50 groundbreaking years in tractor sales

The longtime Pennsylvania business opened an East Palestine store in 1993.
EAST PALESTINE -- This year's 50th anniversary of Elder Sales & amp; Service is a family affair.
Since 1952, the company has been owned and operated by the Elder family. The company has two stores -- Elder Sales & amp; Service in Stoneboro, Pa., and Elder Ag and Turf Equipment Co. in East Palestine.
Harry M. Elder Sr. started the company as an Oliver & amp; Minneapolis Moline tractor dealer from his family farm in Pennsylvania.
Elder Sales & amp; Service in Stoneboro will have its annual open house Wednesday. New equipment will be displayed, and manufacturers' representatives will answer questions. An educational speaker will talk about agriculture, and refreshments will be provided.
Such open houses have become a tradition at Elder Sales & amp; Services. The usual turnout is around 900 people, an impressive number in light of the decline of small farms, Elder Sr. said.
Changes: "Tractors have evolved a lot in the last 50 years, but there have been a lot of other changes, too," said Elder Sr. "There were tractor and machinery dealers in most every town of any size. Now only a few remain and farmers wonder if some of them might close."
In light of the decrease of farms, Elder has expanded its stock to include products such as compact tractors and lawn and garden equipment.
It is also seeking to increase the number of potential customers by using resources such as the Internet to advertise.
"Growth and expansion is one of the things that is foremost in our minds," C.H. McCutcheon, Elder Sr.'s son-in-law, said.
He said that the company will strive to meet the increasing needs of agriculture in equipment and technology. In future years, he also can see the company serving as advisors to those working in agriculture.
History: The company's first store was located in Clarks Mills, Pa. In 1976, the business moved to Stoneboro.
The original store was joined by Elder Ag and Turf Equipment Co. in Ohio in 1993.
The new business was opened by Elder Sr. along with his son, Harry M. Elder Jr., and McCutcheon. In 1998, a new store was built at 49290 state Route 14, East Palestine.
Elder Sr. has served as president of the Pennsylvania Farm Equipment Dealer's Association and numerous advisory boards for equipment manufacturers. He has received awards from every product line the business offers.
Elder Sales & amp; Services continues to be family owned and operated. A third generation of the family now works for the company. Elder Jr. is the general manager of the Pennsylvania store and McCutcheon is general manager of the Ohio location.