At the Dec.15th Annual meeting of Oxford Plowmen's, 1951, a new Oxford
Blenheim group was approved:
Mr. Dave H. Brown from Plattsville was the president.
D.B.Mitchell and Geo.Shearer were vice presidents
J.H.Markle was secretary-treasurer
Directors were:
Martin Stewart
Leslie McDonald
Irvin Campbell
Wallace Brown
Merle Coleman
Orville Fried
Annual matches were alternated between north and south of Blenheim.In the early years a tent was used for dinner and awarding the prizes.In those days the main competitors were Browns,Mitchells,Hofstetters,Geo.Shearer,Dedmans,Perrys,and Frieds.
Officers elected for the parent Oxford Group were:
Mr. Dave H. Brown from Plattsville was the president.
D.B.Mitchell and Geo.Shearer were vice presidents
J.H.Markle was secretary-treasurer
Directors were:
Martin Stewart
Leslie McDonald
Irvin Campbell
Wallace Brown
Merle Coleman
Orville Fried
Annual matches were alternated between north and south of Blenheim.In the early years a tent was used for dinner and awarding the prizes.In those days the main competitors were Browns,Mitchells,Hofstetters,Geo.Shearer,Dedmans,Perrys,and Frieds.
Officers elected for the parent Oxford Group were:
President- Douglas Start
1st Vice Pres- Ross Hargreaves
2nd Vice Pres- Harley McBeth
Secretary - Geo. E. Bell
Treasurer - Norman Shelton
1st Vice Pres- Ross Hargreaves
2nd Vice Pres- Harley McBeth
Secretary - Geo. E. Bell
Treasurer - Norman Shelton
Honorary presidents were:
T.R.Dent M.L.A.,
Clark Murray M.P
(1952 Warden) P.M.Dewan.
20 directors were nominated and approved:-
T.R.Dent M.L.A.,
Clark Murray M.P
(1952 Warden) P.M.Dewan.
20 directors were nominated and approved:-
John Hargreaves
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Lorne Richardson
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Douglas McClintock
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Wilfred Grenzebach
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Thos. Pellow
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E.V. Kennedy
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Harry Little
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Wilfred Corp
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David Brown
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Ed Hansuld
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Murray Logan
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Murray Gray
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Carl Heeney
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Geo. Innes
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Roscoe Buck
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Fred Howard
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Frank Ellis
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Geo. Shearer
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Chas.Brink
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G.A. Matheson
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Some new members were:
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Dave Bailey
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Ward Brodhaecker
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Max Heeney
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Gerald Heeney
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Ross McRae
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The 1952 Oxford match was held on Ross McRae
farm,west of Norwich.
As soon as Doug Start assumed his duties as president, he predicted it would be
difficult to host a successful county match after hosting the provincial match
in Oxford in
1951. At the first meeting of Oxford Plowmen,January 9th,1952,for passing of
accounts re: the 1951 IPM, the executive authorized the treasurer of the county
association, Mr.Norm Shelton,to make out a cheque for $300 to the treasurer of
the local committee,Mr.Len Coles,covering the grant for prize money on local
counties day.It would look better on the financial statement as all adjoining
counties made similar donations.A $100 cheque was forwarded to the agriculture
representative of Victoria county,Mr.Leroy G.Brown, as payment to 2 boys who
lost horses as the result of an accident when they were returning from the 1951
IPM.The horses were travelling in an open top trailer,their heads up enjoying
the wind in their face like dogs travelling in a car with their heads out the
window.They struck the low hanging Eastwood overpass (53 Hwy) on their
forehead,killing them.They were owned by Bernell Wylie from Oakwood near
Lindsay.
After all honorariums,accounts of local committee,damage to host farmers fields had been paid, the treasurer of the local committee was instructed to turn over the remaining funds from the 1951 IPM to the treasurer of Oxford County Plowmen, which was about $3600 (according to the treasurer's book).
