The man responsible for starting a unique Butler Farm Show tradition has died.
Floyd Mahan, who first brought the paddle boats to the summertime festival, passed away late last week at the age of 95.
Mahan was a Butler native and avid boater who bought the patent for the paddle boat in 1962. He modified a few things and in 1965 brought the paddle boats to the Farm Show pond for visitors to use. They are still in use today according to his cousin Sue Hartzel.
“We made thousands. We have them in all 50 states,” Hartzel said. In addition to being family, she also worked with Mahan for years out of his barn on Deer Creek Road.
“People probably don’t realize those boats were built in Butler County. But his house was the last house in the county. His next door neighbor actually was in Allegheny County,” Hartzel said.
Since that time, Farm Show officials say there have been very few changes to the paddle boat design.
“They last forever. Sometimes you would lose a peddle block and sometimes you would lose a paddle wheel into the pond. If you didn’t have a deep pond, you could get it back,” Hartzel said.
In addition to his support of the Farm Show, Mahan also navigated the full 2,400 miles of the Mississippi River. He was also a veteran that served in the Navy.
“He was always bragging that he was the only person ever in the Navy who left the Navy and still could not swim,” Hartzel joked. “He always needed something to float because he couldn’t.”
The Farm Show honored Mahan in 2021 with a plaque beside the pond on the grounds.
“He was such a fun guy. He had a very fun life for himself, and he created such a fun life for me. He was one of my best friends,” Hartzel said.
