HOF Members

Richard Lemieux

Richard Lemieux has been the sold link of our club to EDGETA: making sure the club meets and/or exceeds Safety Rules and procedures. At each and every Club Meeting he gives a safety report on subjects from tractors to home safety. Richard has been the Safety Officer since the inception of the club of the Club in 2006.

When told his name would be submitted for the Hall of Fame, Richard was very reluctant stating “not one person makes a club.” However being involved in several organizations myself, I know it is that one person who keeps a Club together and running smoothly.

When the current president of our Club, Ken Foley, stepped down during annual nominations, Richard was the Vice President. The entire Club wanted him to be the President but he declined gracefully stating, he functions better for the Club as Safety Officer and all around guru solving problems. Thus I became the President.

I know no one else more deserving of this award then he.

Richard, with a group of four other people, started the Club in 2006. He personally went to Boston, MA and established our Charter and Tax Exempt status.

The faculty/grounds where we hold our meetings and semi/annually Shows, belongs to the past president. Richard became the lead and vocal person who established a museum on the property showcasing both restored and working Antique Tractors and Farm Equipment. He continues as the Chairperson of the museum, which is open to the public at all meetings/shows and other events.

At any event, parade or shows you can count on Richard bringing three or four of his finely restored tractors. He also is the one who usually pulls the people mover making sure it is done right.

I know if you independently asked any member of our club about Richard, they would say he is the constant of the club.

Orrin B. and Catherine M. Iseminger

For years Orrin and Cathy have been the \”back bone\” of Branch 54 and deserve Hall of Fame recognition as a couple.

A little history of Branch 54 is in order to explain the significant contributions that Orrin and Cathy have made. Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club was established in 1978 as Branch 7 of EDGETA and members were mostly from Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. Over time the original membership aged and Branch 7 became inactive sometime in the 80s. In 1992 a couple of the original club members started efforts to revive the club. An impromptu meeting was called and with a small nucleus of interested individuals the club became active again as Branch 54. John Gortsema, an original member of Branch 7, was elected president and served until 1998. John convinced Orrin to run for president and the rest is history, so-to-speak. He was president from 1999 through 2001. Orrin and Cathy provided the leadership necessary to expand and improve the club. Under the leadership membership increased and new members came from all three NW state: Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Currently Branch 54 has 217 members and is firmly established in EDGETA. Orrin and Cathy get the \”lion\’s-share\” of credit for this.

By profession, Orrin is an electrical engineer. He grew up in South Dakota, raised by an aunt and uncle, and was a little brother to several cousins. Growing up on a farm he was introduced to farm equipment at an early age and developed a deep appreciation for all things mechanical. Cathy was originally from California. We are not quite sure how they met, but they did and they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Most of all they are best friends.

Orrin\’s last professional job was the Army Corps of Engineers. He was the electrical engineer for the Lower Granite Lock and Dam, one of a series of hydroelectric dams on the Snake River. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Granite_Lock_and_Dam). Cathy was a professional secretary for the Washington State University KWSU public radio station.

Orrin and Cathy\’s service to Branch 54 didn\’t end when his 3-year term as president ended. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors and editor of the club newsletter, a quarterly publication that he named THE LUBRICATOR. There is little doubt but what the quality of this publication has played a significant role in the growth and success of the club. Orrin and Cathy work side-by-side to assemble, print and mail out the newsletter.

Cathy has served on the club board of directors and is currently the vice-president. In addition Cathy has been in charge of the club\’s pedal tractor raffle for many years. This project supports the club\’s academic scholarship program where high school senior FFA members, with interest in machinery, are eligible for college scholarship support. It is not unusual for Cathy to camp out 4 or 5 days in a row at shows and fairs to sell raffle tickets. Before she retired in 2008, she would take annual vacation leave to sell raffle tickets. Further, she initiated a food drive program that she carries out at quarterly meetings. Donations go to local food banks.

