Wilson County Old Iron Club

Operational Plan
2017-2018
Created for the Purpose of Focusing our Activities to
Achieve our Stated Mission

www.oldironclub.org
 Introduction to the Wilson County Old Iron Club
Operational Plan

In 2009, in an effort to focus the club’s activities to fulfill our mission

statement, the membership, led by the Board of Directors, began a process
of goal setting. Through the analysis of the origins of the club, our strong
desire to preserve the knowledge and skills required for rural life in the past,
our objective of educating all ages about this rural heritage, and our
ambition to benefit our communities in a variety of ways, we have
formulated this operational plan. While the original plan was approved in
2009 as a road map for the club to follow, it will always be a fluid document,
being responsive to current needs and future possibilities.

Wilson County Old Iron Club

Mission Statement

The Wilson County Old Iron Club is dedicated to the preservation of

our agricultural heritage through education for all ages. Restoration
of early equipment, machinery and “Old Iron” used for functional
active demonstrations and displays re-creates rural life of yesteryear.
Club activities will prevent the loss of historic knowledge and skills,
allowing today’s and future generations to understand and
appreciate the roots our country is based upon, for the betterment
and benefit of our society.

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 Contents

1. Club History ……………………………………………….………… page 3

2. Board of Directors Membership List…………………….. page 4

3. Goals and Objectives Summary ………………………..….. page 5

4. Operational Plan ……………..………..…………………………. page 10

5. Timeline of Activities ………………..………………………….. page 18

6. List of Priorities …………………………………………..……….. page 19

7. Cooperating Agencies…………………………………………… page 20

8. Plan Approval Documentation ………………………………page 21

Addendum:
a. Committee Member Affiliations
b. Annual Operations Budget

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 Club History

 The Wilson County Old Iron Club had its beginnings as a rather small tractor show at the annual
Homecoming Celebration in Fredonia, KS, which is held each year on the first weekend in October.
The club formally organized in 1999 with 25 charter members. By 2017, we have over 150
members.

 The club members very quickly focused on ways to educate

children in the former ways of farming and farm life. In an effort to
do that, we have developed a rather large group of demonstrations
featuring wheat threshing, rock crushing, wood cook stove methods,
old laundry methods, broom making, open-fire cooking, many types
of wood saws along with a sawmill, corn processing methods, and
much, much more.

 Area school children are invited to attend the Old Iron Days
Show, held the last Thursday through Sunday each
September, and learn about the ways of the past. We began
in 1999 with attendance from Fredonia, Altoona, and
Neodesha schools, and in 10 years’ time have grown to
hosting over 2,000 school children. With great community
support and involvement, we continue to add exhibits each
year and look for ways to find something of interest for every
member of the family.

 After having the show at several locations in town, we

now have a permanent home at The Rollin ‘Red’ Vandever
Memorial Park, located just east of Fredonia, close to the
intersection of Highway 400 and Highway 47. The property was
donated in 2007 by Randy and Chris Vandever Alexander, in
memory and honor of Chris’ father, a local farmer. In 2016, their
donation of additional acreage enabled the building of a tractor
pulling track, used by the local FFA Alumni to support FFA
activities.

 The show grounds have been developed to include two Main Street buildings (built with generous
donations from the First National Bank in Fredonia) , a Sawmill building, Shingle saw structure,
Small engine display building, Feed and seed cleaning building, storage for the threshing machine
and bundle wagons, and many other structures that allow for nearly all exhibits to be sheltered
from the elements. In 2014, the Old Iron Club received a generous donation from the Colfax
Baptist Church. Upon its closing, we were able to use some structural elements from their
building along with a sizeable cash donation, to build a country church. In 2015, the donation of a
metal structure from Cobalt Boats of Neodesha led to the development of the “Starbuck Pavilion”,
put to use as a display area for collections of interest to our many visitors.

 The club has established year-round programming, with

Old Iron Days held the last Thursday through Sunday in
September, a “Kansas Heritage Series” of three educational
events in late winter, and a planned “Harvest Time” event
in June. Our facilities are also host to many other
educational opportunities held in partnership with area
groups. We are continuing to seek out ways to partner
with local organizations for our mutual benefit, for the
purpose of strengthening our community.

