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”!
Theo J. McAllister Branch 134
