HOF Members

Lana Tout

Lana Tout is a treasured volunteer member of EDGETA Branch 54 and would be a stellar representative in EDGE&TA’s National Hall of Fame.

Lana and her late husband Eddie Tout (2012 EDGETA Hall of Fame Inductee) have been active in Branch 54 since it was established in 1994. Both “found their people” in the club and it is where many lifelong friendships began. It’s true that the men of Branch 54 were more likely to hug a tractor than another human, and it is also true that each of them looked forward to a kind greeting from Lana; something ALL members could count on as a spirit-lifter. Together, Eddie and Lana found it easy to participate in club activities and represent EDGE&TA by taking on leadership roles, hosting meetings, welcoming new members, creating old iron displays at the County Fair, driving their restored tractors in parades, baking cookies, making signs, and so much more.

The extent and diversity of Eddie’s gas engine, tractor, and old-iron collection was (and still is) impressive – every item has meaning, has a story, and has intention on why it was acquired. After Eddie’s passing in late 2012, it was the club members who gathered around Lana to soften her loss. With delicacy and respect, it was those tractor-hugging men who showed up with their hearts on their sleeves when she needed help inventorying and valuing many of the items in the shop. She often hosts a coffee hour at her home for those members (dear friends), and bakes cookies for them, too.

Lana continues to volunteer for all the right reasons. She cares about the people who gather to celebrate the uniqueness of antique power. She isn’t there to just to keep busy during retirement, nor to bombast about the beautifully restored engines and tractors still gleaming in the shop. With her natural humility, Lana remains interested in her fellow club members to learn about their interests, their Old Iron projects, to hear them speak proudly of their families, and to listen for hints of challenges they may be facing.

Lana’s compassion and empathy for others are the driving force behind her “Sunshine Lady” responsibilities at Branch 54. She has been writing thoughtful and caring notes for many years to those who are under the weather, recovering from a medical procedure, and even tackling the most difficult of messages to families of a deceased member.

Lana’s kindness to others goes beyond this antique power club. For over 20 years she has been making and awarding Quilts of Valor to Service Members and Veterans, honoring and thanking them for their sacrifices by wrapping them in a handmade quilt. She has been a Cub Scout Den Mother, a 4-H club leader, a first aid/CPR instructor, the go-to team leader during a 30-year career at the phone company, a revered mom of two (now grown) kids and, true to form, a superstar grandma.

With a smile that comes easy, a huge heart that remarkably fits in her little 5’ frame, and a contagious giggle, Lana is the cheerleader we all appreciate.

Roger Becker

If there ever was a human “Energizer Bunny”, Roger Becker would be IT! He is one of our most active EDGE&TA members. He seldom misses a club meeting, parade, fair display or tractor drive. Roger always has a positive attitude, is full of energy, enjoys life, and draws people into our club, into our displays, and wherever we are with our “Old Iron”. He does not know a stranger! Roger is the former owner of Lewiston Honda, Cycle and Auto, and still enjoys riding with two motorcycle clubs, a four-wheeler club, plus square dancing. (Never mind knee and hip replacements!) He is well connected throughout the Lewiston (Idaho)-Clarkston (Washington) communities. His enthusiasm brings many extra people to our parades and fair displays.

Roger has a VAST knowledge of anything mechanical and is a “whiz” at fixing anything that runs, on or off wheels. He has restored many old engines, washing machines, and tractors, which are an integral part of our fair displays and parades. If he happens to get stumped by a repair or restoration question, he knows who to call. And, he is more than willing to help club members with their mechanical questions.

Roger has taken it upon himself to act as the club Parade Chairman. He makes sure our club is registered early for local parades, encourages club members to participate, lines up our group, and leads our entry with his fully restored Allis Chalmers, model B, tractor, usually pulling a 1-bottom walking plow down main street on wheels! At our club’s fair displays, his restored Maytag engines provide power to the Maytag washing machines to activate a working demonstration of the laundry process in older times. The clothing items used in the laundry process often bring gales of laughter from the crowd. Additionally, he will often participate in local car shows where he and his Allis Chalmers model B tractor are very popular, generating conversations about farming with these old tractors, and bringing back memories of farming with family in days gone by. His EDGE&TA Chapter #54 banner is always, proudly, attached to his display. Roger is a tireless member of our club. We hope this nomination brings him the recognition he deserves. Respectfully submitted by Jude Durfey, President Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club, EDGE&TA Branch #54

Mary Ellen Eiseman

I would like the committee to consider long time Branch 27 member Mary Ellen Eisemann of Cayucos CA.

Long time Branch 27 members Mary Ellen and her husband Hank purchased the Cayucos CA property known as the Waystation in 1974 from the Pedraita Family. The Pedraita's had owned it since 1876 after they purchased it from the town founder Captain Cass. The Eisemanns restored the buildings over many years to come after its abandonment in the 1940's. It was soon discovered that a 1903 vertical tank cooled Peerless hit and miss engine was still installed in its original place on the property. Mary Ellen fell in love with the historical significance of the engine and soon started a relationship with some local collectors. She and husband Hank then started a small gathering of local engine collectors and sponsored a 2 day show every Memorial Day weekend on the Waystation property. The Peerless stayed mounted in its original position for several years and then restored to running condition in the 80's by some of the now close friends and collectors. These same guys who had now formed non profit Central Coast Vintage Machinery Assoc in 1985 (Branch 27) surprised her at the 1989 Waystation Show by bringing out and running it for her for the first time. It has run continuously each year since at the show.

Hank, though interested, spent most of his time working on the Waystation remodels through those early years while Mary Ellen was the driving force for the Engine Show each year. They have been great supporters of our hobby and I am proud to say that the 2024 Show was the 50th year of their continuous sponsorship. Early 2024 she started contacting me letting me know she was turning over all the information to keep the show going. She and Hank had been arranging and paying for a rented hospitality tent, tables, chairs, advertising etc and donating to our club BBQ on that weekend and wanted to make sure I knew how to keep things running smoothly.

