20050302 Bob Jones and CC Ag Center History

Bob Jones and CC Ag Center History

Westminster Advocate

March 2^nd, 2005 by Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff (528 words)

Carroll County is always changing and change can be challenging. Fortunately, we have a whole new generation of folks who are willing to build on the positive work of leaders who have gone before us and are willing to stay positive, roll up their sleeves and say let’s do it. To paraphrase President Truman, "[Community leadership] is like riding a [bull]. [You have] to keep riding or be [trampled]."

Recently, I had the honor of attending The Carroll County Agriculture Center Annual Dinner Meeting. At that meeting Bob Jones was given the “Pioneer Award” for his past contributions to the Agriculture Center and to the business of agriculture in Carroll County. The list of the past recipients of the Pioneer Award Pioneers include: Violet Coshun, 1993; Lester Stem, 1994; Charles Brehm, 1995, Stewart Young, 1996; Kathryn Frock, 1997; Edwin Rash, 1998; Herbert Wessel; George White, 2000; John Bixler and John Maus, 2001; Michael Preston, 2002; Joe Cooney and Bob Nelson, 2003; Zadie Brehm, 2004.

Bob Jones began working with the Extension Service in 1957. He retired in 1984, but has maintained his love for the Ag Center ever since, most recently helping with fund raising for the Danele Shipley Memorial Arena.

To better understand the contributions of Bob Jones to agriculture in Carroll County, it is important to know the history of the Ag Center. David Greene, Walter Bay, Bonnie Graham, Helen Hosfeld and Bob Jones all helped me put together this important history. The names (of the bull riders) in this brief history read like a who’s who in the history of Carroll County leadership, especially when it comes to having a passion and vision for the community and overcoming huge obstacles.

The Carroll County Agriculture Center was incorporated on March 20, 1954. In April 1954, 13 ½ acres was conveyed to the Ag Center for $100 per acre. On May 17, 1954, Lester Stem reported that the Building Committee recommended two pole type cattle sheds and a 80’ x 30’ main hall (Burn’s Hall) be built. Could they have ever imagined the Shipley Arena, with indoor bull riding or over 1,000 animal exhibits at the 4-H and FFA Fair?

Landon Burns called a group of interested citizens to meet with him at the County Agent’s office. He explained the organization of the Ag Center and its need for funds. He then took $100.00 out of his pocket, placed it on the table, and asked everyone in attendance to match it. He got 100% response from leaders such as: Earl Beard, Joseph Coshun, Edward Derr, Margaret Englar, David Hoff, Walter Hook, Joseph Horn, G. Bucher John, J. Henry Koller, R. H. Richardson, Wilbur Shreeve, Herbert Snyder, Randall Spoerlein, A. W. Steiner, Lester Stem, Henry Turner, Carroll Wilhide, and Grove Zimmerman.

Today the Agriculture Center and the new Shipley Arena is a hub of activity with everything from bull riding, dog shows, a home show, therapeutic riding, a tractor pull and of course the 4-H and FFA Fair. Come on out, bring the family and join the fun. Riding a bull is optional but all help is appreciated. Check out their web site at carrollcountyagcenter.com for coming events.