The Janisieski Family took a new family photo when celebrating the farm’s 100th anniversary during a family reunion in May at Strathmore Park.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WESTFIELD — Janisieski Farm on Sackett Road is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and the generations of family stretched across the last century of the farm’s history gathered last month for a celebration and reunion party for the milestone and family’s legacy.
The 100th anniversary marks a significant milestone for the family of Alexander and Martha (Macierowski) Janisieski who laid down their roots and established the farm on Sacket Road in Westfield in 1925. There they raised their nine children: Wesley, Ann (Czarnecki), Evelyn (Mazut), Stanley, Florence (Patla), Sophia (Blascak), Frank, Jennie (Skowronski) and Fran (Zering).
The centennial celebration served as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the family’s previous generations who cultivated the land with care and respect.
Fran Zering, the current matriarch of the family and youngest of Alexander and Martha’s children, shared with Reminder Publishing recollections of the various crops grown on the farm, including onions, potatoes, tobacco and various berries, as well as the raising of milking cows, chickens and pigs. Although the crops are no longer in existence, Wesley’s grandchildren continue to raise chickens with farm fresh eggs for sale.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
On May 18, the descendants of Alexander and Martha commemorated the milestone with a family picnic at Strathmore Park. Local family members from Alaska, South Caroline, New Hampshire and Connecticut gathered to honor the Janisieski family and farm legacy, as well as to share stories and memories that have been passed down through generations.
Lynn Grant, niece of Zering, told the Westfield News the family reunion was well attended with over 100 family members spanning across four generations of the family joining festivities throughout the day to celebrate the century milestone. She added the family enjoyed a cookout, a “Polish” raffle, and dessert contest featuring strawberries, blueberries and/or raspberries as a nod to the berries frown on the farm at one time.
“These shared experiences not only foster a sense of unity but also ensure that the values and traditions of the Janisieski family are preserved for future generations,” said Grant of the reunion celebration.
Bobby Janisieski grew up on the farm and still lives on a portion of the land. From his first hand experience, Bobby has much pride for the family’s history and ability to celebrate a 100-year milestone.
“Having spent my life growing up on the farm, I feel blessed to have been able to grow up as a ‘farm kid.’ From milking the cows, working the land, and all that farming involves, a close-knit family is what has always been a huge part of our story,” Bobby said. “My late bother, Jamie and I have worked to maintain the farm so that the future generations may find the pride and joy of being part of The Janisieski Family Farm.”
