Do You Know The Oldest Family Business in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is considered one of the best states to start a business, ranking 14th in the national list. Even with the odds being better in the sooner state, new business owners still struggle to stay open for longer than 5 years. That's why it's a pretty big deal when Oklahoma's longest running business lasts not 50, not 100, but 156 years and counting.
Stuart Family Ranch in Waurika, Oklahoma Longest Running Business
Oklahomans are known for being really good at a few things. It comes as no surprise that Oklahoma's longest running business is a ranch in Waurika, Oklahoma known as Stuart Ranch.
The ranch was started back in 1868, after the Stuart family first arrived on the Native American Choctaw Tribe lands in 1838. Terry Stuart Forst was one of four children brought up by her father, Bob Stuart who started farming. In 1992, Terry took over the ranch for her father and used her skills from her education at Texas Christian University to help the ranch prosper.
According to Forst, history has always played a vital role in the Stuart Ranch. Forst recalled her grandmother telling her:
"These beloved pioneers have left a great heritage for us. Many years of hardship and devotion to their country and family have produced hardy men of strong character. From this background came our great state of Oklahoma in which there is much pride among her people."
-Carrie Ida Freeny Stuart
History was being made at the farm and in order for it to continue being made, Forst admitted that she knew she had to open her mind up to more than just her ideas to keep the ranch successful. Her sons would come come with great ideas and she knew "it’s good business to pay attention to them."
Over 100 Years Later, The Stuart Ranch Is Still Standing
Today, the ranch is still operating, producing high quality cattle, quarter horses, meat and even a clothing line. Now, their focus is on getting quality food to people all over the country and making cooking as simple as possible with recipes and even Ranch Beef Bundles.
They've also expanded the ranch's possibilities by opening a lodge and hosting premiere guided duck and deer hunts on the property. The lodge is tailor made to tell the Stuart story with every piece of the rooms, furniture and decor tying (in one way or another) back to the Stuart family.
If there's one thing Oklahomans should be proud of, it's the dedication this family has shown while keeping this family ranch alive. To find out more about staying at the lodge or learning about their story, visit the Stuart Ranch website.
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