Oliver Heritage Issue #107

Oliver Heritage Issue #107 - Feb/Mar 2022

• Featuring: Oliver Airport 25. The Airport 25 is one of the most mysterious of all models in the Oliver line. It was based on the Model 70, which was produced in higher numbers than any other Oliver tractor. However, the Airport 25 is one of the most rare models because it can often be hard to identify. Not all 25s were even tagged “25”, leaving a lot of collectors scratching their heads. Is it, or isn’t it? Feature tractor owner: Sherry Schaefer.

• White 1976 Annual Report:  The previous year of 1975 was not a profitable one. For 1976, working capital increased and total debt was reduced. The board was encouraged with these numbers following the previous disheartening year.  
• Cletrac Facts: Ray B. Davis became the president of H.F. Davis Tractor Company, the biggest Cletrac distributor. They eventually had locations in Boston, Holyoke, and Worcester, along with a number of sub-dealers throughout the New England states. 

• McKenzie Potato Equipment:  We’re all well aware of the big merger of 1929. The original merger in April consisted of Hart-Parr, Oliver Chilled Plow Works, and Nichols and Shepard. American Seeding joined on May 17. There was another acquisition in July 1929, however, that few know or often forget - McKenzie Manufacturing. 

• Another Oliver User: Melvin Bishop.  Bishop Hilltop Farms in Crothersville, Indiana, is home to Melvin and Marjorie Bishop. Their 500-acre farmstead has gone through many changes through the decades, similar to a lot of farms across the nation. 

• Keeping the Oliver Legacy Alive:  Everett Jensen was born in Clarks Grove, Minnesota. Like most “Oliver Guys” he recalls growing up on a farm in the Albert Lea area, located at the southern end of the state. 

• Ask the Oliver Mechanic: Question and answer with Larry Harsin.