KING CITY — A rare and beautifully restored steam-powered tractor has found its new home at the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), thanks to the generosity of Jenny Edson Sterling and the dedicated efforts of the museum’s board to preserve Monterey County’s agricultural heritage.
The tractor was originally built in 1965 by Elmer Allshouse to replicate the massive, smoke-belching steam tractors of the early 1900s. Decades later, it was acquired by the late Gordon Sterling, a U.S. Navy veteran and HVAC specialist whose true passion was history and machinery.
When Gordon Sterling discovered the tractor in a state of disrepair, he dropped everything else to bring it back to life.
“Gordon had lots of projects going, but once he found that steam tractor, everything else stopped,” recalled his widow, Jenny Edson Sterling, who donated the tractor in his honor. “It became his passion project, and he poured his heart into restoring it.”
After Gordon Sterling’s passing, the tractor remained with Jenny Edson Sterling in Sparks, Nev. It might have stayed hidden if not for her lifelong friend and college roommate, Raye Ann Houx, who also serves on MCARLM’s board. During a visit, Houx spotted the tractor and recognized its importance.
From there, the museum’s dedicated board members rallied around the idea of bringing the tractor home. After months of emails, phone calls, photo exchanges and board discussions, the task fell to MCARLM board member Cody Bassetti, who volunteered to make the trip to Nevada.
On his own dime and his own time, Bassetti hauled the heavy tractor back to King City. The journey wasn’t without excitement — the roof of the tractor shook loose on the highway — but Bassetti refused to let that setback stop him. He secured it, and delivered the tractor safely to its new home.
“This is what community looks like,” said Teri Storelli, executive director of MCARLM. “Gordon’s legacy, Jenny’s generosity, Raye Ann’s recognition, Cody’s know-how and equipment, and the dedication of our board all came together to make sure this tractor could be shared with the public. That’s the spirit of our museum — people caring enough to keep history alive.”
The steam tractor joins another exciting addition to the museum’s fleet: a Massey Ferguson MF65 tractor and three-bottom lister donated by Bill and Penny Barbree. The Massey Ferguson carries its own special story — Penny Barbree herself drove it to scrape the pad for their home. It still runs today and will soon join MCARLM’s lineup of parade tractors.
“These tractors aren’t just machines; they are family legacies, memories and stories that shaped the Salinas Valley,” Storelli added. “Sharing them with the community is why we need support now more than ever.”
MCARLM is currently in the middle of its annual membership drive, and museum leaders are urging community members to join. Memberships, donations and event proceeds directly fund artifact preservation, docent-led tours and the museum’s high school internship program, which trains the next generation to care for local history.
“If you’ve ever enjoyed one of our events, or if this story touched you, we invite you to become a member,” Storelli said. “Together, we can make sure these stories live on.”
Upcoming Events at MCARLM
- Ghost Tour — Aug. 29: A members-only evening tour through the historic depot. Don’t forget a flashlight!
- Paws & Pumpkins 2K & 5K — Oct. 25 (afternoon): Bring pups (and costumes) for a festive run/walk at San Lorenzo Park.
- All Treats, No Tricks Trick-or-Treating — Oct. 25, 5 p.m.: A safe, family-friendly Halloween evening.
- 2nd Annual Haunted Hayride — Oct. 25 (after dark): Featuring this year’s theme, “Monsters of Monterey County.”
With so many new treasures, beloved events, and a growing collection, there has never been a better time to become part of MCARLM’s story. To join, donate or learn more, visit the museum in San Lorenzo Park or online.
