At thirteen years old Gary Yeager, then of Lewistown MT, published a letter, which said, “My brother and I have a Nichols & Shepard Engine. We traded an old 32 hp Reeves Canadian Steamer for the little engine and are now planning to trade it to Walter Mehmke of Great Falls MT for a 15 hp Case traction engine. He had been able to operate an engine for two years. In this way Gary introduced himself to the exciting world of vintage iron. During the half century since he wrote that letter, Gary has championed the preservation and restoration of steam engines, gasoline tractors, and related agricultural implements. His selfless devotion to this cause has not gone unnoticed. At countless old machinery shows over the years, Gary has volunteered his help. Through the year hardly a day passes that he is not posting useful comments on SmokStak and historical photographs, which he freely shares in magazines and on various social networking media are greatly appreciated around the world. From the time that Gary first wrote to the Iron-Man magazine until now, Gary has public service at the forefront of his mind. He has preserved old iron and has helped others to do so. He has restored old machines and helped others to do so. He has published articles to help others with their old iron projects. He uses digital media to reach a wide audience of aficionados and historians that are deeply grateful for his help. At shows during the summer, many of them EDGETA events, he volunteers in every way he can.
Gary Yaeger EDGETA Branch 187
