Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 6 : Fall 2010 | Page 17

Antique Tractors
by Tamra Kilcollins

Antique tractors are truly a thing of beauty. They’re
unique and powerful machines; mechanical work horses
that come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They’ve stood the
test of time and are an immensely important part of our
agricultural heritage.

Antique tractor enthusiasts are just as unique; their
passion for restoring and preserving these great machines is
evident, and their knowledge of tractor mechanics, regardless
of make, model or year manufactured, is amazing. And, it
goes without saying there is often times a fierce loyalty to
a particular brand. But, in the end, whether you’re a John
Deere man, (or woman), or a Farmall, Massey Harris, Allis
Chalmers, Cockshut, Ford, or Oliver ……you name it……
whatever the make and color, you have a common bond and
interest for all that’s tractor.

Over the past several years the Northern Maine
Antique Tractor Club, (NMATC), has grown to over 150
members. Members from throughout Aroostook and
Penobscot Counties, and neighboring New Brunswick,
Canada, that all have an interest in the preservation of our
rural heritage, and a passion for owning and/or restoring
part of our history, whether it be old tractors, different types
of equipment and engines or any related items that were
used in the farming industry by past generations. The club’s
mission is to build an awareness of our agricultural heritage

for present and future generations, by displaying and showing
our old tractors and equipment at work. And in the process
our goals are always to have fun, show sportsmanship and
develop lifelong friendships.

This year was an extremely busy one for the NMATC.
From June to October, rain or shine, almost a dozen Antique
Tractor Pulls from Fort Kent to Springfield were held, along
with the Annual Antique Plow Days Event, the Antique
Memorial Tractor Trek for Charity, participation in trade
fairs, several antique tractor, farm machinery and equipment
displays, and other community and family events.

Antique tractor displays are so interesting. Where
there’s an antique tractor, there’s usually a group of people
standing around talking, reminiscing and comparing old to
new. One of the club’s display highlights is during Northern
Maine Fair week in August, where the NMATC partners
with The Northern Maine Fair Association