BRILLION, Wis. – Dealers who attended the Ariens Gravely “family reunion” – a 70th anniversary celebration and annual dealer meeting – took a trip down memory lane when the company unveiled its Ariens Co. museum. The collection of antique equipment, memorabilia and artifacts walked the 700 visitors through a company time line, exposing its family-founded roots and 70-year commitment to lawn and garden manufacturing.
“The antiques had been stored in a warehouse in Brillion and we brought them back to life, if you will,” explains Fred Moreaux, one of nine committee members dedicated to the museum project. “We cleaned, refurbished, sanded, painted and brought the equipment back into top condition.”
A 25-year Ariens veteran, Earl Herring, was responsible for much of the polish work. “You have to be a history buff and mechanical and have a certain amount of commitment and passion,” Moreaux describes of Herring, who took a hiatus from his retirement to participate in the project.
Housed at the original manufacturing facility, many of the museum’s artifacts and antique pieces were rescued from a storage space in Brillion. Some of the equipment displayed traveled from the Carolinas – even California. “We’ve had equipment come from the general public, as well as dealers,” Moreaux adds, estimating 100 items in the growing display that features items from each decade all the way to today’s newest products.
The oldest equipment piece is a 1933 30-inch, 14-horsepower agricultural tiller that founder Henry Ariens produced in his garage. Another looker – a miniature sterling silver original single-wheel tractor that was presented to the president of Gravely in 1984, Moreaux describes. Drafting equipment, original drawings and sales promotion tools of late also fill the museum walls.
“Some of the dealers weren’t aware of the scope of the history of the Ariens Co.,” Moreaux adds. “What we want them to know is that we are a family-held company that has strong roots, and that there is a history here we are building upon. I think that shows today. The company continues to thrive and prosper under the goals and principles related from the founding fathers.”
Today, the Ariens family includes 900 employees and manufacturing has multiplied. Besides the original facility, which is dedicated to the museum and training sessions, the company operates from two, 15-acre plants. New technology hot off the production line represents the museum’s living history. “We have everything from the original tiller up to what we are making today,” Moreaux notes.
Besides a first look at the museum, dealers who attended the annual meeting and celebration were treated to education, technical training, hospitality and an annual awards program.
Dealers interested in contributing artifacts to the museum can contact Fred Moreaux, Ariens Co. Museum, 655 W. Ryan St., Brillion, Wis. 54110-0157. Call 920/756-4247 or e-mail fmoreaux@ariens.com.
The author is Editor of Commercial Dealer magazine and a Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@lawnandlandscape.com.