Where The Fordson Shines

The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: Beginning of the Systematic Extermination of the Enemy of the South, The Boll Weevil. “The Boll Weevil’s march of destruction across the Cotton Belt has been one of the greatest catastrophes in the history of the cotton growing South. Either the Boll Weevil or cotton must go, so the fight is on.” “First let us see Mr. Boll Weevil pursuing his daily pastime.” Weevils on cotton boll. “These punctured bolls show clearly the deadly work of the Boll Weevil.” “Contrasting a boll unharmed, with one that has met its fate at the hands of this common enemy.” Large burst boll and shriveled unopened boll. “One last look upon the utter destruction caused by this hated and despised pest --” Field of dead cotton plants. “-- and we shall see what the cotton growers are doing to overcome this great obstacle.” Horse-drawn carriages on dirt road - sign over road, ‘Stop and See -- Fordson Tractor -- Boll Weevil -- Stop and See -- Non Stop Demonstration Now Going On -- Fordson Tractors Plowing Night and Day for 3 Days.’ “We will pass over the necessary care in early planting, fertilizing, etc., and see what is done in the fall. Places of refuge around ditches are carefully cleared away.” Workers hoe weeds. “The scattered Negro dwellings must be brought close together to allow larger field space and fewer places for the Boll Weevil to hide.” Children at play in weedy yard, house - horse-drawn wagon driven into yard. “Early in October the cotton stalks must be plowed deeply into the ground thereby destroying the Boll Weevil’s food.” Tractor-drawn plows. “With this in mind Ex-Governor Richard I. Manning, one of the best known personages in the Cotton Belt, has a 72 hour non-stop tractor demonstration staged on his 2200 acre farm.” Man on horseback and child on a pony watch plowing - Manning poses with young man. “His mansion stands as a tradition of all the warmth and beauty of the South.” “Mr. R.E. Currin (right), one of the experts of the Extension Department of Clemson College was on hand.” Two men examine cotton from bales. “Five Fordson tractors from the Charlotte Branch of the Ford Motor Company assisted in turning under 165 acres of ground.” “The fuel used totaled 468 gallons of kerosene, 48½ gallons of engine oil, and 12½ gallons of gear oil. Repairs -- one new spark plug and 4 others cleaned. One of the tractors plowed 47 acres on 87 gallons of fuel.” Plowing. [1921]