In the fall of 1955, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau General Manager George Connor was planning a public relations gesture of rather large proportion. At the New York Mills depot, just outside Utica, New York, Cockshutt factory branch employees were busily readying a tractor for delivery. This 1955 model 40, serial number 25285, was reconfigured to the new Black Hawk paint scheme which would premier with the 1956 models. Under cloak of secrecy, they had no knowledge of the new owner: but knew it must be someone special. In addition to the new colours and decal package, it was equipped with the unique "star pattern" rear wheels and even more unusual, an AM radio. Cockshutt mechanic, Earl Barlow, says that 16 coats of lacquer paint were applied to this special tractor.
New York Mills branch members delivering the tractor and Black Hawk 246 deep tillage cultivator with remote hydraulics had no idea where they were headed until their rendezvous with Secret Service agents. After thoroughly inspecting the equipment, the agents advised they would be accompanying the delivery to the Gettysburg Pennsylvania farm of President Eisenhower. When his schedule allowed, Mr. Eisenhower liked to spend time at the Gettysburg farm where he managed a herd of Angus cattle.
On November 30, Mr. Barlow attended the presentation on Mr. Eisenhower's farm with other Farm Bureau and Cockshutt reps. Newsreel footage shows the President's beaming face as he graciously accepted the gift surrounded by a crowd of well wishers, military aides and Secret Service officials. Even in the black and white footage, the Black Hawk gave a stunning appearance on that bright sunny day.
Many years later the tractor surfaced during an auction at an area equipment dealer. Somewhat of a basket case at that point. Mrs. Helen Miller of York, Pennsylvania, purchased it for her husband, Floyd. She would later remark "That gentleman bidding against me, wanting for a pulling tractor, didn't realize he was only one bid away from getting it!" The Millers completed a full restoration and have shown it throughout the east and midwest for many years. They are proud to have saved this piece of history and to include it in their collection.
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