| History | G.W. Harkness came from Iowa to Arvada for his wife's health in 1918. He purchased the Stepp Ranch in 1919 from Mrs. Missouri A.E. Stepp. The ranch became the property of his son and wife, Wayne W. and Esther B. Harkness, in 1939 until Wayne's death October 25, 1994. Both had contributed to the Arvada community: Esther was a teacher and had taught at Ralston crossing Elementary School and also an early pharmacist and had practiced for fifty years. Both were members of Enterprise Grange for half-a-century. Wayne Harkness financed the paving of the roads in the Arvada Cemetery. The Ranch was probably named for Wayne W. Harkness, since he had added new barns, corrals, a brick home, and had farmed and ranched there for 55 years. |
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