COMPACT TRACTOR SUCCESS STOR An collection
FEATURE STORY
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Some people collect sports memorabilia, others coins, and still others fi gurines, toys or model trains. Then there’s Eric Kessler of Harrisburg, Pa. — buyer of the unusual. That’s the title listed on one of his many business cards. It’s a fi tting description for his one-of-a-kind collection.
Kessler’s inventory of collectibles includes antique cars, fi re trucks, military equipment and vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, a “jet fi ghter” and anti-aircraft guns. He even owns a 30-foot, 36,000-pound unused Polaris missile (minus the warhead) from the Cold War.
One of his prized possessions is a gun that was removed from the USS Downes — a destroyer that was heavily damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“It was previously owned by a conservatory, and I’m going to fi nish the restoration,” he says. “There are a lot of people who want to preserve history and military heritage for younger generations to touch.”
Once you get past the awe of the diverse equipment sitting in Kessler’s storage building, you learn how easy it’s been for him to purchase and restore it.
“This is a worldwide hobby,” he explains. “You tell me what you want and I can get it for you. I was offered a Russian submarine last year and the question was, ‘Do you want it with or without a crew, and do you want it battle-ready or not?’ I’m not exaggerating.
“If I get stumped on how to restore something, there are many military sources and groups that are happy to help me. I belong to a military vehicle restoration organization. There is a wealth of information available. You learn as you go. It just takes a lot of time.”
The former developer is mostly retired from his 30-plus- year career in construction. Although no longer a construction business owner, Kessler keeps himself busy in retirement. He owns and operates a local sports arena. He has more time to spend restoring his distinctive acquisitions, which he makes available for
continued on the next page EARLY SPRING 2011 | WorkSaver Homeowner with Acreage Y FALL 2011 | WorkSaver Homeowner with Acreage 13 13
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