This book would not have been possible without the generosity of researchers, collectors, archivists, and enthusiasts who shared their knowledge, documents, photographs, and, most importantly, their memories. I am grateful to each of them.

Keith Buckley

If there is a “Keeper” of memories and data, that title must belong to Keith.  Keith is a walking encyclopedia of facts and information.  If he doesn’t know the answer, he probably knows someone who might.  Keith has somehow managed to collect documents, original Willys material, ranging from blueprints to memos, that others have overlooked or tossed aside.  People have given him items because they know he will care for them.  I will always be indebted to Keith for helping me with my narrow slice of Jeep history.  You may not see his name as often as some others, but be assured that his stamp is on every research project we have undertaken.

Fred Coldwell

A special thank you to Frederic Coldwell for his lifelong commitment to Jeep history. Fred’s landmark research into the CJ-1 and CJ-2 models opened the door for many of us to understand how the Jeep truly made its way from the battlefield to the furrow. His insights and published works have been a constant reference point for this project, and his influence on the community of citizen-historians cannot be overstated. And he has always taken the time to answer my sometimes off-the-wall questions.

Lonnie & Marilyn Deweese

Lonnie and Marilyn are responsible for spreading the Farm Jeep story to thousands of individuals.  For years at farm and Jeep shows, they shared their knowledge, love, and passion for the little Jeep’s role in agricultural history.   Lonnie’s and Marilyn’s names appear several times in our writings.  There have been hundreds of interactions over the years (phone calls, visits, and conversations at shows) that haven’t been recorded but are an important part of the story.  Lonnie passed away in November 2021.  The Farm Jeep world mourned. But we remember Lonnie and Marilyn for all they taught us about the fun of remembering.  We have written more about them at FarmJeep.com

Clint Dixon

Clint is an anomaly among Farm Jeep researchers.  He doesn’t own a Farm Jeep or any Willys Jeep for that matter, but much of what we know about the Monroe lift and Newgren implements comes from Clint.  Luckily for the Jeep world, Clint fell in love with a Dodge Power Wagon.  It just so happened that Power Wagons could be equipped with Monroe Hydraulic Lifts and Newgren Implements. Clint has spent years collecting information and writing about the Monroe Auto Equipment Company and the Newgren Equipment Company.  As a result, he is our go-to expert, and his work and words are visible throughout FarmJeep.com.  If the Farm Jeep ever had a best friend, it is Clint.

David Eilers

When I started doing more serious research for articles, I kept finding items at eWillys.  Soon, I was addicted to the site, and it has become part of my morning routine. Dave spent years sharing his love of Jeeps and telling stories of his adventures. He has also provided a listing service for Jeep sellers from around the country. More importantly, he kept Jeep history alive through sharing documents, manuals, newspaper articles, period ads, and interesting promotional items.  Dave has passed the running of eWillys on to others, as he has taken on new writing adventures.  But he is still a part of Farm Jeep and always will be.

John & Phyllis Ittel

John and Phyllis taught me about sharing.  John’s many Farm Jeeps can be seen every year at the Farm Jeep Demonstration, part of the Willys Jeep Rally.  I’ve written articles about the demonstration. John and Phyllis opened their farm and allowed visitors to see real working Jeeps.  When John passed away in 2020, Phyllis and the rest of the family made sure that the show went on.  John was a friend and mentor. You can read more about him at FarmJeep.com

Bill Norris

We knew of Bill in his role as senior editor of the Dispatcher magazine, as a writer and speaker, and, of course, for Holy Toledo! Calendar.  That all changed in May of 2017.  The Spring Midwest Willys Reunion was held in Farm Jeep’s hometown of Columbus, IN.  Evan and I had volunteered to help in any way we could, and that offer turned into a presentation on the history of Farm Jeep hydraulic lifts.  Bill asked if I would like to write an article on that subject. Writing articles about Farm Jeeps had been on my bucket list for years.  Bill used his publishing and research expertise to make the articles happen. He also shared his vast knowledge of all things Jeep and continues to do so.  Bill’s desire to preserve history in an accurate and entertaining fashion has been an inspiration for our work.

Todd Paisely

First, I want to give a special acknowledgment to Jeep historian Todd Paisley, who conducted and recorded telephone interviews with Robert H. Green in the 1990s. Todd’s preservation of Green’s firsthand engineering recollections provides a rare primary source that significantly informs the study of Green. His generosity in sharing this material has ensured that an important chapter of early Farm Jeep history is not lost.  Todd has also maintained a website titled “A Collection of Early Prototype Civilian Jeeps.” That is worth an acknowledgment on its own.

Evan Thomas

Some of the earliest photos of Evan are of him riding in his grandfather’s Jeep.  Often sitting on his grandfather’s lap, too small to sit in the seat by himself. He grew up with Jeeps, just as his mom had done. When he was grown, and the last Willys Jeep had left the farm, he made a statement: “We need to get another Jeep.”  When we found one and started working on it and learning about it, Evan gave me a website as a Christmas present.  He has been my technical support and number one “you can do it” support, too.  But with one caveat—only if it’s fun.

Paula Thomas

My wife and Evan’s mom grew up with Willys Jeeps.  I didn’t. There is a family story that I fell in love with her dad’s Jeep before falling in love with Paula.  I will always deny that, but I will admit to falling in love with the Jeep, too, just later.  Paula has endured years of hearing about Jeeps as we take quiet walks in the woods.  Like Evan, she has always encouraged me to follow this passion, and sometimes obsession, I have for the Farm Jeep.  She is the best part of all my memories.

Bob Westerman

The first link on our website’s Welcome page takes readers to Bob’s article on the Willys Farm Jeep and the Jeep Tractor.  We have referenced this article multiple times, online and in our published articles.  In fact, we have used the articles on Bob’s CJ-3A Information Page as a primary resource for our research and Jeep projects. His work is filled with attention to detail and fact-finding. Bob is always willing to answer questions. Most importantly, he has chosen to freely share his knowledge with the Willys Jeep community and always seems to have fun in whatever he is doing.