Sandusky County Restorers of antique power

Gibsonburg, Ohio residents Doug Markel (Standing Left), Veryl Keppler (Standing Right), JD (Ray) Burkett (seated right), and Don Yoder (seated left) decided over coffee at the truck stop at St. Rt. 6 and St. Rt. 23 they were going to try and get a club started for the preservation and enjoyment of antique tractors and engines, so vitally important to the rich heritage of prosperous farming and late 19th century oil production in the Gibsonburg and surrounding Wood county area. This group of men met again at the Don Yoder residence on August 28, 1986 where ideas and further plans where discussed in greater detail.

The first official organizational meeting of the club was held September 11, 1986 again at the Don Yoder residence, where officers were elected and the name “Sandusky County Country Collectors” was selected for the club. Don Yoder served as the first President from (1986–1989) JD (Ray) Burkett as the first Vice President (1986 -1989) and Doug Markel as the first Secretary/ Treasurer (1986–1989). The first ten members in the club were Don Yoder, Ray Burkett, Veryl Keppler, Doug Markel, Karey Keppler, Steve Ruth, Kevin Ruth, Bob Peck, Paul Brecheisen, and Jim Reed. The vision and commitment made by these individual and with the supporting interest of many other community minded people, lead to the first club event being held at Heritage Days in October 1986 at White Star Park in Gibsonburg, Ohio. Seven tractors and ten small engines
participated in this first club event.

In 1988 Bob Peck’s 8 year old son Ryan suggested a name change, and thus the club officially became ”Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power.” The show continued to grow yearly in interest and participation until in 1989 an agreement was made with the Sandusky County
Parks District to greatly expand the show, with a commitment from S.C.R.A.P. to maintain the park grounds. A set date for the show of Labor Day weekend was designated, and the first annual show was organized. With this strong commitment from both parties now in place the
future of S.C.R.A.P. membership growth and participation expanded greatly in the ensuing
years.

Steve Ruth served as the first show chairman, Paul Brecheisen was instrumental in organizing
the first consignment auction with Baker-Bonningson Auctioneers, and Bob Peck as the first Flea Market chairman, with the Helena Fire Department being the first vendor commitment. Don and Linda Yoder with Richard and Joanne Flahiff would serve as the first chairman of the
S.C.R.A.P. tractor pulls, and Veryl Keppler as announcer for many years to this event.
S.C.R.A.P. was incorporated in 1991 and in 1992 women became members of the organization, being Linda Yoder, with Joanne Flahiff and Connie Klausz eventually being the first ladies to
officially serve in officer positions.
From the first efforts in 1986, thru the monumental Sandusky County Parks District agreement in 1989, and now to present day—S.C.R.A.P. remains a testament to the strongly focused vision
and efforts of these mentioned individuals. Carried forward by a membership base that now exceeds 400 annually, expanded to include yearly featured tractor lines,
entertainment and youth events, such as kiddie tractor pulls, camping, food venders, daily parades and much more–S.C.R.A.P. continues as one of the premier–longest serving club and show events for the preservation of farm tractors, implements and small engines—all harkening
back to earlier days of agriculture in northwest Ohio.

So, many individuals have served and participated—far too numerous to mention in these paragraphs! We are forever grateful for their support and contributions to this club! It is important for you to understand the mission of the S.C.R.A.P. organization, and this vital link to our agricultural roots. We invite you to come to our annual-family oriented show, and become an active, enthusiastic, participating member! You will find it all–a most educational, enjoyable and rewarding time!