Jacob Brackemeyer, purchase a brand new Farmall Super C, in 1955. Obendorf Implement, located in Prophetstown, IL sold the tractor as a 1955 model, although it actually left the factory in 1953. The Delivery report documenting the transaction still exists. In fact, much of the original paperwork is still in the Brackemeyer family’s procession today.
The Farmall Super C was pretty innovated for the day. This was the first model that International Harvester produced with the quick hitch, which was an early version of a three point. The tractor had the great features, for plowing, such as draft control, and also the hitch had pitch control to change the angle. The tractor was also equipped with PTO and belt pulley. Another distinct feature was the precleaner. Although its not commonly seen, the precleaner was a factory option.
The nimble little C was used on a farm near Lyndon. IL until Jacob sold it on auction in 1964 .Jacob’s younger brother Richard was the winning bidder. The tractor would move to a farm south of Morrison, IL The tractor would remain in the family until 1970.
Once again, the tractor had been listed on a sale bill. Never leaving the Morrison area, the tractor was no longer in the Brackemeyer”s ownership. Renzie Buikema, and later his son Allen used the C as a chore tractor, hauling manure.
Richard’s son Jerry, never forgot about the C, There had been many discussions to bring the tractor “home” even a trip to look at it with an intent to buy it in 2002. The tractor didn’t come home with them. The talk continued, but soon faded
In 2023, Richard’s grandson Bill received a telephone call from Allen Buikema’s daughter alerting him the tractor was for sale. Bill jumped at his chance to buy it. Negotiations took place, and after 53 years Bill successfully brought the Super C back home.
Bill doesn’t farm with the tractor, but he does collect. He shows and goes to plowing events. He is proud to own the machine, which is rightly so. Will it leave the family again? That’s highly unlikely anytime soon. Bill’s granddaughter has become enthused about owning tractors. I’m willing to bet that she and the tractor are perfectly suited for one another.
~ Editor’s note, thank you Bill for sharing the story and your pictures.
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