Photos and article by John Estridge
Top left is the original Zimmer Tractor, formerly B&L Tractor at 7th and High streets in Brookville. The rest of the photos are of the new location off U.S. 52 at the southeast edge of Brookville. It is between Skyline Chili and 52 Pick Up.
Zimmer Tractor started a new phase in Brookville and Franklin County Monday morning, August 31.
And when one starts something new, often that means ending something old. Zimmer, owned by Franklin County residents Daryl and Gretchen Zimmer, moved from its original location at 7th and High streets in Brookville to its new location at the former Bauer Ford and Jim True Ford dealership on U.S. 52 at the southeast portion of Brookville.
According to Daryl, the building at 7th and High streets was constructed in 1947-48 by Cecil Otto.
His dad, Bill Zimmer, and Frank Otto ran the original Zimmer, and it was called B&L Tractor. In 1960, Bill and his wife, Marge, purchased the business from Frank Otto.
From those humble beginnings, under the tutelage of Bill and Marge, as well as, Daryl and Gretchen, Zimmer Tractor has expanded to three other locations in two states.
There are Zimmer locations in Monroe, Ohio, Aurora and Lawrenceburg as well as Brookville.
So, while Daryl was excited and happy about moving into a bigger, more accessible arena, he was also sad to be leaving the original location.
“But, it’s past time,” Daryl said just after he locked the doors at the old site.
He said he hopes something else will utilize the 7th and High street location that could bring more jobs into Brookville.