From http://ww.w.farmall-land-usa.com
Farewell Season - Opening day May 23 - Sept. 27, 2020
Cherish Yesterday - Dream of Tomorrow - Live Today
This is the motto that Jerry and Joyce Mez live by. In 2008, the Mezs sold their two Case IH dealerships, one being the 65-year-old company, Avoca Implement, started by Jerry’s father Max in 1943. They now devote themselves full-time to the Farmall-Land-USAmuseum in Avoca, IA. This 26,500 sq. ft. building is home to Jerry’s extensive IH collection. The present collection includes more than 150 IH tractors, plus pedal tractors, toy tractors, pulling tractors, literature and memorabilia. There are several rare and unusual full size tractors, ranging in age from a 1917 kerosene powered IHC Mogul 8-16 up through the 66 and 68 series, including 4100 and 4300 model 4 wheelers. We say "present collection" because Jerry is always on the look-out for something new.
In 2009, Jerry and Joyce opened a 72' x130' addition to the museum to house another 50 tractors, a rare wooden threshing machine, fire trucks, toys, pedal tractors, and refrigeration items.
Jerry started his IH collection in 1975 and enjoys doing the restoration. He has painted several tractors in the collection himself. The Mez collection is a restoration work of art. About 25 percent of the tractors in the collection are local trade-ins but Jerry found tractors throughout the US and Canada.
Two of Jerry’s favorites are the 1962 IH 4300 (middle right) and the 1966 Farmall 1206 (top right). Jerry purchased the big yellow IH 4300 in Montana in 1980, and it is reportedly one of only 36 ever made. It has an 817 cubic inch motor generating 200 HP and the tractor weighs 30,000 pounds. The Farmall 1206 was originally sold by Jerry's father Max in 1966 to an Avoca area farmer and Jerry purchased it back from the owner in 1988. Jerry likes the 1206 so much that he had a mini version created. The 1/3 scale “Mini 1206 Turbo” started life as a Cub Cadet, it now has a 16 HP Cub Cadet motor and a turbo from a foreign car. It took one year to design and build this gem in their fine collection. There are also many hi-crop and Wheatland tractors in the museum.
Joyce began collecting dolls several years ago and many of them are displayed in the “Tractor Widows Lounge," (lower right) where museum visitors will have a chance to view this beautiful collection of Joyce’s. Throughout the museum you will find IH toys, vintage tools, and many other collectibles.
The FARMALL-LAND USA Museum will be open TBD- Sept. 27, 2020. Opening day for the museum will be announced once stay at home restrictions are lifted. This will be the museum's farewell season, since Jerry and Joyce have decided to retire. Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday Noon-5 pm. The museum is closed on Monday. Admission fee is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13-18, $3 for ages 5-12 and free for under age 5.
Photos taken July 14th, 2020
