I think what I sensed from a young age is that physical structures such as houses tell us about the dead even as they protect and sustain the living. The 2017 film A Ghost Story depicted a recently deceased husband returning to the home he had shared with his wife as she moves forward with her life. Far from a horror story, it was a touching meditation on loss, love, and connection to place. In one scene, the ghost remembers his wife telling him, “When I was little and we used to move all the time, I’d write these notes, and I would fold them up really small, and I would hide them in secret places around the house. These were things I wanted to remember, so that if I ever wanted to go back, there’d be a piece of me waiting.” (A Ghost Story, directed by David Lowery, featuring Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck, 2017.) The wife’s childhood gesture reflects how we as human beings feel about the places in which we live — homes are sites where we create and store memories that keep us rooted and connected to each other.

My point in telling tales of ghosts is that houses tell stories about people long gone. I was raised in a red-brick home built in 1892 — the old Duke home. That old house was filled with memories long before my family purchased it in the 1970s. I’ve lived in that place for over thirty-four years now, and it is part of me. I grew up to be a historian who researches old manuscripts, but buildings are also repositories of the past. If we listen carefully, these structures whisper tales of human aspiration, toil, and legacy. Many of the historic homes in Heber City were constructed by migrants who fled discrimination and sought a place of refuge and liberty; others by those seeking economic self-sufficiency through farming, ranching, and mining. They built homesteads with their own hands using local timber, clay, and stone, and filled them with life. If these old structures had eyes and ears — or even ghosts — they have witnessed countless births, family celebrations, and holiday gatherings; sacrifice and death. These memories are forever enshrined within their hallowed walls.

So, what obligation do we as citizens of this community have to these people and the edifices they built? Houses chronicle the lives of past occupants, yes, but the preservation of those buildings tell us something imperative about the living. Whether you’ve lived in Heber City your whole life or migrated here from someplace else, each of us understands that this place is special. We have each chosen to put down roots here because we value this valley’s physical beauty and sense of community. That community is founded on a shared or adopted past and the willingness to sacrifice for a brighter future.

Urban development is coming to Heber City as assuredly as it has to countless other places in the American West. You know the pattern: construct buildings using the cheapest materials, and then, when they decay, tear them down and build the next big thing. Because new is always better, right? Or is it? How many of us have traveled to Europe so we can walk through iconic streets, buildings, and museums imbued with centuries of history?

Financial and culture investment in old town benefits every resident of this valley.

We cherish those places because of what those societies preserved, not what they tore down. We may not have a Roman Colosseum or Cathédrale Notre-Dame, but we do have a rich history that is no less significant. Our story is much shorter than that of Europe’s, to be sure, but even a short history is fleeting if there aren’t physical markers to give it meaning.

Though we in the valley have demonstrated a resolve to preserve some of our precious open space as a reminder of our agricultural past — and I for one hope we continue to preserve more of it — we must also think about our cultural heritage. Making our urban spaces denser can certainly alleviate some of the vexing pressures of housing scarcity, but it can also, if done without careful planning, transform a unique community into a place indistinguishable from others — anonymous and without character.

Preservation can help ameliorate some of the destructive characteristics of urban transformation. Preserving historic structures creates a tangible connection to the past but also a sense of identity and place that can define and distinguish a community. Historic districts — such as the one we are proposing to build here in Heber City — project maturity, permanence, and singularity in an ever-changing world. Historic districts also promote investment in older neighborhoods, such as the one in which most of Heber City’s historic homes are located. Here I quote a report compiled by the Salt Lake City planning division: “Studies across the nation have documented that, where local historic districts are established, property values typically appreciate, or at the very least stabilize where they might have been previously declining. In this sense, designation of a historic district appears to establish a climate for enhanced stability, civic pride, and further personal investment in the area.” (A Preservation Handbook for Historic Residential Properties & Districts in Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City Planning Division, 11 December 2012) 1:3, slcdocs.com/historicpreservation/GuideRes/ResidentialGuidelines.pdf [accessed 9.17.2024]) In other words, financial and culture investment in old town benefits every resident of this valley.

