Visitors to the Vintage Iron Fall Tour in Napanee got a close look at a full line of Cub Cadet tractors on display at JC Hudson Supply. Payne Photo
By Sylvia Payne
Special to The AgriNews
NAPANEE – Vintage Iron had a Fall Tour to Napanee on Sun., Oct. 19. We arranged to ride on a coach bus, some drove their own vehicles, with about 60 members participating. The first stop of the day was at GC Hudson Supply, a picturesque location along the St. Lawrence River near Brockville. Steve Hudson has every model of Cub Cadet tractor made. We appreciated his impressive collection, as well as his warm and gracious hospitality in his “man cave” with coffee and treats for the group.
The second stop was at member Peter and Judy Grubb’s home. They have a beautiful property, a nice collection of tractors, and Peter gave us a demonstration of his sawmill. They also served us a delicious pulled pork lunch, turning their workshop into a cozy gathering spot.
Our third visit was at Harold and Kevin Robinson’s dairy farm at Selby. They and their families welcomed us onto their dairy farm to view their large collection of 26 Oliver Tractors, plus a few others. We were grateful that they accommodated us between chores and milking duties. They had coffee and chocolate milk for us, along with goodies including delicious homemade butter tarts! Both father and son had the same favourite tractor – the Oliver Standard 88 – which they lovingly restored together.
Dean Thompson of Napanee displayed his collection of framed National Massey and Cockshutt Calendars at the Robinson’s farm in Selby. An interesting story, our Director Barry Dean’s mother, Helen Dean, at the age of 14, was on her family’s Massey 44 when a Massey rep stopped by, and he took her picture on the tractor. Two years later, that picture was featured in their National Calendar. Fast forward another 50 years, Massey reconnected with Helen and took her picture on a Massey 44 again to feature in the Massey Legacy Magazine! Always great to see a local resident receive National “fame”! Dean had that later article as well and shared it on our Vintage Iron Facebook post.
What a great day to be a Vintage Iron member. We’re a very privileged group to be able to view so many awesome collections! Our directors have connections with many other collectors, and we are grateful that they consistently find us new and interesting venues to visit. Our last stop was an incredible finale to a great day where our host and his family showed us their treasured and beautifully showcased private collection, leaving us all in awe! They kindly arranged for a hearty sandwich bagged lunch for us to take and enjoy on the return coach bus ride back to Kemptville.
Director Barry Dean arranged for local resident Percy Thompson to join us on the bus and act as tour guide, sharing his local knowledge with us. Percy had the bus drive past the Napanee Good Year plant, a 2 KM-long building! We appreciated Percy’s insight.
All of our hosts and our guide were presented with Vintage Iron Thank You gifts by President Carson Hill. Please view our Vintage Iron Facebook Page facebook.com/viteoclub for many pictures and highlights of the day.
This tour wraps up our 2025 events season, we’re looking forward to more great outings and activities in 2026! Planning for our AGM Meeting in February will soon begin, as well as working on another impressive Antique Room at the Ottawa Farm Show in March, including our much anticipated 7th Annual Toy Auction on the Wednesday evening of the Farm Show. Visit www.vintageiron.com to find out more about us, and learn how you can become a member and join in all our fun activities.
