Wednesday, 14 March 2018
1961
1961
Clare Hartley and Ed Eddy (pres. & vice-pres.) attended the OPA convention in Toronto Feb.20 and 21st. Mr. Hargreaves and Secretary Don Taylor were to approach County Council for the $600 grant. The president, vice-president, and 2nd Vice-President Art Dale were responsible for locating a site, and Clare Hartley's father's farm was chosen. The Tractor Club and R.J. Milne arranged a tractor driving competition. Implement companies were invited to exhibit and demonstrate at the match. A utility class (#8) was included with regular classes, plowing to be completed in two hours (speed plowing). If there were less than three entries in this class, the two top prizes were to be reduced by $5 each. Horseshoe pitching was dropped, but the plow team class and the horse show continued. Prize money for the best crown and finish was not to be paid without there being at least two entries in a class. Direction signs were posted at the Governor's Road (#2Hwy) and the Tolgate Road.
Tavistock Gazette printed the prize lists. Stake day was Oct.25th. CIL was approached for the use of a tent and Ont.Hydro for a trailer.
World Champion Plowman
William Dixon, a dairy farmer, after winning the Ontario and Canadian plowing title in 1960 won the world championship at Grignon, France (Oct 1st),1961. He announced that he would be adjusting his plowing in future to his 200 acre farm near Brampton. "I'm finished" he said with a grin. "I've gone as far as I can go."
S.Review, Sept.29, 1961,pg.13- IPM Expected To Top All Records
Held in Hastings county near Belleville, Oct.4-7, farm of Farley Vermilyea and neighbouring farms.
S.Review, Oct.13th, 1961pg.9
Members of 30 4-H clubs from Oxford left Woodstock to compete in Inter-club competitions at OAC Guelph. Ken Innes, a member of this group, aspired to a Presbyterian minister and champion plowman. Born in 1942, he was ordained in 1969, went to Wanham, AB. for 6 years. While there, he started the Wanham plowing club, the first one in AB. It is still going. He then moved to Brussels, Ont. and for eight years was involved with plowing matches there. The rest of his life was spent in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He started plowing matches there also.
He competed in five Canadian Plowing Competitions. He passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2013. Ken was the brother of Grant Innes of Embro.
The Annual meeting of Oxford Plowmen 1961
This meeting was held January 4th, 1962. The same officers were installed; Gordon Calder was a new director and W.O.Grenzebach came back on.
Clare Hartley and Ed Eddy (pres. & vice-pres.) attended the OPA convention in Toronto Feb.20 and 21st. Mr. Hargreaves and Secretary Don Taylor were to approach County Council for the $600 grant. The president, vice-president, and 2nd Vice-President Art Dale were responsible for locating a site, and Clare Hartley's father's farm was chosen. The Tractor Club and R.J. Milne arranged a tractor driving competition. Implement companies were invited to exhibit and demonstrate at the match. A utility class (#8) was included with regular classes, plowing to be completed in two hours (speed plowing). If there were less than three entries in this class, the two top prizes were to be reduced by $5 each. Horseshoe pitching was dropped, but the plow team class and the horse show continued. Prize money for the best crown and finish was not to be paid without there being at least two entries in a class. Direction signs were posted at the Governor's Road (#2Hwy) and the Tolgate Road.
Tavistock Gazette printed the prize lists. Stake day was Oct.25th. CIL was approached for the use of a tent and Ont.Hydro for a trailer.
World Champion Plowman
William Dixon, a dairy farmer, after winning the Ontario and Canadian plowing title in 1960 won the world championship at Grignon, France (Oct 1st),1961. He announced that he would be adjusting his plowing in future to his 200 acre farm near Brampton. "I'm finished" he said with a grin. "I've gone as far as I can go."
S.Review, Sept.29, 1961,pg.13- IPM Expected To Top All Records
Held in Hastings county near Belleville, Oct.4-7, farm of Farley Vermilyea and neighbouring farms.
S.Review, Oct.13th, 1961pg.9
Members of 30 4-H clubs from Oxford left Woodstock to compete in Inter-club competitions at OAC Guelph. Ken Innes, a member of this group, aspired to a Presbyterian minister and champion plowman. Born in 1942, he was ordained in 1969, went to Wanham, AB. for 6 years. While there, he started the Wanham plowing club, the first one in AB. It is still going. He then moved to Brussels, Ont. and for eight years was involved with plowing matches there. The rest of his life was spent in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He started plowing matches there also.
He competed in five Canadian Plowing Competitions. He passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2013. Ken was the brother of Grant Innes of Embro.
The Annual meeting of Oxford Plowmen 1961
This meeting was held January 4th, 1962. The same officers were installed; Gordon Calder was a new director and W.O.Grenzebach came back on.
