Step back in time at the annual Froelich Fall-der-All, which returns this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27. Hours on Saturday are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This year’s event features traditional activities, as well as new additions like a scavenger hunt.
“It’s for both kids and adults,” said Froelich Foundation Executive Director and Museum Curator Denise Schutte. “It’s to pull people in and get them around to the different buildings” which are part of Froelich’s 1890s village museum. This includes the 1891 general store and post office, freight warehouse, blacksmith shop, railroad depot, one room school, 1903 barn and Cowell semi building.
Even if they don’t participate in the scavenger hunt, visitors can still go through the museum buildings on a self-guided tour, noted Schutte.
Located between McGregor and Monona, Froelich is the site where John Froelich, in 1892, invented the first gasoline tractor to propel itself forward and backward—a forerunner to the John Deere Tractor Company. It’s only fitting then that Fall-der-All kicks off with a tractor ride at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. The ride will return to Froelich at 12:30 p.m., adding to the full lineup of tractors that will be on display.
Enjoy a variety of demonstrations both days, including blacksmithing, rope making, wood carving and an apple cider press. Scott and Sherri Kerr will show off Kerr’s mini steam engine, continuing a long-time tradition started by Keith, who built the machine.
“They will do little round bales. That’s something the kids can get, and they enjoy that,” Schutte said.
Also view a threshing demo at 1:30 p.m. each day.
The Froelich tractor will be on display, as will antique gas engines, Dale Echard’s Lil’ Oil Pull and Jim Cowell’s well-known mini semis and jeep. Vendors will be selling farmers market goods too.
Kids will stay busy with barrel rides, a bounce house, corn dig and more.
Food on Saturday—served in the barn—will include pork loin and turkey dressing sandwiches, hot dogs, beans, chips, pie and ice cream.
On Sunday, the day begins bright and early with Breakfast in the Barn. Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce and a beverage will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maple syrup for the pancakes comes from the nearby Froelich Sugar Bush.
Other Sunday highlights are the non-sanctioned kids pedal pull at 12:30 p.m., then the big raffle drawing at 3 p.m. The grand prize is a John Deere pedal tractor generously donated by Bodensteiner Implement. Cash prizes and items from area businesses will be available as well.
“We have many wonderful sponsors and businesses who donate,” Schutte said.
Fall-der-All is free to attend, but the Froelich Foundation appreciates support through the purchase of food and raffle tickets, as well as donations. Memberships and an endowment also support operations throughout the year.
Fundraising continues for the Froelich Tractor Building, a new enclosed building Schutte said will house older model tractors and equipment.
“Because we’re known as a tractor museum, people expect to see tractors. People have wonderful tractor collections, and some they can place on loan for guests to see,” Schutte said. “We’re working on building plans and location. It will be so exciting.”
Schutte stressed Fall-der-All wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, including the Froelich Foundation Board. Todd Larson serves as president, Mace Klingman vice president, Bob Meyer secretary and Danny Torkelson treasurer, while George Wendel, Sue Meyer, Scott Koether, Cody Mueller, Parker Klingman, Lance Donlon and Blake Rochleau are directors. Former board members continue to help too.
“They are kind and generous with their time to make this happen,” Schutte said.
Together, they carry on the legacy of Roger Swanson, Keith and Marlyce Klinge and Gene and JoAnn Kramer, who incorporated the Froelich Foundation 40 years ago this year, in order to preserve the historical site.
“There’s significant, one-of-a-kind history here, and they got the ball rolling. We’ve had many volunteers since,” Schutte said. “We’re all happy we’ve gotten to this point, and we are working hard to keep it going and show people what we have.”
