Press Release
December 26, 2014
Contact: Glen R. Roberson
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-521-6387
groberson@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
Francis Farms Owners in Beckham County Receive Centennial Farm Award
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch announced that an Oklahoma Centennial Farm Award has been presented to the owners of a Beckham County farm. Anville Francis and Karen Francis of Edmond own Francis Farms located northwest of Erick. The family has run cattle and horses and grown wheat and milo since great-grandfather George Washington Francis settled on the property in 1913.
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 25 years, in which time 55 awards have been given in Beckham County.
For further information, contact Glen R. Roberson at 405-521-6387 or groberson@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 31 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 visit www.okhistory.org.
