From Lambton County Archives’ Facebook page:

With the announcement earlier this year that the International Plowing Match will return to Lambton County in 2027, this month’s #StoriesFromTheVault takes a look back at the past matches hosted by the county, beginning with the first, held in October 1923.

In late winter 1923, a delegation from Lambton County (including Harry Gilroy of Alvinston, Major MacAdams of the Sarnia Board of Trade, and W.P. Macdonald, Agricultural Representative at Petrolia) attended a Board of Directors meeting of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. There, they proposed hosting that year’s provincial plowing match in Lambton County, emphasizing the region’s close ties with neighbouring Michigan as an opportunity to make the event truly international. Their bid was successful, and Lambton was selected as the host of the 1923 International Plowing Match.

The match was held from October 17 to 19 on the farm of William Hillier, located on Lot 17, Concession 6 in Sarnia Township, on land where Lambton Mall stands today. The event featured two major components: the plowing competitions and a large tent city filled with exhibitions. While admission was free, automobile drivers were charged 25 cents for parking.

The tent city featured more than 60 exhibits, with manufacturers from across the region showcasing the latest in agricultural technology. Lambton County had its own “Made in Lambton” exhibition space, highlighting the county’s diverse manufacturing and agricultural output. Exhibits included stoves from the Doherty Manufacturing Company, motor oils and greases from Imperial Oil Limited, model homes by Thomas Grace of Sarnia, and cheese samples from the Sarnia City Dairy.

The main attraction, of course, was the plowing itself. Local newspapers reported that “the recent rains have placed the sod in ideal condition for the best plowing.”

The 1923 match occurred during a time of transition in agriculture, with traditional walking plows gradually giving way to gasoline-powered tractors.

One of the most talked-about events was the Veteran Competition, particularly the performance of Mr. Parks of Oil Springs. While most competitors in his class relied on drivers, Mr. Parks drew attention for steering his horses by voice command and guiding his plow by hand.

Overall, the match was considered a great success. An estimated 35,000 people attended, and 191 contestants took part—30 more than the previous record. Four plowmen from Michigan participated, fulfilling the committee’s promise of hosting a “truly international” event.

Source: Lambton County Archives Facebook Post