The Isemingers have an impressive collection of \”old iron\”; an Allis Chalmers tractor, stationary engines, model A Ford cars and truck, model engines and a steam engine. Everything in their collection either has been restored to perfection or soon will be. Orrin is a self-taught machinist and the work he turns out in his shop is exceptional in quality. He and Cathy regularly attend and participate in GEARS (Gas Engine Antique Reproduction Show) in the Portland Oregon area (http://www.oregongears.org/).

Orrin and Cathy each have their favorite stationary gas engine. Having grown up in South Dakota near the town of Canton, it is predictable that Orrin\’s favorite is a Knowlton engine. Canton was the home of Jeff Knowlton, a farmer and blacksmith. Knowlton claimed to have conceived the hopper-cooled design in 1904. He took his design idea to Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in Waterloo, Iowa, to have some castings made. The Waterloo people were extremely interested in his design and this resulted in an unusual agreement. Kowlton would get his castings at a very reasonable cost and Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company could use his design. Knowlton engines are almost identical to Waterloo Boy models (reference American Gasoline Engines Since 1872 by C. H. Wendel). Well, knowing all of this history, Orrin wanted a Knowlton engine in his collection. A few years ago he had the opportunity to buy one and it is now his pride and joy. This probably also helps explain his interest in Waterloo Boy engines. There is no doubt he is an expert on Knowlton engines.

Cathy\’s favorite engine is a Jaeger (made by Hercules). Cathy and Orrin went to great lengths to obtain this engine. Cathy proudly displays her powder blue engine at shows and fairs. Her favorite part is starting the engine-much to the amazement of men looking on.

In addition to all the other functions Orrin performs for Branch 54, he is the web-master and maintains the club\’s website: http://users.moscow.com/oiseming/lc_ant_p/index.htm. Please visit it to learn more about Branch 54 and Orrin and Cathy They are always willing to lend a helping hand to any club member that needs help/advice.

Further, Orrin and Cathy maintain memberships in other clubs and organizations to include: The Inland Empire Steam & Gas Buffs (Branch 197 of EDGETA located in Spokane, Washington), and the Lewiston, Idaho Cranker Club. Plus Orrin finds time to perform in a Barbershop Quartet called — Four Names in a Hat.

The Isemingers are strong supporters of EDGETA as evidenced by the information presented in this application. They participate in two EDGETA clubs, branches 54 and 197, and they attend Regional and National Shows when driving distance is reasonable.

It would be difficult to imagine another couple more deserving of EDGETA Hall of Fame selection.

Tony Friga

Tony Friga is in the middle.

Tony is one of our founding members and has been active for the past twenty-five years. He attends nearly every meeting and all of our events. He has served as secretary and safety officer. As safety officer, he was avid in seeing that EDGETA guidelines were adhered to.

We wish to thank Tony and recognize him for all his efforts over the years to help keep the club and it activities alive, safe, informative and fun.

Tony has donated many items of farming equipment for use and permanent display at Branch 28. He has always shown many of his rare and unusual collectble items at our shows. We have always shown many of his rare and unusual collctable items at our shows. We have for years printed a program for our annual show and Tony has always done a spectacular job of getting paid ad donations from businesses. These donations have been a significant addition to our treasury.

LeRoy Diede

LeRoy started volunteering for various task immediately upon joining Branch 13. As a natural progression of time, serving as a Board Member, and with a desire to eventually become President of Branch 13, he said he needed to know more about EDGETA and Branch 13, and there was no better way to learn than to run for secretary -treasurer, the hardest job of the whole board, a position he held from April 2005 through April 2009. Having done such a great job in that position, he easily won the job of President of Branch 13, a position he still currently holds. During this period he even made time to be the show director of our Grass Valley Gasup, and co director of our Rio Linda and Amador County Fair events. While we had been using anybody that knew how to drive a forklift at our events, our State of California decided all forklift operators needed to be certified, LeRoy took it upon himself to get certified at his own expense.

