When Chris Maier decided to retire an 82-year old WWII tractor, he contacted White Township farmer Jake Bilyk. Bilyk, who has been farming for some 50 years, has been restoring tractors and making them better than new since he was 18 years old.

In Maier’s case the tractor is a 1944 John Deere Model A that was worn out. The tractor, which came with the Maier farm purchased in 1972, is currently on display at the Land of Make Believe in Hope, NJ as part of the park’s tribute to America’s 250^th birthday. The Amusement Park was a farm during the Second World War.

“The tractor was in need of a complete overhaul,” said Maier. “Jake has turned tractor restoration into an art. He is one of the best in America. I am so proud of the tractor, its history and Jake’s restoration. This tractor helped feed our troops and American families during the Second War. It’s an American Icon, made in America.”

According to the tractor’s specifications, it was designed to run on kerosene because of the gas storage and gas rationing during the war. Brand new it would have cost $1,200 at that time. No battery, it had to be started by hand.

“The tractor is our way of honoring the farmers and their machinery that helped feed a nation and our soldiers during the war,” said Maier.

“Chris had been asking me to do this for a while,” said Bilyk. “I finally got to it. Everything was going bad. I worked on it for over a year. You name it; I did it to fix it up.”

With Bilyk’s magic, the gleaming tractor looks and operates as good as new. 

“”I love it, it’s my favorite tractor!” exclaimed Maier.

Farming, of course, is an integral part of Warren County’s history. The Bilyk farm, family owned for the past 80 years, continues to farm about 2,000 acres across the county from Harmony to Knowlton to Great Meadows and Belvidere. Among the crops are corn, soybean, and hay. They also raise beef cattle.

Bilyk, who graduated from Belvidere High School in 1969, remembers when farming was really huge in Warren

County and is concerned about where it is now.

“When I grew up here every farm had cows, one after another,” he said. “A lot of farms have been sold. We have the best land maybe in the country right here, but if it keeps going like it is there won’t be any of us left, unfortunately.”

He added, “People these days have no idea where their food comes from. Supermarkets don’t grow food. I worry where farming here is headed for my kids and grandkids.”

There is no doubt that agriculture as well as tourism remains key to Warren County’s future. Bilyk – hopes – and wonders if agriculture will remain an important part. Meantime he will continue to work his farm and restore tractors.

“I enjoy what I do,” he said. “I will do it till the day I die.”