HOF Members

John (Tree) Ford

I would like to nominate John (Tree) Ford for the EDGETA Hall of Fame. John is a current and founding member of the Branch 202 here in Tennessee. He also is the Branch VP, a position he has served since the branch was formed.

In addition to his duties as Branch VP John has served in a multiple of ways to better the antique iron community. He is a past President of the Tennessee Kentucky Thresherman’s Association, one of the oldest shows in the southern region.

John also is the transportation man, he has hauled steam engines all over the state of Tennessee to shows and then back to their homes, many times just for the good of the show, seldom getting paid. This is a big undertaking typically done in the hottest parts of the year which is not a easy chore when you are throwing chains and blocks and moving 20 ton iron wheeled steam engines around. In the early days he did this using a gas powered Ford single axle semi that was underpowered had no air conditioning or power steering. At times you thought you should get out and push.

John also functions as a ambassador for our group, it’s not uncommon to see him at shows lending a hand. He often appears at shows in Indiana, Illinois and the show hosted by EDGTA Branch 169 in Cumming Georgia.

John is not only a steam engine owner he also has an extensive collection of crawlers and tractors.

I would like to submit him for consideration in the next Hall of Fame voting.

Travis Brown

Branch 202

Glynna Fenske

To the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame Committee,

I would like to nominate Glynna Fenske for induction into the Early Gas Engine & Tractor Hall of Fame. Glynna’s lifelong connection to agriculture and her unwavering dedication to the mission of EDGE&TA make her an exceptional candidate for this honor.

Glynna was raised on a ranch in Caruthers, California, where her parents farmed raisins. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of agriculture, working in the fields picking grapes, watering crops, respecting the work of tractors and assisting with ranch duties. Her childhood was filled with the sounds and smells of farm life, and she often recalls the sweet scent of raisins drying in the sun, a reminder of her Caruthers roots.

Her deep connection to agriculture extended into her adulthood, where she worked as a raisin inspector for over 30 years before she retired. In this role, she collaborated closely with farmers to ensure only the highest quality fruit reached the market. Throughout her career, Glynna has always respected the vital role that tractors play in our community, in the agricultural industry, and in feeding the nation. She particularly values the impact these machines have on education, especially within the EDGE&TA club.

Since the late 1990s, Glynna has worked alongside her husband, Jeff, serving as the EDGE&TA club secretary—a role she has taken with the utmost seriousness and dedication. Her tireless work on the monthly newsletters, shows, dinners, and countless other activities has been invaluable to the club. Glynna’s commitment to ensuring the success of these initiatives has helped elevate the club’s presence and mission.

The main reason Glynna deserves to be inducted into the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame is her unwavering dedication to the local club and the national organization, as well as her passion for educating the public about the role early gas engines played in the evolution of American farming. Her commitment to the mission of EDGE&TA and her support for the national president exemplify her devotion to preserving and promoting the history of early gas engines and tractors. She gives generously not just of her wisdom but of her time as well!

For her tireless work, her lifelong commitment to agriculture, and her unwavering support of the EDGE&TA mission, I wholeheartedly recommend Glynna Fenske for this prestigious honor.

Jeff Fenske

I would like to nominate Jeff Fenske for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame award. Jeff grew up on a ranch near Dinuba, California where he started driving tractor at the tender age of 8. He helped his dad on the ranch by helping with the hay and cotton production. He also “hired out” to neighbors for driving tractor in their fields especially during hay and watermelon harvesting. His dad had a few one-cylinder engines that they worked on in their spare time. That is where he developed an interest in all mechanical things.

He joined Branch 8 of EDGE&TA in the late 1990s where he displayed his one-cylinder engines at area shows. This led to a growing collection of engines and pump jacks. Later he added a 1936 John Deere and a 1929 Cat Fifteen which he drove in parades after making wooden pads so he could drive on pavement. He enjoys running pump jacks pumping water, grinding corn, and running air compressors. This usually leads to
spectators asking questions and him explaining how these old machines were used in farming in “The Olden Days”. He was active in Branch 8 by firstly becoming a director then Vice President and finally President. He has held that office since 2010. In 2018 he became the National Director at Large. In 2019 at the National Show in Red Bluff, California the board voted him in as National President. He has retained that position with a vote by the board each year since then.

