Following my father’s lead on giving back to the community

Gary Ludtke—Then and Now. Left: Ludtke as a Stockbridge High graduate. Right: As a life-long area resident and volunteer, Ludtke has helped to shape the Stockbridge of today.

by Gary Ludtke

As a lifetime resident of Gregory and Stockbridge it is amazing to see how small-town America continues to change and evolve—sometimes for the good and, of course, some may say for the not so good.

Oh how we yearn for the good ole days. When you get together with old friends who have the same history, someone invariably will say that we aren’t able to start any conversation without “Do you remember when …?”

Well, for an article like this, you just have to start out that way.

I’m thinking about a time in our not-so-distant past when Stockbridge was home to three doctors’ offices, several antique stores, two car dealerships, and at least two grocery stores. We had a full furniture store, a dress shop, a clock repair shop, and a department store where you could buy everything from fabric to toys.

Jerry’s gas station was a full-service station where Jerry Runciman or Wynn Boyce would pump your gas and wash your windshield for no extra charge. A telephone company also made its home here, as did a corporate headquarters for a major five-and-dime store, and so on.

Today things have changed.

Fast food has come to our small town, and pizza is king. We no longer have a doctor’s office, but we do have two dentists. Stockbridge is home to a major pipeline company. Our schools are still held in high regard, with award-winning journalism and robotics programs. What was once a phone company building now holds a large church congregation, and the last full-size grocery store building in town is owned by an entrepreneur in the automotive industry. Changes like these are probably not all that unique. Other towns like ours have gone through similar major changes.

But let’s not forget, our town square continues to be one of the most photographic small-town squares in the state. And several organizations I have been involved with in Stockbridge continue to foster the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes other small towns envious.

My father was in the insurance business for the greater part of his work life. Like my father, I too went into insurance and investment sales. My father taught me by his example to give back to the community.

As a volunteer, I was one of the founding members of the Stockbridge Area Community Organization (SACO), which is now the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority (SDDA). During my tenure, this group was instrumental in converting land that was once the high school football and baseball fields into Stockbridge Community Park. Many in our community have enjoyed the park for family reunions, graduation parties, and other community events. Originally called Memorial Field, with land donated by the Stockbridge American Legion, it has become a beautiful addition to our small town. Knowing I had a hand in creating this facility brings me a sense of pride.

Years later, I was asked to assist in raising money to start the Arts Council. The Arts Council continues to bring meaningful events to our beloved Township Hall.

As a longtime member of the Stockbridge Area Education Foundation, we were successful in honoring Stockbridge students and teachers with scholarship opportunities, all stemming from a little fundraiser we call the Festival of Tables.

Like my father, I have been a long-standing member of the Stockbridge Lions Club. This outstanding organization continues to support various needs in our community.

At one time in my life I was president of three of these groups at the same time, and I continue to be amazed at the quality and vitality that all of these organizations bring to our community. Involvement in these groups has truly enriched my life by helping to enrich the lives of the members of this small, but wonderful town of Stockbridge

Fifty years in a community when you are just beginning a career seems like a far off possibility, but then again, we did just celebrate the success of a certain basketball team!