Collection brings together former senator’s family

Phyllis Coulter
Aug 29, 2021
Aug 29, 2021 Updated Aug 30, 2021

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The love of farming and John Deere tractors keeps on rolling with the Maitland family. From left, Johnny, John and Justin with his sons Jameson and Nash Maitland in his arms.

Photo by Phyllis Coulter

Neon signs help tell the story of this collection. It isn’t a public museum, but the Maitlands hold so many family and community events here.

Photo by Phyllis Coulter

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Phyllis Coulter

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — John W. Maitland Jr. realized he was a John Deere tractor collector when he bought three antique tractors at an auction almost 40 years ago.

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Collector sign — Photo by Phyllis Coulter

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Sen. John Maitland with one of his favorite tractors a 1929 John Deere GP.
Photo by Phyllis Coulter

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John Maitland’s great-grandson Clayton Hendricks peers over a tractor in Maitland’s museum.
Photo by Phyllis Coulter

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