Two lottery Farmalls

Even after World War II new agriculture equipment was rationed.  Anyone wanting to purchase a piece of equipment had to sign up for a lottery at their local farm equipment dealer.  The individual’s name would be called and assigned a piece of equipment.  The individual could either choose to buy that piece of equipment that was drawn or loose the opportunity to purchase anything. 

In 1948 Floyd Arnholt signed up for the lottery at Westermeier’s Hardware.  The lottery was held and he won the right to purchase a Farmall H, which he did even though he wanted a Farmall M.  A neighbor of his Joe Howe won the right to purchase a Farmall M, which he did also. After a year’s use, Joe Howe decided the Farmall M was too large and used too much fuel.  He approached Floyd Arnholt to see if he would trade the H for the M. Since this trade was private and not through a dealer, it was not against the rationing regulations. The trade was made and both individuals were happy with the deal. Floyd used the M until 1960 when he traded it for a Farmall 560.  

Joe used the H until 1968 when he retired.  The Farmall H was then put on Joe’s farm sale and Floyd bought it.  It was used for raking hay and was driven by Todd Howe who was Floyd’s grandson.  When Floyd retired in 2004 he sold the H to his grandson Todd Howe. Todd’s other grandfather was Robert Howe who was Joe Howe’s brother.  Therefore, the Farmall H has only been in two families possession which are related to the current owner.

Floyd Arnholt’s grandsons Cory Arnholt and Todd Howe along with Floyd’s great grandson Leighton Howe restored the H in 2010 as Leighton’s Senior project for Columbus East High School.  It is now used for parades and tractor shows only.

Dan J Arnholt
Indiana

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