We moved the Cayucos Way Station 2 day show date to the first weekend of August a few years back so as not to conflict with the nearby Best of the West Show in Santa

Margarita, CA on Memorial Day weekend.

Branch 27 will continue to sponsor the show and this August 2nd and 3rd 2025 will mark the 51st anniversary of the Cayucos CA Waystation Show.

Respectfully submitted,
Mike McKinney–2025 President Branch 27

Rick Apple

I would like to nominate Rick Apple from branch 202 here in Tennessee. Not only was he a founding member of the branch but he has also served as our safety officer from the start.

It is hard to put into words how much Mr. Apple has done for not just the club but the hobby as a whole. He has a vast knowledge of steam engines, threshers and wheat binders along with many other talents. It is not uncommon for you to see him at a show in many different states elbow deep in a piece of historic equipment or advising otherson how to fix it. As such he is known for hundreds of miles around as the go to guy foradvice or answers. I've heard him called the Keck Dr, the branch manager of Keck Gonnerman even though that company ceased to exist in 1955 or down in Alabama they simply refer to him as the moustache of knowledge, they often turn to him for help on fixing their steam engine or thresher.

Rick is an integral part of our historic steam boiler program in Tennessee assisting and advising me along the way in the successful quest to change TN laws to better allow for more steam engines to operate safely in the state. In turn when we then saw more engineers, he helped set up the first steam schools in TN and served as an able teacher and demonstrated techniques on repair as well. Also when area shows need skilled repairs he is called on, such as the repiping of the historic boilers at the TN KY Threshermans show. Indeed his reputation has spread so far and wide that when pulling into a amish foundry and being surrounded by a crowd of Amish wondering what we were there for, merely dropping his name turned the whole situation around and shortly we were getting a guided tour of the entire operation. I cannot think of anyone who has done more for the hobby or our branch than him and believe he is truly worthy of this award

Travis
President
Branch 202
TN

“Doc” Comstock

It is with great honor that we nominate Doran O. "Doc" Comstock for induction into the EDGETA Hall of Fame. Doc’s longstanding contributions to Branch 16 and his tireless dedication to the growth and success of our events make him a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.

Significant Contributions to EDGETA
Doc has been an active member of Branch 16 of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association since 1973 or 1974, embodying commitment and enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. For decades, he has been deeply involved, attending meetings, assisting with work days, and volunteering at the annual show. In 2018, Doc joined the board of directors and has served as a director ever since, helping to guide the branch’s ongoing success.

One of Doc’s most impactful contributions has been his leadership in organizing and coordinating the flea markets associated with Branch 16. In 2016, he assumed responsibility for the flea market at the annual show, which has grown significantly under his management. Additionally, in 2018, Doc took over coordination of the April flea market, an event that had already been established but has flourished thanks to his leadership. In 2024, Doc recommended expanding the April flea market from a one-day show to a two-day event, a change that resulted in tremendous growth in both vendor participation and attendee numbers. Thanks to Doc’s vision and hard work, the April flea market is now a thriving two-day event and an integral part of Branch 16’s offerings.

Why Doc Should Be Chosen
Doc’s dedication to Branch 16 goes beyond his years of service and leadership. His initiative, forward-thinking ideas, and organizational skills have helped elevate the branch’s events to new levels of success. Through his efforts, he has not only strengthened the branch’s reputation but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie and excitement within the EDGETA community.

Honoring Doc
We honor Doc not only for his long-standing service but also for the tangible impact he has made. His ability to bring people together, foster relationships, and promote the values of EDGETA is inspiring. Doc has demonstrated a deep passion for preserving and celebrating our shared history, and his work ensures that future generations can enjoy and learn from it.

Contributions to Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition
Beyond his contributions to Branch 16, Doc also serves as a director for the National Maytag Collectors Association, further showcasing his dedication to preserving and celebrating antique equipment. His leadership and influence extend beyond the local level, emphasizing his commitment to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of antique machinery.

In conclusion, Doran O. “Doc” Comstock’s remarkable service and contributions to EDGETA, Branch 16, and the broader community of antique equipment enthusiasts make him an exemplary candidate for the Hall of Fame. I wholeheartedly recommend him for this prestigious honor.

Brenda Bartleson

Brenda joined Branch 28 in 2007. She jumped right in volunteering to help the club wherever she was needed, including working concessions at the shows and selling raffle tickets in the community. In 2012, she stepped up and accepted the position of Club Treasurer. She has served in that position through 2023, and has done a bang-up job, making club finances clear to even the most math challenged of our members.

Her contributions don’t stop at Treasurer for 11 years. Brenda has been responsible for putting together our Ad Book (show program), for years. This book takes considerable planning and lay-out work and accounts for a large part of our club’s annual income.

Brenda also maintains the inventory of caps, shirts, and other memorabilia we sell at our shows. And guess who staffs the sales table, where she sells raffle tickets, drinks, and memberships too. Brenda volunteers to go out with the raffle tractor to shows and community events to sell raffle tickets. You’ve probably seen her and husband, Al, at the Republic “Steam O Rama” (Branch 16).

The reason we want to give Brenda this honor is because she’s an irreplaceable super-hero and has been blessing our club for years with her tireless contributions. It’s time for us to show our appreciation to her for her service.

Her contributions to collection and preservation of antique equipment would include her consistent exhibition of her Allis Chalmers collection at our shows. She and her late husband Al (inducted 2023) also contributed lumber and materials to build a replica farmhouse on our grounds that we use as a museum to display all sorts of antique relics and furnishings.

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.