Rolling home: Iconic yellow tractor returns to Hillsborough Street

Two years ago, when the yellow sign was removed and the historic building torn down, many locals grieved the loss of a multi-generational landmark. Although its yellow paint had faded with age, it was never-the-less a reminder of Raleigh's past.

The North Carolina Equipment Company had stood in downtown Raleigh since the 1930s. Founded in the midst of the Great Depression by notable businessman A. E. Finley, the company provided a reminder of a time when this section of Hillsborough Street was considered 'out in the country.' That yellow tractor stood overhead as a beacon to history--untouched, while the city grew and changed underneath.

It may be hard to imagine it, but in those early days, the tractor looked very different. It used to glow above Hillsborough Street, with dancing lights on the tracts that made it appear to be rolling through the night.

When the sign was taken down, one Raleighite snapped a photo and commented, "Our old world came tumbling down. The building should be down by the end of the week to make room for the future whatever."

Fortunately, the owners of the new Standard building, a commercial structure scheduled to open soon near NC State University campus, are providing a new home for the tractor.

Saturday morning, restored and bright yellow once again, the tractor returned to its home--hanging over Hillsborough Street.

And while downtown Raleigh may continue to grow and change beneath the landmark, there's a comfort in knowing generations of Raleighites will continue the legacy of pointing at the iconic yellow sign as they drive down Hillsborough Street--and debating about whether it's a tractor or a bulldozer.