Billings – A local family is preparing to part with a treasure trove of memorabilia that spans more than thirty years. Rick and Marcie Limpp, along with their daughter Reata, have been gathering antique tractors, vintage farm equipment, classic cars and even a handful of Chuck E. Cheese arcade games that date back over a decade. The collection, which began in the late 1990s, is now being offered at public auction.
Family roots and personal connections
For the Limpps, each item carries a story. “These are tractors that Marc and I have collected since the original collection was sold back in 1998,” Rick Limpp explained. The family’s love of history is evident in the care they have taken to preserve each piece, from rust‑free tractors to well‑maintained antique cars.
Marcie Shaw, the family’s daughter, recalled the sentimental value of the arcade machines. “I was a little kid back in ShowBiz Pizza, before it was even Chuck E. Cheese, and I used to ride that rocket ship,” she said. “It’s really cool to be able to do that and watch it grow.” The games, once a simple token‑priced pastime, now have the potential to bring joy to a new generation of players.
Why the auction?
After decades of collecting, the Limpps decided it was time to share their finds with the community. “It just gets to a point where we have so much stuff that we want to share that with other people,” Reata Limpp said. “Giving people an opportunity to own a piece of history is just nice.” While dozens of items will be auctioned, the family will retain a few favorite pieces, including two or three antique tractors and some classic cars.
Rick Limpp described the process of building the collection: “If we see something along the side of the road, like a yard sale or a tractor with a sign on it, we’ll stop and look. Sometimes we buy it, sometimes we don’t.” He added that not every find was met with enthusiasm at home. “There have been a few times she said, ‘My goodness Ricky, what’d you get that for?’” he laughed.
Emotional farewells
Letting go of beloved items is bittersweet. “It’s sort of like a little heart‑wrenching to see it go,” Limpp admitted. Yet the family sees the auction as a chance for others to experience the nostalgia and craftsmanship of these historic pieces.
A local event
The auction will be held at a venue in Billings, inviting residents and collectors from across the region to bid. Organizers expect strong interest, especially from those who appreciate agricultural heritage and retro entertainment. The event underscores Billings’ vibrant community spirit, where personal histories become shared experiences.
For anyone interested in participating, details on the auction date, time and registration can be found on the family’s website or by contacting the auction house directly.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
