Greg Hilton of Litchfield turns over cornfield soil Saturday at the annual Plow Days at Parsons Dairy Farm in Gorham. Robert Lowell / American Journal
Old tractors in action
at annual Plow Days
Antique tractors displayed their stuff at the annual Plow Days hosted at Parsons Dairy Farm on Oct. 15. The Maine Antique Tractor Club sponsors the annual event, and for the past eight or 10 years it’s been held at Parsons.
Phil Frank, 83, of Bowdoinham demonstrates plowing Saturday with his antique McCormick Farmall at Parsons Farm in Gorham. “You’ve got to love it,” he said. Robert Lowell / American Journal
The event drew tractors in various makes, colors and sizes. Bob Parsons said 15 enthusiasts with tractors attended the event including Freeman Richardson of Gorham with a 1956 Ford Model 850 and Greg Hilton of Litchfield with a 1958 Farmall 130.
Phil Frank, 83, of Bowdoinham demonstrated the pulling power of his restored McCormick Farmall tractor. Frank said he attended because plowing is what tractors are for. “You’ve got to love it,” he said.
Frank, who harvests hay in summer months, said he has a collection of six antique tractors. “I love these old Farmalls,” he said.
The event followed Friday’s heavy rain, but the Parsons’ cornfield had dried out for the most part for plowing, although Bob Parsons said a few tractors were stuck in some soft spots. The cornfield comprises 60 acres, according to Parsons’ nephew, Adam Parsons.
Freeman Richardson of Gorham showed his antique Ford tractor at the annual Plow Days at Parsons Dairy Farm. Robert Lowell/ American Journal
The tractor buffs working up an appetite in the field were served breakfast and lunch at the farm, as were a turnout of people who came to watch.
Bob Parsons said he’s seen a decline in the number of tractors at the event over the past decade. He said some of the elderly collectors have passed away and he cited the cost of gas and diesel fuel. Plowing the length of the field and return is 4,000 feet.
The pandemic also might have affected the turnout. A tractor club Facebook posting said a member at its meeting Oct. 2 tested positive for COVID-19.
Bob Parsons didn’t participate in the plowing.
“I’ve plowed enough,” he said.
Brush drop-off
Residents can take brush to Public Works, 80 Huston Road, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22. Brush is limited to Gorham residents only, with no commercial drop-off and no stumps accepted. Leaves and grass clippings will be accepted in the designated area throughout the season, but do not leave bags behind. For more information, call Public Works at 892-9062.
Fall celebrations
Several autumn events are scheduled in town for October.
They include:
- Pumpkin painting – Saturday, Oct. 22, 9-11 a.m., outside Gorham Cooperative Preschool, 28 Ballpark Road.
- Fort Hill Church’s Fall Fest – Saturday, Oct. 29, noon to 2 p.m., at the gazebo at the municipal center, next to Baxter Memorial Library on South Street. This family event will include It will games, prizes, food and bounce houses.
- Track ‘n Treat – Saturday, Oct. 29, noon to 3 p.m., Raceway Drive (off Narragansett Street). Free and open to the public.
- Trunk or Treat – Saturday, Oct. 29, 1-2:30 p.m., Atlantic Dance Arts parking lot, Cross Street.
- Trick or Trunk – Monday, Oct. 31, 6-7:30 p.m., municipal parking lot behind Baxter Memorial Library. Sponsored by Life Church.
50 years ago
The American Journal reported on Oct. 18, 1972, that Mr. and Mrs. Royden Keddy of South Street spent a weekend in Bethel where he attended the Gould Academy trustees meeting.
U.S. debt
The Treasury Department reported on Oct. 13 that the U.S. public debt was $31,144,952,729,330.20 ($31.1 trillion).
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