Midway Pony Tractor Back "Home" after 55 Years!

The original Pony Jr. Tractor ride!  It was the title for the K. Max Smith Enterprises advertisement for this amusement park ride.  A customer could purchase a unit of 6 tractors for $1,710.00 or a unit of 10 for $2,850.00 made by the Lincoln Pony Tractor Company  Lincoln, Nebraska.  The advertisement further stated:  "6 tractors will average $30.00 per hour at 10 cents per ride and $60.00 per hour at 20 cents per ride!"

The tractor shown in this photo is one of the original seven used in the 1956-57 Midway Park amusement ride.  The tractor was put on display by the Friends of Midway State Park at the Der Kobbler's 2011 Cruise-In car show.  The Lincoln Pony Tractor drew interest from many who remembered the popular ride. 

Each tractor was numbered and named for a local railroad.  This tractor was #7 and named for the Jamestown-Chautauqua rail line.  After their 2 year run at Midway, the set of tractors went to Lime Lake Amusement Park in Lime Lake, New York then on tour with local carnivals.  

Restored by Lakewood residents, Ken Hammond and his late father, Herb the tractor features a 2 HP Continental single cylinder engine, many refurbished original parts, correctly duplicated decals and attention to detail based on rare original photographs.  

Ken is appreciative of the many local businesses that helped with the 350+ hour restoration as well as Rick Eklund for letting the tractor leave his family.