60th Anniversary
Old Threshers Reunion
September 2 - September 6, 2010
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa


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OLD THRESHERS SUPPORT & NEW PROJECTS

A Leader in Preserving Our Rural Heritage

The mission of the Midwest Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa is "to preserve and celebrate our rural heritage in the modern world". Our goal is to assure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the distinct culture, history, ethnic and geographic characteristics of Midwest rural communities. For over 50 years, Old Threshers annual five day event celebrating life and work in the rural Midwest has been one of Iowa's premier tourism attractions.

Under the dynamic leadership of Board and staff, Midwest Old Threshers has grown to be the largest of its kind in the country, expanding its original annual event to over 130 acres of grounds and buildings.

The leadership of Old Threshers has determined that simply preserving the past is not enough. In recent years, the organization's growth and additional activities throughout the year have added to the development of Old Threshers.

It only takes one to make a difference and it could be you!

We thank all local Foundations, Businesses, Industry's, City of Mount Pleasant, Henry County Supervisor's and Individuals who have given support to Old Threshers over the years. With that support Old Threshers has been able to complete wide variety of projects on the grounds. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Success Stories:
In 2009 Old Threshers and the City of Mount Pleasant was once again able to make some major changes to the grounds of McMillan Park and the Old Threshers grounds. Some of the projects were, new roofs on General Store and Colfax School, more trees, Grandstand painting, new paved road through McMillan Park and drainage, new loading dock, Prairie Gem Church, bus barn ground work, and barn in the log village to just highlight a few.
In 2008 Old Threshers was able to make some major changes and updates to the grounds. The bike trail through the campgrounds that connects up the city bike trail system. The new Sorghum Mill building was taken down and replaced with a new building and layout. The boiler in stationary steam was re-flued. A handicapp lift installed in the lower level of the Theatre Museum. The storage building shortage was taken care of this past year with the expansion of the current ones. The landscape changed with more trees being planted on the grounds. New fence line on the east side of grounds with a new exit gate heading to the new city street of Bell Drive.
McMillan Park Improvements seen by Reunion attendees in 2007. The following entities worked together to make this a success story. The City of Mount Pleasant, Henry County, Midwest Central Railroad, Henry County Fair, HNI Foundation, Old Threshers Foundation, and Midwest Old Threshers all pooled there money to fund more than $48,000 worth of improvements.

1. New floor in grandstand
2. New Handrails to each stairway in grandstand
3. New walk in tarmac at the Walnut gate entrance
4. New trees planted on the grounds (30+)
5. Grading, drainage and seeding of the Steam area
The name Richard E. Oetken graces the tractor building, Museum B, and now in honor of his recent donation to Old Threshers, Museum A & B will bear his name "Richard E. Oetken Heritage Museums".



It only takes one and Paul Anderson is that one to learn from. Paul Anderson has volunteered over 47,000 hours, guided the growth of the Old Threshers Foundation, and given great financial support to Old Threshers over the past 27years.

An exciting project in Phase II is "Printer’s Hall." The goal is to acquire, preserve, and utilize vintage printing equipment from the hand press to the present day. Printer’s Hall will function through it’s timeline of printing to be a preeminent educational resource of the printing arts. This is a working exhibit and located in the Richard E. Oetken Heritage Museum B. Carolyn Sidebottom helped to make a difference by financially supporting the Printers Hall in the name of her grandfather, "Howard Sunderlin".
Mr. Morton Dodds once again makes a difference in the Log Village and continues to give great support of the Explore Post kids. The name "Dodds" already graces the wood shop in the Log Village.


The Richard E. Oetken Tractor Headquarters was constructed in time for the 2005 Reunion.

The Wright Family Events Pavilion was constructed in time for the 2005 Reunion.



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