Minnesota Prairie Roots

The beautiful "eyes" of an Oliver 1655.

Vintage 1970s Oliver 1655

If you grew up on a farm, you likely harbor a fondness for a particular brand of ag machinery.

For me, it’s the John Deere. Nothing quite matches the distinct putt-putt-putt I remember of my dad’s yellow-trimmed green tractor.

And then there was always that annual social outing to John Deere Day at the implement dealership in Redwood Falls. I recall little about that event except watching John Deere movies at the local movie theater and eating vanilla ice cream from a little plastic cup with a wooden spoon. One year my cousin Kevin won a coveted silver dollar in a door prize drawing.

Such memories.

I also have an affinity for the B Farmall, the tractor I learned to drive around the farmyard as a youngster.

Those tractors are long gone, replaced by bigger, more powerful equipment.

Fortunately, many rural folks today appreciate vintage tractors, collect and restore them. Like this Oliver 1655 from a Faribault area farm. Since I’m more of a John Deere girl, I really know nothing about Olivers, only that this 1970s Oliver 1655 appeals to me visually.

I mean, just look at that friendly face with those big, gorgeous eyes.

New Idea built the loader on this Oliver 1655.

A Faribault area farmer collects Olivers, including a 1655 from the 1970s, which he still uses to farm.

© Copyright 2009 Audrey Kletscher Helbling