Hidden Stories Among Us: Back to The Land

Once a year, the quiet prairie town of Braddock, North Dakota, steps out of the modern age and back into the time of homesteaders, steam engines, and grit. For one special weekend in September, the South Central Threshing Association (SCTA) hosts its annual Threshing Bee & Antique Show, an event that has become a living monument to pioneer life and rural tradition.

“I remember my Grandmother telling me about how they used to collect cow patties to heat the home,” says Alan Svanes, a long-time Braddock resident. “We’ve really come a long way!”

The SCTA does more than plan the annual Threshing Bee event. During the year, the group of volunteers works to preserve old machinery. This year, the SCTA marks a milestone: 50 years of bringing the past to life. “We do what we do so that we can share with others what life was like as a homesteader living in our area,” Alan explains.

It all began in 1975 during a local community meeting to plan for the nation’s Bicentennial. A simple idea: host a threshing demonstration. Neighbors pitched in, gathered up rusty relics of another era, and got to work. Engines were oiled, belts tightened, and the whir of history returned to the prairie. Before long, the first SCTA Threshing Bee & Antique Show was born, and with it, a commitment to preserving America’s agricultural roots.

This year’s celebration takes place September 6–7 on the 23-acre site just northeast of Braddock. Alan is SCTA President and leads the group of dedicated members who keep the tradition alive. “The amount of work our ancestors had to put in just to survive is incredible, and we want all generations to never forget that.”

Not only will this year’s attendees take part in the traditional threshing of the oat fields, they’ll also see the collection of tractors through the decades. The grounds also are home to a full-fledged pioneer village, complete with an old two-story home, schoolhouse, church, depot, saloon, and more. “You can read about what life was like 100 years ago, or you can come out to Braddock and see it for yourself,” Alan says.

Perhaps the grandest relic on the property is a massive engine donated by a threshing organization out of Minnesota. Consisting of 16-foot flywheels, the engine was once used at a Nebraska sugar beet plant. Thanks to a generous private donation, it’s proudly displayed on new concrete footings. Though still being assembled, the engine stands as a powerful symbol of American ingenuity and a reminder of just how far we've come.

Alan says. “If the Association hadn’t preserved these pieces of history, they’d be lost. And once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

It’s not every day you get to step back in time. For Braddock, keeping history alive isn’t just a weekend event, it’s a promise to never forget.

What to Expect at This Year’s 50th Annual Threshing Bee in Braddock

The Braddock Threshing Grounds are located at 5855 16th Ave SE, just a half mile north of town.

The weekend kicks off with a parade of tractors and antique vehicles rolling through the grounds. From there, you’ll find a full schedule of live demonstrations including oat threshing, showcasing how pioneers separated grain from chaff before modern combines came along. You can walk among old-time tractors, steam engines, and equipment that helped build the backbone of rural America. You can even bring your own antique gear if you want to show it off!

With 60 camper hookups available, you can even spend the weekend surrounded by living history.

While you're there, check out the special 50th anniversary book, with stories, photos, and memories from the SCTA’s incredible five-decade journey. Proceeds go toward preserving and upgrading the historic village buildings.

And don’t miss the “Back to Braddock 25” concert series, happening earlier in the summer on June 5 and 6 at 7 PM both nights, right on the threshing grounds. It’s a toe-tapping, family-friendly fundraiser to help keep this treasured tradition going strong. Bands include Booz-N-Tuna and The Johnny Holm Band.

For full details, updates, and fun photos, check out the SCTA’s Facebook page: “South Central Threshing Association.”