Jeff is usually the first person to get to a show and the last person to leave making sure hat anyone that needs help has a helping hand whether it is pounding stakes, stringing rope or working on a stubborn engine that doesn’t want to run right but ran perfectly at home !

As National President Jeff has worked tirelessly phoning members all over the country and answering questions. He has been very involved in the workings of EDGE&TA and is trying to get the best liability insurance available for our members at the best price. He has also made many updates to the EDGE&TA website after discussing this with the Board of Directors. He has tried to bring EDGE&TA into the 21 st century by getting email lists of branch contacts and sending the National newsletter to each branch via email with instructions to pass it along to all the members possible.

Jeff has displayed at shows in several states including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Montana. He has a traveling show of small hot air engines that he is able to take in the motor home when he can’t show his large engines and tractors. As National President he has enjoyed attending the National Shows all over the country. These shows were in California, Tennessee, Missouri,
Oregon, and Ohio. The National show will be in Oklahoma in June 2025, and he is already planning the trip back there.

Thank you for considering Jeff for this award.
Sharon Olson, Treasurer & Membership Chairperson Branch 8 EDGE&TA

Sharron Weeks

Richard Greeno/President Presenting

Branch 52 would like to submit Sharon Weeks as a candidate for membership in the 2024 EDGE&TA Hall of Fame.

Sharon has been a member of Branch 52 for over 15 years. Branch 52 is an active Club and Sharon is a regular participant. Sharon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Branch 52. Sharon regularly facilitates recognition of the birthdays, anniversaries etc. of members and offers care and condolences if a member is experiencing difficult times. This care promotes goodwill and camaraderie amongst the membership, which we believe is at least part of the success of Branch 52.

Sharon is an accomplished tractor driver, piloting her John Deere 520 in numerous functions, including parades, tractor pulls and plow days, most often wearing her pink John Deere cowboy hat. Her and husband Skip, have several tractors which they display offer.

Branch 52 has a large presence at the Alaska State Fair including a fixed display in the Livestock Pavilion. Sharon has helped organized and supervise the Pavilion display for a number of years. Duties include monitoring the displays, guiding tours for school kids, selling club buttons, hats & other souvenirs.

Sharon and Skip spend summers in Alaska and winters in Yuma, Arizona. They are also members of Branch 206. Sharon is currently serving as Treasurer for Branch 206.

Sharon is dedicated to the promotion of our hobby and always available to step up and help where ever needed. Her participation contributes to the success of both Branch 52 and Branch 206 and EDGETA’s goals in general.

Jim and Marjorie Voyles

Jim and Marjorie Voyles joined EDGE Branch 16 in 2000. Once they joined, Jim and Marjorie attended monthly meetings and quickly became engaged at all levels of the club. In 2008, Jim was asked to serve on the board as a director and quickly agreed to serve. Jim continues to serve as a director to this day.

As we all know, volunteers are essential to making everything happen, from maintaining the grounds, improving the grounds, helping the show run smoothly and assisting at monthly meetings. Both Jim and Marjorie jumped in feet first. Jim manages one of the mowing teams – a group of individuals essential to keeping the grounds in good shape. Responsibilities include mowing, picking up sticks, spraying for weeds and other grounds maintenance. Jim is the individual in charge, but Marjorie is there with him helping every time.

Our local chapter has an annual swap meet, where you can find both Jim and Marjorie helping collect registration fees and directing traffic. As you know, our club moved to new grounds in 2023. Both Jim and Marjorie were at the old grounds on every workday, helping get equipment ready to move and were also at the new grounds work days getting ready for the equipment and helping plan where everything would go. Jim also served on the building committee to help determine what buildings needed to be built and where they would be placed. Jim and Marjorie picked up more rocks at the new showgrounds that you can possibly imagine. Missouri s known for low quality soil and high quality rocks – unfortunately rocks are not conducive to smooth roads and easy walking, so this was a big job. Additionally, Marjorie helped assemble and paint the new picnic tables to be used at the show.

