Benita Devney's role as a historian in the community is unlike anyone else's. She made it possible that her work - the research, the writing, and the documentation - be made available to future generations and us.

She collected and donated documents and artifacts that are available for our use at the Dakota County Historical Society and the Minnesota Historical Society.

In 1997, to commemorate the City of Farmington’s 125^th anniversary, a community award program was given to recognize Castle Rock, Empire, Eureka and Farmington residents and groups who have contributed to the improvement of the community by their employment or volunteerism.

Nine different awards were created; one being the Benita Devney History Award. The 15 recipients of the nine awards were chosen by their peers, Boards of Directors, and members of community organizations.

As a token of the communities’ appreciation, the recipients received a stoneware bowl. A local artisan made the bowls using water from the Vermillion River to shape the bowls, and red ocher, a finely ground sandstone, as a glaze.

It is from this red sandstone that the Vermillion River was named. And it is the Vermillion River that attracted the early pioneers and settlers to this area with its fertile river valley and its unlimited source of water.

The main branch of the river meanders through Eureka, Farmington, and Empire. The South branch flows through Castle Rock.

The Vermillion River is the thread that weaves the townships and Farmington together.

Before the area was open to settlement, red ocher was obtained by the Native Americans, the Dakotas, from seams of red sandstone found in the middle reaches of the river at Empire Township. The Dakotas mixed the red ocher with water and used it as paint in their ceremonies.

The river was known as the "Red Paint River" by the Dakotas and was later renamed the "Vermillion" by the French explorer Joseph Nicollet in the 1830s. Vermillion means red in French. A small portion of the river and its red sandstone make up each bowl.

The recipients of the Benita Devney History Award that year were Catherine Boehlke for her work writing the history of the Church of the Advent and Patricia Murphy for her work writing the history of the Church of St. Michael.

In 1999 the purpose of the award was changed. It is now presented to individuals, families, and organizations that have increased the advancement of Farmington area history. And the appearance of the award has changed as well. A certificate mounted in a handsome walnut or oak frame is given to the recipient.

That year it was given to three individuals. Eugene Clay, a retired journalist, received the award for his willingness to share his knowledge of the area’s history. His comprehension of the community’s past events and issues have helped individuals acquire a better understanding of why things are the way they are today.

Roger and Karla Duff also received the award for their work and contributions to help acquire a microfilm reader and microfilmed newspapers for the Farmington library. Patrons now have the tools to do research that is more advanced.

In 2000 the award was presented to Marlys Guildner, Farmington’s former postmaster and an avid genealogist. Guildner researched and compiled "History and Heritage of Castle Rock Township, Dakota County, Minnesota" which has made it possible for students, researchers, and genealogists to acquire a better understanding of the pioneer families and their contributions to Castle Rock Township.

The Benita Devney History Award is the highest honor presented by the Farmington Area Historical Society.