2008 Inductee

Dale Benham
Osgood, Indiana

Mr. Dale Benham from Osgood, Indiana was one fourth of the Benham Brothers.  Bob, Pete, Jim & Dale grew up in a family of 16 children, ( 8 girls & 8 boys).  He spent every day, all day whenever possible with a local teamster watching, learning and doing.  Dale began his pulling career in 1963.

The Benham Brothers came into Michigan to compete on the dynamometer for the first time in 1963.  Their team took first place in Hastings at the Barry County Fair and in Fowlerville at the Livingston County Fair.  Benham Brothers teams strongly supported Michigan contests for years.  The 2001 Michigan Great Lakes International Heavyweight pull was Dales' last contest here in Michigan.  He placed third.

Benham Brothers Lightweight Records include:
1979            3975#
1979            4050#
1990            4100#
1990            4125#
Note: Two records were set on the same day in both years.

Dale, a lifelong logger, buying and selling timber turned 71 on August 22, 2008.  He and Bonnie have been married 51 years.  They have five children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  His love for his teams, pulling and his knowledge of the sport have made him a "Hero".  The one that other pullers frequently call upon for advice.  He once remarked "I'm better known then Coca Cola". 

It's not easy for Dale to be here today.  He's battling cancer, three major strokes, Parkinsons and Alzheimers. 

You just can;t keep a great Horse Puller down.