by Alexandra Edwards

Everybody loves an auction.  It is a unique form of entertainment with a chance to see what other's consider valuable and an opportunity to acquire a treasure of your own. To some bidders the sale may be a way of doing business, they are in the buying and selling trade but for most it is a relaxing pastime which can be fun and exciting, especially to a successful bidder.

Some serious collectors and buyers will travel hundreds of miles to an auction specializing in their particular interest. On Saturday, September 27th the Lewisco Auction and Realty Company on Waterlevel Highway held their eighth annual "Antique Tractor Auction," the only one of it's kind in southeast Tennessee. Over 200 antique tractors and pieces of equipment were put on the auction block during this event,  including a mint condition 1920 Fordson,

1944, M-Farmall and several unstyled tractors from the 1930's. There were both original condition and reconditioned tractors for collectors to bid on and also lawn mowers, cars, parts and toy tractors to be had. Some of the antique tractors were from a local estate collection, while others had been arriving since the beginning of September from consignors across the country. For the antique farm equipment buff this is one annual auction not to be missed.

Auctioneer John Paul Lewis and his wife Lorine, owners of Lewisco Auction and Realty, started their business in 1957 on the east side of Waterlevel Highway, state highway 64 in Bradley County. After six years, their growing business required

more space so was moved to it's present location across the road on the west side of the highway. The property was larger and better able to handle the increased volume.

As well as regular monthly farm equipment sales, the Lewis's also auction real estate properties, general antiques and estate sales, and at one time auctioned cattle. However,

for a small family run business, the increasing work load made it necessary to drop the cattle sales but the old cattle ring can still be seen on the property. Their son, John Lewis Jr. (Johnny)  now 37, who had taken an active part in the sales since a boy, acquired his auctioneers license in 1984 and now works full time in the operation of the business. Johnny's wife Kim also helps out with the sales and in the office when needed. And in the grand tradition of the Lewis's family operation, regular visitors to the auctions will not be surprised to see John Lewis lll (Trey) as he is known, following in his father and grandfather's footsteps. "At the age of 13, Trey is able to drive and maneuver most farm equipment and has his own complete collection of 30 series John Deere's, said proud grandpa John. "Yes, he loves to help at the sales, he gets

on the ol' 4 wheeler and runs tickets for us," said Lorine, who has a display of Trey's photographs from birth to present, on the walls of her office.

Although Lewisco's regular monthly farm machinery auctions attract mainly local folk, the annual "Antique Tractor Auction" held each September, brings in visitors from as far away as Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and sometimes also buyers from overseas. John Lewis said "The auction attracts a crowd of at least 800 people each year with most staying in motels in Cleveland for the entire weekend."  He told of one man that regularly came from England each year to buy antique tractors to ship back home. Lewis has also had some fine British tractors shipped to him for sale at auction here. However, like his grandson, John Deere tractors are his personal favorite, which is why he always has as many as he can in his sales.

Lewis said that antique tractor auction prices usually range from around $800 for salvage (in need of major restoration), up to $9-12,000 for good, collectible antique tractors like the John Deere (420). The oldest tractor he has ever sold was a 1918 Fordson.
Asked if he had any interesting stories to tell during his life as an auctioneer, Lewis said that he thought it remarkable, that in all the 46 years he had been in business, he had only received one bad check. "Most of the people I deal with are farmers and retired people, just a better class of honest citizen and I am very fortunate for that." He said.

There are many small family run businesses like Lewisco that through their hard work and success, manage to attract hundreds of out of town visitors to Bradley County each year. These

businesses each play a part in the prosperity of the community and should be commended for the work they do, The visitors not only benefit the business organizing the event, but also our motels, restaurants and retail stores. The Lewisco Auction and Realty Co. is one of those businesses that help to mold the character and success of Bradley County and is continually promoting our region without fanfare or accolade.

Mark your calendar and be sure to attend next September's Antique Tractor Auction, who knows, maybe it will spark a desire to own one of these beautiful and almost indestructible machines.