Pull combine adds historic accuracy to Washtucna display

The entrance to Washtucna at the juncture of Highways 26 and 261 is getting a facelift. After about two years of efforts, a major component was hauled into place on July 19.

A John Deere 36B combine thresher was transported by J & A Chimienti Trucking, LLC, of Spokane after Bob and Linda Gillis, former Washtucna residents, donated the historic piece of farm equipment for the display.

A small group of volunteers maneuvered the combine into place and lined up the header, which sits perpendicular to the thresher.

According to Archie Staley, a Washtucna High School graduate who remembers working with the combine in the field, it was used until about 1962.

The 36B combine thresher may have been pulled by horses when it was first introduced, possibly in the late 1930s, but crawler tractors later replaced the equine power.

John Deere replaced the 36B with the 55, a self-propelled combine that was later replaced by John Deere’s model 95 combine in 1957.

The display also includes the town jail, a wooden structure that was located near the current fire hall in the historic period. Area historians guess the jail was built in the 1800s.

The jail was moved from just northeast of its new location in June of this year. Future efforts include restoration of the jail and anyone with old lumber is asked to contact organizer Cliff Plumb for donation opportunities.

An old outhouse and a wood picnic table where prisoners could eat are located near the jail.

The Washtucna Town Council approved the project and Plumb later secured a 20-year lease agreement with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for use in tourism.

Although the project has the council’s stamp of approval, it has been totally funded through donated equipment and funds.

Such is the case with this latest addition. Byron Allen brought in a truck to help maneuver the header while Joe Chimiente, who owns the trucking company, donated the truck and time.

Chimiente was accompanied by Chance Parke in the truck, both of whom are relatives of Washtucna resident Mike Ebert.

In addition to the combine thresher, the Bob and Linda Gillis donated a sickle mower to the project.

Steel wheels that will serve as anchor posts for the chain link fence were donated Zeb and Hilda Hunt while Lon and Ruth Welch provided a grain auger for the display.

For more information as well as to offer physical help in the restoration project, offer monetary donations or provide comments and history, contact Plumb at 646-3449.