Custom Combine Tribute

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Harvest - The Song
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Photo Gallery I - The Beginning
Photo Gallery II - The Restoration
Photo Gallery III - Combine in Action
Photo Gallery IV - More of the Combine in Action
Letters from the Road
Article: Harvesting a Field of Dreams
Article: Topeka Capitol Journal Article
USCHI Magazine Article 1
USCHI Magazine Article II
USCHI Magazine Article III
USCHI Magazine Artcile IV

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"We Were There, Then and Now"

Hello and Welcome to you - our guest.  I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit. For our first-time guests, please take your time and browse. We are working to keep this site up to date with all the current information concerning our progress with this project.

My name is Lenwood G. Holo.  Nearly two years ago, I started working toward my life's dream - to complete a tribute to the custom harvesters of America. My plan was to restore one Massey Harris 21A combine, one 2-ton truck, one pickup truck, and a travel trailer - all from circa 1940's. I was successful in restoring all but the truck and travel trailer.  Visit the Photo Gallery to see before and now shots of the 21A and the work truck.

I have chosen 2004 to coincide with 1944, the year of the first harvest brigade. I had planned to start the tribute in Langdon, North Dakota. Unfortunately, due to some mechanical problems, I encountered a slight delay that required a start a little further into the planned route.  The total journey is expected to take me through the eastern edge of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and arriving in Texas in late March into early April of 2004 in time for the winter wheat harvest. The tribute would then continue along a north central route of the wheat belt and return to Langdon, North Dakota some time in late August or early September.

My hope was to combine wheat at pre-determined locations along the entire route and we were able to do so and on schedule.  Did run into some weather but that didn't hinder our progress. You can see photos from the various stops along the route where wheat has been harvested in the Photo Galleries. 

 

Today is September 29, 2004 - We have arrived at the end of the journey and I have returned home to Eau Claire, WI.  Things are a bit surreal for me and my family as I look back over these past several months.  I remember all the people I have met on this incredible journey.  I think of the memories shared - of the recent and not so recent past.

This experience has been a true blessing to me.  I am very thankful for all the blessings I have encountered on this leg of the journey...for the journey has just begun.

Learn more about the vision of the Custom Combine Harvest Tribute by exploring our site.  And thank you for visiting.  Come back and see us again. We will keep the site updated on new information on "what the future holds".

Sincerely yours,
Len Holo

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The Tribute route will take us through the midwestern states - the Hearthland of America.