Longview Farm: The World's Most Beautiful Farm

Known as "The World's Most Beautiful Farm" during the early 1900s, Longview Farm was built by lumber baron and philanthropist Robert A. Long. Mr. Long purchased the 1,700 acres that would become the historic farm in 1909.

Longview Mansion, includes 48 rooms and six fireplaces, and at one time 42 other farm structures inhabited the farm. More than 2,000 workers were employed during the construction, including a number of craftsmen from Europe, to create the well-known structures featuring matching cream stucco walls, brown trim and red Spanish tile roofs.The Show Horse Arena included 150 stalls. . Many of the farm's structures have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

My Aunt Anna's story is intertwined with the Longview Farm since she was born. She remembered in 1912, when she was nine years old, R.A. Long's Pierce Arrow drove onto the family farm. Cars were so unusual then, this was a major event in the life of a seven year old. Mr. Long was trying to buy land for his farm, but my great-grandpa turned down $375 an acre--that was a princely sum then. R.A. Long bought 1780 acres and work was started on the farm in 1913. This farm had their own electrical system--one of the first in the area.

My Aunt Anna began teaching at Cedar Hill School at age 17. It was one of the rural schools that taught children from the Longview Farm when their own school closed. My aunt had very fond memories of Loula Long Combs and remembers that she took in Johnnie Dyster as her houseboy. Johnnie would help my aunt build the fire at school to start the school day. Mrs. Combs was always kind and thoughtful--my aunt never heard her say a cross word.
It is these memories that make the Longview Farm so personal to me.

In 1984, much of the land that made up Longview Farm was gifted to the city of Lee's Summit, Missouri from the heirs of the Long family. Now the Mansion has been restored to its past elegance and is used for weddings and receptions. One of the many barn structures has been renovated and made into a school