Our Fathers Couldn't Have Imagined This

Farming is going full swing and our farmers of today have luxuries our fathers could not have imagined.

Do you remember the days of iron wheels on tractors? That’s right, no nice rubber tires to absorb bumps. These tractor wheels were iron with lugs on them that were bolted on at the factory. There were two rows of these lugs, offset, on each wheel. I think there was sometimes a second narrower wheel that could be attached to the main wheel. This addition only sported one set of lugs.

Hitching a ride on the fender of that tractor was a real “joy” ride.

If you were going to show off your tractor by taking part in a local parade, the lugs could be removed and rubber from old tires were wrapped around the iron wheels.I don’t have a clue how the rubber was attached, but my guess would be that baling wire was used.

Of course, there were no cab, radio or air conditioner, and GPS had not entered our imaginations.

Brings to mind other major changes in our world of agriculture. If you have some oldies to share concerning the early days of farming, give me a call.

Gwen Cornwell welcomes your memories at 406-367-5582.