Saturday, March 12, 2022

Merced County Courthouse Museum will open the “Tractor Dealerships in Merced County” exhibit on Saturday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. It doesn’t matter what color they are: green, yellow, red, or blue. They are united under one roof (Courthouse Museum roof), representing the American farming industry. They are the tractors. By chronicling the history of Merced County tractor dealerships, the exhibit examines how the evolution of tractors shaped farming in the Central Valley. During the exhibit opening, there will be an antique tractor show, a hot dog BBQ, and a history talk in the Courthouse Park. In addition, Merced County Historical Society will hold its annual membership meeting and awards ceremony at 12:00 p.m. Please bring your lawn chairs/picnic blankets. The exhibit will run through June 5. For more information about the exhibit, please contact the Courthouse Museum at (209) 723-2401. Admission to the event is free.   


First Case Gas Tractor in Merced County, 1913
First Case Gas Tractor in Merced County, 1913


Halton Tractor Co. at 64 W. 16th Street, Merced, 1946
Halton Tractor Co. at 64 W. 16th Street, Merced, 1946


Jack Shipley of Bohn and Shipley in Merced, 1950-51
Jack Shipley of Bohn and Shipley in Merced, 1950-51

Murtos Tractor and Implement at 830 I Street, Los Banos, 1958
Murtos Tractor and Implement at 830 I Street, Los Banos, 1958