In the 1950s and 1960s, the farm on State Route 201 was a gathering place for friends and neighbors, with pickup basketball games, and horse and pony rides up and down the road. Among those who took part in these rides were Harold and Alma Young (and occasionally their children, Dave, Phil, and George), Jimmy McQuire, Nellie Retter, Jimmy Widener, Russ Casimino (a pilot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), and Marvin Conley. The group would try to ride a full mile without encountering a car along the road and often did!
The Sutherly’s five children participated in 4-H, showing cattle with much success. They won many awards during the 40s, 50s and 60s. The boys all played sports in school at Miami Central and Miami East. Barbara was a cheerleader and was a very accomplished at playing the piano and organ.
The Sutherly’s were very involved in their community and in Cove Spring Church. Kate had been a vocalist and played the piano and her son, Bob was a member of the men’s quartet for many years. Barbara played the organ and piano at church. Kate encouraged many young musicians along the way. Sutherly family members have continued to serve the church over the years in numerous ways.
Wes and Kate lived frugally and, while neither attended college, they sent all five of their children to Ohio State University. Three of their children became teachers. Dick taught school at Staunton and Miami East Jr. High. Barbara taught in Tipp City before her children were born and Bill taught at Wayne High School. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves (including active duty during the Berlin Crisis), while Dick and John both served in the Air National Guard.
Dick and Bill eventually resumed farming full-time with Bob and John. Barbara, meanwhile, married Tom Fulton and became involved in that family’s farming operation on State Route 202. After her children were in school, Barbara went back to teaching and retired from Miami East Junior High.
Over the years, the Sutherly family’s farming operation grew in acreage, and the brothers – along with neighbor Dave Young – purchased the grain elevator and fertilizer and seed operations in New Carlisle from the Brubaker family in 1994. Today, thirty-two years later, the next generation of the Sutherly family operates Miami Valley Feed and Grain Company.
