The Dirt on Tractors and Ag-Air

By Sheryl Hamlin

Over 100 members, guests and local VIPs attended the opening reception of two agricultural exhibits on Saturday, June 20, 2015 hosted by the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County. These exhibits highlight tractors and airplanes, both of which made Ventura County into an agriculture powerhouse.

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Scherzinger arrived dramatically in an agricultural helicopter owned by Aspen Helicopters. Mr. Scherzinger skillfully landed the helicopter in the museum’s west lot. In addition to agriculture, Aspen supplies planes and helicopters for marine animal, rescues and environmental surveys. For several decades, Aspen has flown Santa Claus in his sleigh over Ventura county in full regalia on Christmas Eve, as a gift to the county.

Below is a picture of the Aspen agriculture helicopter flown by Mr. Scherzinger and a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Scherzinger in the gallery.

Aspen agriculture helicopter

Mr. and Mrs. Scherzinger

Mr. John Orr, a local attorney and farmer whose family includes generations of lawyers and farmers, introduced the featured speaker Mr. Larry Lindgren. Mr. Orr is chair of the museum’s Board of Directors. Mr. Orr also acknowledged and thanked the many agricultural VIPs in the audience who have contributed to the success and the lore of agriculture in Ventura County.

Mr. Lindgren, an early supporter of the concept of an agricultural museum for Ventura County, spoke about how the tractor transformed the farmers’ productivity such that fewer and fewer people were needed on the farm, thus the tractor became one of the forces in urbanization as the population migrated from primarily agricultural based to an urbanized population base. Mr. Lindgren talked about the Farm Implement Committee (FIC), whose members find and restore the farm collection saying new members who love to fix things are always welcome to the FIC.

John Orr

John Lindgren

The Yuba Tractor was made in Marysville, California in 1914. This tractor is on loan from the Baptiste Estate and was restored by Bob Mahar. Frank Baptiste lived and farmed in Somis from 1891-1989.

Yuba Tractor

The first Raw Crop Cultivator from International Harvester was on loan from the Bill Milligan Collection. The Farmall Regular 1920 cost $950 in 1924.

Farmall Tractor

The tall water well drilling rig circa 1890 is a valued piece of the museum’s permanent collection. It was donated by Russell Temple. The drilling rig was manufactured by the Star Drilling Company of Akron, Ohio and was used on the Temple Ranch located between Santa Paula and Fillmore.

Water Drill, circa 1890

There are eleven tractors on display as well as a collection of historic photographs and present-day panoramic photos telling the story of aviation. The exhibits were curated by Eric Howes. Ariane Korakalos curated the popular exhibit on President Lincoln at the main museum location. These exhibits will be on display until the fall and are family friendly.

Across the street, another large group attended the Santa Paula Art Museum opening of the selected paintings and tapestries of John Nava. This important exhibit will run through November 8, 2015.

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