Category: News

Newsletter / Jul – Sept 2023

MEETINGS REMINDER:

Saturday, July 15, 2023 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 19, 2023 6:00 PM
No September meeting
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene,
10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI.

Feature tractors for 2023
Orphans and Oddballs

SCHEDULE CHANGE-PLEASE NOTE:

The date for clean-up for the August show has been changed to Saturday July 22nd. July 23rd is rain date or for more clean-up if needed. Bring a dish to pass for the pot luck.

TRACTOR SHOW, August 4-6

Gate opens at 9:00 AM. Register your display at the registration booth. There will be a display of tractors at Jack and Susie Hensells in September during the fair. If you plan on taking a tractor to Hensells, sign it up at the registration booth during the show. Make sure your tractor wheels are blocked at the show. VENDERS need to set-up in the flea market area that will be marked off. EXHIBITORS can set-up as usual. An Exhibitor cannot sell anything. The tractor ride, on Aug. 3rd, will be leaving the show grounds at 7:00 AM this year and going to Lawton. Call Terry Bowlby for more info: 269-445-7210.

PARADE SCHEDULES

Jim Susemihl is our event coordinator/scheduler. You may contact him for details on any event in which our club participates, 269-341-3611.

Constantine Parade July 4th, line-up is 10:30 AM, on Water St. step-off is 11:00 AM. There is a sign-up and waiver form on line.

White Pigeon Days July 7th – 8th parade is July 7th, line-up begins at 5:30 PM. at the White Pigeon High School Parking Lot. Enter the parade line-up on Laird St. off US-12 ONLY. Parade kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Insurance papers needed. A pre-registration form is available on line.

Centreville Covered Bridge Days July 14th – 15th. Theme,”Hometown Country”. Parade is July 15th, line-up is at 6:00 pm, step-off is 7:00 PM

Burr Oak Heritage Days – July 27 – 30. The Light parade is the 27th. Line-up is at 8:30 PM at Front St. Parking lot. The tractor cruise is July 28th at 10:00 AM. Registration is at Railroad Park.

Mendon Riverfest August 17th – 19th.

Dues

DUES for 18 years and older are $10.00, for 17 and under, $1.00 per calendar year. You must be a paid up member to vote. Dues must be paid by end of March in order to receive future newsletters. Dues can be paid at meetings or by mail. Mailing address is Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, MI. 49120. Make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association.

FOR SALE

Mike Betz asks us to post the following: 1957 WD45. Asking $4200 OBO. Bench Seat won’t go with tractor. Have the original seat. Excellent running and working condition. Scott Magda 517/617-3398. Please leave a message and I will return promptly.

Tony Pitts is giving this trailer away. It was his fathers that he used for engines. It’s located 2 miles west of Union. Call him at 248/444-7064 if interested.

Judy Hollister, Membership Secretary

Newsletter / Jan – Mar 2023

Meetings Reminder

Sunday, January 15 at 2:30 pm
Sunday, February 19 at 2:30 pm
Sunday, March 19 at 2:30 pm

Location:   Corey Church of Nazarene,10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI

2023 Feature Tractors

Orphans and Odd Balls

From President Matt Avery

I would like to thank everyone from our club who was able to attend the Christmas party, and I thought having the card club there turned out great. It was nice to see everyone and have a good crowd.

Weather Alert

Our meetings will be canceled if, on that day, the State or County closes roads due to weather conditions. Club officers have the option to cancel a meeting even if the roads aren’t officially closed. If you have questions as to whether a meeting will be held, call Matt Avery, 269-506-9926 or Thomas Stears, 269-340-2323.

Officers

A BIG “THANK-YOU” to our outgoing officers, Dolores Stemen and Kenny Baumeister. Welcome Dawn Everett, Jay Parker, and Trent Wallace (filling Wayne Shugar’s term) for 2023.

Mackinac Bridge Crossing

Anna Eubank received word that the Mackinac Bridge will be closed Sept. 6th through Nov. 10th for major construction. The antique tractor crossing was scheduled for Sept. 9th. There are no other dates available. If anything changes, Anna will let us know.

Dues

DUES for 18 years and older are $10.00, for 17 and under, $1.00 per calendar year. You must be a paid up member to vote. Officers/Board members must be paid up by the first meeting in a new year. Dues must be paid by end of March in order to receive further newsletters. Dues can be paid at meetings or by mail. Mailing address is Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, MI 49120. Make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association.

Newsletter / Oct – Dec 2022

Meetings Reminder

Saturday, October 15 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 19 at 6:00 pm
Saturday December 3rd Christmas party on hold, to be decided at October meeting. 
Location:   Corey Church of Nazarene, 10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI.

Feature tractors for 2023 are orphans and odd balls. 

Tractor Tour

before the show. Terry reports 12 or 13 tractors made the trip, and they had a great time.

Tractor Show

THANKS to all who helped at the tractor show this year. We had a successful show. New this year was a contest to see how many men it took to pull a plow (actually plow a furrow). Eight men accomplished this feat this year. We also had a blacksmith demonstrating his craft.

Mackinac Bridge Crossing

Anna said our club had 28 tractors with 10 buddy riders cross the bridge. There were no problems. Driver Mike Henderson proposed marriage on the bridge to his buddy rider, Melissa. Melissa said, “Yes.” Congratulations to you both!

“Fair at Hensells”

As our club did not go to the fair this year, the Hensells, (club members) invited us to bring tractors to their farm and display them the week of the fair. Their garage was turned into a kitchen, people brought food and had a good time. Farm tractors, lawn tractors, implements, 79 in all, decorated their lawn. Signs (thank you Allison and Tina) directed people to stop in and look. Saturday 14 tractors took a 3 hour ride.   A big “THANK YOU” to the Hensells. 

Corey Church of the Nazarene Fall Color Tour

The club participated in hayrides, face painting, food, and games on October 9th.

Centreville Covered Bridge Harvest Fest

October 29th, parade at 5:30 pm

Visit their Facebook page for details and the registration form.

Stickley Farms invites tractors.

Stickley Farms, 1296 Wattles, Colon, MI 49040, has invited our club to display our tractors. He says, “We’d LOVE to host your club and tractors Sat and Sun October 22-23. Or just the 22 if that works better! We are open from 12-6 and will gladly give a pair of wrist band admission for every tractor or old engine that shows up. Giant slide, pumpkins, corn maze, etc is all there to enjoy!” If you plan to go, please let me, Judy Hollister, know at sjvoeajudyh@gmail.com or 269-683-9537 by Oct 19th. He wants to know if we have tractors coming and which day(s). He has a website:  stickleyfamilyfarms.com

Dues

for 18 years and older are $10.00, for 17 and under, $1.00 per calendar year. You must be a paid up member to vote.  Dues can be paid at meetings or by mail. Mailing address is Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, MI 49120. Make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association. 

Newsletter / Jul – Sept 2022

MEETINGS REMINDER

Saturday, July 16 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 20 at 6:00 pm
No September meeting
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene,
10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI.

2022 FEATURE TRACTOR

Massey Harris and Ferguson

THE SWAP MEET

was a success. A big “Thanks” to all who helped on the grounds and food shop.

SHOW CLEAN-UP

Clean-up for the show is July 23rd. A lot has been done already, but grounds clean-up and mowing and plenty of other things still need to be done. There will be a pot luck around noon. Please bring a dish to pass. If needed, clean-up will be finished on Sunday.

TRACTOR TOUR AUGUST 4TH

will leave from the show grounds at 8:00 AM. Call Terry for more info: 269-445-7210.

THE TRACTOR SHOW

The show is August 5-7. Be sure to register your display at the registration booth. Remember to block your tractors’ wheels.

AUGUST SHOW THRESHING is returning. We have the equipment lined up and need manpower for binding and threshing. Please call Thomas Stears, 269-340-2323, and let him know you can help. Also welcomed is anyone willing to learn and help with the saw mill.

FOOD SHOP: Irene Palmer heads the food shop for the show. Please plan to help out even if for just a few hours. Call her at 269-535-4737.

AUGUST SHOW NOTE: After the August show everything must be removed from the show grounds by Monday afternoon, August 8th, as Leroy has an event scheduled.

REMINDER

Our club will have no display at the Centreville Fair this year.

MACKINAC BRIDGE CROSSING is September 10th.

Anna & Robert Eubank are the contacts for the bridge crossing: Anna, 269-268-3725, Robert, 269-268-3742. Please leave them a message and a call back number and they will return your call. There have been many changes this year. For more information go to: www.mackinacbridgecrossing.com

PARADE SCHEDULE

Burr Oak Heritage Days July 28 – 31st.
There is an antique tractor cruise (a poker run) Friday the 29th. Signup is 10:00 am at railroad park.
The parade is Saturday at 11:00 am. Line-up is at Boyer field beginning at 9:30 am.
Bronson Polish Festival July 21-23rd. Parade is Saturday at l:00 pm. For more information, call or text 517-617-1269 or message on facebook.

DUES

for 18 years and older are $10.00, for 17 and under, $1.00 per calendar year. You must be a paid up member to vote. Dues can be paid at meetings or by mail or at the show. Make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association. Mailing address is Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, MI 49120.

SHOW GROUNDS OTHER EVENTS

Following are dates in which Leroy has events scheduled on his (show ground) property for the rest of the year.
July 1st – July 4th
Aug. 11th – 14th
Sept. 2nd – Sept. 5th
October 7th – October 9th
Mud/sand bog dates are every third weekend beginning in May, possibly through October.

Newsletter / Apr – Jun 2022

MEETINGS REMINDER

Saturday, April 16th at 6:00 pm
Saturday, May 21st at 6:00 pm
Saturday, June 18th at 6:00 pm
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene,
10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI.

FEATURE TRACTOR FOR 20220 Massey Harris and Ferguson

SWAP MEET CHANGE

Due to a conflict with Leroy’s schedule of events, clean-up for swap meet will be a week-end earlier, April 23rd, than previously scheduled. A pot luck will be held around noon. Please come and help.

AUGUST SHOW NOTE

After the August show everything must be removed from the show grounds by Monday afternoon, August 8th as Leroy has an event scheduled.

AUGUST SHOW THRESHING is returning this year

We have the equipment lined up and need manpower for binding and threshing. Please call Thomas Stears, 269-340-2323 and let him know you can help. Also welcomed is anyone willing to learn and help with the saw mill.

MACKINAC BRIDGE CROSSING September 10th

Anna & Robert Eubank are the contacts for the bridge crossing: Anna, 269-268-3725, Robert, 269-268-3742. Please leave them a message and a call back number and they will return your call.

March 1 – Participant registration opens
April 1 – Pre-orders for apparel on line
April 15 – Club registration closes
May 14 – Club rep meeting
May 21 – Virtual town hall meeting #1
June 18 – Virtual town hall meeting #2
July 1 – Pre-order of apparel closes
July 15 – New buddy rider registration closes. Send 6 pictures before deadline.
August 8 – Apparel order starts shipping
August 15 – Any modifications in buddy seats must be received by this date
August 15 – Participant registration closes

PLOW DAYS April 10 at 9:00 AM

Our club is invited to the Kenny Maxwell farm, north on M62 at US 12 Edwardsburg. The farm is on west side-watch for a sign.

CENTREVILLE FAIR PARTICIPATION UPDATE

The Fair Board has made changes for our club’s display and activities at the fair including relocating us to the old kiddy area which would cause older people to walk quite a way to see our display. The club’s board met and unanimously recommended we not have a display this year. It was voted on by the members at the February meeting and unanimously upheld. Anyone with ideas of what our club could do in its place (not necessarily at the same dates as the fair), please share it at a meeting. One idea shared is to have more participation at the parades.

Below are dates in which Leroy has events scheduled on his (show ground) property so we can plan anything we do around these:
April 29th – May 1st
June 3rd – June 5th
July 1st – July 4th
Aug. 11th – 14th
Sept. 2nd – Sept. 5th
October 7th – October 9th
Mud/sand bog dates are every third weekend beginning in May, possibly through October.

PARADE SCHEDULE

Burr Oak Days – see July newsletter for details.

Sturgis Light Parade Friday, June 24th. For more information contact Tim Rossman, 269-319-1215.

White Pigeon Days July 8 & 9. Parade July 8th line up will begin at 5:30pm at White Pigeon High School. Entry to the parade line up will only be accessible from Laird Street off US 12.
www.whitepigeontwp.com/white-pigeon-community-association/

Three Rivers Water Festival Parade Thursday, June 16th 7:00 p.m. step-off (Storm date of Friday June 17th, 2022). Early deadline for entry is May 5th. Entry limited to first 80 received.
www.trchamber.com/water-festival-forms-2/

Constantine Festival & parade July 4th. No further info available at this writing.

Mendon Riverfest Aug. 18-20th.
www.mendonriverfest.org

Centreville covered Bridge Days Parade, July 16th. Line up 5:00 at fairgrounds. For more information, contact Terry Bowlby, 269-445-7210.

Bronson Polish Festival July 21-23.

On July 23 at 335 Corey St., there will be a tractor show & swap meet from 8 AM-4 PM. All makes welcome. John Deere is featured.

Newsletter / Jan – Mar 2022

MEETINGS REMINDER

Sunday, January 16th at 2:30 PM
Sunday, February 20st at 2:30 PM
Sunday, March 20st at 2:30 PM
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene,
10056 Water St., Three Rivers, MI.

WEATHER ALERT

Our meetings will be canceled if, on that day, the State or County closes roads due to weather conditions. Club officers have the option to cancel a meeting due to bad weather even if the roads aren’t officially closed. If you have questions as to whether road conditions have canceled a meeting, call Matt Avery, 269-506-9926 or Thomas Stears, 269-340-2323.

OFFICERS

A big “THANKS” to our outgoing officers, Tim Rossman, David Machan, Maxine Baumeister and Terry Baker and we welcome our new officers, Matt Avery, Thomas Stears, Theresa Allen and Doug Reed.

Maxine Baumeister decided not to run for recording secretary for 2022. She has held that office for 20 years and done an excellent job. When asked a question she was always able to find it in her minutes even if it happened years before. A big “THANKS” for those 20 years! Maxine has worn many other hats in the club, also. Maxine, we look forward to seeing you at the meetings.

INTRODUCTION TO CLUB PRESIDENT MATT AVERY

I, Matt Avery, would just like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to all of our members. I’m from the Three Rivers Michigan area and have lived in the area for most of my life. I have a wife named Regan Avery and a daughter, Brianna Avery. I’m the assistant shop manager for the St. Joe County Road Commission and also enjoy helping out my neighbor, Phil Dufour. I have a passion for anything mechanical especially older equipment and automotive related. I’m looking forward to serving the club as the President and hope that, with everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to make it a place that enthusiasts both young and old can enjoy for years to come.

DUES

Dues are $1.00 for children 17 years and under and $10.00 for all others. We operate on a calendar year basis for dues. They can be paid by mail or at meetings. If we haven’t received your dues for 2022 by April 1st you will not receive future newsletters. You must be a paid up member to vote. Officers/Board members must have dues paid by or at the first meeting of a new year. To pay dues by mail, make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association and mail it to Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, Mi. 49120. She will mail you membership cards.

Whoever is in charge of the garden tractors, please let Judy Hollister know the feature for 2022. If you have a list of features for future years, please let her know.

Let’s look forward to 2022 with optimism and ambition to make improvements to the show grounds and whatever it takes to have a great swap meet and show.

Newsletter / Jan – Mar 2021

MEETINGS REMINDER

Sunday, January 17th at 2:30 PM
Sunday February 21st at 2:30 PM
Sunday March 21st at 2:30 PM
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene, 10056 Water St., Three Rivers

IMPORTANT MEETING INFORMATION

Meetings will be held at the building behind Corey Church of Nazarene (see address above). The 2021 calendar is online. Extra work days may be announced. Covid restrictions may prevent us from holding meetings. Please call or email a few days before each meeting to see if it will take place. Call Tim Rossman, 269-319-1215 or Judy Hollister, 269-683-9537 or email Judy at sjvoeajudyh@gmail.com. Those who get their newsletters online will receive an email. Below is a map for meetings.

Weather Alert

Our meetings will be canceled if, on that day, the State or County closes roads due to weather conditions. Club officers have the option to cancel a meeting due to bad weather even if the roads aren’t officially closed. If you have questions as to whether road conditions have canceled a meeting, call Tim Rossman 269-319-1215 or David Machan 269-625-7232.

It has been a very challenging year for absolutely everyone. St Joe Valley Old Engine Association has an amazing membership and officers/board members who are determined to plan the swap meet and show in 2021. It is our hope that you will renew your membership if you haven’t already and help in any way you can to accomplish this.

DUES

Dues are $1.00 for children 17 years and under and $10.00 for all others. We operate on a calendar year basis for dues. They can be paid by mail or at meetings. If we haven’t received your dues for 2021 by April 1st you will not receive future newsletters. You must be a paid up member to vote. To pay dues by mail, make your check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association and mail it to Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd., Niles, Mi. 49120.

