NEWS FROM THE SECRETARY

As we step into this new decade, we are beginning the 19^th year of our existence having been formed in 1992 by 12 forward looking Ford/Fordson enthusiast who had the vision of “Saving the Past for the Future” by starting the Ford/Fordson Collectors Assn.  Of those original twelve Directors, we have three of them still serving on the current Board (Emstrom, Muritz, Doug Norman)  with Jim Ferguson still involved as the Editor of our newsletter/magazine.  At the annual show and meeting held this past September in Union Grove WI, four new Directors were elected by the membership to bring our Board up to it’s full authorized level of sixteen.   All living former Directors continue to provide help as advisors and participants of our growing organization. 

Our membership continues to grow.  In 2009, we have added 170 new members.  Our website continues to attract many hit, just under 25,000 in 2009.  That equals about 65 hits per day.  Our “Nuts-N-Bolts” tab answers many, many questions from both members and non-members alike.  Although we are happy to entertain your questions, we have found that for most of the answers, our panel refers the person to one of the links on our website.  These links will answer most all questions with much greater detail and often step-by-step instructions as well as diagrams of the various sections of the tractor.  I strongly suggest that you check out these links as a source of reference before you submit questions to save you time. As an example, if you have questions concerning 1939 to 1964 Ford tractors, try this link: www.8nford.com 

It is at this time of year that we are searching for show listings for 2010 shows that will feature Ford/Fordson.  If you are having or know of such a show, please forward the necessary information so we may list it both here on our website, but also in our quarterly JOURNAL newsletter magazine that is mailed to all members. 

Our 19^th Annual Show will be held this year at the Nittanty Club grounds near Centre Hall PA September 9, 10, 11, 12, 2009.  This part of PA is a hotbed of Ford and Fordson’s with emphasis on the Fordson.  I attended one of their shows just a few years ago when they were having Ford/Fordson featured in their regular feature rotation, not a national show.  They attracted well over 200 Fords, 87 of them being Fordsons.  Never have seen that many Fordsons at one show in my life!  With the National Show being held there in 2010, it has the potential of being the largest gathering of Ford/Fordsons ever held!  I can imagine well over 500 of our favorite tractors.  Won’t you plan to join us for this special occasion?  Membership in F/FCA is not a requirement, nor does your tractor need to be restored and sporting a shiny paint job.

 Well, winter has certainly set in!  I talked to one of our Directors in MN just this past week and he reported temp of -20 and 17 inches of snow.  I looked on the weather map to check out weather In Florida (Avon Park) where I expect to be the second week of January for the Florida Flywheelers Show and the days low was only 37!  Wow, sure hope it warms up before that date arrives! 

Steve Parker, Secretary