross highway 55, and continue through to Essex and then back to the Evan’s Farm.

A club bus trip to Peoria is being planned.  More information will come. If interested sign up at the meeting.