August 5th, 1952, Oxford plowmen met to draw up their prize list. A coaching day was recommended for all boys 18 and under, to be held at the farm of Norman Shelton on Monday, Sept.22nd or tentatively,Tuesday,Oct.21st. Wm.Barrie of Galt was to be judge or 2nd choice, Norman McLeod. A $500 donation was a fund for Mr. Geo. Bell.
September 25th,1952,Norwich Jr. Farmers were put in charge of parking.Mr.Robinson consulted Don Graham,Brant county ag.rep., to judge the horse show. Don Graham was the son of Peter L. Graham from Ilderton (all dedicated horsemen). The prize list was reviewed. If there were more competitors than there were prizes offered, the committee reserved the right to pay prize money from classes that were not filled. Cecil Wells plowed using Arlington Robinsons team of black Percherons. There was good attendance and support from the Norwich community for the 11th Annual Oxford match at the Ross McRae farm west of Norwich, but poor turnout of contestants. No Oxford boys attended the team plowing at the 1952 IPM held at the Carp airport in Carlton county.The local county match was not so great after the letdown of the 1951 IPM.
Dec.12, 1952, Annual meeting- the letdown was the main topic: location too far south, prize money too small, should open up the classes (to other counties), need a class for high school boys, review the prize list of other counties, horse plowing was finished said Hargreaves. A note of thanks was sent to Woodstock Mayor Bernadette Smith for her Interest in the match. Hargreaves coached her; she was eager to compete in the politician's class at IPM next year 1953. Ross Hargreaves moved up as president; Harley McBeth,1st Vice Pres; Lorne Richardson,2nd Vice Pres; Bob E. Bell was appointed secretary, and Mr. C. Brad Schneller assistant secretary; N.Shelton, treasurer.
1953
Aug.5th, the Oxford association appointed 2 boys,Bill Mitchell of Bright and Gerald Heeney to go to the team plowing competition IPM accompanied by Mr.Dave Mitchell of Blenheim. The 1953 IPM was at the Counties Home farm of Coburg,Durham,and Northumberland counties.
Sept.29th,the non-farmers and ladies classes were eliminated and replaced by a welding competition open to farmers and farmers sons. It was suggested to contact Mr.Welby Meyers of Sweaburg and Mr.Max McKay of Embro regarding welding equipment,-also Mr. Geo. Simmons at W.C.I.who is well qualified.
The 12th Annual Oxford match,1953 was held at the Harold Duffy farm south of Ingersoll in a 40 acre field. Dry ground eliminated perfect plowing conditions; 5000 people attended; the plowing was terrible; Mrs. Wilson and the Salford Women's Institute served lunches. Parking was in charge of Wallace Hammond and Russell Dickout of the Ingersoll Junior farmers.
John Wallace, of Burford (the brother of Bev. Wallace) judged the horse show. Past president, Arlington Robinson, won the T. Eaton Special for the best plow team with his black Percherons . It was the first year that Cecil Wells used his own team. Max Heeney, R.R. 2, Ingersoll,age 15,was the youngest plowing contestant. Good weather prevailed and it was pleasing to see the ladies of the county who turned out in larger numbers than in any previous years.
Annual Meeting of Oxford Plowmen Dec.16,1953, Ross Hargreaves, reporting on the Provincial Annual meeting said Oxford's bank balance was good compared to the ending balance of the IPM matches at Carp and Coburg. One of them had a balance of $92 compared to Oxford's (over $3000). John Hargreaves was judging at IPM Coburg. He complimented the plowing skills of Oxford Mayor Bernadette Smith who, he felt, should have won her class.
1954
Lack of enthusiasm for an Oxford match in 1954 was apparent,reading the minute book,even for the IPM at Waterloo on the farm of J.A.Randall. A joint coaching day with the Blenheim group was held. Mr.Bill Mitchell and Orville Fried were the Oxford team at the IPM. Waterloo County requested a $350 grant for their local counties day competition.$300 was the normal amount for adjoining counties to contribute for prize money.Oxford did not hold a plowing match in 1954 and the IPM was rained out by hurricane Hazel. Horses completed their lands on the lighter soil of Waterloo county; they plowed on Saturday.Arnold Rife,who was part of the clean-up crew for the tented city said there were a lot of empty beer bottles to clean up; nothing they could do but stay in the tents and drink beer. At the Annual meeting,Dec.17,1954 the same officers were installed for 1955.
