It started in June 1919. Spencer Hicks and his wife Maud, and then five children, moved to Woodville area after purchasing lot eight in the former Roberts' Estate on Clarence Town Road.

The 65-acre block cost the family approximately 53 pounds 10 shillings an acre- a total of 3445 pounds.

And the property has remained in the family ever since. So it was only fitting Spencer's descendants came together to celebrate the milestone. Granddaughter Wendy Cox said it was a "wonderful" affair with generations of the family coming together to mark the milestone. "We had a wonderful time. We hadn't met each other for some time and their children and grandchildren was really special," she said.

Spencer began dairying 35 cows, and began building up his Illawarra Shorthorn herd in the 20s- taking prizes in both local and Sydney shows. He also achieved state-wide recognition as chairman of the Federated Milk Producers Association.

"I've written a book called Hard Work Never Killed Anyone and it's about their story. I'm interested in family stories ... and the social conditions," Ms Cox said.

"We were so surprised to learn to so much about our grandfather."

The Hicks, along with their eight children, were well known and much respected in the Woodville area.

The property at Woodville is currently the home of Hicks Hay and Grain owned by grandson Ross Hicks.