Croy Creek Traders Fair

Retired for 30 years now, Croan still won't sit still

While many men who have been retired for as long as Croan might be sitting in their living room watching TV in the comfort of air conditioning, you would find Croan heading off to the hay fields for the afternoon.

May 31 marked the 30th anniversary of Croan's retirement from Chrysler Corp. But even though he's 82 years old, Croan is still going strong. He is still active on his farm, with his family and in his hobbies.

Though he's been retired for three decades now, Croan continues to do all of the things he loves. He has farmed for most of his life and continues to do so with his youngest son Tom.

He lives next door to both of his sons, Tom and Gary, and enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Asked about his favorite part of retirement, Croan replied humorously, "Well, I'll tell you the worst part instead. That was the day when I quit drawing a check!"

When he's not farming, Croan enjoys many activities that keep him busy and outdoors. He frequents yard sales and the Croy's Creek Traders Fair. He loves to garden, and cans many of the vegetables he grows. He is even known amongst his family for his great salsa. He is also an avid deer hunter.

While his 83rd birthday is approaching next February, that does not seem to bother Croan. With his energy, humor and love for life, it appears the Fillmore man could easily continue enjoying his hobbies and farming for years to come.

Croan served three years in the United States Air Force, and in 1950 he began working at the Chrysler Corp. foundry at Indianapolis. There he worked in the pattern shop, repairing patterns until his retirement in 1981.

Croan has also been a member of the Freemasons for 50 years. In 1963 he married Etta McNew, who passed away in 2006. He was remarried in 2007 to Brenda Totten. They currently reside in Fillmore where you are likely to find Croan out working in his garden.

Goin' junkin'

The Lynch family had operated the Croy Creek Traders Fair since 1970, when patriarch John Lynch started the event as a swap meet for dog owners. They saw it grow into a twice-a-month smorgasbord of stuff that attracted Sunday morning crowds as large as 3,000 people. John Lynch died in 2000, and his widow, Hazel, and the family kept it going until last April. At 74 years old, Hazel was ready to let it end. And it did. The list of the grateful includes Lisa Reese. She and her family drive from Greenwood each Sunday to visit her elderly father in Brazil, as well as her brother. It’s become their tradition to go “junking” at the fair, and then to church together. “We were just sick when they closed it for that short spell,” Reese said, “and we’re glad they reopened it.” Located on the Lynch farm eight miles east of Brazil, the traders fair is open on the first and third Sundays of each month, running from sunrise until the buyers and sellers start packing up and leaving, usually around 11 a.m. Admission is $3 per person. (Children under 12 get in free.) And it doesn’t matter if you’re selling or buying. The fee is still just three bucks. Indeed, that Belushi relic is somewhat fitting, considering it was labeled an “animated figure” from his “Animal House” era. Last Sunday’s assortment of animals for sale at the traders fair included roosters, hens, pigeons, rabbits, ducks, goats and dogs. Ashley Howerton of Spencer was selling lavender guineas — $8 for the adult birds, and $4 for the babies. “They’re good watchdogs,” Howerton said.

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