Froelich Foundation For the Preservation of Farm Tractor History, Inc

Our impact is educating multi-generational tourists of the significance of our one-of-a-kind history that we share history of the invention by John Froelich of the first successful gasoline-powered tractor able to propel itself both forward and backward in 1892. He worked to improve the problems faced by steam-powered engines he had used while running his threshing machine as he and his threshing crew worked. We share the history of how this all came to be and the impact of this invention on the future of it leading to the Waterloo Boy tractor and the John Deere Tractor Works.

We also share during our educational tours of the village of Froelich where he grew up and also where he invented this first tractor. Tours include the 1891 General Store & Post Office, 1866 One room Froelich School, Blacksmith Shop, Freight Warehouse, Railroad Depot, Barn & Transportation Building. These buildings are filled with wonderful displays of those long-ago days! These educational tours are shared daily 5 days a week! Tours are family-friendly hands on tours.