The Graham Brothers Tractors and Evansville

Michael E. Keller, author of the recently released book The Graham-Bradley Tractor: A History will present a program in the Browning Gallery at the Willard Library on Saturday, June 10th, at 1:00 p. m.

Although this new farm tractor history deals primarily with the introduction of the iconic Graham-Bradley tractor 0f 1937, Keller’s presentation will focus on the two Graham farm tractors designed and built in Evansville in 1915 and 1919. Keller’s offering will be enhanced by images of these tractors, their introductions, and merchandising.

The Graham brothers, Joseph, Robert, and Ray, were natives of Washington, Indiana. Raised on their father’s farm, the brothers first manufacturing endeavor–glass bottle manufacturing in Loogootee–was wildly successful. Following the turn of the century, the brothers established a large plant in Evansville to meet ever increasing bottle demand. The trio’s subsequent manufacture of the hybrid “Graham Truck Builder,” the Graham Brothers truck line, and bodies for the Graham-Paige automobiles will be emphasized in Keller’s talk. The integral business relationship with William McCurdy and his various Hercules firms will also be explained.

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session concerning the huge impact the various Graham brothers’ manufacturing enterprises had on the commerce, the city, and the people of Evansville.

Personally inscribed copies of the book will be available following Keller’s presentation. The M. T. Publishing Company, Inc. of Evansville is the publisher of this third Graham history book.