Historic Preservation

The Old Glade Antique Tractor Association (OGATA) is a non-profit organization developed in the rural community of Glade Spring, Virginia. This small community is in Washington County, Virginia with the county seat being the historic town of Abingdon, Virginia. This rural Southwest Virginia region has prospered agriculturally with tobacco, food crops, and livestock. OGATA was formed to preserve the agricultural history and preservation of antique farming equipment in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Preserving agricultural history

In 2008, a group of 11 individuals dedicated to preserving the agricultural history of the 1900s in Southwest Virginia began their journey to preserving, displaying, and demonstrating farming techniques, antique farm equipment, and sharing the agricultural history of the region with the community. 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.

Farm Equipment Donated and On Loan

Since the formation of OGATA, the organization has obtained, through donations and “on loan”, a variety of farming equipment:

1) 1932 Frick Thresher Machine. 2) 1939 IH Wheat Binder. 3) IH Corn Binder. 4) Frick Thresher Machine with Straw Blower. 5) IH Wheat Binder. 6) John Deere Grain Drill. 7) 1926 IH Wheat Binder. 8) IH Corn Binder. 9) AC 60 Combine. 10) Apple Press. 11) Lilston Stationary Hay Baler. 12) Oliver Trailing PlowWheat Up Close. 13) 1963 International Model 140 Tractor. 14) Row Drag Setter. 15) 1937 Farmall Model “F” Tractor. 16) 1949 Farmall Model “M” Tractor.

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, vegetables, and a Heritage Garden 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.

Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment Shows and Demonstrations

Each year OGATA organizes a tractor and farm equipment show to promote farming, farm equipment, and displaying of various makes and models of tractors. Each year the event has grown with additional tractors and demonstrations of the various antique farm machinery. The community has embraced the heritage and cultural preservation of agriculture and preserving farm equipment; 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”