Last Friday I visited the HCEA HQ in Bowling Green, Ohio to take a look at what they do every day. The office is staffed by two fine and very hard-working people who don't get a lot of attention but are really the backbone of the administrative funhouse that is the HCEA. My thanks go out to Tom and Jackie for making me feel at home and for all the work they do every day to keep the organization going.
Jackie is the administrative heart of the organization and handles everything from membership to accounting in the front office. Tom is the organization's archivist and historian and is tasked with organizing the group's amazing holdings.
Also thanks to Don Franz and Larry Kotkowski for putting up with me for the day. Larry did make me pay on the way home by leaving the A/C off during the 85 degree day trip!
The Historical Construction Equipment Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving for public education the history of the construction, dredging and surface mining equipment industries.
The website for this wonderful group is located here: HCEA Website
I recommend hightly that you check out the website and, if you are not a member, join up! The group is always looking for dynamic people who are passionate about historical equipment. (And the magazine itself is worth the price of membership).
Here are some photos of the equipment and the property at the HCEA. As you can see from the interior building shots, the place is overflowing and really needs more space. The HCEA has kicked off a new building campaign to handle this overflow and they can use your support! Every dollar counts! Go to the HCEA Website for all the details on the plan and how you can help!
All of the equipment pictured above is contained in this very full building. And keep in mind that part of the building is reserved for repairs and restoration activity. I can attest to how full it really is!
I will be posting more about my trip and what is happening at the HCEA later this week. Check back for more photos and information!
Thanks for reading!
Chuck
