How We Got Started:

During the Gosport Lazy Days Festival in August of 2005, we passed around a sign-up sheet asking if there was any interest in forming an antique machinery club. About 30 people signed the sheet. The Harrison Township Trustee offered the Old (historic) #2 School Building as a meeting place. Letters were sent and an article was given to the Spencer Evening World, inviting all those interested to meet at the #2 School Building on January 23, 2006. There were 35 people that attended that first meeting. Over the next three meetings, we set the Bylaws and filed for Non-Profit and Corporate status. By the second meeting, we had more than 50 people who had paid the club dues and were officially members of the Owen County Antique Machinery Association. (OwenAMA)

Our Purpose:

Our purpose is to promote the history of Owen County, Indiana and the machines that facilitated the area's economic development. This salutes the men and women who were involved with the production, processing and transportation of agricultural products in the Owen and surrounding counties. It is our goal to encourage communications between the members and the general public about the machinery and equipment used in earlier times.

Antique Machinery can include engines, implements, tools, cars and trucks that are more than 50 years old. Some equipment will be restored and other equipment will show its' years. The club sponsors events throughout the year including our annual Antique Machinery Fair the in September at the Owen County Fairgrounds. In 2007 we had our first Tractor Tour and everyone involved had a lot of fun.

Today:

The club now has over 100 members from three states and several adjacent counties. The Club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Open Class building at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Indiana. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Club plays a part in other events throughout the year such as the Gosport Lazy Days, Owen County Fair and events sponsored by other clubs such as the White River Valley Machinery Fair held at the fairgrounds in Elnora, IN and the Brown County Machinery Fair held at the Brown County fairgrounds.in Nashville, IN.

In 2007, we had our first Tractor Tour. The tour featured the back roads of Northern Owen County with lunch at the Cataract Falls recreational area. We are planning two tractor tours for 2008. The Spring Tractor Tour will be on Saturday, May 31st. The Fall tour will be in mid October with specific information to be provided before the Machinery Fair in late September.

The club long range goals include completion of the Goss Saw Mill and shelter. We would also like to build an Antique Machinery museum in a permanent facility.
The most important goal is to provide a platform for members to show and operate old machinery and to just have fun!

2012 should be our best year yet so come join us as the club gets bigger and better.