DEKALB JUNCTION -- Haroldy Acres farm, DeKalb Junction, was honored at a recent state Agricultural Society Forum for operating their family farm for more than century.

Originating in 1937, the Century Award recognizes New York farms in continuous operation on the same land by the same family for 100 years or more.

Richard Ball, Commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, was on hand to present the award to one of the current farm managers, Michael Lowery, son of owner Harold Lowery.

Herndon and Lucina Lowery purchased the farm’s original 50 acres Feb. 2, 1910.

Subsequent family owners were Catherine E. Lowery, Herndon’s second wife, and son Harold and his wife Carol Ann Lowery in March 1985. Today the farm has 215 tillable acres, with an additional 105 non-tillable. The farm operation utilizes properties owned by Harold’s daughter and hay land in Pulaski owned by his son. Crops grown include hay, oats, and corn to feed horses and cattle, plus a variety of small farm animals.

Catherine was widowed in her first marriage and had six children. She worked tirelessly as an RN until age 82, working at local hospitals and nursing homes.

She also served as a midwife, and to this day, you still hear stories from local families about how she would go stay with them through the birth of their children. She married Herndon Lowery after Lucina’s passing, and Harold is their only child.

Upon Herndon’s death in 1955, 17-year-old Harold, Catherine, and later Harold’s wife Carol and children, Michael and Lisa, maintained and operated the dairy farm. Harold and Carol cared for Catherine in the farmhouse until her death in 1994 at the age of 97.

Management of the farm has been a shared responsibility because of Harold’s health over the past ten years. When he was diagnosed with pneumonia, Michael and Lisa stepped forward to ensure the farm’s continued operation.

Two years later, Harold was diagnosed with cancer and a similar plan went into action with the assistance of Greg Wilson and Lisa’s nearby family overseeing daily operations. Harold continues to operate the farm with a positive outlook and tremendous strength of character. He truly is a quality, hard-working individual, who will not be kept down. Harold’s grandchildren have grown up with an agricultural background, and Lisa’s son, Patrick, continues to help on the farm.

Family members have been very involved in the community. Harold served on the DeKalb Town Board for 21 years. He has chaired the DeKalb Town Democratic Party for eight years. He has served as associate director of the Gouverneur/St. Lawrence County Fair for the past three years. Carol is a poll inspector and participates in annual election functions.

The family has participated in local fairs, earning various awards. 4-H has been a big influence, and provided many learning opportunities for the second generation of the family moving forward.