One of the bigger challenges with the new showgrounds is the lack of trees. Jim volunteered his time and expertise to research which types of trees would be best for the new showgrounds, developed a planting plan and helped plant 100+ trees, insuring shade in the years to come.

In addition to volunteering for our local chapter, Jim has served as president of the J.I. Case Heritage Club and traveled throughout the US to attend multiple shows. The J.I. Case Heritage Club hosted their annual show in Republic, MO in 2012. For this show, Jim and Marjorie coordinated getting the 50 state flags displayed properly, determined where the Case tractors would be displayed and coordinated the annual meeting, including the meal.

Jim and Marjorie also host an annual event at their home every October – the Voyles Sorghum Making Days. There are typically 100-150 people in attendance. They have demonstrations showing how to make butter, apple butter and sorghum. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the demonstrations. Other activities can include basket weaving, scroll saw carving, music, tractor displays and gas engine displays.

Jim and Marjorie have an extensive Case tractor and implement collection that they share with the public at our annual show and other Case shows throughout the US. Jim is always more than happy to assist others when they are restoring their antique equipment. Jim’s help includes actual help with the restoration project and donation of parts (if he has the correct ones) to help with the restoration.

Jim and Marjorie are dedicated to the success of EDGETA Branch 16 and are amongst the first members to step up to volunteer to help with projects. They do not wait to be asked, instead they step up and ask how can they help. Jim and Marjorie are a vital part of EDGETA Branch 16 and deserve to be recognized by EDGETA as Hall of Fame members.

Dean & Mary Voris

Dean and Mary Voris joined EDGE Branch 16 in the mid 1990’s. Once they joined, Dean and Mary attended monthly meetings and quickly became engaged at all levels of the club. In 2010, Dean was nominated to serve as President. Dean served in this roll through 2022. During Dean’s tenure, Mary maintained the show schedule and kept club members apprised of upcoming events.

Dean has managed one of the mowing teams for many years. At the old showgrounds, the mowing teams are groups of individuals responsible for mowing, picking up sticks, spraying for weeds and any other grounds maintenance that needs to be addressed at the time. These mowing teams typically take 2-3 turns per year taking care of the grounds.

At our annual swap meet, Dean has collected booth fees and Mary assisted in the concession stand when the club ran concessions for the event.

Both Dean and Mary have volunteered countless hours assisting with getting equipment ready to be moved from the old grounds to the new grounds. Our club owns multiple pieces of equipment – this was no easy chore.

One of the volunteer activities at the new grounds was helping to restore and paint the original homestead that was built in the 1870’s. Mary was right there helping scrape paint and making sure the house looked the best possible for the 2023 show. In addition to working on the homestead, Mary helped assemble and paint picnic tables for use during the annual show.

During our annual show, Dean and Mary bring their barrel train and spend all day Friday and Saturday giving children a ride. Dean typically drives the Allis Chalmers IB and Mary rides in the caboose, keeping an eye on the children to make sure they are safe. There are 11 cars for the children to ride in. The barrel train starts at 9am and runs non-stop until 4pm, allowing hundreds of children to ride the train. Dean and Mary donate the use of their personal barrel train and multiple hours so the children have a good experience.

After operating the barrel train all day, Dean volunteers at the Classic Tractor Pull and is kept busy until the wee hours of the morning, making sure all the tractors get a chance to pull.

In addition to being active members of EDGETA Branch 16, Mary and Dean are active members of the Missouri Massey Collectors Association and the Missouri Allis Chalmers Club.

Dean and Mary attend tractor shows in multiple states and take working displays to the various shows. Dean and Mary have won multiple trophies for their working displays, including Best Unrestored Tractor at the Route 66 Flywheelers Club show in Catoosa, OK this year. I

t is very important to both Dean and Mary to have working displays at the various tractor shows so they can show younger attendees how this equipment works and why it’s important. Dean and Mary have worked to educate our youth about their farming heritage their entire lives and it is evident when you see their grandchildren out helping at the shows and on the farm.

