A Gift from the Past:

Mastodon Township Receives

Historic Hart-Carter Thrashing

Machine

Mastodon Township is proud to announce the generous donation of a historic Hart-Carter Thrashing Machine from the Skrzyniarz family. This remarkable piece of agricultural equipment, dating back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, is far more than just metal and gears—it’s a symbol of our township’s farming heritage and the strong sense of community that built it. Etched with signatures—some over a century old—the thrasher carries the names of past generations who worked side by side to bring in the harvest. It’s easy to imagine those early farming families gathering around this very machine, not only to ease the hard labor of threshing by hand, but to celebrate progress, teamwork, and each other. Now, more than 100 years later, we continue that tradition. Mastodon Township is committed to preserving the thrasher and the signatures upon it. Plans are already in motion to construct a secure structure to protect and showcase this historical artifact, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its legacy. We are deeply grateful to the Skrzyniarz family for this meaningful donation. To honor the transfer of ownership and kick off the restoration effort, Mastodon Township will host a community celebration on August 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The event be hosted by Mastodon Township Trustee Dave Smith at 364 Buck Lake Road, Crystal Falls, MI 49920. The celebration will include members of the Mastodon Township Board, descendants and friends of the original signers, and local residents. We’re especially excited to welcome members of the Classic Farm Machinery Club of Iron County, who will begin the restoration process on-site. This event marks not just the preservation of a machine—but the honoring of a shared history. All community members and press are warmly invited to attend and take part in this special moment. Together, we celebrate the past, the present, and the enduring spirit of Mastodon Township.