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FRONTIER VILLAGE GAZETTE
WMAT&MA NEWS
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2009 News Letter
EDITOR: Duane Craig
- Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
From the Officers and Board of Directors.
- Thanks:
As we wind up the year 2009, we look forward to another great year at
Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association. Many events were
held this year and all were a success, each event could not have happened
if it were not for the volunteers who make every thing run smoothly.
Our last event was Hot Chocolate Night; there were 120 visitors to
Santa Clauses’ lap. The ladies gave out about 400 cups of hot chocolate and
most of the cookies provided. Thanks to the providers of the cookies and Lillian
and her crew for all their work. A big Thanks to Santa, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brown
for their help, we couldn’t have Hot Chocolate Night with out Santa. We also
appreciate three young members Don Hill, Kenneth Engelhardt, and Delbert Watts
for all their work, they were the ones who put up all of the lights and decorations.
Thanks, Thanks and Thanks. The tram drivers, Tim Hummel, Eric Silver and Lavern
Welch with his horse drawn tram, thanks to these guys.
I can’t say enough about our Ladies Auxiliary, no mater what event is going on
at the Village they are there adding a great deal of support.
- Business meeting:
There wasn’t a very large attendance at the Thrashers Dinner in November,
those of you who missed it, you missed some good food and fellowship.
Our Board meeting was held afterwards, with the election of officers and
board members. The 2010 officers remain the same as last year, Eric Silver
President, Paul Villotti Vice President, Richard Griffith Treasurer and
Duane Craig Secretary. Bill Reitz, Chris Bolling, Joseph Villotti and Fred Lewis,
were elected to the board for a two-year term. A work day to move the bridge is
set for January 16th with a rain day of January 23rd. This is a big undertaking
so we need plenty of help. Please put this on your calendar. Work usually starts
about 9:00 AM. The election of officers was the largest portion of the Business Meeting.
- Report:
I have invited the Greater Kansas City Two Cylinder Club to be involved with the
show this year, since we are featuring John Deere. I have sort of put Wes Storm
also a WMATMA member in charge of the pavilion and display area. The Two Cylinder
Club members have some very nice restored Two Cylinder tractors. There are
several members who are in both clubs; we appreciate those who support both
clubs activities. Show time is closer than you think, so get your green on.
Kelly Fritts donated a printing press used by his grandfather Ralph Fritts
when he printed a News Paper in Amsterdam. Todd Hall was instrumental in
securing this donation and its move to the museum, with the help of several
members. Todd has most of it set up and learning how to operate the press. I am
sure he will be in the printing business by show time. Todd is one of our
younger members and is interested in keeping alive the things of the past.
He and Bob Highley put up the cash railway system in the Spruce Store.
This was donated out of the Levy Building on the east side of the Butler Square.
This system intrigued me as a youngster when we made purchases there.
I am glad it has been preserved in our Spruce Store.
Thanks Todd for all of your help and research on these items.
- Check out the Museum:
Another tireless worker is Fred Lewis the Curator of the museum.
Fred has made many displays and arranged items in groups of like items.
His display of the appliance and electronics in the Don Arndt Exhibit
is quite nice. There are vintage appliances and electronic test and repair
tools, which have been collected. Now they are in a nicely arranged store front
just like the old days. When you get the opportunity to see Fred tell him how
much his work has meant to the club. Especially in the museum, with out his
work it would just be like a flea market or junk store, with stuff sitting
around under mounds of dirt with no explanation of what it was or
who gave it to the club.
Thanks Fred.
- Editorial:
On the subject of old machines and tools, it pains me to think of all of the
antiques that were hauled to the ditch because they were replaced by something
new. My in-laws, pitched a perfectly good wall mounted telephone, it was just
old stuff to them. Some people don’t get rid of anything that may have outlived
its usefulness, and then there are those who do. This makes each of us unique,
but there have been many good home made tools and what was state of the art
utensils of the past that have vanished with out younger generations getting to
appreciate what people had to work with and the ingenuity of our grandparents,
when they made a tool or device to make job easier. My anvil when I was a
youngster on the farm was a piece of railroad track. I shaped and repaired many
items on that old piece of iron. Think before you discard some old tool or
homemade utensil, could I share this with those who have an interest in the past.
Well I had better quit reminiscing and get this in the mail, before I run out
of time. Just remember that Jesus is the reason for the Season and Have a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Don’t forget that your 2010 dues are due.
Duane
- WMAT&MA Dates To Remember:
December Meeting --- Thursday December 10th, 2009 7:00
Game Night --- 2nd Saturday of each month.
Railroad Runs --- Every 2nd Sunday of each month. (Afternoon)
Board Meeting Every 2nd Thursday Of The Month --- 7:00 PM
March 11th Board Meeting -- Dine out at 6 PM -- Mar. 11, 2010
Spring Swap Meet --- March 19 & 20, 2010
32nd Annual Steam and Gas Engine Show --- June 25, 26, 27 2010
Summer Picnic --- August 21, 2010 (4 PM, eat at 5 PM)
Kids Day --- Oct. 5th 2010
Fall Swap Meet --- Oct. 15-16 2010
Threshers Dinner & Election of Officers --- Nov 14, 2010 1:00 PM
Hot Chocolate Night --- Nov 27, 2010 (5:00 PM Until the goodies are gone.)
Feature Tractors:
2010 - John Deere
2011 - Ford & Ferguson
Check out our web site www.wmatma.com for late breaking news and events.
WMAT&MA
Duane Craig
1001 Country Club Dr.
Butler, MO 64730
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