1950 International Farmall H Creates a Special Bond Between Two Strangers

Steven Fechino of Hendersonville, Tennessee often saw this 1950 I H Farmall H when it was in use on the Lights Farmstead, plowing the fields. Several years later he noticed it parked. It sat between two building on the farm, rusting away. One day he stopped to look at it and was lucky enough to meet the owner, Mattie Light. Mattie’s husband passed away a few years before and the tractor was parked there between the buildings and nearly forgotten. They visited a bit about the tractor and looked it over and parted ways. Over time a friendship formed between Steven and Mattie, the tractor grew into a constant source of their conversations. He learned her Father Charlie Ballinger had purchased the tractor new in 1951 from Langfords Implement in Hendersonville for $1,300. He had to borrow money to purchase it, something that wasn’t often done in those days. One day Mattie sold the tractor to another gentleman, however he soon realized it was more of a project than he was ready to handle. He was ready to return it to Mattie. Mattie offered the tractor to Steven and his son, Nicholas she had hopes of them getting it to run once again. In the beginning Steven accepted the H mostly as a bond to their friendship. The engine was locked up, the clutch was worn and the tires were a complete loss. He knew restoration for a non-mechanic such as himself would be difficult but worth a try. Soon Matties dream became his dream. He was as eager as Mattie to see it running once again. Steven said, “If I ever get is running I will use it to pull my square baler.” Shortly after they completed the restoration his friend Gary Davis asked him to bring the H to the local truck and tractor show. Not only did he attend but Steven asked 83 year young Mattie and her younger sister Lelamae to come see the tractor. It was 57 years after their father purchased it, and three years after Steven purchased it. The day was hot and it was a long walk in the mud, but for Steven and the two sisters it was very exciting.