Location, location, location, the magic words in the real estate world but it definitely applies to the Buckeye Oliver Collectors spring picnic held April 7 at the beautiful Smith Farm in West Mansfield. Even with the presence of “other green” tractors the Smith Farm was a superb location, just a beautiful site. The picnic was well attended with 70 Oliver folks enjoying the day that was sunny and cool to begin and overcast and chilly as the day went on. Lucky for all the Smiths have a large building, large enough for one side with a stone floor to house 20 Oliver,2 Cockshutt’s and an OC-6, all very nicely restored and in great running condition and the other side with concrete floor and heat, this being the picnic side.
Our hosts did a great job of clearing the tools and shop equipment to one side and putting up three rows of tables. Food is always the big attraction of an Oliver picnic and that held true on this day also with the beverages, meats, sides and desserts running down one long wall. I’ll admit to three trips thru the line. Very, very tasty. Something different tried at this year’s picnic was a parts swap in the parking area outside the building. It was a success with thirteen trucks, tailgates down full of Oliver parts from decals to plows to tractors. In fact there was a 1550 that changed hands. I believe the parts swap was well received and should happen again at our next gathering. Back inside where a membership meeting was held after lunch with President Larry giving well received news that Buckeye Oliver Collectors will be returning to the Farm and Science Review Sept 18-20 and that the club has purchased a 20 x 30 open air tent for use this summer and beyond. No matter the weather Oliver people will be dry. Larry also talked about the Buckeye Oliver summer show in Greenville July 5-8.
The club will have a catered lunch on Saturday. This promises to be a real nice show. Larry concluded the meeting with much thanks and a Plaque presentation to the Smith family for their work in hosting the Spring Picnic 2018. The Larry Riley family from Norwalk will be hosting next year’s picnic and if any readers have never attended a spring picnic, you are missing a fun close-knit day with friends. It’s obvious that Buckeye Oliver Collectors is a growing club and here’s hoping that we keep it going in that direction. See everyone in Norwalk 2019.
John Gustina
