Not so common in recent history are farm families that still remain on the land their forefathers settled.  Even more uncommon in rural Ontario is a whole community of families that have done so.  But on a 2 km stretch of Bronson Line in Huron County, you will find nine Steckle family farms.  The oldest one being purchased in 1860, the most recent in 2001.  On five of these farms, are a generation of men, now in their fifties or older, who have never had a permanent residence other than the land they now live on.  Three of the farms have fourth generation family members living there.

Farming practices certainly have changed over the 140+ years.  However, among them are modern day farms with dairy and hogs, some poultry, and cash crop farming, as well as our own greenhouse operation.

Our family's roots are in Switzerland.  Our ancestors emigrated to Bavaria, Germany, and then traveled to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania in 1829, stayed there for only two years, then came to Waterloo County in Ontario.  Daniel B. Steckle traveled to Huron County and purchased Lot 7, Con. 13, which is our family farm in 1865.  Two more parcels of land were purchased for his two other sons about 20 years later, and have all been passed down to subsequent generations.  While a house wasn't built on our land until 1930, ownership is now in 4th and 5th generation, and 6th generation children occupy a second residence now on the farm.