Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremonies set | News, Sports, Jobs

This year’s inductees include:

Harvey Firestone

Few names are more recognizable in America than Harvey Firestone. Born in Mahoning County on Dec. 20, 1868, on his grandfather’s farm, Firestone grew up working on the family farm whenever possible. A fourth -generation farmer, Harvey Firestone was also a brilliant inventor. Farm machinery in the early 1900s moved slowly and very rough on steel wheels. Not only were the steel very rough to ride on they also were very prone to slippage and spinning. In 1932 Firestone invented and developed the pneumatic farm tire. The “ground grip tire” as it was known offered a smoother ride and much better traction. Farm machinery could now travel faster and smoother to extend their reach to cover more acreage efficiently. While he now had a home in Akron and traveled the county extensively, Harvey Firestone returned often to the family farm to offer a helping hand and experience firsthand the performance of his tires in action.

While information is not readily available, one can only imagine how many local and state organizations Harvey Firestone belonged to. His real interest and passion were developing ideas and putting these ideas into practice to make work and travel more enjoyable, efficient, and affordable for not only framers but all Americans. He helped to develop the interstate highway systems and put American Military Vehicles on inflatable tires. Firestone was well known for his humble personality that often put him on the assembly floors working side by side with workers producing his tires. Firestone’s love of farming and his passion for Agricultural Education led to his relationship with the Future Farmers of America. He established a scholarship program that carries on still today.

Francis and Jane Less

Harvey Firestone’s claim to fame was that of a humble man, lacking any ego, he worked along with his workers and stayed in close touch to his family roots. Firestone often said, “you get the best out of others, when you get the best out of yourself.”

Roger Greenawalt

Roger Greenawalt, born Feb. 19, 1951, Roger has been involved in meany aspects of farming and agriculture throughout his life. Roger grew up on the family dairy farm in Beloit. His first independent endeavor was raising rabbits. The income from this project was used to buy his own farm toys.

Roger graduated from The Ohio State University with a dual major in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Finance in 1972, and went on to earn his Master degree in 1976. Roger taught Vo-Ag from 1972 to 1999 where he served as a cooperating teacher for student teachers. He initiated the annual “Food for America” field trip for district elementary students, served as the Young Farmer’s Advisor, and developed an agricultural education model curriculum for The Ohio State University.

Roger has worked on a state level to develop the CAUV language for agricultural land use for farmers, and testified to keep PUCO language from becoming burdensome to farmers and farm trucks. Roger had many local, state, and national awards and the recognitions for his involvement in teaching. He was a local government leader and ran a successful land improvement business. Roger now farms 650 acres along with his farm drainage business.

Paul E. Myers

Francis and Jane Less

Francis and Jane Less were married in October 1941. They began their journey on Washingtonville Road, Green Township, Mahoning County. The couple soon were well known for the production of fruits, vegetables and grains. They also had a successful egg production business.

As the couple worked hard on the farm, Francis concentrated on the sweet corn, apples and field corn. He received recognition for producing 200 bushels per acre for 5 consecutive years from 1969 – 1973. During 1973, Governor Celeste appointed Francis to the Ohio Agricultural Finance Commission. He also served as a director of the Mahoning County Agricultural Society, the Farm Bureau Co-op board where he was a past president, and the Salem Fruit Growers Association (Greenstar).

The Lesses were the “go to” people for other local growers. Many would go to the Lesses for advice or answers when needed. Francis and Jane were a team, each supporting the operation of the farm and the family. In 1992 the Canfield Fair honored the family as the Rural Family of the year. Together they achieved a high standing in their community, the region, and the state.

Paul E. Myers

Paul E. Myers was born Jan. 19, 1897. Paul grew up in Smith Township on a grain, dairy, and livestock farm. Paul would travel throughout Mahoning and Columbiana counties purchasing cattle, hogs, turkeys and chickens. He would butcher these animals at his slaughterhouse and sell the meats to neighborhood markets in the greater Youngstown area. This served as a great benefit to local farmers as there were no nearby outlets for their livestock and helped the markets as he offered fresh meats as refrigeration was limited.

As his business grew, Paul would travel to Parkersburg, West Virginia, to secure additional animals to supply his markets. During this time Paul saw the need for a local auction barn and together with Curt Shreve they founded the Damascus Livestock Auction. To get this project underway, Paul would make more trips to Parkersburg to bring livestock to the Damascus auction so there were enough animals to attract buyers, and high enough prices to attract farmers to bring their stock to the sale.

With all this hauling, Paul was always acquiring new cars and trucks. This led to his new venture of becoming a Reo Car and Truck dealer in Youngstown. As this business expanded, in 1937 Paul founded Myers Equipment Co. Paul continued to farm, milking Holstein cows and raising Black Angus beef until his retirement in 1972.

Paul was a lifelong member of East Goshen Friends Church, a 50-year member of Smith Grange, and Director Emeritus of the First National Bank of Salem. In 1920 Paul and Verna hitched his horse to a buggy and traveled from Beloit to Canfield to enjoy a date at the Canfield Fair. They were married the following year on March 3. Paul’s son David and grandson Craig have gone on to serve as directors of the Canfield Fair.

About the Hall of Fame

Agriculture has been a cornerstone of the growth and development of Mahoning County since the county was formed in 1846. Those involved in agriculture have been a vital part of the community and its growth. The purpose of the Mahoning County Agriculture Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have made a significant impact on agriculture.

Annual awards will be made to men/women, husband and wife, and partnerships either as farmers or contributors through an agricultural related field. We desire to honor and give public recognition to those who have brought distinction to themselves, have made outstanding contributions to their professions, and whose community involvement has served as a stimulus to others.