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 Wilson County Old Iron Club Officers &
Board of Directors Members

Club Officers:

Byron Githens, President

Rod Vorhees, Vice-President

Leanne Githens, Secretary

Joni Vorhees, Treasurer

Board of Directors:

Tom Vorhees, Chairman of the Board

Connie Vail, Board Member

Justin Gorton, Board Member

Jeff Walker, Board Member

Johnny Eck, Board Member

Joni Vorhees, Board Secretary & Bookkeeper

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 Wilson County Old Iron Club Operational Plan
2017-2018
Created for the Purpose of Focusing our Activities to
Achieve our Stated Mission

Goal #1 – Preserve our Heritage

 Objective 1.1 – Collect and preserve information about how the historic equipment
works
o Action Step 1.1.1 – Collect operating manuals from club members and other
donated sources such as libraries, local historical societies, and auctions
o Action Step 1.1.2 – Organize information in a library for easy access as reference
materials
o Action Step 1.1.3 – Document information about club historic demonstrations.
o Action Step 1.1.4 – Communicate the availability of club owned equipment for use
by members for learning and demonstrating purposes.
 Objective 1.2 – Display and operate historic equipment
o Action Step 1.2.1 – Exhibit equipment at Old Iron Days and other functions in the
area
o Action Step 1.2.2 – Operate equipment as an active demonstration at Old Iron
Days and other functions in the area
o Action Step 1.2.3 – Develop static informational displays on the show grounds.
o Action Step 1.2.4 – Utilize various media in promoting our activities
o Action Step 1.2.5 – Maintain accurate inventory of club-owned equipment and
other property.
o Action Step 1.2.6 – Review exhibits annually for safety concerns.
 Objective 1.3 – Collect information from primary sources for the purpose of
preserving historical knowledge.
o Action Step 1.3.1 – Record information from people who operated the equipment
or grew up surrounded by the experiences.
o Action Step 1.3.2 – Collect historical photographs of equipment in operation
o Action Step 1.3.3 – Record current demonstrations during Old Iron Days
 Objective 1.4 – Increase involvement of people with historical expertise.
o Action Step 1.4.1 – Collect oral history from show attendees
o Action Step 1.4.2 – Collect oral history from non-club members through local
events and other shows
o Action Step 1.4.3 – Solicit involvement for demonstrations from people with
authentic expertise

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  Objective 1.5 – Develop the funding resources necessary to achieve this goal
o Action Step 1.5.1 – Sales of video products
o Action Step 1.5.2 – Sales of printed resources
o Action Step 1.5.3 – Sales of T-shirts, hats, and other items.

Goal #2 – Educate All Ages About Our Heritage

 Objective 2.1 – Educate through demonstrations at Wilson County Old Iron Days
o Action Step 2.1.1 – Engage school students in active learning at each
demonstration station
o Action Step 2.1.2 – Engage the general public in active learning at each
demonstration station.
o Action Step 2.1.3 – Relate the history and significance of each operational
demonstration through narratives.
o Action Step 2.1.4 – Emphasize the importance of environmental responsibility and
stewardship in the utilization of renewable natural resources, as it relates to our
agricultural heritage, as well as our present and future life.
 Objective 2.2 – Educate through personal interactions at Old Iron Days and other
events
o Action Step 2.2.1 – Educate though hands-on operation of historical equipment
with supervision, where safely possible.
o Action Step 2.2.2 – Actively pursue opportunities to educate at events outside of
Old Iron Days (i.e. – Kansas Heritage Series, etc.).
o Action Step 2.2.3 – Strive to provide reasonable accommodations for people with
limited mobility and special needs, to make demonstrations available to as many
people as possible.
 Objective 2.3 – Target young people for character development through Old Iron
Days and other community involvement.
o Action Step 2.3.1 – Communicate the values necessary for the success of the family
and the farm in our agricultural heritage. (i.e. – the values of hard work,
teamwork, perseverance, patience, etc.)
o Action Step 2.3.2 – Communicate by example the personal benefits of
volunteerism.
o Action Step 2.3.3 – Entrust Jr. Members with responsibilities at Old Iron Days and
other events for the purpose of character development.
o Action Step 2.3.4 – Solicit involvement of young people throughout the year as
show preparations are made.
o Action Step 2.3.5 – Be available as a resource for those in need of performing
community service.

