MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A celebration of Kansas’ rural roots and mechanical heritage is rolling back into downtown Hutchinson as Antique Tractor Preservation Day returns for its second year on Friday, August 22. The event, spearheaded by Michael Hinton, founder of TalkingTractors.com, aims to honor agricultural history and engage the broader community with vintage tractor culture.
What began as a passion project for Hinton—who describes himself as “married into tractors”—has grown into a full-fledged statewide observance. “Last year was our inaugural event, and the support has just been phenomenal—from the city, the state, and even internationally,” Hinton said.
The highlight of the day will be a large display of restored antique tractors encircling the U.S. Post Office at 128 E. First Ave. This year’s lineup will include a wider range of makes, models, and colors than last year’s farmall-centric showing. The Great Plains Antique Tractor Club, of which Hinton is a member, plays a major role in coordinating local exhibits and tractor pulls throughout Reno County and beyond.
"It's like a car show—but for tractors,” Hinton explained. “They’re shined up, restored, and ready to show off. And for many families, each one has a story.”
That storytelling element is central to TalkingTractors.com, the website Hinton launched in early 2023 as a revival of a project he started over a decade ago. The platform features stories, photos, and updates about antique tractors, with the goal of preserving Kansas’ rural history.
One unique feature of the event is the special Antique Tractor Preservation Day postmark available at the Hutchinson Post Office. Created in cooperation with USPS, the pictorial cancellation stamp features bold lettering for “Kansas” and “USA,” and has attracted national and international interest. Last year, postmark requests came from all 50 states, China, and Germany.
Those unable to attend the event in person can still obtain the postmark by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Postal Park Postmark – TalkingTractors.com Station
128 E. First Ave.
Hutchinson, KS 67501-9900
Envelopes should be postmarked by August 22.
This year’s event also includes participation from the Hutchinson Fire Department, which will hoist a U.S. flag from a ladder truck as part of the downtown display.
In recognition of the event’s cultural value, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a formal proclamation for the second year in a row, and the Kansas House of Representatives passed Resolution HR 6011, designating Antique Tractor Preservation Day as an official state observance. The City of Hutchinson is expected to issue a local proclamation as well.
Hinton’s long-term goal is to see similar events emerge across the country. "Kansas is the first state with an official Antique Tractor Preservation Day," he said, “but I’ve already seen signs of growth.” One example is Bird City, Kansas, where the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association is hosting a parallel event this year.
“This is about more than just tractors,” Hinton added. “It’s about family memories, agricultural pride, and preserving the stories that built rural America.”
For more information about the event or to get involved, visit www.talkingtractors.com or email Hinton at [email protected].