HOF Members

Morrie Robinson

As chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce Morrie Robinson from Sedro Wooley, Washington for Hall Of Fame 2003. Morrie was selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for his contributions to our hobby.

Jerry Mac Martin

Morrie is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and has practiced pharmacy for 25 years in the Mount Vernon area. He resides in Sedro-Woolley, Washington along with his wife Charlene who is a primary school educator.

Morrie has been associated with our hobby of engines and tractors for over 25 years. His interest first started with Puget Sound Antique Tractor & Machinery Ass’n at Lynden, Washington.

At the Brooks National meet he met with long time friend and traveling companion, Chuck Watters, regarding the formation of Branch 26. These two individuals and one other were responsible for starting Branch 26 in 1987 at Alger, Washington.

Branch 26 Newsletter “Rust & Grease Gazette” was first produced by Morrie where he set the format for future issues. He has also served the Branch as Secretary and eventually President where he raised the standards for both positions.

The 20th Mid-Winter Gas-Up was held February 22. Morrie has attended all 20 shows. During the past 7 years he has been the chairman of the Mid-Winter and due to his promotional ideas has increased the size and scope of the show. Through his efforts the Skagit Valley Herald newspaper features a local collector just prior to show day, greatly increasing publish awareness and interest to our hobby.

His efforts to further promote our hobby involved the club effort to restore a tractor for a turn of the century Homestead Park in Ferndale. The county park wished to have a 1950’s Case tractor restored for use around the park for hayrides and general interest. He brought the idea before the membership and organized the work to complete the tractor. Burlington City has a parade each July, Berry-Dairy Days. Morrie has organized the Branch 26 entry during the past 2 years. Through his ideas and efforts Branch 26 has won “Best Agricultural Division” and “Best of Show” these past 3 years.

The Cascade Two Cylinder club was started 1993 with Morrie’s help. He served as the first secretary and newsletter editor for over 3 years. He continues to be active in the club helping members with gas engine problems and inviting club meetings to his farm.

Compassion is one of Morrie’s great attributes. In October 1997 Chuck Watters was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Chuck was to receive his award at the Fort Scott, Kansas National meet. Three months before the scheduled presentation, Chuck suffered a heart attack. Morrie visited Chuck on a regular basis and volunteered to accompany Chuck to receive his award and safeguard his health. He made all their flight arrangements since it was Chuck’s first flight on a commercial airplane. Morrie continued to be a close friend to Chuck and has taken him to Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, Minnesota, Albany Pioneer Days in Albany Minnesota and NW Thresherman’s show at Culbertson, Montana. These are shows that Chuck was very appreciative of the opportunity to visit with many long time friends at the shows before he passed away in May 2002.

Morrie not only participates in the local shows but also owns a Western 12 HP engine that has been on permanent display at the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. There he arrives a few days early to prepare his and other collectors items for the show. He also participates in the NE Thresherman’s Show, often arriving 3 to 4 days early to help get engines and tractors running for the show. Not being afraid to pitch in and help, he has helped get several engines and tractors not seen running for 7 plus years operating again. More examples of his willingness to promote organize and educate.

Morrie feels we should be moving away from merely storing our artifacts to using them as a means for teaching. The public should be more than attracted to an exhibit, they should be instructed. Morrie and Charlene are currently putting the finishing touches on a new museum and shop over 7000 square feet in size. Almost 3/4ths of the building is devoted to their extensive collection of gas engines, early tractors, farm antiques and memorable. These will serve as an educational source for the community. Numerous rooms include a barn, blacksmith, electric power plant, old time saw shop (crosscut and early chainsaws), bicycle, pharmacy, sporting goods, general merchandise, and hotel; all showing “how it was in the old days”.

Carl Bergman Life long collector and preservationist of antique engines and dedicated services in the establishment of Branch 30 in California.

Oscar Cooke Life long collector of antique machinery. Established an extensive and well organized museum for public viewing and preservation of past history.

Menno L. Kliewer - Reedley, CA Menno served as E.D.G.E. & T.A. National Secretary for 13 years and is very active in promoting our hobby. He is also a regular contributor to "Engineers & Engines" magazine and has published his own account of the Depression Era with his book entitled "Early Day Memories".

Charles Watters Deeply interested in the preservation of antique engines and single handily organized Branch 26 in Northwest Washington and served as it's first president for many years.

Lou Chapo Was instrumental and responsible for the salvation of EDGE&TA when all interest was vanishing and branches were dropping out. Instrumental in establishing and served as the first president of Branch 13

Tom Graves - Forest Grove, Oregon Tom was past president of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Assn. and was instrumental in it's salvation after the organization went through some struggles in the late 1970's.

Roger Mohr Collector of M & M tractors and related items. Collection consists of 70 tractors and he has a large museum of antiques displayed for public viewing.

