The Weekend of Freedom Machines event is entirely free and open to the public
Horicon, WI – John Deere collectors and enthusiasts will gather near Horicon, Wisc. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first John Deere lawn and garden tractor from July 26-28, 2013. Sponsored by John Deere Horicon Works and Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine, this three-day event will celebrate the 1963 John Deere model 110 lawn and garden tractor – known as the Weekend of Freedom Machine. Only 1,000 model 110’s were made in 1963, all in Horicon, Wisc. and more than 200 are expected to be on display. More than 1,000 garden tractors of all makes and models will be displayed by collectors along with a variety of lawn and garden tractor memoriabilia.
Although all models of John Deere lawn and garden tractors are welcome to exhibit at this free event, the center of attention will be the 1963 model 110’s. Special events include a daily parade of tractors, a reunion of 1963’s, a lawn tractor show and exhibit, swap meet, lawn and garden memorabilia displays, blacksmith demonstrations by the John Deere Balcksmith and special photo opportunities with legendary tractors. Of special interest to collectors and enthusiast will be several question and answer sessions with John Deere retirees who worked with the original model 110’s.
“This is a niche event for certain, but we all know John Deere enthusiasts come in large quantities and those interested in lawn and garden equipment are as passionate about their collecting as anyone,” said Kate Goelzhauser, editor, Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine. “We’ve been planning this event for months and have collectors joining us from as far away as Canada, Connecticut, Indiana and Pennsylvania. We can’t wait to see the variety of machines and fans that help us celebrate 50 years of mowing with John Deere.”
The Weekend of Freedom Machines event is entirely free and open to the public. Attendees will also have access to food vendors, campsites and free parking. For more information, visit the event’s facebook page.
I have a JD model 110 I would like to sell.
I am interested in your tractor, tell me the condition and price, greetings
I own a John Deere model 112 made in 1967. I attended the 50th
anniversary. I learned a lot and saw a lot, I wish you could do it again
in 5 years
Thank you for the feedback Ken. The event was coordinated by a group of volunteers and staff at the John Deere Horicon Works. We have a great relationship with the local factory plus the Fairgrounds is ideal for holding such events. We look forward to many more in the future!
Just got my JD Retiree Newsletter and read about Horicon’s 50th Year Celebration for making Lawn & Garden Tractors.
Some might remember I was the Manger of Marketing at Horicon from 1972 to 1977 under Ray Gregg, when we even made snowmobiles. I then went to Columbus as the Manager of Consumer Products for about 10 years, and then to Deere & Company as Manager of Residential & Commercial Products for a year and a half, then finally to Raleigh as Regional Manager for the Northeast and West, where I retired in 1992.
Sounds like a lot of moving, but this was during the developmental time for Lawn & Garden, then Consumer Products, then Residential and Commercial, and then Residential, Commercial and Golf & Turf. A lot has happened since, but one thing that has stayed consistent is the fine supporting products produced at the Horicon factory. I loved my time there.
Currently I live on a golf course in Surprise, AZ, and love seeing the John Deere tractors, turf mowers and Gators running around. This is a Del Web Sun City, and Deere is their national supplier for Golf & Turf. Makes me feel my retirement is secure.
By the way for those that might remember me, I not only still play golf at 75, but also play softball in our beautiful Million Dollar Del Webb softball park.
Congratulations on 50 years with L&G, but at the same time don’t ever forget the Grain Drills, and good “ole” Ray Davis, who got it all started in 1963.
Mike
I certainly remember. I am retired to home farm in MI. My snowmobile passion remains and I still support Deere vintage snowmobiles with parts & service knowledge. “Making sure Nothing runs like a Deere since 1971”
-Richard Acre
Do you have a itemized daily agenda for that weekend’s events?
A schedule of events has been released for the John Deere Weekend of Freedom and can be viewed at https://dodgecountyfairgrounds.com/?p=3041
We own a 400 Hydrostatic Tractor (serial no. C400H 097265M, engine serial no. 9352353). It has a 60 inch cut. We are downsizing to a smaller 30 or 42 inch mower. Is there any way we could get an approximate value? It was restored prior to our purchasing it. It may require a tune up but it has been kept in a garage. We also have a chipper, leaf collector unit that was used very little which is not a John Deere. Would appreciate any help you could give us in pricing our tractor for sale.
(Mrs,) Adolph Hunger
St.Anne, Il 60964