chuck machinist
Well-known Member
Twas the Nite before Xmas when all thru the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The tractors were all nestled in their sheds, while visions of spring plowing danced on their heads. And Chris Saeli with her kerchief, and John Saeli with his cap, had just settled down for a long winters nap. When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter. I sprang from my bed to see what's the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash. Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of a new fallen snow, gave luster of mid-day to the objects below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight Case tractors! With a little old driver so lively and quick. I knew in a moment it must be Jon frm Minnesota. More rapid than EAGLES his coursers they came, and he whistled, and he called them by name! On 1030, now 411, now DC-3, and VAC, on 530, on 430, on SC, and Spirit of 76!To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, now drive away drive away, dash away all! As dry leaves that before, the wild hurricanes fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house top the coursers they flew. With a sleigh full of CASE stuff, and Jon frm Minnestoa too! And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof. The prancing and pawing of each rear tire. As I drew in my head and was turning around, through the front door he came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his feet. And his clothes were all tarnished with diesel fuel. A bundle of toy tractors he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples so merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and his beard on his chin was FLAMBEAU RED as a DC-4. The stump of his pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face, and a round little belly, that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings with Case toys, and NOS parts, then turned with a jerk! And laying his finger on the side of his nose , and giving a nod, out the front door he went. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down off a thistle! But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight-- Happy Christmas to all Case folks, and to all a good night! And that is how I remember it! Chuck Machinist