LeRoy loves EDGE&TA and especially Branch 13. He is the hardest worker in the branch and handles his leadership of the branch with aplomb, concern and patience. He is a dedicated family man. He is active in his church and does much of the building construction when needed.

LeRoy’s work ethics are to be admired and ambition envied. He goes non- stop and much of it in behalf of others. He retired from long haul trucking career due to a debilitating back injury. Surgery went as well as possible, and through extensive rehabilitation and hard work, he manages to do more than much younger men. He built his own log home with a huge workshop, which has led to a second career in cutting logs for the same company that sold him his log home kit, and hauling some of the material with his pickup and trailer. This keeps him on the road and very busy. In spite of this he still has time and energy for Branch 13. One story comes to mind having to do with a donation of some old iron to Branch 13, and when we arrived to see it found it only good for scraping. After much effort, got it loaded and off to the scrap dealer and the benefits got donated to the branch. While this doesn’t seem much, it included a couple of hundred miles, about a day of labor, and not many other members would have even tackled the job. Another time, someone donated a five horsepower engine to the club to raffle. Again the effort just to get the engine would have put off most other members, but LeRoy loads up a tractor with a front loader, drives for miles and carefully gets the engine from it’s roost without damaging the donors garage. After restoring the engine, LeRoy hauls it to many events, sells raffle tickets, all for the benefits of Branch 13. LeRoy is an honorable person with a big heart. He is a good friend to many people.

LeRoy spent his childhood on his family’s farm in North Dakota. His father had purchased a new Case and John Deere B tractor at various times. He has restored them, and now shows them at many events. He is the first one to loan either of them to someone wishing to learn to drive an old tractor, especially the young people wanting to be a part of our hobby. He has acquired another tractor project. He was the primary restorer of our Branch’s first raffle engine, and has done all work on current raffle engine. He also repaired two two bottom plows donated for our use at a recent plow day. It is obvious he is handy around a wrench. He also helps others with their projects.

James “Nick” Clements

Nick has been in Garden tractor pulling since March of 1996.

Nick was instrumental on writing the proposed garden tractor pulling rules, that was presentd to EDGETA which was adopted by EDGETA.

The club joined EDGETA in 1997, starting up Branch 91, where he has served as president since 2010.

He has worked countless hours, over the years, to keep garden tractor pulling alive in Arkansas.

He is always willing to talk, help and work with anyone with questions to help get people involved.

He likes a garden tractor to stay original in appearance and make the tractor do all it is capable of doing.

He is always working to go and enjoy the sport that many people could enjoy.

Eugene “Gene” Carr

Although not a charter member of EDGETA, he was vital in revitalizing Antique Pullers. He has served as club president and volunteers to serve as emcee at other local clubs. Gene lives 50 miles from the meeting place by rarely misses a monthly meeting.

Gene Carr could easily be described as an adventurer in his early years. He completed college as an engineer, married, raised a famiy and worked. He worked around the world including Saudi Arabia. He moved from Melbourne, Florida to Melbourne, Arkansas and after that he reconnected with tractors. Gene purchased an Oliver and restored it. He took it to a local show and one of the club members talked him into entering the tractor pull. He did well that day so began his tractor pulling journey.

Several good things could be said about Gene Carr, and deservingy so, but we would like EDGETA to consider honoring him with this award because he is still pulling and promoting pulling after all this time. His knowledge and passion for this event is obvious. You will find that he is known by most at our local pulls and his friendship is treasured by all.

Several years ago, he and his partners, calling themselves Tough Sleddin\’ Team, built a pull sled called \”Rock Crusher\”. It was very competitive. He put on pulls with his sled all over the mid-south. Gene Carr is known to many as the \”Granddaddy of Tractor Pulling\”. Although Gene no longer owns \”Rock Crusher\”, his creation is still in existence today in Missouri and still promoting the sport of tractor pulling.

Gene is interested in collectig, restoring, preserving and exhibiting tractors spanning many years and is still active today. Over the years, he has owned a side variety of tractors including Ford, Hart-Parr, Oliver 60, 10-20 McCormick-Deering and his current pulling tractor, a 1948 Oliver 70.

