The History of the John Lenicek Farm.
The year was 1894 when Joseph Lenicek bought the piece of land with the address of 8404 Linn-Johnson Road here in Fairfax IA. Joseph and his wife Zofige had 8 children, Anna, Francis, Julia, Joseph JR, Emma, Katie, John, and Mary. His son, John, was the 7th child and was just a young child at this time of purchase but later grew up to purchase the farm from his family after his father’s death in 1907 at the age of 64. John was 21 at the time of the purchase.
From that point on John worked hard to build and maintain all of the buildings and equipment needed to have a great farm. It is believed that soon after John purchased the farm he built the existing barn. In 1913 he married Mabel Dow and in 1917 their family was completed with the birth of their daughter Edna. Life on the family farm was hard work and the 3 were expected to work the fields, raise horses, cattle, pigs and chickens, and perform the daily tasks of milking the cows, feeding the chickens, gathering the eggs, feeding the pigs and taking care of the horse team. When that work was done they went on to maintain the outside gardens and yard, clean the house, make the family meals and harvest the meat and vegetables grown on the farm.
In 1929 the original farmhouse was torn down and replaced with the existing home built by John and a team of family, friends, and neighbors. It took almost 2 years to complete the build.
In 1934 Edna became of college age and left to pursue a teaching career eventually teaching in Northern Iowa schools until her retirement. Cousin Jeanie did come and live with Mabel and John for most of her younger through young adult years until getting married and starting a family of her own.
John maintained the farm until his death in 1978. Edna would always find pride in what her father had created and wouldn’t dream of changing a thing. Although she did not live on the farm she did continue to feel connected to it and kept most of the buildings in working condition. As she got older and was unable to devote as much time to the home and buildings on the farm it started to become overgrown and in need of care.
In 2004 Edna sold her beloved farm to Allan Lorenc, the owner of the neighboring farm. Allan’s grandfather, Luis Loptha, had once been a very good friend with John. Allan’s mother Adeline Loptha Lorenc and Edna grew up as friends and going to school together. The bond that was created lasted the test of time as they continued to stay in touch well into there 90’s.
Over the next few years Allan and his sister’s family, the Illig’s renovated the old farmhouse updating the electric, plumbing, heating, adding insulation and new windows. They removed many trees, fences and some buildings that were not able to be saved. Much of the interior of the house is still original and gives the feel of the 1930 style. It was during this time that the dream of John’s Place came in to being.
After over one and a half years of various renovations, John’s Place was ready for it’s debut in September 2013. It has been furnished with treasures that the Illig’s had collected over the years as well as various items left with the house and buildings. We believe you will enjoy this special place and that your event will bring fond memories in the future.
We know you will love this historical place.