Our 1954 Ford NAA has been my friend and companion all of my life. My father used it on our 10-acre farm and also did plowing for scores of folks in the neighborhood. They tell me I was just beyond toddler stage when I began accompanying my dad on his plowing and discing trips around the neighborhood, along with our dog Prince.
I started driving the tractor in 6th grade. In 7th grade, while delivering newspapers with my brother (yes, we used the tractor to haul the papers) I was bitten on the leg by a large dog. Told to stay off the leg with the big canine hole in the thigh, my mother let me drive it to school one day when my usual ride provider canceled at the last minute. And yes, when I had my doctor’s appointment about the leg, Mom, who didn’t drive, hopped on the fender toolbox and told me to drive us to the doctor.
The tractor continued to do its job. When my dad retired, he used it to plow a few acres every year and plant sweet corn to be sold to provide tuition for the grandkids college education. He was still plowing with that Ford at age 89, not too long before his death. After his passing, we moved back to the homestead and I was reunited with that machine that I had loved since I was a little tyke.
15 more years of bonding with my tractor came: plowing, discing, mowing, lifting, snow pushing, dragging fallen trees out of our pond, some first steps at removing rust and restoring its beauty. And then …. a necessary downsizing to a condo. The old Ford NAA couldn’t come with us. An auction. a sad but needed day. Here’s hoping the new owner will also fall in love with our friend that gave us 60+ years of service, and restore it for another 60 years of service!
Tim Keeler
Barberton, Ohio
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