Harry Greenlaw
New Brunswick Inductee - 2022
In a province well-known for potato production, Harry C. Greenlaw left an indelible mark on this important New Brunswick industry. In 1895, Harry was born in Millville, York County, NB. Despite being drafted into military service in 1917, he was not required to serve overseas. At the age of 23, Harry married Winnifred Clark and together they lived in Millville the remainder of their lives.
Although he had only a grade 6 education, Harry pursued many business opportunities as a young man, and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. His first notable position was as Manager of Millville’s first famers’ store, owned and governed by local shareholding farmers. The store bought, sold, and traded commodities. During his time managing the store, Harry began investing in his own farming ventures, purchasing land to produce potatoes.
By 1922, Harry was farming extensively, and expanded to include poultry, dairy, beef, and hogs. He employed crop rotation and the use of organic materials. The farm’s total crop production eventually grew to 1,000 acres, of which 500 acres were potatoes.
As Harry’s company grew, he expanded to provide business services to stimulate the community’s economy. His ventures included Millville’s first public building, housing a banking centre, Canada Post, and apartments, and a woodland operation, lumber mill, and manufacturing plant. His company built homes, schools, and highway bridges, and bought and sold lime, fertilizer, appliances, farm machinery, and dairy cream. His interests were varied, but always supported services and employment for the local farming community.
Known as an exceptional orator, Harry held several public offices, which included Councillor and Member of the Legislative Assembly for York County. He was a founding member and Chair of the Millville Local Improvement District Council and Chair of the Agricultural Committee for the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. Through his elected positions, Harry was able to be a strong advocate for the agriculture industry provincially and nationally.
Harry was a visionary in the potato industry, and recognized as a major player in the purchase, sale, and export of seed and table potatoes. Always seeking greater opportunities, Harry was one of the first to explore marketing seed potatoes in South America. He proceeded to develop markets in Argentina and Uruguay. In recognition of his contributions, Harry was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1964.
Many organizations have benefitted from Harry’s leadership. He was a Board member and President of the NB Potato Shipper’s Association for 18 years, served as President and Board member of the Canadian Horticultural Society, and as a Director of the NB Seed Growers Association. Harry was instrumental in establishing the Dairy Farmers of Canada Association, serving on the first Board of Directors.
Nominated by Stan Graham for his extensive contributions to the Village of Millville and his exemplary leadership within the potato industry, Harry Greenlaw is a deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.