Press Release
May 10, 2021
Contact: Shea J. Otley
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-4485
sjotley@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
Garfield County Farm Owners Receive Centennial Farm Awards
OKLAHOMA CITY — Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Lynda Ozan announced that Oklahoma Centennial Farm Awards have been presented to the owners of three Garfield County farms.
Brian and Kim Farber of Edmond own the Farber Home Place located in the vicinity of Waukomis. The family has grown wheat and raised cattle since great-grandfather John Farber settled the land in 1908.
M. Douglas and S. Jayne Benkendorf of Edmond own the Benkendorf Family Farm located in the vicinity of Enid. The family has raised cattle and sheep since great-grandfather Henry Schroeder settled the land in 1920.
Mary Jane Oakley of Indianapolis, Ind., owns the Mary Jane Oakley Farm located in the vicinity of Enid. The family has grazed cattle and raised winter wheat since grandmother Elizabeth Kennedy settled the land in 1901.
To qualify for a Centennial Farm or Ranch Award, a property must be occupied by a family member for at least 100 years and must currently be operated or occupied by a family member or leased out by a family member. The property must include a minimum of 40 acres and gross annual sales of at least $1,000. The Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry have sponsored the Centennial Farm and Ranch Awards for 32 years, in which time 152 awards have been given in Garfield County.
For further information about the Centennial Farm and Ranch Program, please contact Shea J. Otley at 405-522-4485 or sjotley@okhistory.org.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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