1915 Rumely Oil Pull 30 60 E Sawing at the 61st Annual Will County Threshermen's Association Reunion.
In August of 1963, Ray Kestel organized the first show. It was held on the Ed Kestel farm in Will County, Illinois. In subsequent years, the show was held at the Ray Kestel farm, three mile south of New Lenox, Illinois.
On February 15, 1966, Ray called a meeting to propose that an organization be formed to support the annual show celebrating old-time agricultural methods. The forty-five men in attendance approved Ray’s plan, and the Will County Threshermen’s Association was born. Ray served as the club’s president for its first five years. Ray and his son, Ken, were active member of WCTA and owned a Keck Gonnerman Steam Engine, threshing machines, several tractors and gas engines.
The organization’s purpose is to honor and preserve America’s agricultural legacy. It is especially appropriate that Will County host such an association, to preserve a significant chapter in American history that took place here.