History of Castongia Tractor
We've been Helping You Grow since 1939.
Farming looked a lot different 85 years ago. Horsepower didn’t refer to the engine under the hood and parts inventory wasn’t tracked with an online system. Although the agriculture and equipment industry looks a lot different now, Castongia Tractor is still here serving communities across Northwest Indiana and Northeastern Illinois.
Filling a Need for Local Equipment and Goods
Archie J. Castongia took over his family’s farm near Beaverville, IL, in 1930, and for several years he continued to farm the land. However, after a few years of farming, he realized there was a serious need for a farm equipment dealership in the area. So, in early 1939, he sold a load of hogs and used the earnings to pay the freight on a shipment of six tractors, and the Castongia’s business took its first steps.
It was a time when farmers were transitioning from animal power to more mechanized farming, so Archie would accept trades of plow horses and livestock teams for equipment sales. The animals he took would often be transported back to the family farm where he could care for them and eventually sell them. Grain was another acceptable trade, and Roger Castongia, Archie’s youngest son, was tasked with hauling and cleaning a corn crib as his first official dealership job!
Throughout the early stages of the business, there were several different categories of products that the team offered. At one point, Castongia Tractor carried John Deere and Case equipment, sold hardware, sold GMC trucks, Frigidaire appliances, and DeLaval milkers. Parts were shipped in burlap sacks and would be spread across the floor for farmers to pick through so they could make their repairs. Archie did all he could to meet the needs of his community!
Family Ownership Leads to Business Growth
Roger Castongia acquired the business in 1967, after serving in the Air Force and joining the dealership team in 1961. Before Roger took over, Archie’s eldest son, Ezra, helped run things until 1966 after serving during WWII.
Roger took on a major expansion project in 1988, moving the Castongia business into Rensselaer and DeMotte, IN, by acquiring dealerships from Bob Butler. Then in 1993, a third store was opened in Fowler, IN, which was previously known as Nally Brothers.
The relocation of Highway 41 changed the market in Morocco, IN, so it made sense for the company to move and expand around that time. The original store isn’t recognizable today, but Castongia Tractor is still proudly serving the Newton County area at its surrounding locations.
In 2000, Roger’s son, Jon, took over the business. A new DeMotte store was constructed and opened in 2005, and in 2016, Castongia Tractor expanded again into the Crown Point and Valparaiso markets.
Today, Castongia Tractor operates five full-service John Deere dealerships in Rensselaer, DeMotte, Fowler, Crown Point, and Valparaiso, IN.
Always Dedicated to Community
From the very beginning, the Castongia business has had a heavy focus on supporting its community. Archie Castongia recognized a lack of product accessibility and Roger had the vision to expand the Castongia community. Today, Jon carries on the legacy while propelling the business forward during continual industry shifts and challenges.
Castongia Tractor has been Helping You Grow™ since 1939. Give us a call or stop by your nearest store to browse our new and used units, stock up on parts, or schedule a service visit. We look forward to helping you!
