The 1985 International Plowing Match in Elgin County

In February of 1980 the Elgin County Plowmen's Association (ECPA), in conjunction with various Elgin County municipal, civic and agricultural organizations, successfully petitioned the Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA), at its annual meeting in Toronto, for the right to hold the 1985 International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show in Elgin County.

The Creation of the Local Committee

The Local Committee for the 1985 International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show was established in April 1981, with the election of an initial slate of executive officers. Following a series of retirements and resignations, the following permanent executive officers where chosen: Ken Monteith, Chairman; Lorne Carroll, First Vice-Chairman; Dave Murray, Secretary; Bill Martyn, Second Vice-Chairman; Dave Murray, Secretary; Elgin Wells, Treasurer; Mayor Doug Tarry, City of St. Thomas Representative; Bill Caverly, County of Elgin Representative; Bill Martyn, OPA Representative; Marian Millman, ECPA Representative; and Merv Riddell, Legal Advisor. In 1983, Ruby Silcox joined the Committee as Executive Secretary.

The Committee was responsible for planning, organizing and administering the International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show held September 17-21, 1985 on the William F. Bradish and Sons farm and various neighbouring farms in the vicinity of St. Thomas, Ontario. The event was sanctioned and sponsored by the Ontario Plowman's Association, with additional funding support by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Elgin County Branch, the County of Elgin and the City of St. Thomas.

Please click here to view our image gallery for the 1985 IPM.

Don't forget to check out the Elgin County Archives website for more information.

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