The first order of business of the May 1 meeting of the North Louisiana Vintage Tractor Club was presentation of the club’s annual scholarship, triple their traditional amount plus a packed-house attendance because the 2025 scholarship was awarded in memory of charter member Bill Campbell.
President Barry Howard explained the club was formed in the fall of 2003 by a group of people who had a common interest in restoring, preserving and showing vintage tractors and equipment. The club has grown to have members not only in North and Central Louisiana but other states as well. Family-oriented, offering good clean fun and fellowship for all, this regional club is a member of Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association.
“We are Branch #179,” said Howard. “Our mission is to educate the general public of Vintage Tractors and Equipment, while safety is our priority. Bill Campbell passed away September 24 last year. Bill was a charter member and served as Vice President for 17 years. He served many years as Safety Officer and was very good mechanic, mentor and active member until his health failed.”
Campbell’s family was present for the presentation of the scholarship. His wife Tenna lives in Colfax. Daughter Micki Campbell Bartlett, son Patrick and his wife Pam drove down from Sheridan, AR, for the occasion. “It was a real tribute to their Dad,” said Howard.
The 2025 North LA Vintage Tractor Club scholarship in memory of Bill Campbell was awarded to a Ruston High School graduate, Joseph Wheelus. Joseph has completed 5 semesters in the school’s FFA Ag shop learning to troubleshoot and rewire control panels. He will be attending Northwest Louisiana Community College in Minden where he has set his sights on a degree in electrical automation and instrumentation. Joseph said that he doesn’t start something that he doesn’t finish.
North LA Vintage Tractor Club traditionally awards a $500 scholarship annually. But this time due to the special nature of the memorial, the Bill Campbell family donated $500 more while various club members added $500, making a total of $1,500. Members wished the young man well with hopes that this scholarship will enhance his further education. The club Scholarship Committee is Jen & Jeff Stipek and Andy & Shelia Frost.
During the club’s business session, members discussed their annual Spring Tractor Ride. Howard explains, “This year we will be riding approximately 50 miles. Plans are to begin at Joel Bryant’s shop, travel to Donnie Lasyone’s camp, have a catfish lunch and head back to the beginning. Mind you, this not a straight route. We will be traveling the backroads. The reason for this is so our tractor drivers can see God’s creation. A person can see a lot by traveling in a car. But on a tractor, one can see things that you can’t see in a car, getting closer to nature and letting the wind blow against you. And then just riding and waiting to find a member stalled on the side of the road. That gives us something to talk about or rag the member. That’s what makes it good clean fun. As president of the club, I’ve been there and believe me they will their fun.”
The North LA Vintage Tractor Club meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Mama’s Iron Skillet in Winnfield . They encourage Winn Parish Journal readers to visit their website: www.NLVTC.net
