Spalding’s Corner, the Magazine Article

While browsing an issue of Iron Man Album Magazine, John noticed that the magazine frequently showcased images of farm steam engines submitted by its readers. Having collected historical steam tractor photographs for nearly 25 years, John’s collection numbered in the hundreds.

Today The Spalding Collection is estimated to have over 1,000 vintage, original steam tractor photographs. After several months of “sharing” his images with The Iron Man Album Magazine (changed to Steam Traction Magazine in early 2003), John struck up a casual conversation with the magazine’s editor, Richard Backus, regarding possible outlets for all of these historic photos.

Out of that conversation, “Spalding’s Corner”-- the magazine article-- was created. “Spalding’s Corner” was designed to be an interactive vehicle that asks readers to identify as much information as they can regarding John’s steam tractor photograph in that particular issue. The first reader to correctly identify the engine’s manufacturer wins a prize.

The Great North American Steam Tractor
– The Book

John gives all of the credit to Richard Backus for coming up with the idea for a coffee table book. Richard asked John one afternoon, “How many of those old photos do you have?” John responded, “I guess about 1,000,” which garnered the immediate “you have to do a book” response from Mr. Backus. The seed was planted! At the same time that John and Richard were tossing around the book idea, Richard let John know that one of the world’s foremost steam tractor historians, Dr. Robert T. Rhode, was interested in collaboration. At first “gun-shy,” John soon realized that Dr. Rhode was not only important to the project but also paramount. Without Bob, the book would never really be what it truly needed to be – a comprehensive photographic history of the North American tractor, using nothing but vintage photographs from the 1860s to the 1930s. John’s amazing collection of historic photographs was a perfect compliment to Bob’s vast knowledge of the manufacturing history of steam tractor companies.

In August of 2006, John and Bob sent their book proposal to MBI Publishing Company (the largest publisher of engine related books in the world). Immediately, Michael Dregni, the publisher of MBI Publishing, returned an e-mail stating that he was “keen” on the idea of producing their steam tractor book. Negotiations ensued, and a contract was quickly accepted by all parties. Since receiving their contract, John and Bob have spent many long hours working on what will undoubtedly be the timeless classic hardback steam tractor reference book. Enjoy!

Brittle Brothers Old-fashioned Peanut Brittle combines a unique concentration of peanuts with a savory flavor.

Our secret recipe makes a peanut brittle much easier to chew and one that leaves a long-lasting flavor.

Limited Print Collection*
& Spalding's Corner Calendars

To share some of the great historical photographic images of our time, and to help support efforts to rescue the quickly vanishing images of our past, Spalding’s Corner is proudly releasing two of its remarkable images in limited release.

Only 100 signed and numbered cuts will be produced from each of our two original vintage photographs. Once they are gone, there will not be a second printing. Offered at only $200.00 per print, they are absolutely fabulous additions to a library, study, or family room.

These images make a fantastic Father’s Day or Christmas gift for Dad or son (or even that tractor-loving mother!).

Spalding’s Corner Old-Fashioned Hand Crafted, Hand Poured Candles

Wax candles have been used to decorate homes, and provide a warm, comfortable aroma for centuries. “Spalding’s Corner” Old-Fashioned Candles has taken this age-old tradition to a new level. Each one of “Spalding’s Corner” Old-Fashioned Candles is uniquely formulated, individually hand poured, and inspected. This attention to detail ensures a quality product that will provide your home or office with an unbelievable, lingering fragrance. “Spalding’s Corner” Old-Fashioned Candles are produced with only one thought in mind – Quality. Our candles use only the highest quality wax and 100% lead free wicks. Additionally, we saturate our candles with the highest concentration of scented oils possible. This super-saturation process produces a very long lasting fragrance throw and a very clean burn. A single “Spalding’s Corner” candle will make any room in your house pleasing, warm, and very cozy. Truly, “Spalding’s Corner” Candles are aromatherapy at its’ finest! Try one fragrance or try them all…trust us…your nose will have you coming back for more!

more about our products...

The calendar and the steam tractor prints are just a natural extension of the “Spalding’s Corner” article in Steam Traction Magazine and the coffee table book The Great North American Steam Tractor. The calendar, like the peanut brittle, resulted from wanting something that John and Bob couldn’t find – a good quality, antique farm tractor calendar that uses only vintage photographs and highlights which tractor shows are going on in any given month. The limited signed and numbered steam tractor prints grew from John's wish to share some of the best of “The Spalding Collection” photographs with steam tractor enthusiasts, while at the same time finding a means to help support his hobby of preserving historical images, possibly for a book #2.

Finally, the inclusion of Spalding's Corner Candles in Spalding’s Corner was simply another vehicle for John’s wife Marian’s already highly successful candle business – Spalding's Corner Candles. They truly are fragrant and will create a wonderful atmosphere in any room in your house. Try one, try all! Your nose will thank you.