Our History
The Full Story
In early 1988, there were three men, Robert Moore, Joe Hardin, and Bruce Dawson, who got together to discuss the formation of an Antique Engine and Tractor Club. A meeting date of March 7, 1988 was decided upon and was held at the Ramada Inn in West Plains, Missouri and ads were ran in the local papers. There were twenty-nine people who attended that first meeting.
The first officers were selected and they were Ed Roinenen as President, Bruce Dawson as Vice-President, Gary UnderWood as Secretary-Treasurer and Joe Hardin as Safety Officer. It was decided to try and affiliate the club with the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association (EDGE&TA), which is a national organization formed in 1957 with branches throughout the United States. as A result, Branch 28 became a reality and was named "Ozarks Older Iron Club".
The first shows were held at the Heart Of The Ozarks Fairgrounds, in West Plains, Missouri later the show moved to Cabool, Missouri at the Chamber of Commerce grounds. In 2001 the Ozarks Older Iron Club purchased the present 38 acres adjacent to the Chamber Of Commerce grounds. and began construction of permanent buildings and facilities.
A clubhouse was completed in 2003, a barn in 2004, equipment shed in 2005, and covered picnic area and bathrooms added in 2009. Platform Scales were installed for the track in 2011, followed by a maintenance shop in 2012, and a clubhouse addition in 2013, our Grounds have also expanded with the purchase in 2016, of 3.3 acers being used as parking by the road.
With many kind donations, support from our local communities, and many dedicated, hard-working members, and our constant improvements and additions to our show grounds, we continue to fulfill our commitment to the education, demonstration, and preservation of our historical past .
Our current membership has approximately 130 dues paying members with a growing Junior membership as well. meetings are the first Monday of every month at 7 pm at our club grounds, guests and new members are always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Our Purpose
The purpose of our club is, “To promote the collection, restoration, preservation, and exhibition of the equipment and tools of our historical past. To promote the interest, education, and involvement of all ages in our heritage.”
