Union Thresheree revives rural Wisconsin history for new generations
Dan Hansen
SYMCO, Wis. – Thousands of people from all across Wisconsin, throughout the Midwest and beyond were on hand for the annual event known as the Symco Thresheree, which has been a favorite summer activity for old farm machinery collectors and rural history buffs for more than five decades.
Hundreds of vintage tractors and other farm implements commonly used during the first half of the 20th Century were on display – and in operation – July 23-25 in this central Waupaca County community.
The event has come a long way since Aug. 6, 1967, when a group of farmers and antique engine buffs met at the nearby Lloyd Riske farm, and hooked up Lloyd Young’s 25-40 Oil Pull to Harold Werth’s threshing machine, for the first Union Thresheree.