2001: Charles & Lorraine Mason

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name:  The Mason Family

The Mason family of CH-LO-MA Farms has operated their 225-acre dairy farm for 43 years, featuring registered Holstein dairy cattle. Charles’ great-grandfather purchased the property in the early 1900s. Charles went to live with his grandfather in 1952 where he learned how to milk the cows by hand. After graduating high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He returned to the farm with his newlywed wife Lorraine and they purchased the farm from his grandfather. In keeping with the family tradition, Charles passed the farm to his son Andrew. The farm was the first in Garrett County to be put into the ag preservation program which helps to preserve productive local farmland and woodland. The program is voluntary on the part of landowners and starts with a District Agreement, which is in effect by statute for a minimum of three years. Charles earned the Jaycees Young Farmers Award for Maryland in 1966. When Charles was not tending to the family farm, he was actively involved with multiple committees and organizations. He served as charter president of the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce, director of the Garrett County Agricultural Fair Board for more than a decade, chairman of Mountain County Milk Cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, Farm Credit Board of Directors, superintendent of the Swine and Tractor Pull at the Garrett County Fair and Garrett County Agricultural Land Preservation Committee for nine years. Lorraine is also a devoted member of the agricultural and civic community. She serves on the Garrett County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, served as secretary of the County Hospice Association and has held numerous positions within the Faith Evangelical Free Church. Mrs. Mason was the first woman to serve on the Farmers Home Administration.

Ceremony Date: 2/7/02