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New Haven homestead recognized as Century Farm
by Warren Haacke, Press-News Reporter
Mary Foxen recalls many fond memories of raising a family of five children on the rustic farm located near New Haven. The farm, which has been in the Foxen family for 118 years, was recently named a Century Farm at last summer's Iowa State Fair.
"It was a great place to raise a family," said Foxen. "Everyone helped out with the chores and knew what they had to do as far as their responsibilities. Our whole family was involved in making the farm go."
Mary and her late husband Leo bought the farm in 1961 from an uncle William who had farmed the land for 26 years. Prior to that Theodore Foxen and his son William had been the owners of the farm property for over 70 years.
Theodore purchased the original 80-acre farm in 1890 for $15 an acre and had the farm paid off in just five years time.
Theodore maintained and operated the farm for 45 years. In 1935 William, his son, gained the farm through inheritance and continued to farm for another 26 years until he sold the farm to Leo and Mary in 1961.
Mary related some stories passed down in the family about early life around the farm.
"The farmstead area was a pretty busy place in 1890 as a river runs along our property and a wagon trail was close by," said Foxen. "Many new settlers came into the area during that time, including possibly Theodore."
Foxen continued, "I know Theodore bought the land from a Mr. Heard from Wisconsin who was a land speculator and he had bought up a bunch of land and sold it to the new settlers."
Leo and Mary had been married for three years when the couple purchased the farm in 1961. They had been living in Osage. Leo was employed at White Farm Equipment in Charles City.
When the farm came up for sale, the Foxens decided to buy it and keep it in the family. Leo was born in New Haven and had come from a farm background.
"We thought it was important to keep the farm in the family, so we bought it and relocated on the farm."
Leo continued to work at White Farm and over time the Foxens had five children - Gene, Anne, Joan, Jane and Lisa.
"As I said before, we were all involved in the chores," said Foxen. "Raising and caring for cattle and pigs, watering and feeding, farrowing, regular farm chores, you name it."
Foxen recalls that times were different back then.
"You were closer with your neighbors and it seems like you had more time to stop and communicate and share some of the farm tasks with friends," she said. "Everyone seems a lot busier and are doing their own thing these days."
Besides raising cattle and hogs and the normal crops of corn, beans, oats and hay, the Foxen family also added more farm buildings and acres, increasing the farm to 120 acres. The family also spent considerable time working on erosion control because of the growth of the creek and river in the area.
"We also added a pond for our cattle," said Foxen.
Foxen is also especially proud of the additions and work done on the original farmhouse.
"Theodore built the original farmhouse in 1904 for $66," said Foxen. "His son Jack built the sun kitchen addition in 1916."
In 1991, Leo and Mary added a living area and a sunroom.
"Leo carved out all of the new woodwork by hand to match the original woodwork in the other parts of the house," Foxen stated.
"It was very tedious work and took a long time," she said. " I refinished all of the original woodwork so that it all matched throughout the house."
The five Foxen children all graduated from Osage, went to college and moved to other areas, raising their families and pursuing careers.
Leo passed away in 2002 and Mary is now retired.
The farm now is rented out to Oak Grove Cattle Company of Mitchell County for the purpose of housing and maintaining beef cattle.
Mary still lives on the farm and keeps busy with various projects, mainly her flowers. She raises a large variety of flowers and is well known for her "ditch flowers" that adorn the perimeter of her property.
"I get a lot of people that visit," said Foxen. "Family members and friends drop by and people stop to ask about the flowers from time to time."
When talking about the farm, Foxen was a bit uncertain as to it's future.
"The farm has been left to our children," she said. "There is some sentiment to keep it in the family. Our children have many fond memories of living here and playing down by the river in the pastures."
Foxen continued, "I guess that's a decision they will have to make when the time comes," she smiled.
Story created Nov 11, 2008 - 10:52:41 CST.
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