By Andi Anderson
On August 7, at the Indiana State Fair, the Anderson family of Clinton County will be presented with the 2025 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation. This annual honor, awarded by Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau, celebrates their efforts in preserving the legacy and buildings of their historic farm southwest of Frankfort.
Stan and Lois Anderson live on the 800-acre farm, which also features a growing pick-your-own flower business. Stan’s brother, Don, assists with farm operations, and additional family members are co-landowners.
Their farmhouse, purchased in 1944 by Stan’s grandparents George and Delia Stine, dates back to the late 1800s and has been carefully updated while maintaining its original features, such as pocket doors and Craftsman-style glass windows.
The Andersons have creatively reused materials from nearby structures, including brick pavers from a local school and wood siding from historic buildings. An old smokehouse has been converted into office space, and the former scale house now serves the flower business with the original Moline scale box still on display.
A key feature of the farm is the century-old three-bay timber frame barn. Once used for hay and cattle, the Andersons have modified the structure to accommodate modern machinery and farm needs, while preserving its historic character. In 2016, the barn was named one of Indiana’s Bicentennial Barns, celebrating its cultural value.
In 2020, Lois and Don transformed former pastureland into Anderson U-Pick Flower Farm, reflecting their passion for flowers and the land. “It’s about repurposing them to be used in a different way while maintaining the farm’s heritage,” said Phil Anderson.
The award presentation will take place at 11 a.m. on August 7 at the Indiana State Fair’s historic Normandy Barn.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle