Richard & Jean Smelski

Richard and Jean Smelski of Perth East have built a remarkable legacy in agriculture defined by leadership, innovation, and an extraordinary commitment to community.

Best known locally for their well-loved pumpkin patch along Highway 7 & 8, the Smelskis operated the farm-retail venture for over 20 years. What many did not realize was that the equivalent of its proceeds was quietly donated to community causes, supporting initiatives such as a room in the cancer ward at Stratford General Hospital, along with numerous local charities.

Richard began his career with the Ontario government in Stratford in 1972 and went on to dedicate decades to supporting farmers across Perth County and beyond. Through roles with OMAF, Ralston Purina, OSI, and a federal research and development program, he worked directly with producers, offering practical, hands-on guidance in barn management, herd health, and business operations. Known for his collaborative approach, Richard often extended his work beyond the barn, sitting at kitchen tables with farmers to analyze options and strengthen their operations. He also contributed to agricultural education, lecturing at the University of Guelph and developing herdsperson training programs that remain in use today.

In 1973, Richard and Jean became founding members of the Ontario Pork Congress, which operated from their home for 38 years. Richard served as manager for many years and as President in 1993, overseeing the growth of the event into a major agricultural gathering that continues in Stratford today. Jean served as secretary-manager throughout that time, coordinating the complex logistics of the annual event while also teaching full-time at Conestoga College and raising their two children. Their shared leadership was instrumental in the Congress’s long-standing success.

Richard’s contributions extended to writing and broadcasting, including over 20 years of articles in agricultural publications and appearances on CFPL television’s agricultural programming. His work was widely recognized, including multiple awards during his time with Ralston Purina. Both Richard and Jean have received leadership awards from the Ontario Pork Congress and the Ontario Pork Board.

Beyond agriculture, both have demonstrated an enduring commitment to community service. Jean continues to serve as a Director of the Stratford Hospital Foundation and has volunteered for decades with the Stratford Festival and numerous local organizations. In 2024, she was recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Richard has contributed to a wide range of boards and organizations, including the Stratford Perth Community Foundation, the Ontario Pork Industry Council, and the Ontario Agricultural Tribunal.

Together, Richard and Jean Smelski exemplify a lifetime of dedication, strengthening agriculture, supporting their community, and leaving a lasting impact across Perth County.

Harvey William Ische (1901–1967)

Harvey William Ische was a Perth County farmer, writer, and community leader whose voice helped shape and document rural life in Ontario for nearly five decades.

Born in 1901, Harvey began writing at just 19 years old, contributing a column to The Farmers’ Advocate under the pseudonym “Rusticus.” What began as a young man’s perspective on farm life grew into a widely read and respected voice, with his writing appearing in publications including The Family Herald and Weekly Star, Canadian Countryman, The Farmer’s Herald, the Montreal Star, and the Philadelphia Farm Journal. Closer to home, his work was regularly featured in the Stratford Beacon Herald, where his weekly column became a staple of the Saturday editorial page.

In 1928, Harvey married Pearl Rapien, purchased the family farm, and assumed responsibility for his father’s herd, only to face an immediate setback when the cattle were lost to tuberculosis. Undeterred, he rebuilt from scratch, purchasing a small group of Holstein and Jersey cows and eventually focusing on the Jersey breed. Over the years, Harvey and his sons became familiar figures at fall fairs across Perth and Huron Counties, earning numerous awards. At the Stratford Fall Fair, his herd won the “best udder” class seven consecutive years, receiving a silver platter each time from the T. Eaton Company.

Harvey’s writing often reflected both the realities of farming and the broader forces shaping rural life, particularly during the hardships of the Great Depression. His farm itself became a place of resilience and generosity—providing work, food, and shelter to those in need, including young men from the city seeking a start. One such individual later returned to express how that experience had set him on a path to a successful life.

An early adopter of agricultural innovation, Harvey introduced the first milking machine in Ellice Township in 1938, an event that drew curious neighbours from miles around. By 1946, he had expanded his operation, increasing his herd and acquiring additional land in Fullarton.

Beyond the farm, Harvey was deeply engaged in his community. He served as secretary-treasurer of Seebach’s Hill School for 15 years and later as a long-standing member and president of the Mitchell District High School Board, where he played a key role in the construction of a new school and in advancing access to education through rural school busing. He also served as President of the Perth-Huron Jersey Breeders and was recognized for excellence in breeding and exhibiting.

For much of his life, Harvey’s identity as “Rusticus” remained known only to close family. It was not until the early 1960s, at the urging of a newspaper editor, that he began publishing under his own name. He continued writing until his death in 1967.

Remembered as a thoughtful observer, a progressive farmer, and a deeply community-minded individual, Harvey William Ische leaves behind a legacy rooted in both the land he stewarded and the words he shared.