Thursday, 8 March 2018
Saturday, 3 March 2018
1958 onwards
On March 21st, 1958, the Oxford
plowmen held their Annual meeting for 1957. Eight members were present. The
treasurer reported a balance of $2668. An Oxford
match was planned for 1958.The same officers as 1957 were reinstated.
July 12th: Meeting, members present were: President, Lorne Richardson, Frank Manson, Ed Eddy(Art's father), Geo.Innes, Douglas Start, Wilfred Corp, Tom Pellow, and John Hargreaves for the purpose of holding a successful 1958 plowing match in Oxford. John Hargreaves felt it should be continued. Geo.Innes suggested we have only two open classes and the rest be limited to Oxford County plowmen. Wilfred Corp felt it should not have been dropped in 1957 without an open meeting and stated that if nobody was going to work at it, don't start it. The morale of the club was at its lowest.
It was decided to have an inter township class,-separate classes for those under 21 and those over 21 with the award going to the high three in each township. The prize list committee of John Hargreaves, Wilfred Corp, Lorne Richardson, Bud Kennedy, Doug Start, and Ed Eddy met on July 16th to revise the prize list. There were nine classes and a welding competition. The inter township class entrants may enter a class of their own choosing and two awards would be given, one for those over 21, and one for those under 21, as of Nov.1st,1958.
Don Karn was consulted regarding a junior farmer tug of war. A horse shoe pitching contest was organized. A field committee was named: Percy Wettlaufer, Wilfred Corp, Ed Hansuld, and Ed Eddy. The date was set for Oct.31st on the Ed Eddy farm on the 11th Line of East Zorra.(Lot 9, Conc.10)
Oct.24th: Friday evening meeting, Enticknapp Co.at Drumbo were consulted regarding a tent, but Mrs.Geo.Thompson already had one from Oxford and District Cattle Breeders. All details were arranged, 21 foot lands were staked for horses and 42 foot lands for tractors. Clare Hartley, representing South Zorra Junior farmers arranged parking. The junior farmers were to be paid a small fee for their services as well as for parking cars at the Jackson farm 3 years previous where the match was held in 1955.
Oct.30th: A diplomatic letter from Mr.Floyd A.Lashley came to Oxford secretary outlining rules and regulations of the OPA and hopes for Oxford's co-operation.
Dec.20: Annual Meeting.The treasury balance was down to $1740. New directors, Art Dale, Ralph McCutcheon, Jack Hargreaves, John E.King, and Grant Smith came on the board bringing the total up to fifteen as required by OPA rules.
Sept.28th: Meeting The 1959 Oxford match planned to be at Wesley Noack farm, RR2,Tavistock, 4 miles north of Hickson and one and one-half mile west.The welding competition was eliminated, tug of war for Junior farmers continued. The East Zorra Junior Farmers were in charge of parking under the command of Jack Wettlaufer (Percy's son). Mr.Ed Eddy offered the use of his farm for coaching day on Oct.17th. Marshall Deans of Paris to be the coach. Tavistock Gazette printed the prize list; the grounds committee met at the Noack farm at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 to stake out the lands.
Annual Meeting for 1959 was held 15 January 1960. Bob Milne was in attendance. The bank balance was down to $900. New directors were: Allan Innes, Roy Scott, and Bob Stephenson.
William Stone & Son supplied the tent in 1959. There was some delay in taking the tent down due to bad weather. The tent received some damages for which Stone and Co. were paid. William Stone&Co. bought large dead animals to manufacture glue from their skin and bones. Large farm horses were prized. In 1961, their name became CIL (Canadian Indusries Ltd).
Election of officers for 1960 followed: President, Wilfred Corp; 1st Vice Pres., Percy J.Wettlaufer; 2nd Vice Pres., Clare Hartley; Secretary, Robert E. Bell; Treasurer, Norman Shelton.
Directors: Art Dale, J. Hargreaves, Ed Eddy, Doug Start, Ed Hansuld, Bud Kennedy, Lorne Richardson, Ed Thornton, Wilfred Grenzebach, Jack Hargreaves, Dave Mitchell, Allan Innes, A.D. Robinson, Roy Scott, Bob Stephenson.
1960 Clare Hartley, one of those attending the OPA convention in Toronto, said more stress was being placed on Junior matches and the pull type plow was being replaced by mounted plows.
An evening presentation, for outgoing Ag. Rep. R.E. Bell, was held and Oxford Plowmen donated $25 toward the event. Mr. Bell was appointed to the head office of the Ont. Dept. of Agriculture; Mr.Don A.Taylor arrived to take up his duties of Oxford County agricultural representative and secretary of the Oxford Plowmen.
