Monthly Meeting Excerpts:

The Chapter voted to proceed with the purchase of the 1947 IH prototype building and grounds - home of the Bartlow IH dealership in Millville, Pa..  Mr. Bartlow and his son have very graciously offered the building and grounds to Chapter 17.  This prototype building has not had any significant changes to it, except for maintenance, since its construction in 1947.  It is thought to be the only unmodified IH prototype dealership building still in the original family ownership remaining. About 2,000 visitors toured it during the 2007 Red Power Roundup at Bloomsburg, Pa..  If the building and grounds are able to be acquired by Chapter 17, it will become a not-for-profit museum housing IH memorabilia appropriate for the building.  The Chapter is exploring obtaining of grants and other funding sources to develop an endowment fund to purchase and maintain this outstanding historic site.  A small committee of members with some experience in not-for-profit organizations is continuing to meet with the Bartlow family to move the process along.  Members discussed issues such as maintenance, taxes and acquisition costs that are being carefully explored by the committee.  The Chapter is still in the process of obtaining its 501(c)(3) not-for-profit designation from the federal government, which is key to being able to create an endowment fund that can accept tax deductible gifts.  A price for the building and the two parcels of land comprising the business has been obtained and our chapter has given a verbal commitment to purchase the building and property.  The Chapter voted to commit $25,000 from its treasury toward a down payment to the Bartlows.  Matching contributions are being sought to bring the down payment up to 1/3 of the purchase price.  Ben Trapani indicated that approximately $15,000 had already been pledged toward the acquisition.  The planning committee met with a (free) professional fund raising consultant and received guidance concerning development of a fund raising campaign.  An outline of a three phase fundraising campaign has been prepared and distributed to members of the planning committee.  The committee expects to meet again regularly.

The 2007 RPRU Souvenir Book is now available and a copy can be purchased at the chapter's next meeting for $22.00 -or- can be ordered via mail for $25.00 which includes shipping and packing.  Only 1,000 copies have been printed so get your order in soon.

It was announced that our chapter president, Ben Trapani has been elected to the Vice-Presidency of the national IHCC at the last Board of Directors meeting. 

Several antique farm equipment shows in Pennsylvania are featuring IHC, McCormick, Deering, McCormick-Deering and Farmall tractors and equipment in 2008.  The following list includes known shows and dates:

C.V Antique Engine & Machinery Ass'n, April 26-27 at Chambersburg.

Antique Engine, Tractor and Toy Club, June 6-8 at Bowers.

Pocono Old-tyme Farm EquipmentAss'n, July 11-13 at Gilbert.

Fort Allen Antique Farm Equipment Ass'n, July 19-20 at Scottdale.

Montour Antique Farm Machinery Collectors Ass'n, August 29-31 at Washingtonville.

More information about these shows can be found in the 2008 edition of the Farm Collector Show Directory.  You can access the MAFMCA website directly by clicking on their name on the Home page of this website.  The MAFMCA website also has some important information concerning new formulations of lubricating oils adversely affecting older tractors.