On September 20th a group of Steiner Tractor Parts employees and their families were invited to check out Mike Holder's John Deere Museum, and what a site it was.
Mike has been collecting tractors and memorabilia for quite some time. Mike and Pat were married in 1962 and at that time he had ONE tractor. Many years and many tractors later he now has 89 tractors housed in 6 buildings and an additional 140×20 foot building that houses his incredible display of memorabilia.
Mike built the first of 6 buildings in 1966, and as his collection grew more buildings were needed. The tractors are purely for enjoyment, and he has never sold one. For a better look at some of the tractors and museum displays take a look at the photo album we have posted.
On July 6th of this year Mike could have lost his life while driving his 1955 John Deere 50 back to the barn after taking down weeds along the front of the property. He had just reached down to turn off the mower blade when his tractor was hit from behind by a car doing at least 60 mph. The rear tire was torn off and the axle was sheared throwing the tire several yards. Mike was thrown off the right side of the tractor and his leg was taken across the just turned off blades. He sustained several deep gashes down the left side of his body, and was not released to walk for nearly 6 weeks. Mike has since recovered and has started repairs to the tractor. (pictured left with Dan and Jenny Steiner).
To view pictures from our trip go to Mike Holders John Deere Museum.