1928 LP 1 Ton Truck "Jitterbug"
These are pictures of “the Jitterbug” (Think skidder, dooblebug, etc). She was originally a 1928 Chevrolet Capitol LP 1 Ton Truck. Originally purchased by my great-great grandfather, William Ranta, a Finnish immigrant to Monson, Maine after William was left injured and unable to work in the local slate quarry. William used the truck to deliver slate from the quarries in Monson for the Monson Slate Company. Sometime around World War II, William and his son, Jorma, chopped her frame and turned her into a homemade tractor, or “Jitterbug.” She was then used to plow snow and mow hay at the Family Farm in Monson. The Jitterbug taught many members of the Ranta Family how to drive and made memories with generations of Ranta’s. From Jorma, she passed to his son, Bill Ranta. The Ranta Family Farm was her home from 1928 until 2022. In the fall of 2022, it left Monson for the first time in decades and traveled, by trailer, to the Old Dyer Farm in Greenville. Six months later, she drove for the first time in decades. I restored her to working order as one of many great-great-grandsons of the original owner, William Ranta. She may not look like much, but her appearance is true to her personality. She has been preserved largely out of practicality by hardworking, frugal, and ingenious Mainers. The Jitterbug's beauty is in her simplicity and authenticity, which are both traits honorably reflected from all her owners. It is a 95 year old piece of living history! Shoutout to Dean Meltz and Ray Morey for the guidance and advice!
Last edited by 1FineFin; 09/07/23 05:06 PM.
