[Phaon]

Here's an interesting Colt story for you. This may or may not be 100% accurate, I've been piecing together the history of this particular tractor for a couple years now as best I can.

My wife attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater for the first three years of her undergrad. While there, she was an avid member of the Marching Warhawks, one of the best undergrad marching bands in the Midwest. When the band hauled their equipment on the football field, the percussion equipment was pulled on by a tractor painted in the school colors.... wait for it.... purple and white.

Based on descriptions I was able to get, this appears to be a Rancher 12. High rear tires with ag tread, chrome trim on the hood, long drive lever on the left, etc. The running story is that this thing has been around as long as anyone can remember – including professors who have been there 30+ years.

As near as I can tell, this thing was donated by Colt to UW Whitewater (which isn't very far away from the Colt plant) new in 1964 – description said a flat steering wheel, so I'm leaning towards 1964. Each year a special Freshman member of the band was selected to clean, wash, and wax at the beginning and end of every football season. Apparently the tractor was retired a couple years ago – we are currently working to track down its whereabouts.

If all this is true, that means that there is a Rancher 12 in WI somewhere that has never mowed, plowed, or frankly been much above an idle since new. Washed, waxed, and oil changed every year, with an almost perfect factory paint job and mechanics still intact.

Chris

 

[Hydriv]

To the best of my knowledge, Colt used Burgundy and White in 1965 only. Tractors built in 1964 were Royal Red and White. As I understand it, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is located in Whitewater. In 1965, Case owned Colt wholly and the plant was located in Winneconne, WI which is a two and a quarter hour drive due north of Whitewater. The story certainly sounds interesting and plausible. Good luck in tracking down that tractor. Keep us posted on any updates.

 

[Phaon]

I stand corrected on the year. I forgot about the red and white in '64. So, '65 it is. Whitewater is a bit of a hike, but the only other major campus nearby is Greenbay. Today that's quite a nice campus, but Whitewater was much bigger and better known in the '60's than UW Greenbay. About the only thing that campus was known for back then was providing the cheerleading squad for the Packers :clap:

Madison is closer, but doesn't really play nice with others, especially small towns. Same deal with Milwaukee really. Whitewater's band has been of national renowned in music circles for decades, so I can see the logic if it was indeed a donation. If it was a flat out purchase by UWW, then a Colt is the obvious choice, as it didn't even need a repaint.

 

[InTroubleAlltheTime]

Chris: Nice story. :usa: :usa: :usa: I hope you find it, it couldn't find a better home than in your hands. Best of luck and please let us know what happens. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich

 

[Rob_P]

It is a wonderfully intriguing story, but if it was retired as recently as a "couple years ago", surely, there must be some pictures, somewhere?

 

[Bart]

If I can be of local assistance let me know as I'm not far from Whitewater and know a couple people at the University.

 

[Phaon]

Rob, that's what we're trying to track down atm. And thanks Bart

 

[Hydriv]

Many Universities have their own newspaper. If so, then there must be an archive. The local newspaper might also be a source for photos of what took place at games as the band was setting up. Whether you can muster any help from either end is hard to say but I suspect that one phone call to the University could connect you to someone that has been either a music teacher or a custodian for many years and would have direct knowledge of the tractor in question.