CH Wendel Gathered a vast amount of data/statistics of antique engine records and compiled these as information for collectors who are in need of information.

Marcella Cooke Continuing the supervision and administration of her husbands well known and well recognized antique museum.

Alan King - Radnor, Ohio Alan King is the author and publisher of many books related to antique engines, tractors, and related machinery.

Amos Rixman Built and used a prony brake, a calculating apparatus which determined the horse power of steam engines under a full head of steam.

Duncan Seawright

Duncan Seawright receiving Hall Of Fame Award from National Director Dale Fry at the S.E. Regional show in Granbury Texas, 1999.

Duncan Seawright was a pharmacist by trade. He owned and operated Seawright Drug in Meridian, Texas for many years until his retirement.

In the early to mid-1960’s Duncan was discussing Model A Fords and Model T Fords and lamenting over the cose of insurance, he stated that he had a solution to the problem.) He was going to start collecting tractors. The reason stated, he would not have to license them, inspect them, or insure them.

Soon Duncan began to acquire old tractors and farm equipment. Sometimes he bought it. Many times, someone would give him the piece if he would clean it off their place. He rescued many rare pieces of equipment from the permanent melting pot. This resulted in 10-20 acres of what people regard as JUNK.

Later, he began to restore many of the items carefully and painstakingly, yet there is much still to be done. His possessions are almost a who’s who and a what’s what of the antique farm equipment world.

He organized what surely was one of the earlier Antique Farm Equipment shows and Threshing Bee’s in Texas in the early 1970’s. That first show was held on his farm at Meridian, Texas. With that show came the organization of what became the Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association. Duncan was one of the founders and charter members. The Annual show was held on his farm at Meridian, Texas for over 10 years until it literally outgrew the space available. The annual show is now held at Temple, Texas.

Duncan Seawright has been at the forefront on antique machinery and equipment since the very early days here in Texas.

Paul Reno

Paul Reno, born during the ‘Roaring 1920’s,” has an outstanding love of antique engines & machines. He can do anything from repairing a steam engine to hitch a 30 horse team of horses to an old outdated harvester. After serving his country and being discharged in 1945 he went to work in the Oakland City museum in CA and with years of diligent labor restored a 1912 Best Steam Traction engine. He worked there for 30 yrs. He then offered his services to various antique engine clubs free of charge. He is well known all along the west coast show circuit. One will never see Reno idle when attending a show. He always makes his time useful by helping other exhibitors in whatever he is able to do. Perhaps his favorite project is threshing grain. His favorite spot is standing on top of the threshing machine checking the speed of all operations. He is never selfish, never asks for a cent for expenses and always eager to give of himself and his services to anyone and everyone. Paul received his plaque at the SW Regional show at Angels Camp on June 5, 1999.

Dick Tombrink

Dick Tombrink is a key member of EDGE&TA, Branch 29 of Billings, Montana. Dick serves as the club secretary which includes many clerical assignments. As a Branch 29 member Dick has been instrumental in membership growth and building construction. Dick’s contributions cross the entire spectrum of responsibilities which has made him an indispensable club member and a valuable person to our hobby. Dick Tombrink is there to do the job and all of us will benefit for generations to come.

Mr. Tombrink was presented his Hall of Fame plaque by National Director Gus Peterson at the EDGE&TA North West Regional. The show was held June 10th & 11th and hosted by Branch 51 in Lewistown, Montana.

Harry Lee

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.

Ruth Warnock

As chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce Mrs. Ruth Warnock from Ramona, California for Hall Of Fame 2001. Ruth was selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for her contributions to our hobby.

Jerry Mac Martin

Branch 22 was formed on November 16, 1986, and in 1987 Ruth Warnock joined Branch 22. At this time the branch was still small, and a considerable amount of work had to be accomplished so the branch could become what it is today. October 1988 Ruth took over the position of editor for The Branch 22 Newsletter. For the next eleven years she kept Branch 22 members up to date on branch events along with other events going on throughout the country.

As Branch 22’s membership increased, we found ourselves displaying at a growing number of events. Changes needed to be made to keep the branch running smoothly. Ruth was right there to help. Branch 22 still needed to become incorporated as a non-profit organization; insurance issues, by-laws and safety rules needed changing; policies and job descriptions needed to be defined; and with Ruth’s hard work and dedication, Branch 22 put together all the necessary procedures to have us in compliance with EDGE&TA.

In October 1989 the Board of Directors voted to make the newsletter editor a member of the board. This gave Ruth the opportunity to have a direct influence in the day to day operation of the branch, procedures, and events.

June 1992 was the first year Branch 22 participated in the Del Mar Fair. Branch 22 contributes a considerable amount of our success at the fair to Ruth. She has taken on the job, for the past several years, of making sure we are fully staffed at all times during the three weeks we display our engines and tractors at the fair. This is no easy task because volunteers for each day have to be coordinated to cover the daytime hours and especially the weekends for the entire three-week run of the fair.

