Our Heritage: Steve Hamilton
As we enjoy strawberries this weekend, we would be well served to remember the man behind the Troy Strawberry Festival
Since we are on the eve of the first full weekend in June, it is more than fitting to remember one of the most influential members of our community’s Hall of Fame, Steve Hamilton, the driving force behind the Troy Strawberry Festival.
Stephen Douglass Hamilton, a native of our hometown, left an indelible mark on Troy through his extensive civic engagement and, most notably, as the founder of the Troy Strawberry Festival. Born on February 2, 1944, Hamilton dedicated his life to the betterment of his community until his passing on January 12, 2004. His legacy is one of community spirit, innovation, and tireless dedication, which has profoundly impacted Troy.
Hamilton's idea for the Strawberry Festival emerged in 1976 when he sought to create a signature event for Troy. Initially, he considered themes like a sweet corn or apple festival. However, upon learning that Fulton Farms was the largest producer of strawberries in the Midwest, he decided that a strawberry festival would best represent the local agricultural heritage. This decision proved to be visionary. The first Troy Strawberry Festival was held in 1977, with Hamilton serving as its inaugural chairman. His role didn't stop at conceptualization; he meticulously organized, promoted, and ensured the festival's success from its inception.
The festival has since grown into a significant annual event, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Troy throughout the year. It serves as a critical fundraiser for local non-profit organizations, fostering community engagement and providing much-needed financial support to various civic initiatives, and provides strawberry themed delicacies that are enjoyed throughout the community. The festival showcases Troy's charm and hospitality, creating a sense of pride among residents and highlighting the town's unique identity. Hamilton's efforts in founding and nurturing the festival have left an enduring legacy that continues to benefit the community economically and socially.
Hamilton's contributions to Troy extended beyond the Strawberry Festival. He was actively involved in numerous civic activities, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. He served on the Troy City Council from 1992 to 1995, where he worked on initiatives to improve local governance and community services. His leadership in the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, including his tenure as president in 1982, further showcased his dedication to fostering local economic development and business growth in Troy.
In recognition of his outstanding community service, Hamilton received several prestigious awards. He was honored as the Troy Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1978, a testament to his early and impactful contributions to the community. In 1998, he became the first recipient of the Chamber of Commerce's Sam Walton Award for Outstanding Community Service, reflecting his sustained and significant impact on Troy. Mr. Hamilton was inducted in the Troy Hall of Fame in 2004.
Hamilton's professional life was equally distinguished. He was the 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 expertise and commitment to excellence in his field paralleled his dedication to civic duties.
Beyond his professional and civic achievements, Hamilton was a devoted family man, involved in his children's activities and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. His life was a testament to the values of service, community, and leadership.
The Troy Strawberry Festival remains a vibrant and beloved tradition in Troy, largely thanks to Mr. Hamilton's vision and dedication. His ability to turn a simple idea into a cornerstone event for the community exemplifies his impact on Troy. The festival not only celebrates local agriculture but also fosters community spirit, drawing people together in a shared celebration that continues to thrive year after year.
If you have any memories of the Troy Strawberry Festival or even any recollections of Mr. Hamilton, please feel free to leave them in the comment section! Your friends and neighbors would enjoy reading your ideas and insights!
Thanks for reading today’s Civic Capacity Newsletter! Did you know, for less than $1 per week, you can support this effort to bring local news and information directly to you and your neighbors? If you have not considered being a paid subscriber to this effort, please do so. Through your generous paid subscription, you are helping provide this information to our community!
Feel free to share this information! Through informing and educating our community’s stakeholders, we are creating a stronger community.
Also, our reader survey for May is looking for responses! Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas, you can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF6SPPN
Steve Hamilton was a neighbor and a friend. Thank you Bill for remembering him and reminding all of the Troy Community when, where andcedpecially the "why" surrounding The Troy Strawberry Festival.
Patti McAtee Haren
Very nice and well deserved tribute Bill. Hard to believe that he’s been gone for twenty years.