Historical Society Honors Centennial Farm In Homestead, Outlook

Several area Montana farms recently were added to the state’s Centennial Farm and Ranch program. New inductees include the Benson Upland Farm near Outlook and the Danielson Farm near Homestead. These farms never left family ownership, still retain some or all of the original acreage and are in production by the owner or a lessee. The Bensons and Danielsons received signed certificates from Gov. Steve Bullock and roadside signs to honor their families’ remarkable achievements.

Oscar and Christine Benson of the Upland Farm in Outlook came from Sweden to Minnesota, then endured the long journey by train and wagon to northeastern Montana in 1907 to claim land near the small hamlet of Outlook. Together, they weathered adversity breaking the soil, planting crops, raising five boys and surviving the lean years of the Great Depression.

As the boys got older, Christine was away from the farm often, supplementing the income as a nurse in the rural area that is now Sheridan County. Oscar and Christine moved to Plentywood in 1933, where Christine opened a nursing home. Their son Herbert and wife Kate took over the farm that year, but Oscar continued farming with Herbert through World War II.

In addition to farming, Herbert and Kate owned the Hub Bar and the Benson Trailer Court in Outlook. Herbert farmed for more than 50 years and was able to increase the farm acreage over time. Today, 1,300-acre farm is owned by Oscar’s great-grandson Cory Benson and is in production by a lessee.

Swedish immigrant John Danielson of Homestead farmed in Henning, Minn., for 18 years before seeking homestead land in northeast Montana in 1906. Although he claimed farmland far from a rail line, he persevered through hardships and expanded his acreage enough that his brothers Clarence and Tom joined him as renters in the 1920s.

John married Malla Groovon in 1925. They weathered the lean years of the 1930s, managing to expand the farm while raising two children, Vernon and Dorothy. The farm passed to Vernon in 1955 and he, along with his uncles Clarence and Tom, continued improving the farmstead, expanding the holdings to 2,400 acres. Today, the farm is managed by John Danielson’s grand-nephew Bill Danielson.

Since 2009, the MHS Centennial Farm and Ranch program has recognized Montana’s agricultural traditions by celebrating the perseverance and stewardship of Montana families on their farms and ranches. Honoring families who have owned their land for 100 years or more helps preserve Montana’s strong agricultural roots and the stories and traditions that define rural communities.

The Montana Historical Society is accepting applications for the Centennial Farm and Ranch program. New inductees will receive a framed certificate signed by the governor, recognition at the “Ag Day” ceremony in the State Capitol during the 2021 Legislative session, the history of their ranch or farm published online and in the organization’s periodic Centennial Farm and Ranch yearbook, and a durable roadside sign.

These 24-by-36-inch UVcoated metal signs are a new addition to the program this year, thanks to support from the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Donnelley Family Foundation.

Requirements for induction include: must be a working farm or ranch with a minimum of 160 acres or, if fewer than 160 acres, must have gross yearly income of at least $1,000; one current owner must be a Montana resident; proof of the founding date and continuous ownership by members of the same family beginning with the founder and concluding with the present owner, spanning minimally 100 years; line of ownership may be through spouses, children, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or adopted children. For homesteaded properties, ownership begins with claim filing date (not patent date).

Applications for this year’s cycle will be accepted until Dec. 1. To download requirements and application, visit http://bit.ly/MTCFRapp.