Iowa Man Displays 300+ Horse-Drawn Vehicles for All to See

A Legacy of Horse-Drawn Farm Equipment in Marcus, Iowa

For over four decades, an Iowa native has dedicated his life to collecting and restoring horse-drawn farm equipment. His passion has led to the creation of a unique museum in Marcus, Iowa, where hundreds of pieces of historical machinery are displayed for visitors to explore.

JR Pearson, the owner of "The Barnes" Horse Drawn Vehicle Museum, has spent years amassing an impressive collection that spans several buildings. Visitors can expect a tour that often lasts more than two hours, as each piece tells a story from the past. Pearson's journey into collecting began with his love for horses. He had draft horses for 15 years, which naturally led him to the farm equipment they pulled. Over time, he started acquiring these machines, beginning in the 1970s.

As his collection grew, Pearson quickly ran out of space at home. What started as a few items stored in a barn became a cluttered mess that made it difficult to even walk through. Recognizing the need for more room, he purchased an acreage on the edge of Marcus with two existing barns. From there, he built four additional structures to house his growing collection.

In 2012, "The Barnes" Horse Drawn Vehicle Museum officially opened its doors to the public. Pearson believed that if the equipment was available, people should have the opportunity to see it. Today, the museum houses over 300 pieces of equipment, some dating back to the late 1800s. Pearson has traveled to 13 different states to acquire these items, often relying on word-of-mouth tips and making trips to find rare and usable pieces.

Many of the items in the museum have been restored by Pearson himself, ensuring they remain in good condition. He takes pride in preserving these historical artifacts, as finding quality pieces has become increasingly difficult over the years. For Pearson, each item has a story, and he often documents where he found it and details about its history.

Among his favorite collectibles are triple box wagons, of which he owns 30 original examples. These wagons, each marked with their names, are a highlight of the museum. Additionally, he has five or six more at home due to limited space at the museum. Pearson also builds some of the items himself, showcasing his craftsmanship and dedication.

One particularly meaningful project was a wagon he built in 2004. At the time, his granddaughter was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and the wagon was designed to help her mother transport her safely while carrying medical supplies. Despite being given only one year to live, the granddaughter has defied the odds, now 21 years old and in her second year of college. Her goal is to find a cure for SMA, a mission that continues to inspire Pearson.

Tours of the museum typically last between two to four hours, though self-guided visits can take around an hour and a half. Pearson believes that visitors will be amazed by the sheer volume of equipment on display. He notes that while places like Minden, Nebraska, have large collections, his museum offers a unique selection that complements other similar institutions.

If you're interested in exploring JR Pearson's collection, the Horse Drawn Vehicle Museum is open on August 10th. Alternatively, you can contact Pearson directly at 712-376-4809 to arrange a private tour. The museum stands as a testament to his lifelong passion for preserving the history of horse-drawn farm equipment.