Carnegie Historical Museum to feature Hidy farm

The Carnegie Historical Museum has announced the Century Farm of the month for January 2024. The farm is owned by Gerald (Skeeter) and Geraldine (Geri) Hidy. This farm has been in the family for 166 years. The Hidy farm is located in Locust Grove Township. The family first purchased 80 acres of farm land in 1858. It grew to 454 acres and is currently 192 acres.

The Hidy Farm is a Century Farm. The Hidy family story begins when Great Grandfather George W. Hidy purchased 80 acres for $1,700.00 on April 12, 1858. George was born in Fayette County, Ohio and then moved west to Locust Grove in Jefferson County. Next in line was George Hidy, grandfather’s brother and then Charles Hidy grandfather to current owners Skeeter and Geri Hidy.

This is the twentieth-month that the Carnegie Historical Museum has been highlighting the farms in Jefferson County which have been recognized by the Iowa Farm Bureau as being in the same family for 100 or 150 years plus. It is our plan to carry this forward throughout 2024, and recognize those farms which have received this Heritage or Century Farm status at the state level.

The Fairfield First Friday on Jan. 5, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m. will allow interested patrons of the Museum to come and view the new display of the Hidy farm. A video-taping with family members will begin at 6 p.m. A dedicated display case will be available for viewing on the third floor of the museum for the month of January. The public is welcome to attend and meet the family at that time. Please take time to come and learn about the history of these farms and what they mean to Jefferson County, Iowa.

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