Elfering Family Tractor
The City of Hermiston takes great pride in presenting the Elfering Family Tractor, a distinguished 1955 Massey-Harris #333 tractor that has remained in the Elfering family's possession since its original purchase in 1956. Initially contributed by former Umatilla County Commissioner Bill Elfering with the intent of its inclusion in the restoration of Funland Playground, this historically significant tractor has found its current residence at EOTEC. We extend our sincere appreciation to the esteemed Hermiston Classic Car Club for their meticulous restoration efforts, which have impeccably revived this remarkable piece of machinery.
Explore below for an insightful glimpse into the captivating history of the Elfering Tractor and the cherished legacy of the Elfering Family.
Car club cultivates project for Funland
By TAMMY MALGESINI For the Hermiston Herald, August 18, 2020
A group of car enthusiasts recently plowed forward, logging in more than 400 hours while restoring a circa 1955 tractor.
Larry Storment, past president of Hermiston Classics Car Club, said Larry Fetter, director of Hermiston Parks & Recreation, contacted him this past spring to see if the group was interested in the effort. Storment, who shared some pictures and presented the idea to fellow club members, said to his knowledge, the club had never taken on a tractor project. However, they were quickly on board.
“Nuts and bolts are nuts and bolts,” Storment said. “It doesn’t make a difference what it’s on when tearing something apart and putting it back together.”
Donated by Bill Elfering, a Umatilla County commissioner, the Massey-Harris #333 row-crop tractor had been sitting idle on his property just east of Hermiston for the better part of 15 years. While he often pondered restoring it, Elfering decided to give it to the city of Hermiston for its Funland Playground project at Butte Park.
Fetter said the tractor will be among some “authentic pieces” that will provide a connection to the region’s heritage in one of the sections of the park. The project replaces the community playground that was lost in a suspected arson fire in May 2019. Fetter said in addition to a farming/agriculture area, Funland will feature an Adventure Zone and a section highlighting the Wild West. It’s Fetter’s hope that additional tractors will be donated in the future.
With the intention of tapping into the commissioner’s connections with area farmers, Fetter asked Elfering if he knew anyone that had “a cool old tractor.” Fetter didn’t need to look any further as Elfering offered up the Massey-Harris that his father, John, purchased brand new more than six decades ago.
“I grew up on that tractor,” Elfering said. “It was what I would call a stud of a tractor. It was top of the line.”
Elfering’s father, who was the Malheur County sheriff, raised mostly feed crops, including hay and corn, as well as some irrigated wheat. In addition, Elfering has fond memories of family holiday gatherings when his dad hitched up a cattle feeder as a makeshift sled.
“Everyone squealed and had a great time being pulled around,” Elfering said.
When his mother, Goldia, was clearing out the family’s farm implements after John died in the early 1990s, Elfering jumped at the chance to bring the tractor to Hermiston. Exposed to the elements, every time he prepared to fire it up it took several days of work to get it running. A decade later, Elfering decided to buy a new tractor but kept the Massey-Harris with hopes of eventually bringing it back to life by restoring it.
“When Larry came up with a need for it, I knew he had the people to do it,” Elfering said. “I thought it was the absolute best solution with what I wanted to do and what Larry needed.”
Storment said about 30 members of the car club put their time, energy and talents into the project. The group took the tractor apart, sandblasted and power washed it before reassembling, and then painting it. As part of the process, they created some cover-ups and manufactured parts to ensure the equipment was child safe.
“It sat out in that field for a long time. We took a piece of machinery that didn’t look too good and brought it back to life,” Storment said. “I think it will be one of the biggest attractions of Funland park. I think the kids will really enjoy it.”
Fetter agreed, saying, “They just did a fantastic job. I’m quite thrilled to have it in our very cool park.”
Groundbreaking for the Funland Playground project was held July 29. While the completion date is dependent on fall weather, Fetter is hoping for an October completion date.
