Art and Agnes Skone

Art and Agnes Skone - 1981

Even though Art and Agnes Skone lived most of their lives outside of the Cushing area, they have had a big impact on the town.

Art and Agnes turned their home on Little Mirror Lake (formerly Pickerel Lake) into Skonewood Christian Retreat Center. They also donated the land for Brenholdt Memorial Park in Cushing.

Both Art and Agnes grew up in Cushing. For many years they operated a ranch/camp in Iowa. When they moved back to Cushing around 1968, they brought a few of their horses with them. They created several winding trails through the woods for horseback riding and hiking. They provided their home and facilities for several church youth groups.

Around 1978, they turned their home and land over to the newly-created Skonewood Christian Retreat Center. Skonewood is an independent, non-denominational, non-profit corporation.

The Skones lived in Bonita Springs, Florida every winter in their later years. Agnes is down there this Winter also. Art went to be with the Lord a few years ago (1985?). In Florida, Agnes created award-winning paintings.

In 1975, the Skones donated the land for Brenholdt Memorial Park. Soon the park had a new picnic shelter, bathrooms, covered shuffleboard court, and other features. The park officially opened July 4, 1976 with a Bicentennial Celebration.

The park is named after the Brenholdt family. They were early settlers in Cushing. Agnes Brenholdt Skone and several other Brenholdt descendents carry on the Brenholdt heritage in Cushing today.

Agnes Skone - Oct. 1996

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