One of the pieces of equipment Dean and Mary take to multiple shows is their New Holland SP166 self- propelled baler. Dean has fun showing kids and adults how a self-propelled baler works by baling the straw left after a straw scramble.

Dean and Mary also host an annual event at their home every May – the Voris Fish Fry. There are typically 100-150 people from multiple states in attendance. Attendees will see 100+ tractors on display and being used in demonstrations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the demonstrations and to ride the barrel train.

While Dean and Mary’s collection includes mainly Allis Chalmers & Massey Harris tractors and implements, there are also a few John Deere’s scattered in. Some of the highlights include a vast collection of classic Allis Chalmers tractors, Allis Chalmers IB, Massey Harris GPs, New Holland SP166 self-propelled balers, John Deere corn crib wagon lifts, John Deere Waterloo Boy Cement Mixer and a Dodge Truckster (a truck with a tractor rear-end).

Mary and Dean are dedicated to the success of EDGETA Branch 16 and the education of our youth about their farming heritage. Dean and Mary are a vital part of EDGETA Branch 16 and deserve to be recognized by EDGETA as Hall of Fame members.

Les Layton

I would like you to consider inducting Les Layton into the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame at the National Show at Pottsville in June of 2023.

Les Layton is a person that has worn many hats over the years in his support of EDGE&TA Branch 15 as well as the EDGE&TA National organization and the hobby in general.

He is a charter member of EDG&TA Branch 15, since 1971, he has held several local and national offices including: Branch 15 President 1973-1976, Branch 15 Vice President 1978-1981, National Director West of
Mississippi 1981-1986, and again Branch 15 President 1989-1991. Les and his wife, Dee, were also the editors of the Branch 15 Backfire newsletter for several years

His involvement at a national level began at 16th Annual National EDG&TA meet in 1976, when National officers were not present and concerns were raised about lack of involvement; leading himself and others in 1977 to acquire a Power of Attorney, retrieve control of the accounts and reenergize the National Organization. Les also was the EDGE&TA National Director of the states west of the Mississippi River from
1986 to 1991.

Les initiated the first Branch 15 Swap Meet, starting with 4 trailers and has faithfully participated in the event which has now grown to over 100 venders in some years.

When Branch 15 built the Wolf Iron Works building in 2016, Les was instrumental in creating the Branch 15 reference library that is housed in the upper floor of the building. Many of the magazines and books that
started the library came from his personal collection.

During the winter months each year, Branch 15 has a Saturday Class on the last Saturday of each month. Since the beginning, Les has been one of key people in facilitating these classes.

Les has also been a key person in the early years of Western Antique Powerland, which is now known at
the Powerland Heritage Park. He has served in many capacities at Western Antique Powerland (WAPI) –
the Great Oregon Steam Up- as Director of WAPI, Show Manager for several years, tractor pull flagger, parade wrangler, chief fork lift driver and so much more. And in the 50 plus years he has only missed one
opportunity to display at Great Oregon Steam Up (with great protest and consternation) as he was stuck in rehab with a broken leg.

In addition, he was founding member of Antique Implement Society (AIS) which served those wishing to make donations to further the hobby. He served as Director 1977-1985 and President 1997-2000.

He also participated yearly as part of Branch 15 at Northwest Car Collector Show displaying special engines and tractors to promote EDGE&TA – A prefect union of his love of old farm equipment and vintage cars.
Over the years Les has been an exhibitor or spectator at most of the engine shows in the western states. He also has been a traveling companion of mine and has traveled to the Nuenen engine show in Holland,
as well as the Coolspring engine show in Pennsylvania. He has as visited many of the premier engine collections in Europe, Canada, and including many collections in the Eastern and Midwest parts of the United States.

His knowledge of mechanic skills and history of the hobby are a resource that many of us often take advantage of. I am glad to know him as a friend and traveling companion and feel that he is one of the most qualified people to be considered and should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Thanks.
George Best

Duane Nelson

Duane Nelson has been a member of the St. Croix Valley Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association Branch 1 since 1969 (54 years) when he began collecting engines , pre 1930 tractors and miscellaneous cars and trucks.

