Smelski family, Harvey Ische inducted onto Stratford-Perth Museum Agricultural Wall of Fame

From left: Stratford-Perth Museum general manager Kelly McIntosh, Jean and Richard Smelski, and committee chair John McIntosh. The Smelskis were inducted onto the Stratford-Perth Museum Agricultural Wall of Fame for their contributions to agriculture and community service. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A farming couple from Shakespeare and a pioneering Mitchell-area dairy farmer were honoured last week with induction onto the Stratford-Perth Museum’s Agricultural Wall of Fame.

The 2026 inductees were recognized during the Stratford Rotary Club’s annual Rural-Urban Dinner, held April 16 at the Rotary Complex before a large crowd.

Richard and Jean Smelski were honoured for their longstanding commitment to agriculture and community service. For many years, the couple sold wagonloads of pumpkins from their farm along the Highway 7 and 8 corridor, east of Shakespeare, donating all proceeds to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation.

Their efforts raised more than $10,000, helping sponsor a room in the cancer wing at Stratford General Hospital.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, both Richard and Jean Smelski were active volunteers with the Ontario Pork Congress, Optimist and Opti-Mrs. clubs, Probus and Friendship clubs. They also participated in humanitarian trips to Nicaragua and other developing countries to assist with school-building initiatives, reflecting a lifelong commitment to giving back.

Also inducted this year was Harvey Ische, a Mitchell-area dairy farmer remembered for his innovation and leadership within the agricultural community. Writing under the pen name “Rusticus,” Ische shared agricultural knowledge and ideas that helped advance farming practices in Perth County.

Farming on concession 3 of Ellice Township, north of Seebach’s Hill, Ische and his family of seven children played an important role in introducing new technology to local dairy operations.

Among his many contributions, Ische was the first dairy farmer in Perth County to operate a milking machine powered by a vacuum pump. According to family members, neighbouring farmers travelled from miles away to observe how the technology reduced the labour required compared to milking cows by hand.

Ische also served as a school board member and was involved in planning the construction of Mitchell District High School.

John McIntosh of RR 7 St. Marys, chair of the Stratford-Perth Museum Agricultural Wall of Fame committee, announced the inductees during the Rural-Urban Dinner. McIntosh has served as committee chair for several years, helping recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in the region.