Matthew C Montague

I am nominating Matt Montague for the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame for his participation in, and service to, the hobby for over 20 years, and particularly for his willingness to share his experience with other enthusiasts through mentorship and collaboration.

Matt has a strong interest in tractors and engines built prior to the 1930s. he got his first tractor when he was thirteen, a 1920 Fordson and his first engine at 15, a Cushman farm master (both of which he still owns). After Graduating from Bellingham High School, he completed 4 years of Technical college as a machinists and diesel mechanic. He spent approximately five years working on a dairy farm and industrial maintenance before being hired at ARCO Refinery as a machinist millwright in 1987.

In addition to his dedication to the hobby, Matt is also a dedicated his family and community. He Married Jodee in 1990, and they have two children, David and Katlin. He has been a member of The Machine Technology Advisory Committee for Bellingham Technical College since 1996, and he sat on the Board of Directors for the Whatcom County American Red Cross for two years.

Matt has made a significant contribution to EDGE&TA over the years. He has been President of EDGE&TA Branch 26 since 2002, for the past six years, mat and his family have opened their property every summer for a shop tour and have hosted a revolving annual fall gathering for all club members.

In addition to the activities described above, Matt has contributed to the hobby in the following ways.
–Been a member in good standing of Puget Sound Tractor & Machinery club since 1978.
–Was president of PST&MA for 5 years.
–Owns and runs a 24-inch commercial corn grinder at the Lynden tractor show with his family since 1997, donating all the proceeds to the tractor club and the unsold corn to the food bank.
–Has an impressive engine and tractor collection that he is willing to open for viewing.

The main reason why I feel Matt should be chosen for this honor is for his generosity as a mentor, both within the hobby and beyond. He is always doing for others and unselfishly sharing his skills, knowledge, time, and resources (without any thought of recognition or praise): He is willing to share his experience of machining with fellow collectors and help make repairs to their projects.

From 1998-2013, he led 45 ham radio operators as the Emergency Communication Group Leader. In this capacity, he was helping people in times of emergency, as well as mentoring and leading other operators . For the past 12 years, Matt has mentored his son David, along with approximately a dozen young adults, on tractors, engines, machining, amateur radios, and search and rescue.

I feel Matt deserves recognition for his humble service to EDGE&TA and the hobby, and I recommend him for the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame without hesitation.

Thank you to the EGGE&TA board members and Hall of Fame nominating committee for reviewing this application.

Sincerely:
James L Johnson

Theo J. McAllister

    Branch 134 of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association is pleased to nominate Theo J. McAllister for full consideration as a member of the EDGE&TA Hall of Fame. Mr. McAllister exemplifies the objectives and values of this organization, and it is definitely time for him to receive this well earned recognition.

    It would be easy to define Theo’s contribution to our hobby by what he has done showing his unique Power Horse tractor and accompanying two wheeled cart at shows in virtually every corner of the country for the past thirty years. He seeks out specific shows every year that are featuring Allis-Chalmers tractors because of the relationship that the Utah based Power Horse Company had with Allis-Chalmers. Theo and his wife Zona then make arrangements with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to see which ones will be attending which shows with them. Because of this approach all of McAllister’s children and many of his grandchildren are also deeply invested in the antique machinery hobby, with many of them also owning antique tractors of their own, including one other Power Horse.

    Theo’s Power Horse has been featured in “The Old Allis News”, “Farm Collector Magazine”, “Gas Engine Magazine”, and in “Illustrated History of Tractors”. Mr. McAllister was also responsible for the two largest gatherings of Power Horse tractors ever; first when the National EDGE&TA show was held in Salt Lake City in 1996 and again when Branch 134 hosted the regional show in 2012.