In 1994 Ruth came up with the idea of creating a Branch 22 cookbook. She worked on all aspects of the project from start to finish. This was a lot of fun and it also brought in additional revenue for the branch.

In 1996 Branch 22 hosted the Southwest Regional Show along with celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Descanso, California. This was Branch 22’s first attempt at hosting a show of this size. It took many hours of hard work and planning by many members of Branch 22, including Ruth, who helped make it the success that it was.

For several years now Ruth and her husband Ralph have hosted the Ramona Parade in Ramona, California for Branch 22 members. After the parade, branch members enjoy the afternoon at Ruth and Ralph’s home.

If working with Branch 22 was not enough to keep Ruth busy, she assisted EDGE&TA’s previous Secretary / Treasurer, Menno Kliewer, who was working on his book, Early Day Memories. He needed someone to help him proofread, edit, and type his book. So for the next year Ruth helped Menno finish his book.

On April 4th, 1997 Ruth was appointed National Western Advisor and on April 20th, 1998 Ruth took the position of Secretary / Treasurer for EDGE&TA. Since 1997 Ruth has brought EDGE&TA into the computer age. She now has all records and information, by-laws, safety rules, policies and insurance information available at anytime for any branch, should they need it.

Ruth works closely with the National Officers and with the Insurance Advisor to make sure all branches are in compliance with EDGE&TA policies. Ruth spent many hours working with Ken Green on compiling, typing, and publishing the history book of EDGE&TA. She also spends many hours working with the web master to see that current National information is posted to the EDGE&TA web site. Being Secretary / Treasurer for EDGE&TA is a full time job, which she takes seriously. Ruth is always available and willing to help anyone needing assistance on EDGE&TA matters. Ruth does her best to participate in as many regional and national shows as possible, which allows her availability to the membership and vice versa.

Branch 22 is nominating Ruth Warnock for the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame in appreciation of her hard work and dedication to Branch 22 and EDGE&TA. She keeps Branch 22 informed along with keeping EDGE&TA running smooth. She puts in a minimum 40 hours a week as Secretary / Treasurer. She is always willing to help out on any project, and she gives 110%. Ruth is an unlimited source of information and knowledge and if she does not know the answer she is willing to find it out. Branch 22 depends on Ruth more than anyone realizes. She is an asset to both Branch 22 and EDGE&TA. Branch 22 would like to “thank” Ruth for all she has done to make Branch 22 the Great Branch it is today and her continued efforts to promote the preservation and interest in Early Day Equipment.

Harvey Hilands

As chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce Mr. Harvey Hilands from Oregon for Hall Of Fame 2001. Harvey was selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for his contributions to our hobby.

Jerry Mac Martin

Harvey is what we call a Jack of all Trades. There isn’t anything he would not do for you or help you with.

Harvey has been a very strong and active member for EDGE&TA. In addition to working and helping for the good of Antique Powerland Museum where we put on our show every year.

He has been EDGE&TA member of Branch 15 and a Charter member since 1971. Yet he was really involved in many things before the club was formed.

Harvey held many positions as an officers: 1971 – 1973 he was Vice President for two years when the club formed as EDGE&TA. 1973 – 1978 he was the Editor of Branch 15 newsletter, “Gas Engine Backfire”. In 1973 he came up with a column to answer some of those question, wives dare not ask their husbands and fellows won’t ask their friends. Our new columnist, “Miss Fire”, answered many questions members were afraid to ask about this crazy hobby of ours. As an Editor for five years we were all learning something from Harvey.

When Branch 15 had the EDGE&TA National here in 1995 Harvey donated $1000 to help the club with expense. One of the things were able to do was get a kiddies pedal tractor pull going for the youngsters. Harvey’s donation helped buy the child size tractor and sled.

Also each year from September to May on the last Saturday of the month, he has Branch 15 Saturday classes (coffee & donuts) with helpful hints how too restore, replace parts, and compete restoration on engines and tractors. Their projects included: a paint job, ignition systems; spark plugs and igniters; pouring babbitt; welding; methods of repairing pistons rings and bore; buzz coils; mags and timing; mag charger; valves, seals, and guides; and building fuel tanks. There is all ways a full house!

For the EDGE&TA National, Harvey was Sec/Treasure in 1976. He was elected Sec/Treasure for ten years until 1986. He had a perfect attendance record, missing only one National meeting. in 1983 because he was recuperating from surgery.

Back in 1977 Harvey, along with help from several others, traveled to Grinned, Iowa and retrieved the Nationals bank account and records. Until that time, National had been operating for years without any funds.

