9/12/2009:
In the good old days, farming could be difficult. Instead of the heavy machinery of today, farmers relied on horses. The dangers of being kicked, dragged, trampled or trod upon were not pleasant, and so switching to gas machinery was a welcome change.
However, on this date in 1925, Fred Kelter, a farmer near Center, probably thought it would be safer to switch back to the old system, when his gas tractor exploded!
He was working in the field with his brother, and luckily, the two had stepped away before the tractor burst apart.
Up to that point, the tractor was running well, so they stood surprised, as the pieces of the four cylinder engine rained down around them.
At least neither was hurt-and both gained an interesting story.
Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker
Source:
The Hazen Star, Thursday, September 17, 1925