We — as citizens of this community — are at a crossroads as we define and shape the aesthetic and cultural values of our town for generations to come.

To paraphrase novelist and historian Wallace Stegner, “something will have gone out of us as a people” if we permit the last open spaces to be developed into fast food restaurants, condominiums, and parking lots; (For Stegner’s full sentiments, see Wallace Stegner, “Coda: Wilderness Letter,” in The Sound of Mountain Water: The Changing American West (New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1997), 146.) similarly, we will make ourselves culturally poor indeed if we neglect or tear down historical homes and buildings and lose our connection to the people and stories that defined this extraordinary place. Now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to creating a better future for Heber Valley. It starts by safeguarding the past.

Steve is a very keen, well-dressed gentleman; he wore a smart vest, white shirt, and bowtie as we sat down and chatted. Steve ran a publishing business for 20 years, and it really shows; his particular knack for storytelling shined bright while we talked about the Heber Senator. After purchasing the building, he did a deep dive to learn about its history and the history of the original owner, Joseph Royal Murdock. “He was a Utah state senator. And that’s where the name of Heber Senator Bed and Breakfast comes from.” Senator Murdock was a prominent figure in Heber Valley. He became a senator in 1900 and served as Heber City’s mayor for 10 years. In addition to his political career, he also founded Heber Valley Mercantile and the Heber Valley Bank whose buildings still stand on Main Street today. Steve describes, “So if you look at [the bank] building, it says 1904 on top,” he gestures to the dining room, “This place was built in 1902. So he basically took the workers and used similar materials and just went, okay, let’s build another one. A few blocks away they built the bank.” In 1911 Senator Murdock helped to raise 2.3 million dollars and oversaw the construction of a canal that provided water to tens of thousands of homes in Utah Valley stretching from Orem to Lehi, it was aptly named the Murdock Canal; the canal is still in use to this day.

Steve describes the decision to open the now iconic Bed and Breakfast, “Living [in Heber] for 11 years now, the first 4 or 5 years we kept driving by this building, [thinking] oh my gosh, if that place ever became available, that would be a great bed and breakfast.” When that opportunity finally presented itself, Steve and his wife Paige jumped on it right away, purchasing and renovating the building in 2018. “There isn’t an inch in this place that we haven’t touched — the wallpaper, paint, carpet, all new beds, everything. But the challenge was getting vintage items that were sturdy and presentable.” Steve and Paige themed the Heber Senator after the building’s original owner and namesake. Senator Murdock built the home for his family: his wife and 11 children, 10 of whom survived to adulthood. It was almost as if it was destined to be a bed and breakfast from the start, with so many bedrooms for the children and a fortuitous decision (made by the senator all those years ago) to insulate between the floors to block the noise of said children. “It did stay in the family for a couple of generations. It was a hospital at one time…and it was abandoned for a while. And the local high school used the building as a haunted house at one time.” When the Douglas’ purchased the building it was an unused boarding house. Most of the pieces of the original construction that have withstood the test of time were maintained to show off the building’s unique charm. One guest described to Steve that the stained glass in the lobby and dining area had originally come from his family’s stained glass facility in Chicago. It was the only facility in the United States in the early 1900s that produced a particular shade of pink stained glass. The building has some real history to it. “In our minds, we’re preserving the legacy, through the history. The place has been through so many remodels over the years that I’m not sure trying to preserve it as an original is possible.” The decor really does feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the turn of the century, but they’re not uncivilized of course; you can still enjoy a few modern amenities.

