Volunteers make Old Threshers possible

MT. PLEASANT — Every year Midwest Old Threshers Reunion welcomes thousands of guests to Mt. Pleasant for a long weekend filled with music, food, steam engines, and fun. With admission sales exceeding 35,000 this year, Midwest Old Threshers CEO Terry McWilliams offers gratitude to the multitude of volunteers that make it all possible.

“Midwest Old Threshers has a small staff and the biggest staff that we have is the volunteers that work for this association,” McWilliams said in a ceremony honoring volunteers at the reunion.

According to McWilliams, during the 2023 reunion over 1000 different people came together to give over 48,000 volunteer hours in a variety of areas around the grounds.

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Among the many recognized at this year’s reunion was Mt. Pleasant native Lisa Price. Price was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant by her parents Larry and Doris Price. She also attended Iowa Wesleyan College. Her volunteer journey with Old Threshers began in the early 1980s serving at the Methodist Church tent but has since expanded to include ushering at the grandstand, selling tickets, serving on the entertainment committee, and now assisting with ground entertainment and the main stage entertainers.

While he hasn’t served nearly as long as Price, Don Nevins, of Wayland, also received recognition for his contributions to the reunion. Nevins comes from Stuart but began serving at Old Threshers after moving to the area in 2000. He joined the car club in 2013 and has been an active volunteer ever since with the antique cars and trucks

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Neither Tim nor Teresa Cochran were born in Mt. Pleasant, but through Tim’s move from California to Mt. Pleasant in fourth grade and their later marriage, the reunion has become a part of their family’s tradition. Though they now reside in St. Charles, the couple always returns to volunteer at the reunion.

Teresa has been a volunteer in the trolley area since the early 2000s and helps in the Tractor Headquarters. Tim began volunteering in Tractorland in 1995 working on the gas truck and assisting with the “Drive a Tractor” program.

“The couple are John Deere and AC enthusiasts who enjoy restoring vintage campers,” McWilliams shared. “They hope to launch a vintage camping area at Old Threshers.”

Judy Washburn, a lifelong resident of Zionsville, Indiana, did not grow up close to Old Threshers, but her connection with the did begin at just seven years old in 1955. Since then, she has not missed a year.

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Washburn’s volunteer areas over the years have included working in information booths, judging the Sweet 16 contest, and washing dishes in the Finley Church tent. Currently, she volunteers in the Old Threshers Foundation room, leads hymn singing in Center Chapel, sings with the volunteer choir, works at the Welcome Center, and announces the noon whistle.

The following volunteers were also recognized at this year’s reunion:

Tasha Allen and Brady Harp of Ladora

James Bruns of Cascade

Jay Sigafoose of Iowa City

Frank Tharpe of Albia

Brent Reneau of Hamilton, Illinois

Dean Alan Grimm Junior of Charlotte

Jenna and Frank Olcott of Lawson, Missouri

Bridget and Perry Smith of Alleman

Dean and Ruth Soenksen of Cedar Rapids

Stephanie and Jim Dawson of Independence

Jan Johnston of Springville

Kenny and Myla Hansen of Winthrop

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com