Collecting a history worth preserving

For many farm families, tending to the crop and livestock is the family business. Waking up to the orange of a rising sun to do morning chores, many grew up and built character through helping out their family on the farm.

The tools and machines used in farming are the extension of a family. As these tools are passed down generation to generation, they showcase a history of agriculture, how farmers cultivated the land and the special skills taught and blessed upon their children.

When walking into Wally and Judy Miller’s emporium of agriculture history, the first thing to notice is how personal each item can be. Wally will introduce each item himself, explaining how various tools were used, when they were used and even how technology helped improve their functions. For some, he can even name the exact dealer he received a miniature tractor from, even if the dealer doesn’t exist anymore.

Wally’s collection, stored in a small building he calls the emporium across from his home, has been built since childhood. Toys and trinkets are on display in lit cases, tightly packed together with a concentrated focus.

It takes a while to grow a collection like Wally’s. Starting with the first toys in his childhood in the ‘40s and ‘50s, he’s been on a roll ever since. In his working life at dealerships and implement stores, Wally was able to get his hands on more, to the point where the emporium became less of an opportunity and more of a necessity.

In a way, these items aren’t just a part of Iowa, Union County or agricultural history; this is the history of a family who has nurtured farming throughout their lives.

When Wally recounts how he received some of what’s in his emporium, he’ll remember if they were gifts, who they were from and even what holiday it was on the day he received the gift.

Peggy Miller, the oldest daughter of Wally and Judy, said she still is finding new things in her parent’s collection.

“I don’t even know how some of this stuff works,” Peggy said. “[Wally] will tell stories where you just want to go back in time.”

The tiniest differences matter to the Millers. The display case which lines the north wall of the emporium is filled to the brim with toy tractors and other historical toys, almost like a miniature tractor show. Color-coded, and coincidentally sorted by company, it’s clearly an undertaking.

“Everything leads to something else,” Wally said.

The Millers recall how, because of the vast assortment of items in their collection, different visitors will have different stories. These stories are valuable to the two of them, each offering a bit of personal history with every conversation.

“You got to put a little of everything, which is good,” Peggy said. “When people come in, it sparks different interests.”

For many, witnessing these historical pieces brings back memories which are directly associated with family.

“When people talk about, ‘when Mom or Dad farmed,’ it brings back reminiscing moments,” Peggy said. “You’ll have someone who comes in here, and they’re just in awe.”

Part of the collection was built as the Millers traveled across the country. The two participated in a Guiness’ World Record tractor parade in Grand Island, Nebraska, where they brought a tractor which has been in the family since Wally was a boy. Along a race track, tractors from across all agricultural history curved around the track, and the Millers were happy to be a part of it.

This tractor holds special significance for the two, especially Wally. As the tractor has been passed down from generation to generation, it’s a reminder of their history of family and farming. Childhood memories, waking up early for chores, taking care of the calves - all of these memories thrive through the reminder of the tractor.

The two often joke about how often they’ll divert their travel to visit a dealer or implement store in search of collectibles. While a collection of toys can seem silly, the reminder of how toys were often the first introduction a child has to farming equipment is important, especially as early dealers would give them away to families. Cultivating early appreciation for farming can help keep generations motivated for service.

Innovations to farm technology, with precision ag tools like the GPS alongside smaller innovations like heated covers for calves, were appreciated by the Millers. But these innovations weren’t always available, as Wally will personally tell you.

“There’s been a progression, just like anything else,” Wally said. “Now, it’s way, way different. Everything about ag has exploded.”

Yet, this history remains. Specialized tools, such as a mower to cut grass around graves or cultivators, elevators and strippers all for specific crops are a major part of agricultural history.

Wally recalls the need for mechanical knowledge to perform repairs on machines. Lugging an inoperable tractor across miles of rural land is about as difficult as it sounds. Farmers had to get creative, which is why these stories survive.

In each item in the Millers’ emporium, history is preserved. The stories of family, stories of history, stories of building, repairs, innovation and pure ingenuity - all are preserved.

Where agriculture will be in 100 years is still left to future generations to decide. However, due to the efforts of individuals like the Millers who have an appreciation for this history, looking 100 years behind is easier than ever.