The Eastwood overpass was not always as high as it is today. George Dakin
related this story. The Dakin family was having some furniture, a sofa and a
fridge moved by Purvis Alyea (old Parr Geo. called him), Lloyd Alyea's father.
Purvis Alyea drove a flatbed milk truck with racks, the style used to haul milk
cans. George's mother was riding in the cab with Purvis. George, his brother
John, and their father were riding on the back of the truck, seated on the
sofa, which was sitting on the racks, the back of it stuck up above the cab.
Purvis Alyea was always falling asleep at the wheel while driving. George, John, and their father could see the overpass coming, but Purvis did not slow down, heed their warning yells, or George's mother shaking him. The sofa hit the overpass at 30 mph; George, John, and their father flew off with the sofa. It's a wonder we weren't killed said George.
Purvis Alyea was always falling asleep at the wheel while driving. George, John, and their father could see the overpass coming, but Purvis did not slow down, heed their warning yells, or George's mother shaking him. The sofa hit the overpass at 30 mph; George, John, and their father flew off with the sofa. It's a wonder we weren't killed said George.
After all honorariums,accounts of local committee,damage to host farmers fields had been paid, the treasurer of the local committee was instructed to turn over the remaining funds from the 1951 IPM to the treasurer of Oxford County Plowmen, which was about $3600 (according to the treasurer's book).
August 5th, 1952, Oxford plowmen met to draw up their prize list. A coaching day was recommended for all boys 18 and under, to be held at the farm of Norman Shelton on Monday, Sept.22nd or tentatively,Tuesday,Oct.21st. Wm.Barrie of Galt was to be judge or 2nd choice, Norman McLeod. A $500 donation was a fund for Mr. Geo. Bell.
September 25th,1952,Norwich Jr. Farmers were put in charge of parking.Mr.Robinson consulted Don Graham,Brant county ag.rep., to judge the horse show. Don Graham was the son of Peter L. Graham from Ilderton (all dedicated horsemen). The prize list was reviewed. If there were more competitors than there were prizes offered, the committee reserved the right to pay prize money from classes that were not filled. Cecil Wells plowed using Arlington Robinsons team of black Percherons. There was good attendance and support from the Norwich community for the 11th Annual Oxford match at the Ross McRae farm west of Norwich, but poor turnout of contestants. No Oxford boys attended the team plowing at the 1952 IPM held at the Carp airport in Carlton county.The local county match was not so great after the letdown of the 1951 IPM.
Dec.12, 1952, Annual meeting- the letdown was the main topic: location too far south, prize money too small, should open up the classes (to other counties), need a class for high school boys, review the prize list of other counties, horse plowing was finished said Hargreaves. A note of thanks was sent to Woodstock Mayor Bernadette Smith for her Interest in the match. Hargreaves coached her; she was eager to compete in the politician's class at IPM next year 1953. Ross Hargreaves moved up as president; Harley McBeth,1st Vice Pres; Lorne Richardson,2nd Vice Pres; Bob E. Bell was appointed secretary, and Mr. C. Brad Schneller assistant secretary; N.Shelton, treasurer.
1953
Aug.5th, the Oxford association appointed 2 boys,Bill Mitchell of Bright and Gerald Heeney to go to the team plowing competition IPM accompanied by Mr.Dave Mitchell of Blenheim. The 1953 IPM was at the Counties Home farm of Coburg,Durham,and Northumberland counties.
Sept.29th,the non-farmers and ladies classes were eliminated and replaced by a welding competition open to farmers and farmers sons. It was suggested to contact Mr.Welby Meyers of Sweaburg and Mr.Max McKay of Embro regarding welding equipment,-also Mr. Geo. Simmons at W.C.I.who is well qualified.
