Editor’s note: Photographs published here are by Steven Siefken, Louise Wiersema, and the Editor. Daughter Michele Beswick and long-time assistant/fan Chad Starbuck crafted an historical PowerPoint slideshow of Beswick’s vehicles; it displayed on screens during the event.
Outside Ebenezer Reformed Church, viewing of a McCormick Farmall Tractor and the Tameless Tiger II dragster made for special photos, taken by Siefken. Left-to-right, daughters Rhonda Mitchell, Paula Wiersema, Arnette Stralow, and Michele Beswick joked with their father. Six grandchildren/cousins posed together, as did 11 great-grandchildren. Two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were not pictured.
Estimates varied between 200+ to 300 attendees, inside Ebenezer Reformed Church, on Saturday, November 9, 2024. It was clear that lots of people came to pay tribute to the internationally-respected drag racer and innovator, Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick. He was born, raised, and still resides–at age 94–in Morrison IL. Wiersema photographed lots of speakers, fans, friends, and family in the Sanctuary. Three generations of Beswicks wore matching black shirts; they were asked to rise and be recognized.
Arnie’s biographer Dean Fait (white shirt) attended. Below, long-time admirers Bill Stoermer (left) and Chad Starbuck (right) were speakers. Morrison Historical Society Trustee and program organizer Patricia Pessman and MHS President Harvey Zuidema wore fan attire.
City of Morrison Mayor Scott Vandermyde listed six laudatory reasons to “proclaim November 9, 2024, as Arnie ‘The Farmer’ Beswick Day, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to motorsports and his lasting impact on the world of drag racing.” The framed, original document rested on an easel beside the honoree’s chair.
Starbuck discussed his 25 years as a fan of Arnie’s career and being invited to assist with car transport and merchandise sales. Stoermer noted he has been a fan of Beswick since he “was eight years old and hung out at the garage.” After Stoermer’s opening remarks, he and Beswick engaged in a question-and-answer session. Daughter Michele Beswick described growing up with Arnie “The Farmer” outside of racing.
Concluding remarks by Patricia Pessman included a congratulatory letter from NASCAR and drag racer Richard Petty. She presented her favorite drag racer with a Tameless Tiger supercharged cookie, “because this is your day, Arnie!” That brought the audience to their feet in applause. On stage, left to right, are Mayor Vandermyde, Arnie Beswick (seated), MHS Trustee Stephanie Vavra, and Pessman.
Downstairs after the program, Ebenezer Reformed’s Church Life Committee served refreshments. Numerous Beswick items for purchase included the Dean Fait biography “Arnie ‘The Farmer’ Beswick,” which the author autographed. Guest of Honor Beswick sat beside the author for a long time. Both men signed memorabilia for fans and friends, as a lasting memory of this joyful event.
