For 100 years, one family has worked the undulated land just outside Russellville, leaving a five-generation legacy of labor and love. Family and friends celebrated these efforts Saturday afternoon at the old homeplace, recently recognized as a Missouri Farm Bureau Century Farm.
Dwight Schmoeger said becoming an official Century Farm is important because it recognizes the operation as a part of the cornerstone of the early American economy and culture - small, family-oriented agriculture.
Schmoeger is among six siblings who make up the third generation to live on the property after his grandfather, William, purchased 105 acres for $8,000 in 1918 and named the land Rainbow Valley Farm. They raised crops like corn, wheat, oats and potatoes, then hauled them from the field in a wooden high wheel wagon that is still there today.
Schmoeger said the celebration is about the family members who worked and enjoyed the farm, not the land itself.
"When we started this event, it was more about the farm being 100 years old, but what we found as we went along is that it's more about the family," Schmoeger said. "Three generations have either been born or raised here and have worked the farm. We've got two additional generations who come up here for (holidays). This farm has five generations in it. And that may not sound like much, but to me it's very important. It tells you that family is the number one thing."
The Schmoeger family invited about 120 of their relatives and friends to celebrate the farm's centennial with a meal, catered by Reinhardt Circle, and historical picture presentation in front of the very house where Schmoeger and his siblings were raised. There were also informative signs on historic items and structures, like the old wagon, two-seater outhouse, summer kitchen and grape vines that have grown on the property longer than Schmoeger can remember.
The family has expanded to 45 people, including spouses and great-grandchildren, with more on the way. The farm has also expanded to 360 acres. Brothers Donn and John still work the land, raising hay and cattle with the regular help of other family members. Schmoeger hopes one day a member of the younger generation will take up the operation and carry their family vocation into the future.
"We're trying to figure out who in the family we can pass this on to," he said. "I'd like to see that it goes on and on for another couple generations. I think that our parents and grandparents liked that idea, too."