WATERLOO - The annual Two-Cylinder Tractor Expo brought vintage implements from across the country back to the town where many were made.

Many of the vintage machines rolled off assembly lines just yards away. Former John Deere production facilities are situated a couple of blocks from the National Cattle Congress grounds, where the tractors were on display last week.

But that was decades ago.

Today, the former Deere site is being developed as Cedar Valley TechWorks, an agriculture and bio-product research and development center. While the project focuses on the future of agriculture, its history also will have a home there, said Cary Darrah, TechWorks general manager.

"Two-cylinder tractors are an important part of the history of agribusiness," she said.

Some of that history will be on display at the TechWorks campus in an agri-technology building.

Jack Cherry, expo organizer and publisher of Two Cylinder magazine, said he hasn't discussed future exhibits with TechWorks yet but said he would be interested in helping provide rotating displays of historical tractors.

"It would be our pleasure to be involved in that if they feel we would be an asset," Cherry said. "The tractors represent every conceivable phase of agriculture in North America."

Plans call for the agri-technology building between two existing multistory buildings formerly used by Deere. Nearby, a space for outdoor events will be constructed on the north end of the campus.

The spaces will be open to the public and used for demonstrations, shows and other public events.

"There's a wealth of creative cultures and groups out there that TechWorks will be interested in," Darrah said. Two-cylinder enthusiasts will be one of the groups invited to use the space, she added.

"There's the obvious connection between two-cylinder tractors and the agricultural economy," she said. "We certainly thought of them."

Darrah said the future of agriculture will be researched, developed and made at TechWorks. To help the public understand that future, it needs to be displayed along with the past.

"It will provide context," she said.

Interest should be high, said Mary Swehla, John Deere manager of visitor services and special projects. Tours of the tractor assembly plant sold out during the Two-Cylinder Expo. Swehla credited nostalgia and pride the vintage tractors elicit during the expo.

"I think every time they come to town they stimulate the blood," she said.