In 1942-43 Allis-Chalmers Mfg Co. launched its Farm Commando program. Two-day mechanical training courses were conducted by local A-C dealerships. The classes were meant to help farmers and mechanics learn the basics of caring for tractors, All-Crop combines, and implements. The classes were a war-effort plan to boost food production and help the Allies win the war.… Continue reading Allis-Chalmers Farm Commando
Author: The Weekend Historian
I'm that undergrad that never quite got a shot, but that doesn't stop me from showing off my skills in my free time! I live and breathe history, so I share my passion for history on my blog. Follow me to learn some of the fantastic things I dive into. Maybe I can spark your interest, too!
“Two Million Dollar Expansion”
WE of Allis-Chalmers. September 7, 1947. Pgs 2-4 "Two Million Dollar Expansion Begins at Pittsburgh Works" Groundbreaking ceremonies in July for the new Columbus Plant at Pittsburgh Works officially opened a two million dollar expansion program there. The plan, which was announced by A-C President Walter Geist at the Board of Directors meeting in Pittsburgh in… Continue reading “Two Million Dollar Expansion”
TDIMCH: July 1, 1919
Allis-Chalmers Equipment Literature
Antique Farming's website has some great history on farm equipment manufacturers. They also have a selection of old literature, and here is what they have on Allis-Chalmers.
“Years of Expansion”
This article published in a 1947 issue of WE of Allis-Chalmers commemorates the expansion of the company from 1847-1947. With its new name, Allis-Chalmers Co., our company entered the twentieth century strengthened by the 1901 merger of the E. P. Allis Co. with three other leading industrial concerns. Annual business had reached the $10,000,000 mark, and… Continue reading “Years of Expansion”
Exploring Your Family’s Past
I love everything about history. What I find most stimulating are situations that call for some serious historical investigation. History would not be as fun if everything was plain and simple, laid out for us, requiring little to no effort to explore the past. If you love that rigorous researching and exploring, try exploring your… Continue reading Exploring Your Family’s Past
The Allis-Chalmers History Museum
I recently graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in history, but landing a career in history right out of undergrad school is not easy. I am looking at pursuing a master's degree in public history in the near future. UW-Milwaukee has a public history program that I am very interested in, and that is the… Continue reading The Allis-Chalmers History Museum
The Forgotten Allis-Chalmers Lift Latch
In an earlier blog post I explored the history of the Snap-Coupler hitching mechanism equipped on Allis-Chalmers tractors. While conducting that research I discovered that two Allis-Chalmers engineers designed implement latching systems for tractors. The chief engineer at the La Crosse Works, Willard Tanke, submitted the design trademarked Snap-Coupler. However, another design was patented but… Continue reading The Forgotten Allis-Chalmers Lift Latch
Inside the Fallout Shelter
In 2010 some homeowners in Neenah opened a backyard fallout shelter that was built by the previous property owners in 1960. Inside were ammo boxes filled with supplies (from food and games to medicine and radiation meters) to last a family of four for about 2 weeks. Some artifacts from the shelter were donated to the Neenah… Continue reading Inside the Fallout Shelter
The Neenah Shelter
This past Wednesday was a big day for our exhibition. The local news stations came to stories, and since then the story has gone national! How exciting that the exhibit is starting to pick up that kind of attention. I had my first appearance on television as well. It is amazing how USA Today, Huffington… Continue reading The Neenah Shelter
The Weekend Historian 