Pres. 3711 S. Hampton Dr., Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
In the late 1950s a group of engine collectors around the
Geneseo, Illinois area had been organized by the Early Day Gas
Engine Club, as Branch #2.
In 1965 the Antique Engine And Tractor Association Inc., was
chartered as a non-profit organization dedicated to the
preservation, restoration and display of operating antique farm
machinery and related items of interest.
With the annual show being held at different locations over the
years, the loss of older members, and the club not attracting
younger people as new members, a permanent building and show site
was needed to ensure the club’s future.
An invitation came to the Antique Engine And Tractor
Association, Inc. from the mayor and city fathers of Atkinson,
Illinois in the spring of 1980 to help in the sesquicentennial
celebration of the town.
Plenty of work was done by members of both organizations to
level off a strip mine area, pick up rocks, and seed the site.
After the 2 day celebration was over, when the last items had been
put away, and the dust had settled, a label of success was put on
the event.
Early in 1981, the Antique Engine and Tractor Association Inc.
and the city of Atkinson sponsered the first annual Atkinson
Illinois Agricultural Heritage Days. This event was also held on
the strip mine site, and was a success.
Because the strip mine site was no longer available for the
third annual Agricultural Heritage Days, the city fathers made a
larger site available on land owned by the town on the northwest
edge.
By the time the fourth annual Agricultural Heritage Days rolled
around, a permanent agreement was being discussed. In May 1985, the
Atkinson City Council voted to grant a 20 year lease for one dollar
per year, on a five acre plot of land.
The Antique Engine and Tractor Association Inc. board and the
officers were directed by the members to enter an agreement with
the city by proposing a permanent building on the grounds.
After all the affairs were put in order, the lease was signed by
both parties. In July 1985, the Antique Engine and Tractor
Association Inc. took possession of a tan building trimmed in brown
which measured 45′ X 60′. That same week, members made
arrangements for floor fill and ramps at the entrances. In the
meantime, the electricity was installed. With seeding, mowing, and
lots of rain, a nice green cover was present on the grounds. For an
antique water pumping display, a 24-foot-deep tube was installed
and a pump and pump-jack attached to it to be run by a gas
engine.
The first day of the 24th annual show came with a pancake and
sausage breakfast starting at 6 A.M. At 9 A.M. the mayor, the
president of the Atkinson State Bank, and Board of Officers of the
club started the building dedication ceremony. After speeches were
heard, rosette dedication ribbons were handed out by the club
president.
A Waterloo 1 HP engine and a John Deere ‘A’ tractor
stood ready to break a club colors streamer ribbon fastened to each
from a stake in the center of the building’s mail entrance.
After the engines were started and their representative halves
broken, all present, waved to the camera for a photograph, marking
the opening of permanent site agreement, a stronger commitment is
seen in the membership for a future of its club.
Many personal contributors, extra work on the show’s food
line, bake sale, popping pop corn and the consignment auction, all
will help to pay off the mortgage the board and officers has
signed, and will help to make improvements on the site.
In 1986, we’ll hold our 25th Annual Show August 14-17.
