How it Started

Origins

John Horton purchased his first engine when he was 16 years old and, from that time on, always had a steam engine or two around. Around 1955, he purchased an Advance Rumely from a rural Stoughton threshing ring. The engine had been parked after the last person able to operate it passed away.

August Hantke, Horton’s neighbor, remarked, “Before I die, I’d like to see threshing done the old way.”

Horton, his son Jack, and Hantke repaired the engine and decided to run it for threshing that year. They invited the public, along with local television and newsreel cameras, to attend on the afternoon of Friday, July 27, 1956. About 100 spectators came, including reporters from the Edgerton Reporter, Janesville Gazette, Wisconsin State Journal, and other newspapers.

Early Public Shows and Organization

The public interest that began in 1956 led to several important organizational milestones:

• In 1958 and 1959, the show operated primarily as a fundraiser for the local Fulton Church.
• In 1960, the church turned the show over to steam enthusiasts, and the show moved to American Legion Park in Edgerton.
• Also in 1960, the club reorganized as Rock River Thresheree, Inc., and held its first election of officers.
• In 1961, the organization made its first land purchase, acquiring part of the present Threshermen’s Park.
• In 1965, the organization was granted nonprofit status.

Current Operations and Stewardship

Today, the park continues through the work of members and volunteers and sponsorships. The members donate thousands of hours each year to maintain and update the park. Rock River Thresheree is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds are used to improve the facility, and donations to the Rock River Thresheree are tax deductible.