Case of the Idaho Tractor

In Twin Falls, Idaho, last August the great American issue of States' rights jumped out of the history books and came alive for Farmer William C. Hulbert.

Beset by the scarcity of farm labor and machinery, Farmer Hulbert needed a tractor. When Twin Falls County auctioned off a secondhand 1940 International (list price: $1,200), which had been used for weed control, he gladly made the winning bid of $1,050. As he was about to collect his prize the OPA tapped him on the shoulder, and said: if you pay a penny more than the OPA ceiling price of $723.56 for this...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!