The History of the Allis Connection
Established in 1992
It was July 1991 when Ellis Implement, an A-C dealership since the 1930's put together a list of farmers from the surrounded area who had Allis Chalmers tractors and asked them to participate in the town's annual Harvest Home Parade. By the time the parade started there were 75 pieces of equipment including tractors, lawn tractors, Gleaner combines, All-Crop harvesters and tillage equipment lining the streets of Coggin, Iowa.
With such an interest shown, it was proposed to get more Allis Chalmers collectors together to see if there was any interest in forming a club. Doug Shaffer and Richard & Nancy Sleichter decided to contact all the A-C people they could think of by invitation to a planning-supper meeting held at the Holiday Inn at Little Amana, Iowa, February 1992.
Doug Shaffer conducted this meeting with about 80 people in attendance. There was much discussion about establishing the club along with choosing a name. Some suggestions were "We're all here but third gear." "The Orange Age" and finally a suggestion, which had been given to David Shaffer by Mr. Harold Hartman of Strawberry Point, Iowa, was "The Allis Connection." This name was unanimously voted on and approved. A Board of Directors was established.
March of 1992 the Newsletter was published by Richard and Nancy Sieichter. Then in October 1992 Doug Shaffer took over the publication.
There was a discussion and interest in The Allis Connection holding its first tractor show, which was organized by Doug Shaffer and Bob Ives. Its was held at the Amana Visitors Center for four years and then moved to Homestead in 1997. This show is held on Father's Day Weekend each year. The Allis Connection also participates in other shows featuring Allis Chalmers as well as the Farm Progress Show. Many changes have come about since 1992: The Allis Connection, the membership has grown from 120 members to 600+ members.
Allis Chalmers produced its last tractors in December 1985, but the orange spirit endures. As The Allis Connection continues to grow and move forward we will continue the preservation and restoration of Allis Chalmers and implements for future generations.
The Allis Connection
Board Of Directors
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