A community-wide annual celebration from the 1940s is being reborn this spring in Tarkio. The Tarkiesta celebration will be held on Sunday, May 25. This year’s theme will be centered on celebrating the 200th birthday of David Rankin.

In the late 19th century, Rankin became the largest farmer in the United States and a key developer of Tarkio. After buying his first land in Atchison County in the 1870s, he moved to Tarkio in 1885 from Illinois at the age of 60. His two sons preceded him to Northwest Missouri.

Rankin created a farming empire and pioneered the practice of farming with multi-row cultivators with his army of mules, as well as crop rotation, and profit-sharing with his managers. In addition to his farming enterprises, he also was a co-founder of Tarkio College and established Midland Manufacturing Company, which made cultivators and other farm equipment. Other local enterprises he began included bringing the railroad to Tarkio, Fairfax and Westboro, which was key for development of the town of Tarkio, as well as establishing the First National Bank, local telephone and electric utility service, among several other ventures.

Plans call for the celebration to begin with a community-wide worship service at the Tarkio Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 25. The day will also include a parade featuring members of the Rankin family, local music and a large herd of mules in tribute to his famous 6,000-acre cornfield near town cultivated by 42 mule teams. The parade will be followed by campus tours and a riding tour of the Rankin homes or homesites in Tarkio. Rankin descendants from across the U.S. are expected to attend.

TCAA Museum to be open for David Rankin celebration

The Tarkio College Alumni Association has announced their museum will be open on Sunday afternoon, May 25, for the David Rankin birthday celebration. David Rankin founded Tarkio College in 1883, and TCAA is proud of her heritage. Please come visit the museum in Rankin Hall and see their collection and meet their history. Did you know the inventor of nylon was a graduate of Tarkio College? Did you know Tarkio College won the national NAIB tournament? Come see the trophy. Did you know a TC graduate played for the Kansas City Chiefs? The display will also feature a painting of the Mule Barn and David Rankin himself by noted Colorado artist Lonnie Nixon. You are invited to visit and have a cookie, too.

Patriotic quilt to be given away during Tarkiesta

In honor of “Tarkiesta” – celebrating David Rankin’s 200th Birthday – a beautiful patriotic quilt will be given away by the Tarkio Presbyterian Women’s Group. Proceeds will go to Tarkio Technology Institute. Tickets are $5.00 each or six for $25.

Tickets can be purchased at Mark Staten’s office and Hoot & Holler, both of which are located inside The Curnutt Center at Tarkio Tech. Tickets can also be purchased at The Flower Mill in Tarkio. Upcoming events where tickets will be sold include: Tarkio High School Alumni Banquet, May 24 at 5:00 p.m.; and Community Worship Service, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Tarkio Presbyterian Church.

The quilt is on display at The Curnutt Center, where the drawing will take place May 25 following the 2:00 p.m. parade. You do not have to be present to win. For more information, contact Anne Amthor at 660-253-0412 or Rita Knierim at 660-744-4500.