Arkansas Valley Flwywheelers
In the Beginning
Compiled by Sherly Messmer and Sue Cochran

1984 - John Troutman did a one-man-show with his collection.

1985 - John Troutman and Tom Krause did a show at the old Chaffee County shop at Pullman Ave. & Rd. 180.

1985/86 - Arkansas Valley Antique Power and Equipment Association was officialy organized that winter by John, Tom & Ross.  Early meetings were held at Ross Hancock's place.  Club motto: Preserving the Past to Show the Future."

1986 - John Troutman, Tom Krause & Ross Hancock did a show at the Old Chaffee County shop.

1987 - First show at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds at Poncha Springs.  The Mercantile building and snack shop were built.

1988 - Mehos Show - next door east of the Chaffee Co. Fairgrounds.  Moved buildings from the fairgrounds to Mehos place for this show.

1989 - Moved them back to the fairgrounds.

1990 - The year of the famous "Raw Chicken Barbeque."
The club acquired the vintage (1920's) outhouse from the airport.  The first club newsletter came out in September/October 1990.  "OJ" Oren Johnson built the teeter-totter from an old truck bed.  The Club set up a saw mill & shingle mill at the Colorado State Fair.

1991- New club name: Arkansas Valley Flywheelers. Tractor games include races (fast & slow), pole races.  First club tractor pull; sled provided by Bill & Ann Baker.

1992-  Club incorporated on July 9, 1992.  Pavilion built by prison crews, club members, Mountain Timber.  Bill Tunstall buys 1910 20hp Advanced Rumely steam tractor.  Wes Stratman brought his dad's steam engine from Nebraska.  Tractor pull used sled provided by Slim Loop.

1993 - Sled owned by the club used for the first time.

Past Presidents

Bob Drake 2023-2024
Tom Snare 2017, 2019
Doug Ramseyer 2020-2022
Kathy Reis 2016
Craig Weaver 2012-2015
John Corff 2010-2011
Ed Mockensturm 2006-2010
Dan Lambrecht 2004-2005
Chan Green 2003
Oren OJ Johnson 2000-2002
Wayne Stone 1996-1999
Bill Tunstall 1992-1996
John Troutman 1991
John Troutman, Tom Krause & Ross Hancock 1985-1990