Our Heritage: Remembering Steve Hamilton

Vol. IV, No. 16 - Remembering a True Civic Champion

A tradition here at Civic Capacity is to run this piece every year on the Saturday of the annual Troy Strawverry Festival. Today, we take time to remember one of the driving forces behind this event, Mr. Steve Hamilton.

Stephen Douglass Hamilton, a lifelong resident of Troy, made a lasting impact on our city through his extensive civic involvement and, most notably, as the founder of the Troy Strawberry Festival. Born on February 2, 1944, Hamilton devoted his life to improving Troy until his passing on January 12, 2004. His legacy is one of community spirit, innovation, and unwavering dedication, leaving a profound mark on our town.

Hamilton conceived the idea for the Strawberry Festival in 1976 when he sought to create a signature event for Troy. Initially, he considered themes such as a sweet corn or apple festival. However, after learning that Fulton Farms was the largest strawberry producer in the Midwest, he decided that a strawberry festival would best showcase Troy’s agricultural heritage. This decision proved visionary. The first Troy Strawberry Festival was held in 1977, with Hamilton serving as its inaugural chairman. He not only developed the concept but also meticulously organized, promoted, and ensured the festival’s early success.

Since then, the festival has grown into a major annual event, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Troy each year. It serves as a vital fundraiser for local non-profit organizations, fostering community engagement and providing essential financial support for civic initiatives. The festival also offers a variety of strawberry-themed treats enjoyed by the entire community. It highlights Troy’s charm and hospitality, instilling pride among residents and showcasing the town’s unique identity. Hamilton’s vision and dedication have left an enduring legacy that continues to benefit Troy both economically and socially.

Hamilton’s contributions went beyond the Strawberry Festival. He was actively involved in many civic activities and deeply committed to public service. He served on the Troy City Council from 1992 to 1995, working on initiatives to improve local governance and community services. His leadership in the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, including his term as president in 1982, further demonstrated his commitment to local economic development and business growth.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Hamilton received several prestigious awards. He was named the Troy Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1978, highlighting his early and significant contributions. In 1998, he became the first recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s Award for Outstanding Community Service, reflecting his lasting impact on Troy. Hamilton was inducted into the Troy Hall of Fame in 2004.

Hamilton’s professional life was equally distinguished. He served as Vice President and Agent for the Trojan Insurance Agency of Troy from 1970 to 1984 and later became an insurance educator with the Hamilton School of Insurance. His professional excellence mirrored his dedication to civic service.

Beyond his professional and civic achievements, Hamilton was a devoted family man, actively involved in his children’s lives, and a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. His life exemplified the values of service, community, and leadership.

The Troy Strawberry Festival remains a vibrant and cherished tradition, thanks in large part to Mr. Hamilton’s vision and dedication. His ability to turn a simple idea into a cornerstone event for the community exemplifies his lasting impact. The festival not only celebrates this locally grown berry, but also brings people together, fostering community spirit year after year.

If you have any memories of the Troy Strawberry Festival or recollections of Mr. Hamilton, please share them in the comments! Your friends and neighbors would love to read your stories and insights.

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This Month, we are doing something different! We are partnering with the Troy-Miami County Public Library by using this platform to raise funds for the Dolly Partin Imagination Library locally here in Miami County! Through the Dolly Partin Imagination Library, children from birth to Kindergarten, can get a book delivered every month to their home at no cost.

And while Dolly is a huge help, she picks out the stories and she works with the publishers, there is still a local cost to the program. Your donations through our “Buy Me A Coffee Page” will help get these youngsters on the right track to a life-long love of reading!

Thanks to John, Kim and Rachelle for your recent donations to this effort. So far this month — 55 books have been purchased! Thank you!