'Phenomenal' Views Seen on Cass Drive
Published: Friday, June 27, 2025
"Some of it's going to be straight, some of it's going to be curvy. We're going to see a wide variety of scenery today."
Those were the words of Dean McCloskey, organizer of the Tip-Wa Antique Tractor Club's annual tractor drive, as he explained what drivers could expect from last Saturday's 26-mile journey through Cass and Miami counties.
About 45 tractors paraded through the countryside, though not all of the route was on paved roads. A portion of the journey was on private property.
"There's no way to tell for sure how much extra mileage that we're going to be putting on," McCloskey said, "because it's areas in which you can't get to with a car. Some of the areas have only been touched by the feet of humans, horses or cows."
Club members began their journey at John and Diana Kitchel's farm, located on the south side of the Wabash River, near Peru. The drivers began by venturing up a hill and into the Kitchels' woods.
Eventually, they reached a clearing and drove past an observation point overlooking a field of soybeans. From a distance, the tractors seemed tiny compared to the electrical transmission tower that stood on top of the overlook.
One of the drivers, Darrell Mote of Russiaville, said the observation point provided a "phenomenal" view of the valley.
"It's quite a sight to see," he said.
Each year, the tractor drive takes a different route. For this year, McCloskey crafted a route that would take club members by the Wabash River, across some wooden bridges and through scenic countryside.
After coming out of the Kitchels' woods, the tractors headed east along South River Road. They crossed into Miami County before heading back west and south. After crossing several wooden bridges, the group arrived at Onward Farm Market for lunch. Members enjoyed grilled chicken and fried pies.
He said the farm market is owned and operated by a German Baptist family that raises 99% of what they sell at the market. He said there were some excellent views there, too.
McCloskey's father, Allen, rode along on a wagon designated for spectators. At 91 years of age, Allen McCloskey has been collecting tractors for approximately 60 years.
"A long time," he said.
He also holds the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest tenure as a grave digger—72 years. According to his son, Allen is still active as a grave digger and was featured last year on CBS News.
Mote, a retired maintenance worker for Western Schools in Howard County, said he was looking forward to the day's journey.
"It's a little bit warm, but it's a good day," he said.
He is a five-time participant in the tractor drive. In the past, he drove a Kubota, but this year he was riding with his uncle in a UTV that contained tow straps and other necessities.
"It's sort of a rolling tool box," he said.
Mote said he enjoys going to tractor shows and meeting other collectors.
"Everybody is friendly, and the comradery is great," he said. "It's not like everybody tries to outdo everybody. Everybody has fun."
Nathan Gray of Rossville brought his 1955 Oliver Super 88. When he bought the tractor several years ago, it was in its "working clothes," but he restored it and now proudly takes it to parades. His son often rides along, but not on this day.
"It will be a little bit warm today, but we'll be outside enjoying nature," he said. "There'll be a nice little breeze and a lot of fellowship. It'll be a good day to take a ride."
He came all the way from Rossville at the urging of Dean McCloskey, who billed this year's tractor drive as "the best one he's ever organized," according to Gray.
John Gallaher, Russiaville, drove his 1957 Farmall. This was the first time he had participated in a farm tractor drive. Though his tractor hasn't been restored and leaks hydraulic oil, he said "it runs good."
Dean McCloskey added that the annual tractor drive, now in its 20th year, always attracts new people. Every year, he sees people he doesn't know.
"That's one of the beauties of doing this," he said. "You get to meet new people."
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