By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
Ken Shourds Equipment marked its 60th anniversary last week, welcoming customers and close friends alike to share memories of this staple of local agriculture. While it’s founder and namesake, Ken Shourds, passed away on March 10, 2011, his family has kept the business growing. His wife, Carol, spent much of last week on the shop floor welcoming guests come to share memories, or customers with an eye toward a new purchase. Today, the couple’s children are taking the lead in keeping the enterprise thriving into its 60th year.
Ken’s decision to stake out his own tractor dealership was, in retrospect, not too surprising. He had sold Ford tractors for Mathews Brothers in Rockport until he learned that a dealership in Dale was up for sale.
“He always liked farm machinery,” said Carol.
The couple married in 1960, and Ken Shourds Equipment was established shortly thereafter. Ken began selling equipment in the fall of 1963, working out of the couple’s home while Carol ran the family’s grocery store next door. Ken purchased the Dale dealership’s license in 1964 and set up shop along US 231, near Rock Hill. By 1968, Ken Shourds Equipment had eclipsed the grocery store and become the couple’s sole vocation.
The business was not without its occasional hiccups. Almost immediately after opening, the Flood of 1964 threatened to swamp the new dealership, though the rising waters ultimately didn’t stop them from making their first tractor sale.
In 1997, the dealership underwent two major changes. It shifted gears to selling New Holland products, requiring new signage. While they were at it, they also rebuilt on a new site only half a mile north of their original location. That year also brought yet another major flood, as if the Ohio River itself had developed a habit of paying a visit for each grand opening.
Through it all, Ken Shourds Equipment continues to grow, and help crops around the world do so as well. The business sells several lines of agricultural equipment, as well as small ATV’s, lawnmowers, parts, and even heavy machinery. The shop also carries a line of quality toys for young collectors of tractors and farmscapes.
Today, Ken and Carol’s children have taken the lead, bolstered by grandchildren as well as longtime dedicated employees. Many familiar faces stopped by last week to look through some of Carol’s photographs, news clippings, and other memorabilia from the past six decades. One can also find equipment furnished through Ken Shourds Equipment on fields across the county, region and beyond.
Those interested in Ken Shourds Equipment’s products and services can seek out the shop at 4606N County Road 100E in Rockport, or by phone at 812-649-2821. Motorists along US 231 won’t fail to see the bustling grounds, and most local families with some agricultural background can probably help with directions.
“We’ve been here a long time,” said Carol. “It’s been a good 60 years.”
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: The Ken Shourds Group gather in front of their dealership to commemorate 60 years of wonderful service to their community
60 Years of Service: Pictured throughout the gallery are various photos of the Ken Shourds group, their 60-year celebration, and various photos from the dealership
