Sutton 4H Tractor Restoration Project
Donation protected
The Sutton Preservationists 4H Club is currently restoring this 1943 John Deere Model B tractor.
The tractor was a gift from Peter Michelson of Sutton. His father purchased the tractor new in 1943 and it was the main work horse on their farm ever since.
The tractor was so useful to Peter's father that, before he passed away, he made Peter promise he'd never sell it.
Peter continued to rely on the tractor until he finally gave up farming himself over twenty years ago. The tractor was eventually parked in a field where the woods swallowed it up.
Peter always wanted to restore the tractor, but with his failing health, that became impossible.
When he heard of the farm equipment restoration work our club was doing, he decided he could donate the tractor to us and still remain true to his word to his dad, he didn't "sell" the tractor.
He figured his dad wouldn't mind him using this loophole as it'd make him just as proud as Peter to see the tractor given a new life teaching kids about tractors and farming.
Saving this war-time piece of Sutton's agricultural past is an amazing opportunity for the club. It's both a history lesson, and a skill building challenge. The kids do ALL of the work. Parents only step in for heavy or dangerous tasks.
The kids have completely disassembled the tractor, and we've now turned the corner and we're ready to start reassembling.
Unfortunately Peter is battling cancer, and his health continues to decline. Everybody in the club would love to get this tractor done soon enough for Peter to see it completed.
I personally want Peter to see the satisfaction and pride in the kids faces so he can understand the true value of his gift.
The kids have worked so hard all fall and winter on this. It's a project they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Reaching our goal for donations would allow the immediate purchase of all the necessary remaining parts, and we could then rebuild the tractor in a matter of weeks.
When it's done, the tractor will be put back to work by the club, cutting hay at Water's Farm and other fields around Sutton. So you're funding much more than a one time project.
Our club gives children real hands on experience with livestock, and all the hard work associated with caring for and feeding their project animals. This tractor will be a key part of this program that provides such a great wholsome experience for kids in and around Sutton who would never be able to do this otherwise.
Here are some examples of past work to show what the club is capable of...
This is a 1948 Farmall Super A and an International Harvester hay rake - with lots of research into origanal parts and paint schemes:
And a John Deere Manure Spreader:
Even the smallest donation is GREATLY appreciated. We need so many small parts, even a single dollar is enough to cross a small item like a gasket or bolt off our list!
Thank You.
The tractor was a gift from Peter Michelson of Sutton. His father purchased the tractor new in 1943 and it was the main work horse on their farm ever since.
The tractor was so useful to Peter's father that, before he passed away, he made Peter promise he'd never sell it.
Peter continued to rely on the tractor until he finally gave up farming himself over twenty years ago. The tractor was eventually parked in a field where the woods swallowed it up.
Peter always wanted to restore the tractor, but with his failing health, that became impossible.
When he heard of the farm equipment restoration work our club was doing, he decided he could donate the tractor to us and still remain true to his word to his dad, he didn't "sell" the tractor.
He figured his dad wouldn't mind him using this loophole as it'd make him just as proud as Peter to see the tractor given a new life teaching kids about tractors and farming.
Saving this war-time piece of Sutton's agricultural past is an amazing opportunity for the club. It's both a history lesson, and a skill building challenge. The kids do ALL of the work. Parents only step in for heavy or dangerous tasks.
The kids have completely disassembled the tractor, and we've now turned the corner and we're ready to start reassembling.
Unfortunately Peter is battling cancer, and his health continues to decline. Everybody in the club would love to get this tractor done soon enough for Peter to see it completed.
I personally want Peter to see the satisfaction and pride in the kids faces so he can understand the true value of his gift.
The kids have worked so hard all fall and winter on this. It's a project they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Reaching our goal for donations would allow the immediate purchase of all the necessary remaining parts, and we could then rebuild the tractor in a matter of weeks.
When it's done, the tractor will be put back to work by the club, cutting hay at Water's Farm and other fields around Sutton. So you're funding much more than a one time project.
Our club gives children real hands on experience with livestock, and all the hard work associated with caring for and feeding their project animals. This tractor will be a key part of this program that provides such a great wholsome experience for kids in and around Sutton who would never be able to do this otherwise.
Here are some examples of past work to show what the club is capable of...
This is a 1948 Farmall Super A and an International Harvester hay rake - with lots of research into origanal parts and paint schemes:
And a John Deere Manure Spreader:
Even the smallest donation is GREATLY appreciated. We need so many small parts, even a single dollar is enough to cross a small item like a gasket or bolt off our list!
Thank You.
Organizer
Jonathan Rocheleau
Organizer
Sutton, MA