christmas on main and santa at the museum
NEW HOLLAND BAND CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LONGVIC TRIP
In 1967 the mayors of New Holland and Longvic, France signed a charter declaring them to be twin cities. The charter encouraged activities that would increase each community’s understanding of the other through the exchange of people, information, and ideas.
On July 4th, 1974, the New Holland Band, led by its director Samuel O. Zimmerman, and 26 citizens from New Holland and the area, departed for an 8-day journey to France to visit the citizens of Longvic and perform there, in Paris, and several other locations.
During the trip the band traveled to the Suresnes American Cemetery to conduct a memorial service honoring the American service members who gave their lives there during World War I and II. On July 6th, the band arrived in Longvic and was welcomed by the citizens of Longvic at a festive ceremony and reception. The next day, following a church service, parade, and memorial service, the band and their hosts were treated to a luxurious multi-course meal at the famous Clos du Vougeot in the heart of the Burgandy wine country. Following the meal, a concert was held in the courtyard. Another concert was held that evening following the band’s return to Longvic.
The following days included a trip to La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland to perform in a parade and a concert, receiving a tour of the Sperry New Holland baler manufacturing plant located in Longvic. The band enjoyed lunch in the plant cafeteria, eating and conversing with the plant employees, and was honored at a dinner that evening given by Sperry New Holland.
July 10th was a bittersweet day for the band as they said goodbye to their French hosts and set off for Paris where they spent the afternoon touring the Palace of Versailles. The next day was highlighted by two concerts in Paris. The first was held at the Luxembourg Gardens, and the second was a memorable concert performed directly underneath the Eiffel Tower with the sound of the band resonating off the huge iron structure above.
The Band returned to New Holland on July 12th.
new holland machine company
A vintage ½ Horsepower New Holland Hit and Miss Engine. This engine quickly became the desired choice of the agricultural community due to the innovative tapered water reservoir which avoided freeze damage in the winter months.
For more information regarding the New Holland Hit and Miss Engine click on the photo to the right and a separate page will open for a website devoted to this invention.
A vintage New Holland feed grinder. This “cob-chopper”, powered by a hit or miss engine, would grind dried cob-corn for animal feed.
A rare early photo of the first prototype New Holland baler built from repurposed parts by Edwin Nolt. In 1940 after refinements and limited production, New Holland Machine Company would buy Mr. Nolt’s invention and soon put our town on “the world map”.
After less than a decade of production this print ad proclaims the New Holland Baler “tops them all”!
A photo of Abram Zimmerman, founder of the quickly successful New Holland Machine Company in 1895. In just less than 20 years, Zimmerman would sell his stock and leave New Holland to become a “Russelite” and begin preparing for the Lord’s reappearance.