Smithsonian Tractor To be Removed

When Buddy Vance and Wayne Allen arrived in Washington, D.C. in mid March they were informed that the new manager of the Smithsonian plans to remove the International tractor that Gerald McCathern drove leading almost 5000 tractors to the Capital in 1979.

Upon further investigation, Buddy and Wayne found out that a couple from California had offered the Smithsonian $300,000 to display a 1967 Pontiac convertible in the space now in use by the tractor.  They also learned that upon their deaths the couple plan to donate several million dollars to the Smithsonian to maintain the convertible.

Other news also gathered by the two AAM officers found that the Smithsonian is in the process of raising $180 million for renovations and other maintenance.  Much of the funding is coming from corporate donations.  In return they will have a say as to what is put in the Smithsonian for their donation.

Several have written to the manager of the Smithsonian about the removal of the tractor.  Many more letters and e-mails must be sent.  Also, we are asking each of you to call, write or e-mail your senators and congressmen to gain their support in keeping the tractor where it is.

The Smithsonian manager (or secretary his official title), is Lawrence M. Small, e-mail to Smalll@si.edu   Address letter to Lawrence Small, Smithsonian Institute, 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW., Washington, D.C. 20560 or call 202-357-2700.  The capital switchboard is 202-224-3121.  This number will connect you to any members office.