Mount Rushmore and John Deere

This was my Father’s 1942 John Deere B, serial #100175.

This tractor was purchased new in early 1942 from the Franz tractor dealership in Tomah Wisconsin. It then became the only tractor for many years at Brookside Dairy Farm near Sparta, Wisconsin.

In the Winter of 1966-67 we did not notice there was no oil pressure, from a frozen oil pump while sawing firewood. We locked up the engine. Dad and my brother Marvin junked it in the woods after removing wheels, carb, mag, etc.

It bothered us seeing it in the woods, so out it came in 1993. It had missing parts, animals living in the cases and 10 bullet holes. I said to my Father “This tractor and Mount Rushmore are the same age. God willing it is going to run again and ride me there”. He said “I was crazy” and chuckled.

In the picture it still has the bullet holes in the hood and the dent that my father’s foot put in it April 19th 1947 during a big roll over. The tractor is running on many of Steiner parts, performs perfect, and your decal looks great!

I was ushered in to Mount Rushmore and parked in the front of the entrance. What a day, what a trip! I met so many wonderful folks on the journey.

May 15th thru June 1st 2017, round trip at 12 mph. 75 years old, both tractor and Mount Rushmore.

Dewey Brooks
Wonewoc, Wisconsin

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