Plans began approximately one year in advance of the March 15-18, 2001 Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors Association Winter-Get-Together hosted by The Oliver Gang at Kruse International Auction Complex in Auburn, IN.   In March of 2000, Oliver Gang members riding on the chartered bus to Waterloo, Iowa and back, voted to host the next HPOCA Winter-Get-Together.  It would be the chapter's second winter event to host.  They had hosted the national group back in 1995 at South Bend, IN.
The vision presented was to co-ordinate with the Maumee Valley Antique Gas Association of New Haven, IN and host the national members of HPOCA during the annual winter tractor show held at Kruse Auction Park and the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States (NATMUS).
Several meetings were planned and attended by the various groups involved.  Planning meetings were held at the NATMUS museum with John Martin Smith chairing.  It took a long time to work through channels to get a firm commitment by the Kruse Auction people for the use of their grounds.  But, Gary Parker said it would happen and it finally did.
There was much discussion about the number of chairs and tables needed and where they would be placed.  Tables would be needed for the Thursday evening hospitality reception, HPOCA vendors, Saturday morning Sausage and Pancake breakfast, and Saturday evening HPOCA banquet.
There was also much concern about what kind of weather Auburn, IN would receive in the middle of March.
In addition to the combined planning meetings, the Oliver Gang held their own planning meetings.  Committee needs were assessed.  Information was sent to all Oliver Gang members.  Volunteers were counted.  Orders were placed.  Hotels were contacted.  Hospitality foods and necessities were purchased.  Commemorative  Hart-Parr 18-36 toy tractors were negotiated. Menus were chosen.  Table decorations were arranged.  Entertainment was discussed.  Tour busses were hired.  Placemats were designed.  Oliver Gang booth items were inventoried.  Vendors' needs were coming in.  Reservations were being processed. 
The days were drawing near.

Inside vendors' spaces were laid out at the Cord Building on Saturday, March 10th.  The tractor display area was to be in the middle of the south end of the large building.  It was ready to receive those beauties throughout the coming week.  The stage area was setup.  The Oliver Gang trailer was parked nearby loaded with merchandise, flags, emergency supplies, etc.
Wednesday evening, the hotel lobbies were turned into HPOCA welcome stations. (A John Deere employee staying at the Holiday Express questioned our work.)
Thursday arrived and so did the vendors.  They filled the assigned spaces with little or no problems.
The Thursday evening hospitality reception for all was being prepared by the Oliver Gang ladies.  Buying the goodies to be served at wholesale prices was another wonderful idea.  Plenty of people could be served at a reasonable cost to the Oliver Gang.
There was rinsing, chopping, slicing, and laughter going on at the Widner's home that afternoon.  All of the goodies were neatly placed on serving trays and sealed for the short journey to the NATMUS museum.
At NATMUS, tables were spread with good tasting munchies and drinks.  Guests were encouraged to help themselves, roam through the museum, or sit for awhile and talk with fellow Oliver collectors and families from many parts of our nation and Canada.
The Thursday evening hospitality time was the greatest ever with the relaxed atmosphere of the NATMUS museum.  There was plenty of room for eating, visiting, and looking at the cars and trucks.
On Friday and Saturday, more attendees picked up their name badges and signed up for bus tours to view Gary and Carolyn Parker's tractor collection.
The front stage area was used Friday evening for the Oliver Gang consignment auction.  Continued on page 11.