    Theo is not just “The Power Horse Guy”, he also has some nicely restored John Deeres, Model A Fords, stationary engines, and dozens of other pieces of vintage equipment that he willingly exhibits and demonstrates every chance that he gets. He was a charter member of Branch 134 and prior to this Theo frequently traveled 300 miles one way to participate with the only other branch in the state.

    Mr. McAllister has served on the executive committee of Kanab, Utah’s “Western Legends Festival” for the past eight years, where he will be found happily entertaining folks from all over the world, while running his shingle mill, water ram, rope making machine and numerous other working displays.

    All you have to do is mention his first name “Theo” at any gathering of antique machinery buffs anywhere in the country, and someone will immediately ask if you mean Theo McAllister, “The Power Horse Guy”? It should be Theo McAllister, “The Hall of Famer”!

Eldon & Eric Fogleman

Eldon Fogleman

Eric Fogleman

At the November 2013 Branch 54 Board of Director’s meeting the board voted unanimously to nominate Eldon and Eric Fogleman for HOF recognition. This father and son “team” deserve Hall of Fame recognition together. Little did we know that Eric, the son, would pass away, totally unexpected, from a massive stroke on February 1, 2014. Consequently their joint HOF application is submitted with Eric being classified as posthumous.

A brief history of Branch 54 is in order to explain the significant contributions that Eldon and Eric have made. Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club was established in 1978 as Branch 7 of EDGE&TA and charter members were mostly from Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. Eldon and Eric were members (Eric was only 11 years old at the time but he never missed a meeting). Eldon was elected to the secretary/treasure position in 1979 and continued up into the mid-80s when Branch 7 became inactive. In 1992 an impromptu meeting was called and with a small nucleus of former members of Branch 7 the Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club became active again as Branch 54. Eldon and Eric were among the small nucleus restarting the club. Eric is given credit as the “spark plug” igniting renewed interest in the club. Eldon was again elected secretary/treasurer and served in this capacity until 1998.

So, it is natural that Eldon and Eric have been referred to as the “glue” that holds Branch 54 together. Others have referred to them as the “heart beat” of the club. There is no doubt that together they have contributed immeasurably to the success of Branch 54 which now has more than 200 members. Much credit goes to them for recruiting new members and under Eric’s presidency a club brochure was created to enhance recruiting.

Eldon, besides being secretary/treasurer for many years, served on the Board of Directors and is the club’s historian. Further, he is always at the front of the line when workers (volunteers) are needed. As an example, Eldon managed the club’s pedal tractor-raffle for many years.

Eric’s service to the club is also exemplary. Over the years he and Eldon have been a constant when it comes to attending shows, fairs, tractor drives, plow days, participation in parades, and representing the club. No member would deny that Eldon and Eric are among the most active members in Branch 54, if not the most active. Eric, with Eldon’s help, edited and published our club newsletter in the early years, served on the Board of Directors, was the vice-president from 2006-2008 and served as president from 2009-2011. From 2012-2013 he was again on the Board of Directors as immediate past-president. Further, Eric was the safety officer for the last several years.

Eldon and Eric collected engines and tractors together. Eldon owned a small airplane up until his failing eye sight became a factor. The two of them would use the airplane to look for “old iron.” Flying low over the country side provided them with a “birds-eye-view” of fence rows and tree groves where old equipment goes to die. On occasion they have surprised members by asking them about an old tractor or engine that they spotted in their neighborhood that they didn’t know existed. And, they used the plane to make traveling to regional shows quick work.

By profession Eldon was a bank examiner for the state of Idaho and perhaps this explains his willingness to serve as club secretary/treasurer for so many years. However, his early “roots” trace back to rural north-central Kansas. No doubt his interest in machinery came from there and helps explain his interest in “early-year,alphabet” John Deere tractors to include model GPs and Ds. You would not believe the effort they exerted to bring a model GP John Deere tractor back to life.

