[SEL] [AT] Back 40 Junction

[Spencer Yost]

I don’t know how many of you remember, but giving back to the community was always something important to me and was something that I wanted for ATIS and SEL. Between the Portland auction and the Christmas auction, I was determined to raise money for those less fortunate than us.

I remember Dave Rotigel giving me shit at one of these dinners to the point it pissed my wife off. But Dave was one of those friends you tolerated because he was also always the best of friends. Both he and a college roommate taught me that not everyone understands the language of friendship, but they managed to communicate it in their own way.

Our arrangements at the back 40, our relationship with the hostess, our relationship with the management, everything about the back 40 was integral to our gathering at the Portland, Indiana tri-state, gas engine and tractor show for a number of years.

We raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities.

I hate that everything changes yet I am fully aware it does.

The onus on is on you, new generation. Lift everyone up with you. We’re too old and occupied with family, grandchildren, infirmary, and late life planning to carry on.

Be even better than us,  please.  We’re counting on it.  

Spencer Yost

> On Dec 31, 2025, at 12:06 AM, Dean Vinson <dean at vinsonfarm.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> The Back 40 Junction restaurant in Decatur, Indiana has hosted some dinners in years past for ATIS and Engine List groups attending the Portland show.   I just saw this article announcing the restaurant is closing due to the owner's health concerns.
>  
> https://www.wane.com/top-stories/iconic-decatur-restaurant-back-40-junction-closing-its-doors
>  
> Times change.  I hope a new owner can be found to reopen the Back 40.
>  
> Dean Vinson
> Saint Paris, Ohio
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> AT at lists.antique-tractor.com
> http://lists.antique-tractor.com/listinfo.cgi/at-antique-tractor.com
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.stationary-engine.com/pipermail/sel-stationary-engine.com/attachments/20251231/a2ca2181/attachment.htm>