Salem Ranch Horse Auction

      Editor: Judy Olson

Salem Ranch was chartered by the state of Illinois on December 22, 1896 as a home for orphans and other worthy children. These young men come to the ranch from all over the country, not just locally. The 100 acre ranch was donated by Daniel and Mary King with the purpose of giving the boys religious, industrial, and academic training.

In 1985 an equine program was started with donated Arabian horses and the boys shared in the responsibility of caring for and training the horses. This endeavor turned out to be therapeutic as well as vocational. Having an actual operating farm gives the boys the opportunity to learn responsibility, but maybe even more importantly, they are able to bond with the animals. Approximately 70 horses are donated yearly. Some are sold at the auction the following spring and some are kept at the ranch so the boys learn to ride. The auction helps to fund the many expenses generated by the ranch and at this time they are in dire need of kitchen equipment and vehicles. As this is their major fund raiser, they hope for a large and generous crowd.

Over 400 items, new and antique, including hand-made quilts were donated by businesses and supporters locally as well as from all across the United States. These are auctioned in a separate area the same day as the horse sale. Linda Lindley, a Minonk resident is the coordinator for this event. The many wonderful people that donate so much of themselves and their time are to be commended. They make this auction a success and I cannot say enough good things about the staff and volunteers who put in so much effort for this auction. I do not want to forget two other local people who put in so much time and effort for this good cause, Guy and Cari Schultz.

"Bubba" Lindley shows a horse at the auction


Speaking of which, I would like to thank another Minonk resident who works at the Salem Ranch. Kevin "Bubba" Lindley is manager/trainer of the horse barn, but anyone who knows him, knows this is not a regular job. Lindley is totally committed to the ranch and the boys that live there. He puts in endless hours caring for and training the horses, not because it's his job, but because it is a labor of love for him.

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank the staff and everyone that volunteered in any way to make this auction a success, and a special thank you goes out to all the people that attended the auction. I would also like to thank the many people that donate generously throughout the year. Salem Ranch needs your support throughout the year as well as the auction. Donations and volunteers are readily accepted.

For more information go to www.salemranch.com. To see a video of last week's auction, click here.

To reply to this editorial please send your comments to Your letter will be published in the email section. Viewers are welcome to submit a guest editorial.