David Zumbrum stands in front of an antique tractor that has belonged to his family for years, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – More than 100 antique tractors are displayed at the Nebraska State Fair.
David Zumbrum of St. Libory is the Nebraska State Fair Antique Tractor coordinator. He said that 101 antique tractors are displayed in an area toward the southeast corner of the State Fair grounds. The tractors are from 1927 to 1965.
“I’ve been the coordinator ever since the State Fair came to Grand Island,” Zumbrum said. He is also in his 12th year as president of the Central Nebraska Antique Tractor and Equipment Club.
Three unusual brands of tractors are in the display. They are Silver King, Huber, and Mercedes.
The most tractors in the display are manufactured by John Deere. International, Massey Harris, Ford, Allis Chalmers and Oliver are a few of the other brands in the display.
Zumbrum has been retired for 17 years after working as a traveling salesman for major appliances and heating and air conditioning systems.
“I was born and raised on a farm,” he said. His father died when he was 9 years old. Zumbrum has a 1936 B John Deere tractor that belonged to his father. He also has a 1946 H International tractor that belonged to his stepfather.
After high school, Zumbrum served in the Marines. He worked as a mechanic for a year, then attended Wayne State College.