Eric on the other hand grew up in Idaho under the influence of his dad. They both had an affinity for garage and yard sales and any and all farm machinery and engines. Professionally Eric was a trained auto mechanic having graduated from Lewis-Clark State College in 1987 with an associate’s degree. His talents contributed heavily to the mechanical and cosmetic restorations of engines and tractors that he and his dad collected over the years. Eric was the club’s “go-to-guy” for technical help with restoration questions and gave advice freely.

Together Eldon and Eric attended many EDGE&TA meetings, especially in the northwest. They last attended the National EDGE&TA meeting in Montana in 2012. Further, they regularly attended the shows in Brooks, Oregon; Central Washington Agriculture Museum in Union Gap, WA; and attended and participate in spring farming days at the Eastern Washington Agriculture Museum in Pomeroy, Washington.

Eldon’s wife and Eric’s mother, Carlotta, also got involved with the club. For many years she served as the club’s “Sun-Shine” person. She wrote many get-well, congratulations, and sympathy cards to members. And, if Carlotta was the “Sun-Shine” lady Eldon can be classified as the “Good-Humor” man! You will never catch Eldon without a smile and a story.

Eldon and Eric’s nomination is submitted with utmost respect by the current Board of Directors and officers of Branch 54, Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club, Inc.

Ted Weaver

Branch 54 Board of Directors, at our December 2014 meeting, unanimously approved the submission of this nomination for Hall of Fame recognition for our founding member, TED WEAVER.

In early 1978, Ted was discussing old engines with local friends and fellow workers, Harold Laue and Henry Johnson. They discussed about forming an old engine club and felt there was enough interest to get one going. Needless to say, Ted was a good organizer and leader, as you will read! In October 1978, a club was formed with Ted serving as the 1st President, Henry as Vice President and Robin Tietz as Secretary- Treasurer. By year-end, the above officers and Vern Tietz had formulated the club constitution and by-laws. 1979 was a busy year, as members attended and showed units at two local county fairs and the Brooks, OR show. In 1980, club members showed again at the 2 local fairs, the National EDGE&TA show in Centralia, WA, PLUS the club joined the EDGE&TA National group, as Branch 7—obviously a very significant contribution in a short period of time.

Branch 54 is honoring Ted for his accomplishments and contributions as our founding father of the club as it was his friendliness, enthusiasm and leadership that got it started, organized and held it together initially. A change in his employment, which required 12- hour days; 7 days a week during harvest in two different areas of Idaho and Washington plus a growing family took its toll! Without his enduring leadership, interest declined and the club went into hibernation for about 10 years. In 1994, again with Ted’s enthusiasm and encouragement plus with considerable and continuing effort by Eric Fogleman (2014 EDGE&TA HOF), and help from Andy & John Gortsema, the club became active again and rejoined EDGE&TA, this time as BRANCH 54—which continues strong today with over 200 members. In summary, we believe that Ted’s significant and total contribution to the club from 1978 to today is why he should be chosen as a HOF inductee.

While Ted is a man of modest means, his main collection of 2 old saws and a Farmall Cub is first class. His favorite and “prize winning” unit is a engine powered stationary drag saw, manufactured by Appleton Manufacturing Co. at Batavia, Illinois over 100 years ago, that is powered by an 6 HP INGECO engine. Ted, as a young man helped his father operate this unit as they cut over 100 cords of wood for sale each year. This is the same saw unit that Ted started showing back in 1978 after it was given to him by his father. The size and weight of this “package” made transportation, setup, operation, teardown and return a sizable and costly task; but he was really proud of it and enjoyed sharing, exhibiting and operating it at many shows. He has personally researched and restored both the saw and engine since it was given to him and it is still very much operational, and ready to go to more shows!

In Summary, although Ted has slowed down a bit after a recent stroke, HE is the reason we have Branch 54. His continued enthusiasm, always being ready to help and be part of the club’s many activities is one reason why we are so active and functional. This is also the reason that Branch 54 presented him with a “Life Membership” in 2001, the first year this award was given by our club.

Thank you for your consideration of our club’s “Founding Father”, Ted Weaver, as a nominee into the 2015 EDGE&TA Hall of Fame.