I have one happy husband. Why? Because he’s completed step one of becoming a farmer. He (we) bought a tractor.
In true Ryan “I love old rusty things” fashion – he chose a 1952 Allis Chalmers tractor. We bought it from a sweet older man named Jim. Whom Ryan adored. Jim and his wife bought the tractor 37 years ago used. They needed it for some acreage they just bought to build a house and couldn’t afford anything new or green. His wife was pregnant with their first child at the time.
Sound familiar?
I think it’s just crazy that we are in a very similar position right now, 37 years later. Sometimes, the stars just align.
And now we have an old, rusty (but in working order) tractor to show for it.
Jim kept telling us how he hoped that we’d get as many wonderful years from the tractor. And that he hated to see it go. Jim battled cancer last year and his wife and kids pushed him to buy a new tractor that was more reliable and easier to get on and off.
He even had all the original manuals and books for the tractor. Ryan’s getting a kick out of reading them.
Anyhow, Jim was so sweet and my husband is downright giddy about his new toy. He even got some old implements.
Getting it all on our truck and trailer was a bit of a challenge but the two guys got it done. It’s pretty darn heavy stuff. And I’m very little help.
I’m kicking myself for not getting a picture of Jim and Ryan working together. It was kind of precious.
But I did get a couple of pictures of my husband working on his new baby.
Another side story: The next morning, Jim woke up at 4 a.m., worried sick that he hadn’t told Ryan what type of oil the tractor takes. Since he didn’t have our contact info (Ryan called him on a landline without caller ID), Jim called our credit union (which he knew from the cash envelope we gave him) and told the bank that he needed to get ahold of us. The credit union called us first thing in the morning to tell us what type of oil this old tractor took. So cute!
What do you think of Ryan’s new baby?
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Lyndsey says
Totally jealous of the tractor Ryan. My parents have an old Alis (but they also have three green ones). Enjoy the “new” toy.
Lyndsay @ that 70s house says
aww that’s a true small town story :)! gotta love it! that tractor looks amazing! my hub was totally into it when i showed him… he is dying to try riding something like that~
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
What a fun story! And what crazy similarities between your lives.
Also, I should warn you that my husband is trying to figure out how to buy 6 or 7 acres from you guys. He figures you have some extra. : )
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
That is the sweetest story!! By the way, I think that tractor deserves a name – something with such a great story and history can’t be nameless!
Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says
Did you play “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” on the way home from Jim’s house? Because I totally would’ve. Also, Jim sounds like the sweetest man ever. And how crazy is it that they bought the tractor when they were pregnant with their first child. I think this is one of those “it was meant to be” situations.
Caroline says
That story is too sweet! I love things that come with their own history! On a completely girly photographic note… just think of the photo opportunities for your little baby boy! You could have Ryan holding him with cool rusty tractor gears (or whatever they are called) as a manly backdrop!
And when he is a toddler, that tractor is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Wow, that seller is something else, getting in contact with you that way! Most people would just say ‘oh well’…nice purchase!
Joey says
Thats my dirty buddy.
Michael - Innkeeper says
oh, if you don’t listen to country music, Youtube ‘she thinks my tractor’s sexy’
Michael - Innkeeper says
Is he going to drive it up and down your street blaring ‘she thinks my tractors sexy’ on the radio ??
If so, that could be a newlywoodwards Youtube debut! haha!
Mrs. 5C says
HOW EXCITING!!!! 🙂 And SO sweet that Jim hunted you down to tell you what kind of oil to use!!! That totally restored my faith in humanity today. 🙂
Nicole @My Thrafty Life says
Seriously, cutest story of all time. I see some seriously adorable family photo shoots in overalls with this tractor.
Me, Ed and Pea says
Wow!! That’s so awesome!
Suzanne says
Aw, I LOVE the tractor story! And wow, what a tractor! Not one of those little green hobby thing but a real tractor for a real farm.
Mom and Dad says
You are officially farmers now! Congratulations! Tractor’s awesome!
Mrs. Chic says
Ahh, I’m loving the story of the tractors history! The tractor is HUGE!! i’m sure Ryan is having a blast!
Jessica J. says
That is an awesome story!! Congratulations to Ryan on his purchase of his “new baby”. I foresee many happy hours of riding that tractor in his future. And probably Baby Woodward someday too!
Mindy@FSLblog says
I love Jim! So cute! Um, that tractor is pretty legit.
Emily says
OMG. I love this post! Adorable – Jim sounds like my kind of guy. Love that your tractor has such a wonderful history, and that it will continue it’s wonderful life with you and Ryan!
Shannon says
Um, why did I just tear up? Seriously, cute old man stories get me every time. Now Ryan’s just one step closer to a pair of overalls. You ready for that Kim?
Deb says
Yay for you guys!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Oh, that is so sweet! I love older couples because they have so much wisdom to share with us younger couples. Ryan looks like he’s in love with his new toy!!
DecorandtheDog says
So the whole oil story may be the cutest thing in the world. You may need to send Jim a photo of Baby W on this tractor or something.
daisy says
I have tractor envy! It’s absolutely a beauty! What a sweet story about the man who sold it to you. There are so many good people out there. Enjoy, Ryan!