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3/30/04

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Some Thoughts on the 2004 “Gathering of the Green”      During the week of March 10-14, 2004, over 1500 John Deere antique two-cylinder tractor enthusiasts walked through the door of the Holiday Inn Moline Airport, Moline, Illinois to attend the 2004 edition of the “Gathering of the Green.” To put the attendance in perspective, the admiration of old and new John Deere tractors and equipment motivated people to travel from every corner of the United States encompassing thirty-nine states. Twenty-five people journeyed from Canada, as well as two visitors from Scotland and one gentleman from the Netherlands. The “Gathering” has become an international event!      From the hundreds of personal comments, evaluations, and subsequent e-mails and telephone calls, we can proclaim with pride that the conference was a definite success and surpassed the expectations of everyone involved with the planning, organizing and presentation of the “Gathering.” Approximately, 700 people attended John Deere's birthday party on Wednesday evening, complete with birthday cake and coffee provided by Deere & Company and ice cream. H.J. Markley, President, Agricultural Division North America, Australia, Asia and Global Tractor and Implement Sourcing of Deere & Company welcomed the hundreds of John Deere two-cylinder enthusiasts to the “Gathering” and spoke of their loyalty and brand support for two-cylinder and new generation tractors. In addition, he reviewed the history of the two-cylinder tractor which provided the foundation for the future leading to the development of more powerful and technologically advanced four and six-cylinder tractors. Mr. Markley ended his comments by saying the enthusiasm exhibited by “Gathering” attendees was "off the charts" compared to his experiences elsewhere in the world. H.J. blew out the candles and cut John Deere's birthday cake while everyone sang Happy Birthday to Mr. Deere. It was a wonderfully enjoyable evening. The “Gathering” included thirty-three technical workshops and drop-in sessions, with only one topic being repeated. The workshop leaders are among the very best in the hobby and we thank them for their commitment and participation. Sixty-three excellent vendors from across the nation offering a variety of goods and services were available to attendants throughout the conference. It is notable that many of the vendors have been at every “Gathering” since it’s inception in 2000. We thank all of the vendors for their confidence, continued support and for being with us this year. The vendor areas were busy from beginning to the end of the conference. The evening speakers were outstanding. Roger Colmark shared the rocky road he has experienced while continuing to restore John Deere's home in Moline. Bill Proft presented a most informative and interesting presentation, tracing the history of Deere & Company's tractors and implements using miniatures to highlight the journey. Greg Stephen did his usual outstanding job in sharing his expertise in the field of collecting John Deere memorabilia despite the fact that the bulb in the projector burned out on the very first slide. Greg rose to the occasion and carried on without his visuals. We owe him one! The Fun Auction was fun, funny, and well-attended. Our auctioneer, Vern Mariman, used his skill and humor to make the auction a memorable one. In fact, Vern with the help of other “Gathering” organizers, played a small prank on Marge Sefried leading her to think she had paid $700 for a weather vane. It was a delightful evening. The banquet was a wonderful event. Approximately 670 “Gathering” attendants assembled in the Holiday Ballroom for an evening of fun, laughs, good food, camaraderie, acknowledgements, and an outstanding message from our keynote speaker, John Phipps. John was excellent - humor along with a message about the important role that John Deere two-cylinder enthusiasts play in maintaining the traditions and values of old as we race into a rapidly changing and challenging agricultural society. Deere & Company generously provided the table center pieces as well as souvenir envelopes with the John Deere 200th Birthday postal cancellation over a first-class stamp and a battery-powered John Deere tractor and trailer for our raffle. Over 250 attendants traveled by coach busses to tour John Deere factories in Waterloo including the Engine Works, Foundry and Tractor Assembly Plant. Approximately 400 conference registrants participated in ten tours of John Deere factories in the Quad Cities including the Davenport Works, Harvester Works and Seeding Group. Three tours of the Deere-Wiman and Butterworth Center gave 175 people an opportunity to tour these historic Deere homes and enjoyed lunch in the Carriage House. Galesburg’s Seminary Street historic shopping area with lunch at the Packing House restaurant was a popular activity as evidenced by the 106 “Gathering” attendants who traveled by coach bus to find a treasure in the city’s many antique shops and stores. Over 100 ladies and one man attended the Fashion Show/Luncheon at Montana Jack’s restaurant on Saturday. The ladies thoroughly enjoyed the show and lunch. By the way, who was the lucky fellow? The 2004 full-size John Deere Gator was won by Kent Kaster of K&K Antique Tractors, Shelbyville, Indiana. Congratulations to Kent, a long-time “Gathering” vendor. At the suggestion of a banquet attendee, the Happy John Deere 200th Birthday banner was auctioned with considerable success. What a surprise! The bus transportation to and from downtown Moline, the John Deere Pavilion and the John Deere Collectors Center was well-received by conference attendants. It was particularly helpful getting folks down to the Collectors Center on Saturday afternoon for the John Deere “Dain” Tractor workshop led by Brian Holst, Manager. The attractive displays of John Deere walking plows throughout the hotel created a festive feeling in the year of John Deere’s 200th birthday. In addition, the many old John Deere tractors on display in front of the hotel provided the two-cylinder atmosphere needed for this special event. A special note of appreciation and thank you is extended to: City of Moline Deere & Company Dr. Pepper – Seven-Up Bottling Group Green Magazine Isle of Capri Casino Vern Mariman, Auctioneer Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau Gene Tencza, Web Master Two-Cylinder Magazine      We continue to be amazed that four two-cylinder clubs located over such a large geographical area can join together and work harmoniously to put on a conference of such magnitude and complexity. There are so many additional people to thank that someone would be left out, so we’ll close by saying thank you to the “Gathering” Board of Directors and the many, many volunteer planners and organizers who worked so long and hard to present the 2004 “Gathering of the Green.” And finally, we salute the over 1500 attendants – some of the finest, genuinely good people on earth – and thank them for joining us in Moline for the 3rd “Gathering of the Green.” Mark Johnson and Ken Reese Co-Chairs GATHERING OF THE GREEN… When was it? When: Where: Location:      March 10*, 11, 12, & 13, 2004 Moline, IL Holiday Inn Moline Airport See the previous version of this web site, HERE The “Gathering of the Green” is sponsored by: Deer Valley Collectors Illinois Valley Two-Cylinder Club North Eastern Illinois Two-Cylinder Club Northwest Illinois Two-Cylinder Club STAY TUNED TO THIS WEB SITE FOR NEW INFORMATION. ... or e-mail:  Ken Reese at kwreese@aol.com if you have questions.

WHEN WAS THE LAST CONFERENCE?

Take a look back, HERE:
THE 2004 CONFERENCE