Stockbridge Area Tractor Show takes us back to our roots

by Judy Williams

Greg Wallo standing besides an enormous John Deere combine owned by Watters and Sons Farm. Photo by Judy Williams

Stockbridge, once known as the vegetable basket of the country, went back to its roots, so to speak when on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28, the community celebrated its agricultural roots with a tractor show.

The show, an annual event since 2010, was organized by co-chairs Lynn and Vickie Osborne, Keith and Doreen Grosshans, and Kim and Beverly Smith. The event, held at the Stockbridge American Legion Post 510, was made possible through the sponsorship of the Sons of the American Legion and many local farmers.

Tractors dated from 1935 to current computer-driven ones. Also, working steam engines dated back 1899 caused quite a stir with their whistle blasts.

Co-chair Kim Smith started out the interview with a question of his own: “Do you realize that at one time there were six tractor dealerships within a five-mile radius in our community?” he asked with his characteristic grin. “Tractors have always played a major role in our community’s economy. We had 51 exhibitors this year showing off 84 tractors. Bill and Dorothy Bugard, both 80-plus years, brought the most tractors, nine.”

Family fun. Kim Smith with granddaughter Brooklynn Heinz and grandson Dylan Smith. Photo by Sarah Heinz

“We try to gear everything towards family fun,” Smith stated. “It’s important for people to understand the role of farming in our community. I remember as a kid, when I first started learning to drive tractors, my grandpa told me, ‘You’ve got to run that tractor in a straight line.’ Nowadays, tractors have satellite controls that keep them running straight. It’s called precision planting.”

Smith went on to explain, “The only thing the driver does is turn the tractor to miss a tree or something else in its way. I remember my grandpa talking about how difficult it was to change from a horse team to a tractor with a gasoline engine. I can’t imagine what he would think of tractors that drive themselves.”

Pastor Bob Castle and Craig Goodlock leads the “Final Harvest” memorial service. Photo by Bev Smith

“On Saturday morning at 10 o’clock, we held memorial service for the farmers in our communities that have passed away in the last year,” Smith said. “We call it The Final Harvest. The service was conducted by Pastor Bob Castle and Craig Goodlock. Each family receives a plaque in memory of their loved one.”

The rain stopped in time for the parade. Photo by Bev Smith

The rain did put a damper on the event, and it stopped in time for the noon parade of tractors. “It’s quite a sight to see all of those different models and ages of tractors driving through town,” Smith said. “The parade was led by the Stockbridge Township fire department’s pickup truck and the SAESA ambulance ended the parade.”

Peddle pull fun. Photo by Sarah Heinz

At 3 o’clock the kids pedal pull took place. More than 44 youth took part in the pedal pull, organized by Melissa and Ben Noll and always a highlight of the day.

The committee is already looking forward to next year’s event scheduled for the last weekend in September. This is their way of keeping the community’s agriculture history alive.