247 Russett Drive N Keizer, Oregon 97303
Several years ago we published a history book about the Early
Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, Inc. Quite a few people
have asked what our organization is all about, where are we located
and how many members do we have.
From time to time we put forth this information for those who
are interested in the hobby and might not know about us.
In December 1956, Mr. Dale M. Perrill of Rochester, Michigan,
and John M. Achey, Dresser, Wisconsin, sent out postcards inquiring
whether people were interested in starting the organization. They
received a reply from five people. On the strength of those reply
cards Mr. Perrill sent out a letter requesting that these people
pass this letter on to five other people. Then Mr. Perrill sent out
a form of ballot on which he asked for a vote on such matters as a
suitable name, election of officers and other matters pertaining
thereto.
The first officers were Mr. John Achey, president; Wendell
Fertig, Larned, Kansas, vice-president; Alden R. Moural, Milton,
Iowa, secretary; Dale M. Perrill, treasurer.
The name of the organization was the ‘Middle States Early
Day Gas and Tractor Association.’ This was changed in 1957 to
the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, so as to not
make any reference to any specific location or territory.
Dues were set at $1.50 per year plus $1.50 for the directory.
Membership was restricted to persons who owned more or less
non-automotive machinery of at least 20 years or older.
It is noted that the membership on February 27,1958, was 26
members. The organization was incorporated in the state of
Wisconsin officially on April 14, 1959, and is a nonprofit
organization.
It is interesting to note (and documented) that Mr. Donald E.
Robbins, of Troy, Ohio was the first member of the Early Day Gas
Engine & Tractor Association to show engines at a show held by
another organization. We have received information that Mr. Robbins
was the first to show engines at any show. This was done in the
early ’50s and was at the Darke County Steam Threshers Inc.
Show east of Greenville, Ohio.
The first few years of the organization were spent signing up
new members, establishing the by-laws, going from a single type
organization over to the branch system, and conducting related
business.
The first branch formed was Branch One and located at St. Croix
Valley, Wisconsin. This was done in June 1959. Branch Two was
formed in Sussex, Wisconsin, in August 1959. Branch Three was also
formed and was located in Geneseo, Illinois, in August 1959. It is
noted that the membership was now at 185 members.
Well, since that time we have covered just over 35 years and
have grown to 48 Branches with over 7,500 members. Membership is
not restricted and is open to any person who is interested in the
hobby.
Any person who is interested may join a branch in their area. If
you are not sure if there is one located near you, contact one of
the National Officers listed above.
Anyone wanting more information can contact any National
Officer, also a history book is available. Send $3.00 postpaid to
Jack Versteeg, 247 Russett Drive N, Keizer, Oregon 97303.