FOR SALE

1957 vintage IH, 2 pt. hitch equipment:
257A/258A cultivator, McCormick 234 corn planter with U212 fertilizer units (also used with cultivator), McCormick UF20/30, 209/309 2 bottom plow, McCormick #28 sickle mower, #8 coil spring harrow. These were used with an IH 350 utility tractor, owner manuals included. Jeff Brazo wants to sell these as a set hoping they will go to someone who will use them as part of their collection. He is asking $1,000.00 for the set depending upon transportation. Call or text Jeff 269-689-0200 or email plasticman04@gmail.com.

Judy Hollister, Membership Secretary

Christmas Party Cancelled

To safeguard everyone’s health and comply with state COVID guidelines, we’ve made the sad decision to cancel our Christmas party this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! Stay healthy and happy. We look forward to seeing you in 2021, when it’s safe to gather again.

Newsletter / Oct – Dec 2020

MEETINGS REMINDER:

Saturday, October 17th 6:00 PM
Saturday, November 21st 6:00 PM
Christmas party Dec. 5th 6:30 PM
Location: Corey Church of Nazarene, 10056 Water St., Three Rivers

IMPORTANT CHANGE: The pastor at the Methodist church where we were scheduled to meet contracted Covid 19. They have closed the church for the rest of 2020. We will meet at Corey Church of Nazarene. Take M-60 West of Three Rivers to Corey Lake Rd. Turn North. Water St. is just a jog West after the turn. It is not far from the show grounds. The building is at the rear of the church. It will be inside, so feel free to wear a mask and keep (anti) social distancing.

THE TRACTOR CLUB IS INVITED:

Rouch Outdoor is having an open house fall color celebration at their store, 56653 Abbey Road, Three Rivers. Our club has been invited to display tractors at that location October 10th and 11th from 12:00 noon till 5:00 pm. You do not have to be there both days. Larry Townsend is contact person for this at 269-273-4543.

A NOMINATING COMMITTEE

consisting of Col. Paul Guthrie, Todd Allen and Tim Allen has been formed to select candidates for club officers and board members. Election will take place at the October meeting. If a committee member calls you, please consider running. If you would like to run, please contact one of them.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:

Bring your own table service and a dish to pass. The club will furnish rolls, butter and drinks Dec. 5th at 6:30 pm at Nazarene Church.

UPDATES:

A BIG “THANK-YOU” to Larry Townsend, Terry Bowlby, Jack Hensel, Doug Reed, Stan Yoder, Paul Guthrie and John Steiner who cleaned up the show grounds in preparation for our get-together Aug. 8th. The get-together was well attended and we had a good time.

The annual tractor ride took place as scheduled. Thirty-eight tractors participated-the highest number to date. It was a good ride and it was good to be with friends.

Members of the club took 17 tractors to the Constantine festivities September 12th. A good time was had by all and the club gained 5 new members.

Several club members displayed tractors at the Otsego festivities September 26th.

Club members voted to keep the same feature tractors and garden tractor that were scheduled for the 2020 show. It was also decided to celebrate 60 years of annual shows even though it will be the clubs 61st year in existence.

Our treasury balance is low. Not having a show or swap meet contributed to that. Because of the generosity of club members in donations and membership renewals so far, Treasurer Dolores Stemen reports we will have sufficient funds to put on the swap meet in 2021.

Feature tractors for our 2021 annual show are Oliver and Cletrac. Featured garden tractor is Bantam.

Dues:

A lot of you renew your dues at the tractor show in August and I really missed seeing you. I urge you to either pay 2021 dues at our meetings or send them via mail. Dues increased to $10.00 for ages 18 and up per calendar year. Dues for ages 17 and under are still $1.00 per calendar year. To pay by mail, send a check payable to St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association to Judy Hollister, 3220 Detroit Rd. Niles, MI 49120. I will send you membership cards.

St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association
Judy Hollister
3220 Detroit Rd.
Niles, MI 49120

The January 2021 newsletter will be a little late in order to include the financial report. Be sure to read it as it will include information about our next meetings.

If you have updates from events in which the club participated, I would be glad to include them in the newsletter. To contact me with that info, call 269-683-9537 or use our contact form.