Meet Sam and Barb Brabant.  "Barb and Sam were both raised on farms.  Barb grew up with John Deeres while Sam lived on an Allis Chalmers Farm.  They met at college and two years later were married.  Sam tells the story that he had to give up his AC’s to get Barb’s hand in marriage.  They have two sons, Gary and Jeffrey.

Actually, this John Deere collection thing all started when their youngest son wanted a John Deere tractor.  When he was 15 years old, he bought his first tractor, a 1956 Model 60.  That tractor sparked the interest in two other generations as dad and grandpa got into buying those old two cylinders.  To date we collectively have 20 old Deeres, two of which are new generation tractors.

The collecting didn’t stop with tractors.  There are rooms filled with toys and memorabilia.  Barb and Sam have ten old lawn and garden tractors which we enjoy displaying.

Barb and Sam became members at the very first meeting.   Their son Jeffrey and his wife Deanna are also club members along with Barb’s folks who are senior members Frank & Grayce Besore.

Barb is membership chairperson, creates the club calendar, and past secretary.  In the past Sam has served as vice president, treasurer and director.

Besides this club, they are active in their church and other organizations."  (Submitted by Sam and Barb Brabant)

Sam and Barb Brabant are shown (above) with their exhibit of garden tractors at the 2006 Club All Color Lawn and Garden Show in Ypsilanti, Michigan.   To the right, Sam is riding one of his restored John Deere tractors at the Lawn and Garden Show Tractor Parade.