The 12th Annual Oxford match,1953 was held at the Harold Duffy farm south of Ingersoll in a 40 acre field. Dry ground eliminated perfect plowing conditions; 5000 people attended; the plowing was terrible; Mrs. Wilson and the Salford Women's Institute served lunches. Parking was in charge of Wallace Hammond and Russell Dickout of the Ingersoll Junior farmers.
John Wallace, of Burford (the brother of Bev. Wallace) judged the horse show. Past president, Arlington Robinson, won the T. Eaton Special for the best plow team with his black Percherons . It was the first year that Cecil Wells used his own team. Max Heeney, R.R. 2, Ingersoll,age 15,was the youngest plowing contestant. Good weather prevailed and it was pleasing to see the ladies of the county who turned out in larger numbers than in any previous years.
Annual Meeting of Oxford Plowmen Dec.16,1953, Ross Hargreaves, reporting on the Provincial Annual meeting said Oxford's bank balance was good compared to the ending balance of the IPM matches at Carp and Coburg. One of them had a balance of $92 compared to Oxford's (over $3000). John Hargreaves was judging at IPM Coburg. He complimented the plowing skills of Oxford Mayor Bernadette Smith who, he felt, should have won her class.
1954
Lack of enthusiasm for an Oxford match in 1954 was apparent,reading the minute book,even for the IPM at Waterloo on the farm of J.A.Randall. A joint coaching day with the Blenheim group was held. Mr.Bill Mitchell and Orville Fried were the Oxford team at the IPM. Waterloo County requested a $350 grant for their local counties day competition.$300 was the normal amount for adjoining counties to contribute for prize money.Oxford did not hold a plowing match in 1954 and the IPM was rained out by hurricane Hazel. Horses completed their lands on the lighter soil of Waterloo county; they plowed on Saturday.Arnold Rife,who was part of the clean-up crew for the tented city said there were a lot of empty beer bottles to clean up; nothing they could do but stay in the tents and drink beer. At the Annual meeting,Dec.17,1954 the same officers were installed for 1955.
1955
The IPM was held at Blythe Wood in Essex county.Officials said they lost money. Only 62,000 of the expected 200,000 turned up to make it the poorest in the 67 year history of competitive plowing in Ontario, blamed on lack of local interest."They are only interested in making money from farming",one official said.They don't care about straight furrows,trips to England,or golden plows.Orville Fried and Bob Mitchell represented Oxford in the team plowing.
The 13th Oxford match headline was:
The IPM was held at Blythe Wood in Essex county.Officials said they lost money. Only 62,000 of the expected 200,000 turned up to make it the poorest in the 67 year history of competitive plowing in Ontario, blamed on lack of local interest."They are only interested in making money from farming",one official said.They don't care about straight furrows,trips to England,or golden plows.Orville Fried and Bob Mitchell represented Oxford in the team plowing.
The 13th Oxford match headline was:
Only Twelve enter the County Plow Match Heavy Rain Spoils Plans of Oxford Association Attendance and entries dropped off at the last
minute.Ross Hargreaves,president of the association and Bob Bell,secretary were
visibly disappointed. Mr.Hargreaves said the weather was just like the IPM held
last year(1954) in Waterloo
County.
Annual Meeting, Oxford Plowmen,Dec.10th, 1955
W.C.Barrie was the guest speaker.His remarks were directed toward improving the Oxford Match.His first suggestion was to get rid of the large bank account.Other suggestions were:
Home Plowing Competitions
Cut out old classes
Co-operate with urban groups eg.Chamber of Commerce
Increase classes for juniors
An evening banquet with a free meal to the plowboys, judges, guests,etc. A moments silence was observed for the late Murray Logan. Election of officers followed with the same board of directors returned for 1956. Percy Wettlaufer was put on the board to replace Mr. Logan. Next years Provincial Annual Meeting announced to be held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto,Feb.6th and 7th.
1956
Oxford match to be held Nov.2nd,Friday in the northeast part of Oxford.
