Press Release
August 9, 2017
Contact: Shea J. Otley
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-4485
sjotley@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
Alfalfa County Farm Owners Receive Centennial Farm Awards
OKLAHOMA CITY — Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch announced that Oklahoma Centennial Farm Awards have been presented to the owners of two Alfalfa County farms. Janice Settle and Karen Settle of Enid, Okla., own Thompson Farm (NW) located in the vicinity of Burlington. The family has grown wheat, corn and used the land for cattle grazing since great-great uncle A. C. Thompson settled the land in 1912. Mary Reeves of Derby, Kansas, owns Thompson Farm (SW), also located in the vicinity of Burlington. The family has used the land for cattle grazing since great-grandfather William Thompson settled the land in 1916. The Thompson Farm (SW) also received the Historic Structures Award.
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 93 awards have been given in Alfalfa 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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