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 o Action Step 2.3.6 – Make Jr. memberships available to other school districts and
communities.
o Action Step 2.3.7 – Market the scholarship program for Jr. members.
 Objective 2.4 – Increase attendance at Wilson County Old Iron Days
o Action Step 2.4.1 – Increase public awareness of Old Iron Days through marketing
opportunities via:
 Club website (www.oldironclub.org)
 National show guides
 Magazine ads
 Newspaper ads
 Radio and TV spots
 Other
o Action Step 2.4.2 – Recruit memberships from an increasingly widening area
o Action Step 2.4.3 – Contact school groups for attendance at Old Iron Days.
o Action Step 2.4.4 – Develop evening entertainment and organized activities during
the show
 Objective 2.5 – Develop the funding resources necessary to achieve this goal.
o Action Step 2.5.1 – Solicit exhibit sponsors for on-going support.
o Action Step 2.5.2 – Sales of products resulting from the demonstrations (i.e. -
straw bales, shingles, brooms, etc.)
o Action Step 2.5.3 – Vendor fees
o Action step 2.5.4 – Entrance gate donations

Goal #3 – Benefit the Community Through Club Activities and Participation in Local Events

 Objective 3.1 – Develop the Rollin ‘Red’ Vandever Memorial Park

o Action Step 3.1.1 – Continue expansion of the electric and plumbing services.
o Action Step 3.1.2 – Provide an adequate public address system
o Action Step 3.1.3 – Expand the “Main Street” concept with additional buildings (i.e.
- school house, etc.)
o Action Step 3.1.4 – Improve directional and informational signage.
o Action Step 3.1.5 – Improve guest services (i.e. – hand-washing station, sidewalks,
etc.)
o Action Step 3.1.6 – Solicit development and construction of permanent displays by
partnering organizations.
o Action Step 3.1.7 – Develop adequate storage for donated equipment and club
supplies.
o Action Step 3.1.8 – Pursue expansion of the show grounds plan.

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  Objective 3.2 – Increase the use of the show grounds for non-club activities
o Action Step 3.2.1 – Advertise the availability of the venue for use by the public.
o Action Step 3.2.2 – Accommodate, as much as is reasonable, the needs of the
various groups using the show grounds and facilities.
 Objective 3.3 – Participate in and support other community events
o Action Step 3.3.1 – Utilize club resources to assist both local and other
communities in the development of their organization’s activities.
o Action Step 3.3.2 – Support community events by operating as a limited event (i.e.
- Homecoming Day, 6th Gr. Conservation Day, Fredonia for Youth Easter Egg Hunt,
etc.)
o Action Step 3.3.3 – Continue partnering with other organizations for mutual
benefit. (i.e. – Wilson Co. Conservation District, area 4-H groups, Fredonia Arts
Council, Fredonia Chamber of Commerce, Wilson County Historical Society, etc.)
 Objective 3.4 – Develop the funding resources necessary to achieve this goal.
o Action Step 3.4.1 – Follow the funding plan as outlined in Goal #4.
o Action Step 3.4.2 - Cooperate with other organizations and their funding efforts.
o Action Step 3.4.3 – Maintain and enforce a reasonable monetary compensation
plan for use of the grounds and facilities.
o Action Step 3.4.4 – Sale of club products at multiple events.

Goal #4 – Acquire the Capital Necessary to Accomplish the Stated Mission and Goals of the
Wilson County Old Iron Club.

 Objective 4.1 – Establish a detailed financial plan and system of accountability.

o Action Step 4.1.1 – Maintain electronic financial records.
o Action Step 4.1.2 – Develop and adopt an annual budget.
 Objective 4.2 – Explore financial resources through significant donations and other
financial contributions.
o Action Step 4.2.1 – Promote the Old Iron Club in the process of estate planning,
and as a potential recipient of memorial donations.
o Action Step 4.2.2 – Through networking, develop and pursue opportunities for
revenue from individuals and/or businesses.
o Action Step 4.2.3 – Continue to pursue grant opportunities.
 Objective 4.3 – Establish a policy for handling donations.
o Action Step 4.3.1 – Establish recognition procedures for acknowledging donations.
o Action Step 4.3.2 – Establish a policy for accepting cash donations.
o Action Step 4.3.3 – Establish a policy for accepting non-cash donations (i.e. – land,
equipment, construction materials, etc.)

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 Objective 4.4 – Define and establish board member and officer rights and
responsibilities.
o Action Step 4.4.1 – Develop and adopt a board member guidebook defining board
member fiduciary responsibilities.
o Action Step 4.4.2 – Participate in board development training.
o Action Step 4.4.3 – Develop procedural manual for major club operations.