WorldWide Drilling Resource®

E s t a b l i s h e d i n 1986, the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA) is working to preserve the history of the construc- tion, surface mining, and dredging equipment that shaped our world. Members are from around the world and all walks of life, sharing the bond of concern for the preser- vation of these machines and their history. This includes corporate archives, histories of product development and use, descriptive literature, technical data, photographs, movies, memorabilia, and the machines themselves. Besides being lovers of restored vintage machines, many HCEA members collect equipment sales literature, photo- graphs, and builder’s plates, as well as promotional items such as watch fobs, belt buckles, hats, jewelry, and toys. Some even create one-of-a-kind masterpiece replicas of their favorite machines. In 1992, the National Construction Equipment Museum was established near Bowling Green, Ohio, to preserve and dis- play machines, exhibit items, and artifacts which represent the development and history of construction machinery from the 1800s to the present day. The collection includes over 150 machines and over 3000 companies are represented in the archives, including Marion Power Shovel, Euclid, Galion, Terex, and Bucyrus-Erie. There is even a fully equipped restoration shop on the premises where volunteers restore equipment. These folks have a common passion for dirt, grease, hard work, and old iron ~ and welcome new helpers to enjoy the same. The HCEA sponsors conventions at various locations in North America, which include equipment displays and demon- strations, historical presentations, and toy and memorabilia displays and dealers. Tours of factories, contractor and dealer facilities, as well as private collections have also been part of the event. The 35th Annual International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition hosted by Prairie Plowing Days for 2020 has been changed to August 27-29, 2021, on Kurt Kocher Farm, in Concordia, Kansas. There are several chapters of the HCEA in the U.S., as well as one in Ontario, Canada. Get more information at hcea.net 23 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JUNE 2020 C&G