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