The National Association had bogged down to almost no activity, with no National officers showing up at the 1976 National Meeting Hosted by Branch 15. Many Branches had dropped out due to dissatisfaction with the National’s lack of response to requests from the Branches. New officers were promptly elected and the ball got rolling again. Louis Chapo, President and Harvey Hilands, Sec/Treasure began an immediate drive to get the National back on its feet. I dare say the National as a whole would not have survived had it not been for Harvey’s intense, professional and caring attention.

Harvey’s contributions to preservation is how Antique Powerland Museum has grown so quickly. His donations of time and money have made several projects manageable. Harvey, being a plumber, donated hours of work building our first indoor restroom and showers.

Other items and equipment which were purchased for us to use are very important: two forklifts, a road grader, a ditch witch, a backhoe, and three golf cart style work vehicles to zip around the grounds with. The latest most recent donation for the club and Antique Powerland was paying for a beautiful 150’ X 40’ building for our big, big engines. Due to his generosity, this will allow us to display and run engines all year long.

Harvey is not a person that looks for a thank you. Harvey is one of our best supporters and you will always find him working to better our Club. Harvey has a great collection of light plants but is so busy helping others that he seldom has a chance to play with them. Thank heavens what most of us think is hard work, is what Harvey thinks is play. He enjoys watching others having fun with their hobbies and helping them to restore and preserve parts of the past. We would not have accomplished so much if it hadn’t been for Harveys outstanding donations and being involved with Branch 15, the National, and Antique Powerland Museum.

Note: Harvey passed away September 1, 2001. To read more Click Here!

Blair Dollery

As chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce Mr. Blair Dollery from Wisconsin for Hall Of Fame 2001. Blair was selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for his contributions to our hobby.

Jerry Mac Martin

Blair was one of the Charter Members of Branch 1 and EDGE&TA. Blair along with John Achey, Dennis Magnuson, Henry Sawer, Carl Mortenson, Arvid Stark, Clark Christenson and others sat down in John Acheys house in Dresser WI and organized and incorporated the national of EDGE&TA. Most of the members were local but they had some from Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

Blair has been active since that day in Branch 1. He has held the position of Vice President and also been a director a number of times. You can always see him at all the local shows with an engine or two.

Blair is also actively involved with the Minnesota transportation museum at its six sites. Blair lives and farms near Richmond Wisconsin with his wife, Eleanor.

Bill Neatherlin

As chairperson for the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Hall of Fame I am proud to announce Bill Neatherlin from Diamond Springs, California for Hall Of Fame 2002. Bill was selected from an extensive list of nominees and selected for his contributions to our hobby. His daughter, Kathy Seed, accepted Bills award.

Jerry Mac Martin

Bill joined the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Branch 13, in 1974 after his neighbor Charles Wallace got him interested in collecting and restoring old iron. Over the years, Bill collected more than 50 engines and several tractors. He could always be counted on to bring something interesting to every show. From the beginning, Bill worked to help his fellow hobbyists and to educate the general public about our activities. Bill served as editor of the Branch 13 Chugger newsletter in 1983 and 1984. He was president of Branch 13 for four years, 1986-1989, a time in which the membership grew tremendously. He was a perfectionist, attending to the organizational details to make sure things went smoothly and everyone had a good time. Bill served as Chairman of the 1993 EDGE & TA National Show and Meeting at Grass Valley, overseeing the production of one of the best National Shows in memory. He also was Branch 13’s National Director in 1994-1995.

On a personal level, Bill was born in Oklahoma in 1928. At the age of 17, Bill took off for California to start a life of his own. He worked at Placerville Lumber Co., doing everything from felling trees to general yard work. Eventually he became a sawyer, where in 1960 he helped construct and operate the first automated sawmill in California. Bill first met his wife Dollie at the age of 14. After several years of courting, they married in 1947. Bill was a dedicated family man and was very close to Dollie, as well as his two daughters, Karen and Kathy, four grandsons, and one great grandson. He passed away April 18, 1995.

Bill served as National President of EDGE & TA from 1988 to1989. He was the second Branch 13 member to serve as National President and during his term, he vigorously promoted the goals of the organization throughout the country.

Bill was always friendly, outgoing, and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of his engine and tractor friends, not only here, but throughout the nation. He attended most of the National Shows and knew people and had friends in almost every branch. He believed in the gas engine and tractor hobby and worked hard to increase the national membership, to encourage the growth of new branches, and to make the entire organization successful. He often did this at his own expense and was willing to cut short his own play time with his engines to do so. He was a tremendous supporter of new members and went out of his way to help them whenever he could. We were privileged to have been in his company. His standards and leadership are one of the cornerstones of our Branch.

As an EDGE&TA member, Branch Officer, and National Officer, Bill Neatherlin distinguished himself greatly through his active leadership at both the Branch and the National levels. He worked tirelessly promoting our hobby, serving the membership, and made significant contributions in leading the National Association toward the future. His efforts, contributions and memory are truly deserving of special recognition.