In view of the fact that the Oxford County Plowmen had been asked to participate in the Local Counties Day at IPM 1960 at Springfield in Elgin County, and assuming Oxford would be asked for a grant toward it, they asked County Council for a grant of $600. Oxford was getting more contestants and paying out more prize money, rapidly depleting their bank account. County Council delivered. The county grant the previous year (1959) was $250.The $600 grant was duplicated in 1961 and 1962, with $700 in 1963 (not without some complaints). Canvassing businesses and individuals met with criticism. Representatives to the local committee for the IPM to be held in Elgin county 1960 were: Wilfred Corp, Ed Hansuld, Clare Hartley, and Ed Eddy.
Mr. Hargreaves hosted a coaching day at his farm; A committee of Mr.Eddy, Mr.Hargreaves, George Rogister, Bob Bell, and Norman O.Watson to be in charge. Norman Watson, himself a plowman, became associate ag.rep. for Oxford County.
The high school plow team to represent Oxford at IPM Elgin County was chosen at coaching day, Hargreaves farm. They were Keith Fried and Ray Dedman. Oxford association paid each boy $25 expenses and their $8 entry fee. Lloyd Beckham & Sons trucked the plows and equipment.
July 12th: Meeting, members present were: President, Lorne Richardson, Frank Manson, Ed Eddy(Art's father), Geo.Innes, Douglas Start, Wilfred Corp, Tom Pellow, and John Hargreaves for the purpose of holding a successful 1958 plowing match in Oxford. John Hargreaves felt it should be continued. Geo.Innes suggested we have only two open classes and the rest be limited to Oxford County plowmen. Wilfred Corp felt it should not have been dropped in 1957 without an open meeting and stated that if nobody was going to work at it, don't start it. The morale of the club was at its lowest.
It was decided to have an inter township class,-separate classes for those under 21 and those over 21 with the award going to the high three in each township. The prize list committee of John Hargreaves, Wilfred Corp, Lorne Richardson, Bud Kennedy, Doug Start, and Ed Eddy met on July 16th to revise the prize list. There were nine classes and a welding competition. The inter township class entrants may enter a class of their own choosing and two awards would be given, one for those over 21, and one for those under 21, as of Nov.1st,1958.
Don Karn was consulted regarding a junior farmer tug of war. A horse shoe pitching contest was organized. A field committee was named: Percy Wettlaufer, Wilfred Corp, Ed Hansuld, and Ed Eddy. The date was set for Oct.31st on the Ed Eddy farm on the 11th Line of East Zorra.(Lot 9, Conc.10)
Oct.24th: Friday evening meeting, Enticknapp Co.at Drumbo were consulted regarding a tent, but Mrs.Geo.Thompson already had one from Oxford and District Cattle Breeders. All details were arranged, 21 foot lands were staked for horses and 42 foot lands for tractors. Clare Hartley, representing South Zorra Junior farmers arranged parking. The junior farmers were to be paid a small fee for their services as well as for parking cars at the Jackson farm 3 years previous where the match was held in 1955.
Oct.30th: A diplomatic letter from Mr.Floyd A.Lashley came to Oxford secretary outlining rules and regulations of the OPA and hopes for Oxford's co-operation.
Dec.20: Annual Meeting.The treasury balance was down to $1740. New directors, Art Dale, Ralph McCutcheon, Jack Hargreaves, John E.King, and Grant Smith came on the board bringing the total up to fifteen as required by OPA rules.
Sept.28th: Meeting The 1959 Oxford match planned to be at Wesley Noack farm, RR2,Tavistock, 4 miles north of Hickson and one and one-half mile west.The welding competition was eliminated, tug of war for Junior farmers continued. The East Zorra Junior Farmers were in charge of parking under the command of Jack Wettlaufer (Percy's son). Mr.Ed Eddy offered the use of his farm for coaching day on Oct.17th. Marshall Deans of Paris to be the coach. Tavistock Gazette printed the prize list; the grounds committee met at the Noack farm at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 to stake out the lands.
Annual Meeting for 1959 was held 15 January 1960. Bob Milne was in attendance. The bank balance was down to $900. New directors were: Allan Innes, Roy Scott, and Bob Stephenson.
William Stone & Son supplied the tent in 1959. There was some delay in taking the tent down due to bad weather. The tent received some damages for which Stone and Co. were paid. William Stone&Co. bought large dead animals to manufacture glue from their skin and bones. Large farm horses were prized. In 1961, their name became CIL (Canadian Indusries Ltd).
Election of officers for 1960 followed: President, Wilfred Corp; 1st Vice Pres., Percy J.Wettlaufer; 2nd Vice Pres., Clare Hartley; Secretary, Robert E. Bell; Treasurer, Norman Shelton.
Directors: Art Dale, J. Hargreaves, Ed Eddy, Doug Start, Ed Hansuld, Bud Kennedy, Lorne Richardson, Ed Thornton, Wilfred Grenzebach, Jack Hargreaves, Dave Mitchell, Allan Innes, A.D. Robinson, Roy Scott, Bob Stephenson.
