| VGTCOA MILESTONES |
| * The Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America is formed by Paul Taylor of Indiana and Joe Smith of Wisconsin. The purpose was to gather information on garden tractors. * Joe Smith becomes the first president * First club events are held in Burnett Corners, Wisconsin, Also in Clifton and Xenia, Ohio * Hank Watkins of Sandwich, IL becomes involved and is a major influence on the early success of the club. |
| 1994 |
| 1995 |
| * The first newsletter is published in January and sent out to 68 members. Dues are $5.00 per year. * Shows are held in Winimac, IN, Eaton, OH, Burnett Corners, Baraboo and Edgerton, WI. * None of these shows were very successful but it was determined that there was a definite need for this kind of club. |
| 1996 |
| * Membership dues raised to $12.00 per year. * The club exhibits at Plainfield, WI in June and drew about 60 tractors. Members also attended shows held in Eaton, OH and Edgerton, WI. The Edergton show was very encouraging with 135 tractors on exhibit. |
| 1997 |
| * Membership dues increased to $15.00 per year. * Club events were held at Plainfield, WI, Bluemound, IL and Escanaba, MI * The show at Plainfield was the first National VGTCOA show. It was the clubs first real success with 180 garden tractors on exhibit. * An annual tradition begins when Garlon Peterson of Wild Rose, WI invites some of the local members for a fall plow day. |
| 1998 |
| * Gordie Shewfelt of Tiverton, Ontario, Canada becomes the first VGTCOA regional director. * Our first truly international show is held in Ilderton, Ontario, Canada. This is VGTCOA's first venture outside the USA. * Albany, MN is the location of the clubs other major show. The term "Garden Tractor Expo" for all major shows originates. Both Ilderton and Albany are considered very successful shows. |
| 1999 |
| * Paul Taylor one of the clubs founders, passes away. * The club's two Garden Tractor Expos are in Danville, IN and Pontiac, IL. * Jim Cunzenheim's articles about VGTCOA begin to appear in Antique Power magtazines. * Don and Diane Winn become West Coast reginal directors. * Steve Johnson becomes Pacific Northwest director. **** Lack of member support teamed with work commitments, dwindling membership, and personal concerns, Jim Smith steps down as President. With only 128 paid members, no money and no one willing to step forward it was determined the club would be dissolved if no one coiuld be found to take over. **** Jim Cunzenheim becomes the second president of VGTCOA. |
| 2000 |
| * The club begins major restructuring and reorganization. * The club dues are raised to $20.00 * Regional Directors are added. Bill Huff, Arizona, Doug Tallman, Ohio, Tim Hart, New Jersey, Dennis Merlau, Michigan and Jim Cunzenheim Jr. Wisconsin * The Winns step down as West Coast directors but remain active members. * The first garden tractor expo for the year is held in Hickory Corners, MI. with 225 garden tractors on exhibit. * The second Expo Show was in Burnett Corners, WI. Thanks to the efforts of Dan Moss, Glenn Oestreich and Russ Sponem a record setting 423 garden tractors were on exhibit. By the end of the year membership had doubled and the future looked bright. |