Waterloo Boy Tractor

Waterloo Boy Tractor

Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Santa Cruz Island Company, owned by the Caire heirs, ordered two Waterloo Boy tractors on June 27, 1918 from W.L. Cleveland Co. of Los Angeles. Each tractor cost $1,450 and one was delivered to Scorpion in 1918. Alonson Swain, island superintendent for the Santa Cruz Island Company, observed in his August 31, 1918, report that "the tractor at Scorpion is in function and actual plowing will commence today. It runs island farm equipment very nicely, but there is a lack of enthusiasm among our men." What remains today is the main chassis, the radiator, and possibly one of the front wheels. The two large back wheels were used as rip rap for the pier and are buried there today.

The "Waterloo Boy" is considered the alpha of the entire John Deere Tractor line as we know it today. The "Waterloo Boy" name was carried over to the tractors from the popular line of stationary engines produced by the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company of Waterloo, Iowa. In 1918, the Deere Company purchased the Waterloo Company. Superintendent Swain observed in his May 3, 1918, report that "our leanings are a little bit inclined toward the Waterloo Boy-this tractor, by the way, has been taken over by the John Deere people, so it must amount to something."