Siegel's Family Farm History

Welcome.....

1853
On September 5th at the age of 19 George Siegel Arrived in the United States on the ship Germania.

1876
George Siegel naturalized October 20th.
He lived in Troy township and raised his Family.
Children: Conrad, John, Frank and his step daughters: Lizzie and Mary And step son John Fuetter.

1900
Frank G. Siegel and his wife Gertrude start their family. Ambrose born 1900
Mary 1903,
Eugene 1905,
Francis 1907

1909
Frank G. Siegel and wife Gertrude purchase Farm
1910 Donald is born
1911 Gertrude was born
1915 George was born

1915
George Siegel dies.

1916
Frank G. Siegel pays off the farm and begins acquiring more land.

1916
School district consolidated two school districts and built new school on the Siegel Farm

1920
Home was picked up and moved 100 feet and destroyed. Gertrude was severely burned by coals from overturned stove. Frank was crushed and broke several ribs while saving his sons. Ambrose suffered internal injuries and was immediately operated on. Family returned to original home. Gertrude died the following year.

1933
Francis Siegel marries his first wife Veronica Sohan That same year FDR rolled out Agricultural Adjustment Act as well as Farm Credit Act

1939
Veronica died in child birth leaving Francis a widower with 2 children under 2. Shortly after Francis moved to his father's farm with an Auntie to take care of the children Jeanne born 1938 Larry 1939

1946
Frank G. Siegel died.
Francis was named executer of the will and the 280 acres were distributed among the children. Francis received 40 acres of the original farmstead that was purchased in 1909

1951 Francis married his second wife Marie Wallace in 1951 and had 7 more children.
Dick born 1952
Art 1954
Anita 1955
Paul 1957
Mary 1959
Beth 1960
Joe 1964.

1960's
By this time the profitability of farming changed quite a bit. Francis decided that he could better utilize his workforce of 9 children. He kept milking cows, pigs and grew a few crops while he tested the 2200 Laying hens he purchased. In a few short years Francis built a State of the Art Chicken House.

1970's
They had expanded to 6800 laying hens Marie was known as the "Egg Lady".
They hired neighbors to help process 5000 eggs a day.

1970's
Paul and Art farmed the family's land as well as surrounding farms. They even sod busted Stateville property. Paul and Art supplemented the summer sweet corn crop with a trucking and Grain Storage business.

1980's
Added Garden Center and extended season by adding pumpkins and squash
Paul and Sue start their family,
Jason 1981 (center)
Zach 1983 (right)
Kyle 1986 (left)
Kaity 1987

1980
A devastating fire destroyed the chicken house and Killed all the chickens. Huge Loss

1991
Paul and Sue bought Art's share of Siegel's Brothers Added the first haunted barn and a small straw maze and petting zoo.

Following in his Father's and Grandfather's foot steps, Paul Siegel nurtures his love for the land, his growing Family and diverse business acumen.

Sue Siegel cultivates her talents at the Garden Center, sharing her passion for plants and gardening with her customers. Sue calls it "her addiction."

1990's
The Garden Center has expanded and carries many varieties of plants and products That are hard to find, backed by a knowledgeable staff.

1996
Statesville Haunted Prison Inc. is founded. 16,000 square feet of pure terror. Voted #1 in Chicago land every year since 2000.

Kaity and Zach at their satellite produce stands have become welcomed fixtures In the surrounding areas.

Selling fresh produce and Siegel's Xtra Sweet sweet corn ! The same delicious produce can be found at the Garden Center too !

Pumpkin Fest
Fall is a very exciting time at the farm. Every Fall tens of thousands of people come to the farm and take the hayrack ride out to the Pumpkin Field and pick their pumpkin. They also enjoy all the attractions and the food. School children enjoy their educational field trip which area schools have been signing up for over 20 years now. Make Pumpkin Fest your Family tradition.

Siegel's Cottonwood Events
This is the newest addition to the Siegel Family brand. So many people have asked to host parties or bring their groups to the farm that the Siegel's decided to open up their farm in a new way. The farm is now open to any group which can choose from an amazing array of activities to challenge their group or simply entertain them. The Rock Climbing Wall is a new addition this year and is already garnering a great deal of attention.

Come see what fun you can harvest on our 40 Acres!

We look forward to the future. Our next generation is ready to grow with yours. Siegel's Cottonwood Farm, a Family Tradition