Photo provided by Jamie Stegner Over 300 relatives of the Yudasz family celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Yudasz Family Farm.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — More than 300 relatives of the Yudasz family gathered this past weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yudasz Family Farm, which was recently recognized by the state through Ohio’s Historic Family Farm program.

The farm was established 100 years ago by Polish immigrants Joseph and Valeria Yudasz.

The program recognizes farms that have been continuously operated by the same family for at least 100 years.

“It’s my understanding that the program was established in 1993 by the state of Ohio to preserve the state’s agricultural heritage,” said great-granddaughter Barbara Adams. “It’s administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation Office. Currently, more than 2,300 farms are registered in the program, with at least five in each county.”

She added that many Ohio farms are still family-owned, making these designations of lengthy ownership especially meaningful. Many farms predate Ohio statehood, with some dating to the 1700s, and they represent generations of agricultural tradition, community ties and environmental stewardship.

This past weekend saw more than 300 family members representing roughly 136 households from throughout the United States gather at the family farm to celebrate both the farm and the family.

“This was the largest family reunion that we’ve had out of all of the reunions we’ve organized throughout the years,” Adams said. “I think the farm represents home, and it felt like we were all coming home.”

Friday saw relatives arrive at the Yudasz family party barn on Maynard Hill Road. Dinner was provided as guests arrived from across the country, many meeting for the first time.

Adams said family members made roughly 200 pounds of kielbasa. Following dinner, family farm movies were shown at sunset, including photos of the farm through the years, past reunions and other family memories. Friday evening concluded with fireworks provided by Adam Yudasz.

“It was the best weekend ever. It was full of family, family and the farm,” he said.

Saturday was the main day of the reunion, beginning with a memorial service featuring poems, prayers, reflections and songs. The Centennial Family Farm presentation was also part of the ceremony. Family veterans then introduced themselves, sharing their branch of service and years served. A large family group photo was taken at noon, followed by a parade featuring area fire trucks and small floats with children riding aboard.

“Mom and Dad would be so proud of what the family has grown into and how they continue to embrace our Polish heritage. I was born on the farm 99 years ago and it seems like yesterday that we were playing in the barn and working in the vegetable gardens. We worked hard on the farm and we had a lot of fun. Faith and family were always central to our parents,” said first-generation Yudasz family member Betty Holubeck, 99.

Second-generation Yudasz family member Paul Antolak said he was happy to see so many young family members involved in planning the reunion.

“I am optimistic that they will continue the traditions. My kids have always grown up knowing that they are part of something so very special and rare,” Antolak said.

Third-generation Yudasz family member Annette Wiater said the family is fortunate to have so many loving and dedicated members working to preserve the past, present and future of the farm.

“We are so fortunate to have a family with so much love, dedication, service to the community and pride in their Polish roots,” Wiater said.

Sunday closed the festivities with a Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in honor of Joseph and Valeria Yudasz. Following the Mass, the family visited graves at Union Cemetery. The reunion ended with a continental breakfast at the farm.

Adams said the family had planned to plant a time capsule but decided to wait until October, when the farm officially turns 100 years old.

She added that the plan is to include photos from the reunion and open it in 50 years on the farm’s 150th anniversary.