I would like to nominate Douglas Peterson to the “EDGE-TA HALL OF FAME” for being a faithful member for over 27 years. He has been ever vigilant in the recruiting of new members, and the formation of Branch #81 and Branch #141. He has been the president of EDGE)TA Branch #141 for the past 5 years, always exhibiting exemplary leadership.
Doug has been collecting and preserving anti2que engines and tractors since 1954, when he started his collection with a l-l/2 hp Hercules engine. Little did he know, at the time, it would turn into a lifetime passion for over 58 years.
I first met Doug in 1989 at Pottsville OR at our first National show, hosted by Branch #9. Doug has attended every National show on the west coast since then and, with out fail, every yearly show at the Pottsville Annual “Father’s Day Show” in Pottsville OR; “The Great Oregon Steam-up” in Brooks OR; and the “Olde Iron Show” in Tillamook OR. Doug keeps us active in several smaller local shows, as well as getting us into the parades around Southern Oregon.
He is responsible for the set-up, teardown, and general safety at each event, along with encouraging new members. He provides the stanchions, safety ropes, and great attitude that affect each and every member in a positive way. He is always more than willing to help anyone however he can from working on an engine to answering any and all questions.
Doug’s heart is into preserving the history of farming for our nation’s youth & future. In 2004 at the National show in Santee CA, Doug saw a rope making machine and was so impressed by the way people responded to this simple learning experience that he found and bought one of these antiques tools. He has been interacting with the many thousands of guests at the tractor and engine shows ever since, by making rope for the kids and the “young at heart.”
His engine collection is quite diverse and he rotates his many engines each year so his displays are always interesting. He is constantly looking for another antique tool for his engines to run. And that Hercules engine he started with in 1954 – still being displayed and run from time to time.
If you need a part for any old engine or tractor in Oregon, you can call Doug and he will know just where he saw one “not too long ago.” He is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history and running of old engines and tractors.
I would sincerely appreciate your considering him for this honor
Respectfully,
John Johnston
Vice-President & Safety Director