Press Release
August 9, 2017
Contact: Shea J. Otley
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Societ
Office: 405-522-4485
sjotley@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
Lincoln County Ranch Owner Receives Centennial Ranch Award
OKLAHOMA CITY — Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch announced that an Oklahoma Centennial Ranch Award has been presented to the owner of a Lincoln County ranch. Garry Knesek of Sparks, Okla., owns Knesek Ranch located in the vicinity of Sparks. The family has raised cattle since grandparents Robert and Mary Knesek settled the land in 1917.
To qualify for a Centennial Farm or Ranch Award, a property must be owned by a family member for at least 100 years and must be operated or occupied by a family member or leased out by a family member over the age of 65. 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 28 years, in which time 26 awards have been given in Lincoln 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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