ITEM 266AP

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By Michael E. Keller

Meet Graham brothers Joseph, Robert, and Ray, who are responsible for the “powerful, economical, stylish, and thoroughly superior gasoline-powered” Graham-Bradley tractor. Michael Keller offers a heavily illustrated, impressively researched account of the “creation, the introduction, the sales, and the evolution of the venerable” tractor. In particular Keller acknowledges the support from Thomas E. Graham Jr., grandson of Robert C. Graham, who granted him access to the Graham Farms Incorporated Archives. The book’s seven chapters provide an overview history of early implement and tractor development; the story of Graham Brothers’ efforts to develop tractors; the Truck-Builder Units to convert cars into trucks, and trucks; the relationship between Graham-Paige Motors and Sears, Roebuck & Co.; the streamlined Graham-Bradley tractor introduced in 1937; tractors produced in World War II; and finally, Frazer farm tractors and implements. Along the way the book covers Graham automobiles. It also includes nine fact-filled appendices covering model designations, serial numbers, production figures, and retail prices; Canadian Graham-Bradley tractors; comparisons with other brands; sales literature and manuals; toys, models, and pedal tractors; Sears and Graham stores; Nebraska Test No. 296; survivors; and Graham-Bradley and Sears-related clubs. The final word: The book represents an exemplary model for specific tractor marque histories.

Review by Robert Gabrick

Hdbd. with dust jacket, 344pgs., 11”x8.5 in., B&W photos