Once owned by President Ulysses S. Grant, August Anheuser Busch Sr., the owner of Anheuser Busch Brewing, built a sprawling French Renaissance Revival chateau on the 281-acre estate, which he named Grant's Farm. “The Big House,” as it was known, was three stories high with 34 rooms and 14 baths. The red brick home was adorned with Tiffany glass and marble floors. The manicured grounds became a private paradise with llamas, peacocks, camels, monkeys, and a baby elephant, named Tessie. The compound included carriage houses, a deer park, and stables, which housed the notable Clydesdale horses, all just down the road from the brewery. Grant’s Farm became a symbol of opulence and heritage, showcasing the family’s German identity.

Tradition in our family is to celebrate major holidays together. Christmas we gather together in the morning with meaningful rituals. Beginning with opening our stockings stuffed with handy items like socks, toothpaste and the obligatory orange, we then move on to a full breakfast with French Toast Bake, sausage, eggs and fruit. After breakfast, the head of the house plays Santa, gifts are distributed and opened one by one. After a full morning, we dress for the holiday project which might be splitting wood, picking up liter or demolishing something. In the evening we proceed to a large gourmet dinner elaborately appointed with fine china, silver and crystal. Thanksgiving is similar minus the stockings and gifts. The fourth of July, however, is becoming the new gathering time with extended family. As we plan for this years 2020 celebration, we look to the past, present and future of the July 4th events.