Camping at the Famous Longview Farm

Longview Mansion Built in 1911

After the Airstream Rally in Sedalia we traveled a short distance to a lovely Jackson County park on Longview Lake near Independence. We were delighted to be on a pad under a lovely shade tree after the intense heat we had experienced in Sedalia. A couple of other Airstreamers from our Texas home community were also there. After seeing our splendid campsite we immediately extended our stay from two nights to three. 

Hundreds of Animals Were Housed in this Barn

The campground is located on the old Robert A. Long estate, Longview, which was once called “The World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” Long (1850-1934) was a lumber baron and investor who built the first skyscraper in Kansas City. He once owned more than 250,000 acres of timber and over 100 lumber yards. He had a huge mansion in Kansas City, but his first love was Longview. The 2,000-acre farm had 42 buildings, 250 acres of clipped lawns, extensive flower beds, and four greenhouses; in later years fresh carnations and gardenias were shipped daily. Workers at Longview numbered over 200. The farm was totally self-sustaining with its own water tank, electrical system, school, and even a church. Several buildings are still used, but many have fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, the grand mansion has been preserved and is used for conferences and gala events to include weddings.

Longview Christian Church Is Still Active

Loula Long Combs (1881-1971)

Long’s daughter, Loula Long Combs, was a legendary horsewoman for over 60 years. She lived in the farm mansion from the time it was built by her father in 1911 until her death 60 years later. Her brilliant career followed her philosophy of life. Hold God in reverence; respect your fellow man; be kind to animals. Be a good sport, a humble and generous winner, a brave and cheerful loser. Follow the rules by playing a clean game. She was also known for her elaborate fashionable hats.


Loula was always adventurous. When she was 12 and visiting her aunt in Kentucky, she went out early one morning and saddled up a three year old filly no one was permitted to ride. The filly bucked but Loula stayed with her and the filly settled down. Loula rode her for about an hour. The filly had never been ridden before! In 1912 on a trip to Colorado she bought a gray cow pony and named her Speculation. She rode her in a quarter mile dash against cowboys at the ranch out there and won! She rode her father's jumper and was clearing 5' jumps. In 1913, she was the first woman to drive a winner at Madison Square Garden in the Sporting Novice Roadster class. She won with a splint on two fingers and was the only woman in the competition. Barnum and Bailey asked her to join their circus, but she demurred. In 1914 she broke the world's record for the heavy harness half-mile race for tandems at the Springfield, Ohio show with Aviation and Affection. 

Loula's Horse Arena: Now the Loula Long
Combs Elementary School

Loula owned more than 100 horses. Her beloved animals were always pampered, and she spent most of her mornings with them and even showed her horses in England. She had her own track and an indoor arena that seated over 1000 people. In her later years, she and her sister donated over 120 acres for Longview Community College. The gravestone of her favorite horse, Revelation, can still be seen in the front yard of the Loula Long Combs Elementary School.

Our stay at Longview was most nostalgic. It reminded us of the days when we lived in a picturesque antebellum mansion in Louisville, KY provided to us by the county while Jerry was Superintendent of Ormsby Village Treatment Center. We had only six horses and an old barn that bore little resemblance to Loula’s. Still, the loveliness of Longview, with its scenic rolling terrain, brought back rich memories.