John Berry and James Haynie of Ash Grove Missouri started the Gas Engine Club in 1971. They had written to the EDGE & TA and inquired as to what the rules were to join the national organization. The first meeting was November 23, 1971 at the home of John Berry. There was 6 inches of snow on the ground and it was 4 degrees below zero that night. There were 13 people in attendance and that was how many they needed to become a branch. On December 17, 1971 they received the charter from the national. From that cold night in 1971 we have grown to 150 members today. We have our show every year in conjunction with the Ozarks Steam Engine Association. The Gas Club built a pavilion on the ground for the enjoyment of both clubs.
We presently meet the First Saturday night of the following months at 6:30 followed by meeting at 7:30. January is election of officers and pot luck, February is chili and soup, March pot luck, April pot luck, May pot luck, June pot luck, August pot luck, October pot luck, November catered dinner and December pot luck and gift exchange at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO. July pot luck and ice cream is a joined meeting with the Steam Club at the Steam Grounds, September is work day on the grounds followed by meeting at the Steam Grounds.