Farmhouses of Richfield is a series of geocaches intended to highlight several old farmhouses still standing in Richfield. These farmhouses were all built between 1852 and 1918 by settlers who migrated to MN because land was affordable and fertile. Please take time to look at these impressive houses that have stood for over a century.
In 1913, Everett Irwin bought a herd of Holstein dairy cows from an Iowa farmer. In a percptive move, Everett's son convinced Axel Hanson, the herdsman for the animals, to move to Richfield and work on the Irwin farm. Alex and his bride came to Wood Lake Farm in June. Mr. Hanson improved the producing capacity of the cows by proper feeding and care. One of the herd was registered with the name, Duchess Skylark Ormsby. Under Mr. Hanson's care, this Holstein broke the world's record for butterfat in milk, and Duchess Skylark Ormsby became known as the the "World's Greatest Cow", a record she kept until it was broken in 1921. Holsteins were generally low butterfat producers, and this honor was quite an accomplishment for the Irwin farm of Richfield.
The original homestead of Everett Irwin was on the west side of Lyndale Avenue but was torn down years ago. The home of John B. Irwin, Everett's son, was built in 1915, and is on the east side of Lyndale Avenue. The home of Alex Hanson was built in 1916.