20070 State Rt. 119, Maplewood, Ohio 45340
The J. I. Case Collector’s Association held its annual
Winter Convention at Rockford, Illinois on March 27 and 28,
1992.
Members from across North America began gathering the evening of
the 26th. Friday morning began at 9:00 with a bus tour of Rockford
and points of interest for the women. At the same time the men
began a drive-yourself-tour to George Hedtke’s Oaks Farm to see
one of the largest Case collections in the country. George started
collecting in 1953 and has collected Case steam engines from a
small portable to the huge 110 HP Case, many threshers of all
sizes, tractors and related equipment.
Then on to Norm Meinert’s collection of Allis Chalmers, one
of the most complete in the country. But Norm has one Case, a 12-25
two cylinder in beautiful original condition, and it ran
perfectly.
Friday evening everyone gathered in the hospitality room at our
motel for an interesting talk by George Hedtke on the J. I. Case
Co., with slides and pictures. Several vendors had tables set up
with caps, T-shirts, plaques, parts and literature books, toys,
parts etc. for sale.
At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, an auction of parts, memorabilia,
books, etc., was conducted with Col. Ed Evans, preacher Axthelm and
Jerry Eirckson in charge. This has become a popular part of our
conventions. Saturday evening a banquet was served with over 200
members and guests attending. The membership meeting was called to
order by president Fred Buckert. Representatives from the J. I.
Case Company were present and told of plans for the 150th year of
Case celebration and they unveiled the logo for this event for the
first time. This was a real crowd pleaser. The highlight of the
evening was the drawing for the large cast iron eagle. The lucky
number belonged to Georgia Gamm of Bowling Green, Missouri.
The J.I.C.C.A. will hold its Summer Convention at Portland,
Indiana in conjunction with the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor
Association, August 26 through 29. The J.I.C.C.A. is also invited
to take part in WMSTR’s 150 year celebration of Case at Rollag,
Minnesota over Labor Day weekend.
