[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 151 (Thursday, September 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF MR. G. BROWN LOFLIN

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                             HON. TED BUDD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2019

  Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. G. 
Brown Loflin.
  Brown was born November 23, 1934 in Davidson County to Justice Snow 
Loflin, Sr. and Alice Elliott Loflin. He was an active member of Chapel 
Hill United Methodist Church, the Denton Lions Club, and Denton Lodge 
No. 404 AF and AM.
  Over the course of his life, Brown wore many hats. Some that come to 
mind are U.S. Army Reserve veteran, Davidson County Commissioner, owner 
of the Loflin Garage, and bluegrass enthusiast, just to name a few.
  But Brown will probably be most remembered as the visionary behind 
the Denton FarmPark, which started back in 1970. It all began when 
Brown and a buddy decided to offer airplane rides to raise money for 
the local rescue squad. But the crowds and wait time for airplane lines 
grew so much that they needed another attraction. They quickly added 
antique farm machinery and tractors for folks to view while waiting in 
line. Brown would eventually abandon the airplane rides and transition 
to farm equipment, which was a major attraction. He also brought the 
Handy Dandy Railroad to Denton FarmPark, which features an old steam 
train that runs during the show and provides rides to visitors of all 
ages.
  Today, the Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion is the largest steam, 
gas, and unique farm machinery show in the Southeast. The property has 
15 restored buildings, including a church, grist mill, general store, 
plantation house, and blacksmith shop.
  In 2018, Loflin told local reporters that there were more than 1,200 
tractors at the Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion. Even when his health 
declined a few years ago, Brown remained the driving force behind what 
has become one of the largest events of its kind in the entire country. 
I'm grateful to have met Brown and know that his many contributions to 
Davidson County will live on for years to come.
  Brown is survived by his wife Ruby Johnson, who he had been married 
to for over 60 years along with his son, Gordon Keith Loflin, a 
daughter, Karen Loflin Miller, four grandchildren, and a great 
grandchild.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Brown Loflin for his 
service to Davidson County.

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