He served as Vice President several times during the 1970’s and 1980’s. He has also been a Director for several terms in the last 54 years. Since 2017 he has been the Branch Membership & Safety Director.

Duane is also active in helping to produce the club newsletter which is important in keeping members informed of shows, meeting dates and important club business. Other family members are serving in other various positions, including his wife Nancy who is President, son Gary who is Vice President and son Jeff who is Secretary. Both sons have involved with the hobby since birth.

The members of Branch 1 feel Duane should be chosen for the EDGETA Hall of Fame for not only being a member for 54 years but also because he has been instrumental in keeping Branch 1 growing. He is a great spokesman who does a great job promoting this hobby and the club.

Alvin Bartleson

Al has been a valued member of our club for 19 years. He immediately started serving the club working the shows, selling raffle tickets at remote events, and serving on the “Tuesday Crew”.

“Tuesday Crew” is our name for those members who come every Tuesday to maintain and improve our grounds and equipment. Al faithfully served on the Tuesday Crew for many years until health issues slowed him down.

Al has been working our shows for all 19 years. In his early days, he drove the people wagon around to give guests an easy way to get from display to display, and helped with our demonstrations. These days, he is the friendly and encouraging face at the gate, welcoming and directing our guests.

Al has often taken on some of the less prestigious tasks of shows. Al recognized the need for more trash receptacles and supplied them, and he also was the guy behind the scenes making sure they were emptied and maintained.

Away from the grounds, Al and his wife Brenda continue to promote our club by participating in local parades and festivals. He and Brenda are often at events in Houston, Licking, Republic, and Cabool, showing off our raffle tractor and selling tickets to win it.

Al has also made many unseen donations of lumber or materials to help build and maintain our grounds and buildings. Al is not one of those high profile members who everyone notices, but he has consistently worked for all these years to improve our club. Let us surprise Al by letting him know we noticed all the things he has done for our club.

Judith Durfey

L to R: Judith Durfey, President of Branch 54, pictured making a HOF presentation to club member Arlin Colborg in 2021.

Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club, Inc., EDGE&TA Br. 54 is pleased to nominate Judith Durfey for Hall of Fame recognition for her outstanding, steadfast leadership as president the past 5 years starting in 2018. Further, Judith was re-elected to serve again as president for 2023 (her 6th consecutive term). And, in 2019 she took on the additional job of editing/producing the outstanding club newsletters (aka, THE LUBRICATOR).

It was back in 2017 during Branch 54’s winter meeting, agenda item—elections, then president David Ruark threaten to lock the exit door of the meeting room until a member volunteered to run for presidency! After a long pause, when no long-term member spoke up, Judith, a relatively new member, raised her hand and said, “Heck, I’ll do it”. She had just recently retired from Washington State University where she was one of the most senior administrative professionals on campus— serving as admin assistant to the Vice President of Business Affairs. So, she brought a wealth of talent to the presidency of Branch 54 with an impressive “skill-set” to guide the club through the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions and beyond. Her communication skills are top-shelf. She sends timely email notices to club members—keeping members posted on coming events to include our sister club’s activities, Branch 197 located in Spokane, WA and the National EDGE&TA.

Further, Judith is a “farm-girl”. She grew up on a family farm in the lower Yakima Valley of Washington State. And, after a college undergraduate degree in accounting, she married a farmer. Together they farmed in the Tri-Cities area of the state. In the 1980s when farm loan interest rates went through-the-roof, the Durfey family made the decision to move to Pullman, Washington where her husband would enter graduate school in Agriculture Mechanization and Engineering. Following graduate school, her husband went on to become the director/instructor of the Agriculture Technology & Management program at Washington State University. So, Judith has had a wealth of exposure to agriculture in the northwest over the years.

Judith has been tireless in her support of Branch 54 member collections and exhibiting of same at fair, shows and special events. Judith and her husband have collected unstyled model A John Deere tractors, stationary engines and implements like rock-crushers. She has also demonstrated strong support for the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum located in Pomeroy, WA.

Further, she has demonstrated resourcefulness in helping find new venues for the Branch 54 quarterly meetings. Her many contributions as president of Branch 54 can best be characterized as a herculean effort.