In 1948, Calhoun Tractor Company opened for business in the building just north of BB&T Bank at the corner of Laurel Street and the original Stillwell Road. The business was owned by Lewis Calhoun and my grandfather J. Bruce Hinely. Bruce did not stay with the business very long.

Calhoun had previously worked for the Ramsey Motor Company, selling tractors there.

Mitchell Calhoun, son of Lewis, took over in the early 1950s when his father became ill. The business sold Ford tractors, including the 8N Ford, which was proclaimed it to be “the greatest tractor ever sold.” Dearborn equipment was sold. Parts for tractors were also available, and mechanics were in the shop at the back of the building to provide service. The telephone number was 125, and Emmie Hinely (now Lindsey) worked as secretary for Mitchell.

Kellton Calhoun, son of Mitchell and Mary Calhoun, owns a tractor that was sold to Mitchell’s brother-in-law Austin Avery during the tractor company’s operation. Mitchell got the opportunity to buy the tractor from Avery. Kellton inherited it and uses the tractor to this day.

Billy Exley operated a Mobark business in the old tractor company building for some time.  Mobark was an equipment dealer for timber harvesters and sawmills and he provided parts and service.

W. Carswell Rahn operated a Tree Farmer dealership for logging skidders about 1980 and also operated the Mobark franchise including parts in the building. Paul Derrick, Doug Jackson and Lee Rahn worked in the shop. The building operated for a few years offering sales, parts and service.

The building was empty off and on. It had been utilized as a worship center for several years and at present it houses Springfield Antique Mall.

This was written by Susan Exley of Historic Effingham Society. If you have photos, comments or information to share, contact her at 754-6681 or hesheraldexley@aol.com.