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Power of Yesteryear Club
We are a non-profit organization located in Wood County, Ohio. We are an organization of individuals who are interested in aspects of antique power. We display equipment and machinery belonging to members for the mutual enjoyment of the club member and the general public.
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History of Our Club
The first hint of the eventual birth of an the
organization that would eventually be called the Power of Yesteryear began in
the fall of 1981 on the farm of Bob Lemmerbrock.
Bob and a
couple of friends thought it would be fun to get their old tractors and plows
out and do a little “old time” plowing on a Sunday afternoon. Soon after
starting to plow, cars began stopping alongside the road and people were
gathering to watch the plowing “demonstration”. Following the days’
activities, a discussion was held whereby it was suggested that they all get
together some evening and talk about the good-‘ol-days. Not long after, the
first few informal gatherings were held on the Lemmerbrock Farm. Less than a
handful of people attended these first few gatherings. Not too long after, a
meeting was held at the home of Charlie Ford. The comment was made that if we
all enjoy this , there must be others that would enjoy it also and maybe we
should form a club.
One of the
founding fathers, Pete Schaller, suggested that it be called “The Power of
Yesteryear”. This name would suggest that all forms of agriculture were
welcome. Without much discussion, this name was adopted by the group and true to
their thoughts, many forms of agriculture are represented by the members of
today. So as to popularize the club, Mike Androvich designed the logo (Wood
County with a Star representing its county seat) that is also still in use
today.
Early
meetings were held at member’s homes. With a growing attendance, meetings were
moved to the Wood County Historical Center. Further growth necessitated the move
from the Museum to the Administration Building on the Wood County Fairgrounds.
It was during this time that it was decided to formally create the club as we
know it today. In 1988, the papers were filed and approved to declare The Power
of Yesteryear a not-for-profit organization. As part of this procedure, it was
necessary to write up a set of bylaws and appoint officers. Both Don Goris and
Mike Androvich were deeply involved in this Herculean task. With little change,
other than personnel, over the years, the Board of Directors is made up of nine
(9) members. These directors are elected from the general membership and serve
three (3) year terms.
The director’s terms are
staggered as such that each year, three (3) directors are elected. Recent
changes in the bylaws have made it such that no director can serve any more than
two (2) successive terms (at the end of a second term, a director can not be
re-elected for a period of one (1) year). At the next election, he/she is then
allowed to run once again for director. Four (4) officers are elected from and
by the Board of Directors (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary).
Elected officers each serve one (1) year terms.
As the club continued to grow, the Administration
Building proved to be a little too small and bordered on overcapacity. It was
decided that the Junior Fair building offered the additional room required and
thus meetings were moved to this larger building. Unfortunately, the acoustics
of this much larger building were not conducive to our meetings and other
options were sought. A couple members were also members of the Fraternal Order
of Police. Their “hall” was located right next to the Junior Fair Building
and was found to be available for meetings.
With some
discussion, it was agreed that the FOP Building offered us the best meeting
room. Meetings continue to be held in the FOP Building from September through
May. HOWEVER, this will soon change. Many members have felt that the club tends
to lose cohesion during the summer months and that although informal meetings
are held during summer shows, year round scheduled meetings would be beneficial.
As such, in the fall of 1999 it was voted that meetings will henceforth be held
the third Monday of every calendar month (12 months a year).
In order to fund activities of the
club, pay insurance, and offset the costs of the banquet, it was decided that an
annual raffle would be held. In 1988(?), Curt Schaller donated a 1936 Farmall
F-12 to the club in honor of his father, Pete Schaller for the purpose of
raffling it off. Enough money was donated to justify the ongoing raffle that the
tradition continues today. To date, The Power of Yesteryear has raffled no less
than 10 tractors. This years’ raffle is for a 1945 Farmall A complete with a
one-bottom mounted plow. It’s a beauty and it is hoped that everyone will come
together to help sell tickets for this raffle so that we may continue to fund
our activities. For the past number of years, we have also entered into a lease
agreement with the Wood County Historical Center to farm their frontage. The
income from this activity is not great, however, it does allow us to demonstrate
our equipment and educate the public in the farming ways of days gone by.
It is
through these demonstrations that we continue to grow. In the late winter /
early spring, we fill the Woodland Mall with tractors and related equipment. In
June, we demonstrate plowing and show equipment at the Wood County Historical
Center during the Chicken and Pork Chop Barbecue. In July, we gather at the farm
of a generous member for our Annual Plow Day. In September, we gather at SCRAP
(Gibsonburg) for their annual show. At the Wood County Historical Center during
Wood County Day, we draw for the raffle tractor , thresh wheat, shell corn, plow
and plant. Also in September, we gather at the Luckey Fall Festival for their
show and Tractor Pull. These are but a few of the activities we attend
throughout the year.
For the past few years, we have been asked to help out at
the National Tractor Pulls in Pulltown USA (Bowling Green for those unfamiliar
with the pulls). Members are welcome to work the pull in return for free
admission. Lets get this straight, it is a working weekend. By Sunday you know
you have had a full weekend and sleep is something that is much desired. Those
of us that have donated our time have come to enjoy meeting the pullers and
helping make this the best pull in the nation.
A few years ago, the club invested in Pedal Tractor
Equipment. One of the first pieces of equipment was built and donated to the
club by the late Lyle Eckel. Still in use today, the Weight Transfer Sled
remains a legacy to his generosity. Today, the club is involved with no less
than six (6) pedal pulls per year. The joy on the faces of the kids and their
parents makes it all worthwhile.
Today, we have about 146 members. As some members move on
to that Farm in the Sky, new members take their place and will continue to pass
along the traditions of the past. This has been a brief update of The Power of
Yesteryear from its very beginning to the present day. We hope that you have
enjoyed reading and understanding how and why The Power of Yesteryear exists
today as we move into the new millennium. We hope that each one of you will
become more involved in your club. Either through our meetings, shows, or
raffle. With your help, we can preserve our heritage and continue to educate the
public about life on the farm.
Click on a tractor to learn more about our Club!
See our membership policy.
Meet our 2001 Board of Directors.
Enjoy highlights of our featured event.
Meet this month's Featured Member
Check out our 2001 Raffle Tractor.
Anyone 16 and over interested in antique farm related tractors, engines, and
machinery are welcome to become a regular member of our club. There are annual
dues and membership is from January to December.
We meet on the third Monday of every month from with the exception of August
when we are all too busy with shows and other events.
Children under the age of 16 are eligible to become Junior Members. This is to bring young people into the club and to educate them in our agricultural heritage. There is no fee and they have no voting privileges. They are required to have direct supervision of a regular member while operating any powered equipment and while participating in Club sponsored functions.
[Raffle Tractor]
[Calendar of Events]
[Online Members]
[Club Events] [Featured Member]
2002 Directors & Officers
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