About Old Glade Antique Tractor Association

The Old Glade Antique Tractor Association (OGATA) is a non-profit organization formed in the rural community of Glade Spring, Virginia. In 2008, a group of 11 individuals dedicated to preserving the agricultural history of the 1900s in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee began their journey to preserving, displaying, and demonstrating farming techniques, antique farm equipment, and sharing the agricultural history of the region with the community.

The organization’s Articles of Incorporation were finalized in May 2009 and received the Certificate of Incorporation from the Commonwealth of Virginia in June 2009. The Charter of The Old Glade Antique Tractor Association (OGATA) was signed and sealed with the Commonwealth of Virginia in April 2012. Forming a partnership with the Town of Abingdon, OGATA utilizes the newly restored Fairview Homestead, which is owned by the Town, to host the group’s meetings, community farming events, and preservation of the agricultural site in town.

Since the formation of OGATA, the organization has obtained, through donations and “on loan”, a variety of antique farming equipment (a list of equipment may be found under Historic Preservation). The restoration and preservation of this equipment provides the opportunity to demonstrate wheat binding, threshing, hay pressing, and many other farm practices.

Members have worked to redevelop the cropland at the Fairview Homestead allowing OGATA to raise wheat and vegetables as it was once farmed from the 1800s through the 1900s. Along with donations from various entities within the region, members donate their time, fuel, personal equipment and funds towards the preservation of the farm land and growing crops. Each year OGATA grows vegetable crops (potatoes, corn, and onions) at the Fairview Homestead and donates the food crops to local food pantries.

Each year OGATA hosts the “Preserving the Past for the Future” summer show with antique tractors and equipment displays and demonstrations, small farm equipment, and draft horse pulling demonstrations.

OGATA has an open membership and accepts new members at any time. Currently, the organization’s membership has grown to over 80+ members. Members are dedicated to preserving the rich agricultural history of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

OGATA welcomes antique farm equipment donations and “on loan” equipment.