Antique Tractor Club of Trumbull County

The Antique Tractor Club of Trumbull County was founded in 1995. The first president of the club was Richard “Dick” Kemmer Sr. (FG) and the first Vice-President was his twin brother, Robert Kemmer (FG). The first treasurer was Cornell Roscoe and the first secretary was Dave Kuhn. The club was formerly known as the Trumbull County Antique Steam and Power Association but changed names by 2004.

The club hosts monthly meetings. Members of the club restore tractors and discuss tractor history. The group originally held two tractor shows per year. Members of the club display their tractors, host vendors, and have a tractor pulling event. The summer tractor show, which began in 1995, is held each August. The spring tractor show, which started in 2000, occurred each May. As of 2022, there was only a tractor show in August.

The first meeting was at the VFW in Greene Township. Meetings and tractor shows were held at the Johnston Township Park from 1997 to 2004 and subsequent meetings were held in the basement of Cortland Bank on Elm Road in Warren for several years. Meetings and tractor shows were also held at the Ali Baba Grotto in Warren from 2004 to 2010.

The group purchased land at 1653 Ridge Road in Vienna in 2008 off of Charles Pealer and constructed buildings on the property to house antique tractors and farming equipment. Ray Carr took charge of the land improvement at the grounds.

The club's meetings and tractor shows were held at the Vienna grounds starting in 2011.

At the shows, the club exhibits their vintage farm equipment collection in one of the buildings. One important piece of Vienna history is in their museum; a rake from the Vienna Rake and Harrow Factory.

The large barn on the property was constructed in 2016. Funds to build the barn were donated by club member, Charles Brown (FG), to serve as a meeting and event space.

In 2014, the club had 250 members and annual dues were $10.

The group also assembles each year at the Trumbull County Fair in Bazetta for an antique tractor display. The club also participates in local parades at events such as Vienna Home Day, the Cortland Lions Street Fair, the Ashtabula Antique Engine Show, and the Hartford Apple Festival.

In 2025, the annual dues were $14 per person and the club had 170 members.

Contributor: Christine Novicky