As the chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce the two inductees for the year 2000. Mr. Dick Tombrink from Worden, Montana. and Mr. Harry Lee of Elnora, Indiana. Both men were selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for their contributions to our hobby.
Dale Fry
Harry Lee was born on a farm near Elnora, Indiana in 1921. Like many children of his time, he helped out with farm chores and that laid the ground work for his mechanical aptitude.
Harry gave new meaning to the term “shade tree mechanic”. When Harry was 16 years old his father gave him an old four wheel cart to work on. He added a one lung hit and miss gas engine to the cart. It went through many improvements including automobile type steering and model “T” wheels. That cart ended up lasting for many years.
Harry’s collection includes some of the rarest Farmall tractors around. Harry has built tractors that have one, two and three engines, which shows the creative mind that this gentleman has. He has been active in promoting our hobby all around the mid-east and as far south as Texas. He uses a 40 foot trailer loaded with tractors to get to these shows.
Harry has written many articles for national magazines about some of his creations, life on the farm, and farm shows. Harry Lee has also taken an active role in promoting the International Harvester Collectors Club.
On June 25th, Director Dale Fry presented Mr. Lee with his plaque at the National Red Power Round Up in Sandwich, Illinois. Please join us in honoring these outstanding individuals for their induction into the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame.