Serving the farm community - A Sesquicentennial feature

DeWitt Implement

In 1966 The Ogden Reporter printed a special Centennial Edition. Inside was a brief history of the International Harvester dealership located at 113 SW 4th Street.

According to the article, R. (Ray) G. DeWitt purchased the business from H. H. Gehlbach Feb. 13, 1936 but did not take over until Feb. 14, because of a 13th superstition. He commuted from Fort Dodge the first two years then moved the family to Ogden in June of 1938. Moving with the family were a nephew and niece, Chuck and Jeanne Wilson. Among the original employees were Marian Lemaster and Leo Lamar.

Paul Blyth returned from the service, and having married Ray’s niece Jeanne, joined the firm in July of 1946. He worked part-time until his graduation from Iowa State College in March of 1948. After Ray’s death in 1960, Paul took over full management of the business. He and his wife Jeanne bought DeWitt Implement in 1958. 

Other employees during the three decades included Orville Peters, setup and painter; Evelyn Randall, bookkeeper; Al Clatt, setup and delivery; Don Engnell, mechanic; Bob Blyth, parts; and Jack Lind, mechanic. 

Ogden Reporter staff writer Jill Burkhart interviewed Paul Blyth, President of DeWitt Implement Co. and son Tom (manager) for a feature story that appeared in a special tab celebrating Ogden’s farming community (March 19, 1986). He gives an insight into operating an implement business during the time.

Paul said in the interview that when Ray DeWitt first purchased the store, he would often accept horses as trade for a new piece of equipment. The International equipment manual offered F-20s, two-row planters and cultivators, two bottom plows, hay loaders, threshing machines and cream separators.

Read more about DeWitt Implement, now Ogden Farm & Feed Center, and a former DeWitt Implement employee's fond memories of working there. See the May 4 2016 issue of The Ogden Reporter.