Georgetown, Illinois 61846
It was a warm August 23, 1907 when the little farm community
about five miles north of Mount Vernon, Indiana, gained a new
citizen. His parents named him William Kenneth Durell. He still
resides on that farm, 72 years later, with his wife, Aleeta, and is
known far and wide for his antique tractor collection.
Realizing his need for a hobby after his retirement, he chose
antique tractors. He has used many types of them in the fields
while farming the land, but it wasn’t until 1958 that he
purchased his first antique tractor, which was a 1926 Fordson that
was on its way to the junk yard. He paid $40.00 for it, took it
home and promptly began to restore it to its original, like-new
condition.
Six years later, in 1964, he purchased a 1927 Rumely Oil Pull,
restored it, then one year later bought a 1919 Parrot Motor
cultivator made by Parrot Motor Company in Chicago, Illinois. He
bought two more tractors before retiring in 1969. They were a 1929
McCormick Deering and a 1925 Rumely Oil Pull, which he
restored.
After his retirement he earnestly began collecting and restoring
tractors, and through buying and trading now owns 27 operable
antique tractors and a 1935 Keck Gonnerman separator. The oldest
one is a 1913 Hider Motor cultivator and the newest one is a 1936
McCormick Deering F20.
About all of his tractors were used and have originated around
southern Indiana. Whatever parts he could no longer buy or trade
for, he would make, many times from other parts.
During the latter part of 1979 he built a very unique tractor by
combining parts of other tractors. The transmission and rear axle
were from a Farmall F-20; rear hubs are Allis Chalmers; rims and
front axle assembly are from a 1924 Fordson; steering gears are
from a Massey Harris Combine #27; the engine is a 4 cylinder LeRoi
from a Gleaner combine; and the radiator core is Papec Hay Chopper,
to name a few. Then deciding it should have a name he took the
nameplate from a Keck Gonnerman tractor and welded it to its proper
place on his tractor.
Kenneth belongs to the Booneville Antique Steam and Gas Engine
Club and has shown some of his prize antiques. He welcomes anyone
to stop in to see his wonderful collection. But we warn you, have
some time to spend because he loves to talk about tractors!
