Park family traces roots in Middlesex back to 1798
MIDDLESEX TWP — James Park migrated to the township in 1798 from eastern Pennsylvania to stake his claim on 210 acres granted to him from his service in the Revolutionary War. Little did he know that his great-great-great-grandson would continue to enjoy that land in 2017.
Wayne and Roma Park recently celebrated their 65th anniversary on James' land, which they have subdivided to provide properties for themselves and three of their four children.
The couple does not worry about whether their nine great-grandchildren or the two on the way will continue to live on the old farm property.
“Who knows?” Wayne said of the property staying in the family. “That's up to them.”
While Wayne grew up with his five siblings in a house on Park property across the road, he and Roma moved into the 1870 farmhouse on Park Road after their 1952 honeymoon and continued the family dairy and sweet corn farming operation, Valley View Farms Dairy.
Their son, Randy, built their current home, which is just south of the farmhouse, in 1993. Randy lives just over the hill from the Parks' back porch on a subdivided part of the Revolutionary War grant land.
“We didn't need 10 rooms anymore,” Wayne said.
Wayne, who milked cows before attending classes at the old Mars High School in the borough, worked with his father and brother for 33 years in the family dairy business before closing the operation in 1979.
“I liked what I was doing and enjoyed working with my father every day,” Wayne said of his decision to stay with the family business. “I wouldn't trade growing up on a farm for anything. Every day was an adventure.”
After the Parks' children came along, they helped with the farm chores for spending money.
“It's a great place to raise kids,” Wayne said of the farm. “They learn responsibility and how to work.”
Daughter Sheryl Toomey also lives nearby on old Park property, daughter Karen Davidson lives in Mars, and son Randy lives in the old farmhouse next door.“He's the fifth generation (of Parks) to live in that house,” Wayne said.The couple said all four children appreciate being raised on the farm, and the three who live on the old property continue to enjoy it.“They all say, 'What a great place to live,'” Roma said.The Parks met at the former Twin Willows Skating Rink on Route 8, although Roma enjoyed skating and Wayne was more interested in watching the skaters. He's also not much of a dancer.“It's funny because I was never going to marry anyone who didn't skate or jitterbug,” the former Roma Davis said with a laugh.The couple said 65 years of marriage to one another has been easy.“We made a commitment and we always respected each other,” Wayne says of his union's longevity. “We've never had a serious argument.”“We just love being together,” Roma said. “We still do.”After leaving the farming business, Wayne drove a motor tour bus to various resorts and destinations. He left that job in 1998 after 18 years and began working at the former Butler Auto Auction in Cranberry Township.He worked there for 11 years.“I finally retired at age 80,” Wayne said with a grin.While Wayne bowled in his younger years and Roma still participates in card club and activities at Valencia Presbyterian Church, they now relax in their comfortable, windswept home.“I'm not looking for much to do,” Wayne said.The couple is also level-headed about the development of southwestern Butler County in recent years.“I guess you can't stop progress, but you hate to see it,” said Wayne.The Parks often reflect on the trials and blessings of their 65-year marriage and life on the family farm that James Park settled so long ago.“I'd do it all over again,” Roma said.
