OH My Gosh, Here comes another one!

The Third Annual Texas Willys Meet

The Third Annual Texas Willys Meet is dedicated to the Memory of Joe VanSlyke, cofounder of the First Texas Willys Meet.

Joe and Jody VanSlyke at the First Annual Texas Willys Meet.

Who/What: The time is already drawing near for the third annual meeting of Texas Willys owners and enthusiasts.  Myself (Rick Stivers) of San Antonio and Dan Breaux of Houston will be hosting this event.  If you live in or around Texas, and would like to attend this Meet, feel free to join us.  Best of all, there is no registration fee or required sign up.  We aren't a club and no membership is required.  We are a gathering of fine folks that appreciate the simplicity and character of these fine workhorse machines.  If you want to come, I would appreciate it if you let me know. I try to supply free food for the event and this will give me an idea of how many folks will be there. In addition I will try to get some name tags together so we know who you are and which vehicle you belong to. Bring your Willys Jeeps, trucks, wagons, panel vans, Forward Controls and let's visit. If it won't run, trailer it to the event.  We just want the opportunity to meet with you and your Willys. This does not mean that you need a Willys to attend.  If you just want to drop by and visit, that will be fine too. My wife and I will be there with my 62 Willys Pickup and I will even give rides to those that want to see what a Willys with a 350 feels like.  As always, this is a family event, so feel free to bring your spouses, children and pets.

Where: Dan Breaux's ranch in Burton TX.   "The place is about 1/2 way between Austin and Dallas. We have 160 acres with a small house overlooking a lake. There are six ponds, with woods and fields, and a cattle herd for scenery. Make sure to bring fishing poles for the kids.  The easiest way to get there is to take 290 to Homeyer Mountain Road, about 2 mile east of Carmine, or 3 miles west of Burton. Turn north and go 3 miles to Hartstack road. Turn east (right) on Hartstack and go approx 1/3 of a mile to our middle gate, which is on the north side of the road. There are three barns with a cattle pen there and a sign that says Wolf Creek Ranch. We have a deck with picnic tables and we can barbecue in the yard.    Dan"

Detailed Directions With Photos

When:  20 April 2002 from 8 AM to 5 PM   This is the same day as the "Burton Cotton Gin Festival" in Burton, TX.  This year's web site hasn't been built yet but here is the web site from last year. (http://www.cottonginmuseum.org/fest2001.htm) They will have a parade from about 11 am to 1 pm for those that would like to drive their Willys in the town's parade. The parade will take prior coordination and a registration fee so let me know early if you want to drive in the parade. It would be nice if those that participate would fly a black ribbon in memory of Joe VanSlyke. In addition to the parade and the operation of the Cotton Gin, there is also the antique tractor display, tractor pulls, Poppin Johnnie's (also know as hit and miss engines), and lots of great food.  We will fire up the grill at the ranch early in the morning try to keep it running all day.  I will supply coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs and bratwurst.   If you would like something else you can certainly bring it along or eat in one of the local restaurants.  

Richard Sample - Like last time, I'll bring fajitas, & tortillas.

Gary Hershberger - I will bring a couple of coolers of soft drinks.

For e-mail discussions on the Texas Willys Meet and other local (TX) Willys events you can sign up for e-mails at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TXWillysMeet/

Confirmed Attendees for 2001 Those in red are from previous meets and have not confirmed yet.

* Probable     W = Wife       K= Kids   GF = Girlfriend    ? = Possible  Hey we have a new catagory  for girl friend.  :-)