A Tribute to the Smoliks

Compiled by Lori (Krones) Mark

            Edward Smolik was born on December 21, 1904 in Brainard, NE. He married Evelyn Ahrens on October 28, 1947. Ed passed away on April 13, 2004.

Raymond Smolik was born November 7, 1912 in Brainard, NE. Ray passed away on April 22, 2004.

Remembering the Smolik Brothers...

                        The "Smolik Brothers" moved with their family to the Osage, IA area 1925-1927. Together, they rented and farmed 560 acres with horses. According to Ed, the first piece of machinery they purchased was a 2-row cultivator for $14. Finally, on December 7, 1942, they purchased their farm and started a small seed business.

            Ed and Ray accomplished great things through their hard work, love of the land, and passion for collecting. They would seek, obtain, and work to restore each rare piece. The "Smolik Brothers" collection of agricultural equipment is as unique as the individuals they were.   

            Ed, the spokesman, had stories to tell to anyone that was fortunate enough to hear them. Ray was more reserved the "behind the scene" advisor.

            Together, Ed and Ray Smolik had a dream of having a permanent home for their collection in Mitchell County, IA. This was the place they made their living, their homes, and very dear friends. In 1987, Ed approached the Mitchell County Historical Society with an idea. He proposed donating the Smolik Brothers Collection to the Mitchell County Historical Society if a suitable location and facility could be obtained. A steering committee was formed that night to see if it was feasible. It would be a tremendous undertaking but one that the steering committee thought was an opportunity of a lifetime.

Members of that first committee were:       

Jerry Hemrich, Chairman

Lori (Krones) Mark, Secretary

                                                           Algie & Kay Slindee

                                                           Gene Mayer

                                                           Betty Kleckner

                                                           Scott & Libby Krebsbach

            The Mitchell County Historical Society entered into a 99-year lease in 1990 with the Mitchell County Conservation Board for 3-acres that would become the home of their site called Cedar Valley Memories. The "Smolik Exhibit" building, designed with the size and features to house the big steam engines, was constructed in 1991. In June, 1992, donation of a massive and rare agricultural collection to the Mitchell County Historical Society was announced by the media. The Smolik Brothers donation included hand-held tools, horse drawn equipment, implements, 5 unique operational steam traction engines, other steam/diesel engines and the only 1901 Frazee automobile (made in Osage). The first steam engines (the 1910 Phoenix & the 1922 Advance Rumely) arrived at their new home in October 1993. The classroom addition to the Smolik Exhibit building was completed in 1996. Dedication Day at Cedar Valley Memories was held September 7, 1996 with the first power show/demonstrations and ribbon cutting on the new museum.

            One of their last major projects, "The Osage Depot" was moved to Cedar Valley Memories. Through the diligent work of volunteers, the first phase of the depot restoration was accomplished and opened for the public at the 2005 annual Cedar Valley Memories Power Show.

            Many other generous benefactors have given their collections and financial contributions to expand and maintain the exhibits at Cedar Valley Memories site. 

            We continue to honor and thank Ray, Ed and Evelyn Smolik for allowing us the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the past through their vision. They are deeply missed but their presence surrounds us here, at Cedar Valley Memories, where their dream came true.