RARE TRACTOR DONATED TO BRENHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM

  

A rare 1934 Plymouth tractor will become a part of the Brenham Heritage Museum’s exhibit collection.

The tractor is being donated to the museum by Jody Ketchum Tyson, whose husband, Frank Tyson, restored and showed the tractor.  The silver tractor was frequently on display at the Washington County Fair or was driven in parades through downtown Brenham.

Brenham Heritage Museum Interim Executive Director Mike Vance said the museum “could not be happier with this incredible piece of farming history,” adding that he has no doubt the tractor will be a “signature piece.”

The tractor will sit atop the agriculture kiosk as part of the museum’s primary permanent exhibit on the main floor, once the historic Post Office building reopens.  The content of the kiosk will touch on all aspects of the agricultural history of Washington County.

Only around 200 of the tractors were built, and about 70 are left in existence.  Shortly after the tractor company went into business at its home in Plymouth, Ohio, the namesake motor car company succeeded in making them change their name to Silver King tractors.  With a higher-than-normal speed and a four-speed transmission, the lightweight tractor was popular not only on small farms in Middle America, but also with various highway departments.

The museum is currently engaged in a capital campaign.  To learn more, or to contribute, visit www.brenhamheritagemuseum.org.