1960 Clare Hartley, one of those attending the OPA convention in Toronto, said more stress was being placed on Junior matches and the pull type plow was being replaced by mounted plows.
An evening presentation, for outgoing Ag. Rep. R.E. Bell, was held and Oxford Plowmen donated $25 toward the event. Mr. Bell was appointed to the head office of the Ont. Dept. of Agriculture; Mr.Don A.Taylor arrived to take up his duties of Oxford County agricultural representative and secretary of the Oxford Plowmen.
In view of the fact that the Oxford County Plowmen had been asked to participate in the Local Counties Day at IPM 1960 at Springfield in Elgin County, and assuming Oxford would be asked for a grant toward it, they asked County Council for a grant of $600. Oxford was getting more contestants and paying out more prize money, rapidly depleting their bank account. County Council delivered. The county grant the previous year (1959) was $250.The $600 grant was duplicated in 1961 and 1962, with $700 in 1963 (not without some complaints). Canvassing businesses and individuals met with criticism. Representatives to the local committee for the IPM to be held in Elgin county 1960 were: Wilfred Corp, Ed Hansuld, Clare Hartley, and Ed Eddy.
Mr. Hargreaves hosted a coaching day at his farm; A committee of Mr.Eddy, Mr.Hargreaves, George Rogister, Bob Bell, and Norman O.Watson to be in charge. Norman Watson, himself a plowman, became associate ag.rep. for Oxford County.
The high school plow team to represent Oxford at IPM Elgin County was chosen at coaching day, Hargreaves farm. They were Keith Fried and Ray Dedman. Oxford association paid each boy $25 expenses and their $8 entry fee. Lloyd Beckham & Sons trucked the plows and equipment.
A Queen of the Furrow competition was
begun at IPM 1960. The Junior Farmers and the Plowmen's Association were to
search for young ladies interested in entering the competition. Lynda Prong won
over 16 competitors to win the first Ontario Queen of the Furrow title.
Pickpockets were still busy, releaving $1000 from seven wallets and purses on
Tuesday, opening day. On Wednesday, Herb Jarvis of Agincourt won the top
jointer plow class for horses. Ivan DeGeer (sic) of Mt.Albert won the Massey
Ferguson Trophy. Grant Wells of Stouffville won the Bank of Nova Scotia and
runner up for the Ontario Championship. Oxford
County's Keith Fried and Ray Dedman of
New Dundee won the Ont.Plowmen's Trophy in Inter County
competition. The date for the Oxford match was set for Friday, Oct.28 on the
Geo. Innes farm. Bob Milne, Agricultural Engineer for Oxford and Middlesex suggested a drainage
demonstration.The Oxford Soil and Crop Association provided assistance and
Mr.Art Eddy provided his tile drainage machine. Oxford's Blenheim plow club held their 1960
match on Thursday Oct.27 on the farm of Floyd Good northeast of Plattsville.
They were in good shape for the Oxford
match the following day Friday Oct.28. They took top honors and the majority of
our prize money. Saturday's paper Oct.29th had a good aerial shot of the site
and the two judges George Hawstrawser and W.C.Barrie at work.The success of the
1960 Oxford
match was evident in the large payout of prize money. Ads in the Tillsonburg
News, Ayr News, Paris Star, Sentinel Review, Tavistock Gazette, on CKOX radio
brought out contestants. The prize money for horse shoe pitching was $60. At
the Annual meeting for 1960 the treasury was down to $39.16 and the main topic
was future financing.
Election of Officers for 1961
Past President Wilfred Corp; President, Clare Hartley; 1st Vice Pres., Ed Eddy; 2nd Vice Pres., Art Dale; Secretary, Don Taylor; Treasurer, Norm Shelton.
Directors: John Hargreaves, Doug Start, Ed Hansuld, E.V. Kennedy, Lorne Richardson, Ron Hutcheson(County Weed Inspector), Allan Innes, A.D.Robinson, Leroy Scott, Bob Stephenson, Fred Sidon, Doug McClintock, Robert Ewen, Alex Henderson, T.Pellow, and William Griffin.
Election of Officers for 1961
Past President Wilfred Corp; President, Clare Hartley; 1st Vice Pres., Ed Eddy; 2nd Vice Pres., Art Dale; Secretary, Don Taylor; Treasurer, Norm Shelton.
Directors: John Hargreaves, Doug Start, Ed Hansuld, E.V. Kennedy, Lorne Richardson, Ron Hutcheson(County Weed Inspector), Allan Innes, A.D.Robinson, Leroy Scott, Bob Stephenson, Fred Sidon, Doug McClintock, Robert Ewen, Alex Henderson, T.Pellow, and William Griffin.
Wednesday, 21 February 2018
1952 onwards
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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