Hosted by Dave Miller
On a somewhat cool breezy day on Sat. April 22 in Clyde, OH a group of about 60 green clad hungry Oliver fans gathered at Dave Miller’s farm to greet, eat, and talk Oliver. Thanks to Dave for hosting but more important for having a large heated building where everyone, I think, were comfortable. Following a beautiful Grace by Lyn Parker at noon we ate. If you couldn’t find something that you liked on this large buffet table, then you weren’t hungry! From pork chops, chicken, roast beef, dozens of sides, and what seemed like even more desserts. Oliver people do eat well. Lunch was followed by a brief meeting concerning the Newsletter, the summer shows in Wauseon, OH and the HPOCA show in Madison, IN, which unfortunately fall on the same weekend.
A plaque was given to a surprised Dave Miller for hosting. A special moment came as Club President Larry Elliott unveiled a beautiful memorial plaque in the shape of the state of Ohio onto which were the names of all deceased members of the Buckeye Oliver club. There was a moment of silence as all the names were read aloud. To the surprise of all, Larry introduced the youngest member of our club, 4 year old Benjamin Wiggins. Surprise again as Ben owns his own 550 that he drives with the help of his father. Bet he keeps dad busy. Larry closed the meeting and as the women’s committee met in one corner the rest of us cleaned up, talked with one another and went outside to look at Dave’s collection of Olivers and Whites.
Thank you to the Rine family for bringing the 1900 and a MM. Thanks to John Parker for bringing two of his restored Oliver tractors to the picnic. By four o’clock some were headed home and some were making Dave’s barn a place for tractors again. All in all just a real good enjoyable afternoon. Special thanks again to Dave Miller for hosting and special thanks to all who spent their Saturday afternoon in Clyde, OH at the Oliver Spring Picnic. The picnic is a wonderful way to stay in touch with other Oliver owners and if there is a family who would host the picnic in 2018 please let Larry know. There is always plenty of help and support from Buckeye Oliver. Here’s to good running tractors and good growing weather.
John Gustina
