By STEVE BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

GIFFORD, Ill. — Gordon “Gordy” Hannagan turns 80 years old in March, but there appears to be nothing that will slow down the horse-lover and auctioneer. His secret to success?

“I always made it my business to know the bloodlines of all of the horses … and it didn’t hurt that I could crack a good joke on the spot,” said Hannagan, who founded one of the nation’s top equine and auction showplaces in small-town Gifford, in east-central Illinois.

The Gordon Hannagan Auction Co. truly took off in 1986 when Hannagan and his wife, Jan, began constructing “Gordyville,” his own group of facilities to stage large-scale horse sales, estate auctions and other events. The company now maintains some 160,000 square feet of space under roof, space equal to about 3.5 football fields.

Throw in another 30 football fields for parking, and the company can handle just about any type of show that would draw thousands of patrons, including the upcoming Midwest Ag Expo on Jan. 26-27.

Last year’s event drew about 8,000 people, and Hannagan said it is one the company is proud to host again, now in its 17th year.

The auction business remains a predominately Hannagan family operation, with Gordy’s six children – James, Buddy, Ed, Patty, Mary and Jody – all playing key roles in its operation. They employ another 14 people full-time.

While horse events remain the lynchpin of the business – including a top reining show that draws international attention, the Midwest Draft horse sale and numerous American Quarter Horse Shows – the company also hosts dozens of other events.

One of the largest is the Midwest Winter Nationals Tractor Pull, which routinely draws more than 10,000 spectators and entrants from across the United States.

The facilities have 650 moveable stalls, wash racks and full food and beverage service throughout. Hannagan already has branched out more, and is going after concerts and car shows to include in its yearly calendar of events.
“Well, I’ve always kind of said if we slow down, we go out of business,” Gordy said with a chuckle. “And my banker doesn’t want that to happen.”
Anyone wishing more information about the business can contact it at 217-568-7117 or via e-mail at auctions@gordyvilleusa.com
The business is located east of Rantoul at Route 136 East, Gifford, IL 61847. Its fax number is 217-568-7376.