When I was growing up, our tractors had names. Why, I’m really not sure. The big White was called Manford, and the smaller red one had a name too, although for the life of me I can’t remember what it was. Mom and Dad just did it that way.
For a while Dad had a hired man on the farm named Barry, back in the days when we grew hand-picked tomatoes. (Tomatoes which, somehow, I managed to grow up on the farm without ever actually hand picking... but that’s another story.) Maybe Barry started naming the tractors. Maybe Mom or Dad did. I honestly don’t remember anymore.
Regardless, the tradition never really carried on very successfully with our current fleet. We’ve tried a few names over the years, but none of them ever seemed to stick.
With one notable exception.
About ten years ago, I decided we needed a new tractor around the farm, mainly for cutting grass—a job Anne has always done. As luck would have it, her birthday was coming up, so being the thoughtful husband I am, I acquired her a new steed.
Now, before you judge my choice of birthday presents too harshly, this was quite an upgrade. Diesel powered, power steering, a bucket loader on the front... compared to the old mower she had been using, this thing was practically luxurious.
And Anne was indeed quite pleased with her new helper.
Within a few days, after some careful consideration, she gave her a name.
Marilla.
And unlike every other tractor name we’ve tried around here, that one stuck. Ten years later, Anne still heads for Marilla whenever there’s a job she can use her for. And yes, Marilla is most definitely a “she.” Nobody on this farm would think of calling her anything else.
So I’m going to leave you with a little question this week.
Does anybody know why Anne named her tractor Marilla?
I suspect more than a few of you will. 🙂
Farmer Rod
Manford, Marilla and one name I forgot