The horse show was deleted and prize money increased in all classes.
In regards to team plowing at the IPM,expenses for coaches and plow boys,including transportation, meals,overnight accommodation, and entry fee were to be paid by the treasury. Classes 2,3,6,9,and12 in the 1955 prize list were omitted and remaining classes moved up accordingly.Prize money for classes 1 to 6 was $30,$25,$20,$15,$12,10,8,8,8,8 and $2 each for crown and finish.
The T.Eaton Co.Special this year was awarded to the best plowed land by an Oxford boy or girl 20 years of age and under. Hickson Womens Institute acted as caterers. Percy Wettlaufer was asigned the task of clipping the field on the Wilfred Grenzebach farm where the match was held.
Paid ads were put in the Kitchener paper and announced on Stratford radio.
Dec.5,1956 Norfolk County invited Oxford to join with Haldimand,Brant,and Elgin for local counties day at next years IPM.
Dec.13,1956,Annual meeting of Oxford;There was increased enthusiasm and interest in the Oxford match in 1956,thanks to Mr.John Hargreaves,Wilfred Corp,and Ed Hansuld of the prize list committee.
Mr.Percy Wettlaufer was paid $10 for mowing the field on Mr.Grenzebach's farm where the match was held.
Messrs. Mitchell and Fried of the Blenheim group were paid $145 to cover expenses in connection with the inter-county competition at the IPM ‒ held at Hebert Down farm near Brooklin. There was favour in having an Oxford match in 1957,regardless of the IPM being held in the adjacent county of Norfolk.(It didn't happen)
Election of officers for 1957 followed.
Annual Meeting, Oxford Plowmen,Dec.10th, 1955
W.C.Barrie was the guest speaker.His remarks were directed toward improving the Oxford Match.His first suggestion was to get rid of the large bank account.Other suggestions were:
Home Plowing Competitions
Cut out old classes
Co-operate with urban groups eg.Chamber of Commerce
Increase classes for juniors
An evening banquet with a free meal to the plowboys, judges, guests,etc. A moments silence was observed for the late Murray Logan. Election of officers followed with the same board of directors returned for 1956. Percy Wettlaufer was put on the board to replace Mr. Logan. Next years Provincial Annual Meeting announced to be held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto,Feb.6th and 7th.
1956
Oxford match to be held Nov.2nd,Friday in the northeast part of Oxford.
The horse show was deleted and prize money increased in all classes.
In regards to team plowing at the IPM,expenses for coaches and plow boys,including transportation, meals,overnight accommodation, and entry fee were to be paid by the treasury. Classes 2,3,6,9,and12 in the 1955 prize list were omitted and remaining classes moved up accordingly.Prize money for classes 1 to 6 was $30,$25,$20,$15,$12,10,8,8,8,8 and $2 each for crown and finish.
The T.Eaton Co.Special this year was awarded to the best plowed land by an Oxford boy or girl 20 years of age and under. Hickson Womens Institute acted as caterers. Percy Wettlaufer was asigned the task of clipping the field on the Wilfred Grenzebach farm where the match was held.
Paid ads were put in the Kitchener paper and announced on Stratford radio.
Dec.5,1956 Norfolk County invited Oxford to join with Haldimand,Brant,and Elgin for local counties day at next years IPM.
Dec.13,1956,Annual meeting of Oxford;There was increased enthusiasm and interest in the Oxford match in 1956,thanks to Mr.John Hargreaves,Wilfred Corp,and Ed Hansuld of the prize list committee.
Mr.Percy Wettlaufer was paid $10 for mowing the field on Mr.Grenzebach's farm where the match was held.
Messrs. Mitchell and Fried of the Blenheim group were paid $145 to cover expenses in connection with the inter-county competition at the IPM ‒ held at Hebert Down farm near Brooklin. There was favour in having an Oxford match in 1957,regardless of the IPM being held in the adjacent county of Norfolk.(It didn't happen)
Election of officers for 1957 followed.
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| 1951 IPM |
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