This month we feature a quality General Motors truck still being used at it was designed. This “new” 75 year old still fulfills what the original buyer needed, to carry merchandise. It has always been used in close vicinity of southcentral Maine helping its owners in their hauling needs.
This special truck is a 1948 GMC 1 ½ ton flatbed with the gross capacity of about 14,000 lbs. The proud owner is Tony Leavitt of Wayne, Maine.
Tony Leavitt and his 1948 GMC
Several years ago he decided the best truck to have in his type business was of the 1950’s vintage that could help in their family Hazel Hill Apple Orchard and also be an attention getter driving in local parades and being seen at nearby farm shows.
Harvesting Apples 
Memorial Day Parade
Tony, not a person with a background of 1940’s and 1950’s trucks, studied most brands that were popular in the early years. The availability of replacement parts was the largest requirement. The show had to go on with limited down time if a repair was needed.
The final choice was a limited rust, 1948 GMC. As time went on Tony realized he could not have made a better decision!
When He Bought It 
Restored
Fortunately, Tony and most of their local residents are aware of Ralph Walton, a very special local person that can fix or restore most anything. (Many years ago these gifted people were the town Blacksmith.)
Ralph certainly did a wonderful restoration on this once neglected work truck. Tony knew Ralph would occasionally have other jobs to help local residents, so thus what became a 3 year project was well worth the wait.
This 1 ½ ton GMC filled the requirements for the family owned orchard. It had proven itself for many, many years as a cemetery monument hauler carrying much more tombstone weight than Tony would ever need. However, the real deciding factor was the tailgate that could lift quantities by a PTO attached to the GMC’s 4 speed transmission. With the factory lever in the cab, Tony can raise and lower larger containers of apples in his orchard. (Even more of an “attention getting” feature on this 75 year old truck.)
The PTO on the side of the 4 speed transmission. It operates the large cylinder that lifts the tailgate.
Power lift Tailgate in the up position.
The Finished Product: Brewster Green (most popular color in those days), 248 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder full oil pressure engine, 4 speed transmission, and 137”wheel base. The flat bed with PTO power lift tailgate makes this package just right for the Hazel Hill Orchard and local shows.
The 248 cubic 6 cylinder provides necessary power.
It has the optional 5 window cab with deluxe stainless trim on both sides of the door windows and on the perimeter windshield. The grille and front emblem were originally chrome, but badly rusted. Tony decided on painting them white, which fits really well with the color scheme!
As people look at this special Orchard truck it appears much like in the early years: clean, dependable, and it gets much advertising for the local well known Hazel Hill Orchard.
Here's Looking at You! 
Truck Rear with Gate in Up Position
Meet Tony Leavitt – Almost a One-Man Show
During our interview on his 1948 GMC, it was quick to realize Tony is a very special person. He was blessed with so much ambition / energy and uses it whenever he sees a need.
Yes, his GMC is a great vehicle but it is all because Tony goes the extra step to make his projects successful. He and his fiancé Michelle have over 300 fruit trees in the towns of Turner and Wayne. It is referred to as Hazel Hill Orchard named after his grandmother, Hazel Leavitt. It exists where it was first begun, by her home!
From the Orchard the Leavitt’s market their apples to local commercial buyers, and local drive by customers. Following long-passed down family recipes, Tony and Michelle make and package apple butter, applesauce, apple nut cake and over 100 fresh baked pies each year in their home pantry. Several more successful home-grown products from the farm are canned pickles, beets, and tomato sauce!
Residents can also “tag a tree” for a season and it is theirs to watch and harvest apples. A sign is posted to show they are the owners for that year. “These years are never forgotten by the children that get to be a part of this involvement with their families.”
Crate of apples being hoisted with lift gate at Hazel Hill Orchard. Tony’s mom’s house in the background.
During warmer months in Maine it is not unusual for Tony and his 1948 GMC to be involved in business 18 hours a day.
In other months he will be pruning, removing the created brush, mowing between the apple trees and whatever is needed. Yes, his GMC 1 ½ ton is right with him making his work more successful.
Over the years, he created another way of marketing apples and related products. Near the orchard by the main road is a very attractive sign. An arrow points toward an “unmanned” farm stand. Here, apples sell by the bag (5, 10 & 20 lbs.), as is their packaged apple sauce, apple butter, fresh baked pies, apple nut cake, and misc. The prices are posted and the money box is built into the booth. Tony says so far there has never been a theft in this successful booth. Great compliment for the state of Maine!
Orchard Sign Beside the Highway 
Tail Gate in Usual Position
During our involved discussion with Tony, he mentioned what he felt was some other very interesting information.
The Leavitt family first came from Europe to Hingham, Massachusetts in 1632. Tony’s ancestors moved to what would later be called the state of Maine in 1778. Tony is 11th generation of his family in America and 7th generation still farming on a portion of the Leavitt Farm started in 1797.
This family has made a very positive impression on the locals. Five generations ago one very successful Leavitt moved back from New York to retire. He then donated a very large amount to build the areas first stand-alone high school in 1896. Though a new larger high school has since been built, the original Leavitt Institute is well taken care of and now houses the local historical society and public library!
Restored Old Leavitt High School 
New High School Named For a Leavitt Family Member
The Big Surprise of All
Tony’s other big responsibility: He is a full time 7th and 8th grade public school science teacher! But that’s another big story, such as his past generation being so supportive of public education that the town’s high school is still named Leavitt.
Maybe a Long Article
This article became longer but with the discovered additions from Tony Leavitt, it seemed appropriate to carry on beyond the 1948 GMC.
To contact Tony email at: hazelhillorchard@gmail.com