While we were chatting, a local woman from Midway came into the Heber Senator to ask about the murder mystery dinners. She was quickly greeted by Christine Martinez, the general manager, who promptly asked her if she’d had a tour of the Senator, the guest exclaimed, “I’ve had the tour. I wanted to stay in every room!” During construction Steve took the thirteen existing rooms and converted them into ten individual rooms and suites, “We brought it down to ten actual bedrooms because the other three we converted into bathrooms, essentially, because when the house was built, it was built for a family. And so everyone didn’t have a private bathroom. We’ve turned them into suites and oversized suites with spa tubs; the standard rooms have beautiful traditional bath facilities. And then there’s [sic] a couple of rooms that have vintage soaking tubs and that sort of thing. So we made sure every bedroom had its own bath.” They are happy to give tours between check-out and check-in times of 11 and 3 o’clock. They took me on a tour of all the unoccupied rooms, several of which are named in homage to Mr. Murdock, like the Murdock Room and the Royal Spa Room. My tour started in the Murdock Room, an ADA-friendly room on the ground floor that used to serve as the senator’s office; it’s also the site of the aforementioned murder. The most beautiful room, in my opinion, is The Senator Spa Suite, the official unofficial honeymoon or anniversary suite. It has gorgeous gold accents throughout the room and beautiful marble tile in the bathroom surrounding the jetted tub. Christine tells me with a smile, “I feel so honored that people choose the Heber Senator to celebrate such an important occasion.” Any bed and breakfast worth its salt ought to have a decent breakfast to go along with the stunning bed part of the equation. Fortunately, The Heber Senator boasts exactly that and more, they recently took home the Best of State award in the bed and breakfast category. Their chef, Paul, makes spectacular crepes. Steve “got into it” with a French guest, “They like to poke at us, and I like to poke back; that’s half the fun. They’ll say something about our crepes, like, ‘It’s nothing to write home about’, you know, but the wife will say, ‘Oh, my gosh! It’s the best I’ve ever had!’” With such close proximity to so many ski resorts and all of the other spectacular events and adventures to be found in Heber Valley, the Heber Senator finds itself busiest in the late summer through the winter. Steve wanted to find something to bring in more people during their shoulder seasons — that’s when he resorted to murder.

I’m not saying that Steve is the culprit responsible for the murder that takes place during their Murder Mystery Dinners; you’ll have to go to the show yourself to find out whodunit. During the show, the dining room transforms into a dining car on a train, and the staff of the Heber Senator becomes the various players; Steve himself plays a ticket taker. The Murdock Room, as mentioned previously, is the place where the body is discovered, the twenty or so guests attending the dinner are invited to examine the crime scene. Steve is eager to put his storytelling acumen to work. Steve and Paige are writing a new murder mystery that weaves together stories of the Murdock family as well as a piece of the Douglas family lore. They plan to integrate Steve’s ancestral quilt, which hangs on the wall as you walk into the bed and breakfast, into the plot. When the couple announced that the Heber Senator would start hosting the dinners, they sold out three months in advance in only ten days; with such intense demand, they decided to add more dates. Who knew that murder was so good for business?

The Heber Senator Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful piece of living history. It’s good to know that there are wonderful people like Steve and Paige Douglas with enough passion for the past that they wish to share stories and memories with others trying to make some significant memories of their own.

Attend a Murder Mystery Dinner
118 S 300 W, Heber hebersenatorbedandbreakfast.com
435-777-2262

Josh began participating in tumbling and gymnastics at the age of four as part of Pinnacles Gymnastics in Sandy, Utah. He competed with USAG (USA Gymnastics) Future Stars Program until his mid-teens.

At 14, he began training other gymnasts for his coach, Luke Evans, and fell in love with coaching. Throughout his career, Josh has coached collegiate level gymnasts, artistic gymnastics, parkour/free-running, tumbling, and private lessons in various places in Utah and California. Josh’s Heber experience includes starting the parkour program for Tumble Central while Rose handled their marketing. In 2017, Josh began coaching for Steve Lake, who owned Wasatch Gymnastics which is housed at Wasatch County Parks and Recreation. During this time, Rose taught art classes for the recreation center. Four years later, in 2021, Josh and Rose bought Wasatch Gymnastics from Steve. In 2023, the couple opened their own facility. However, Josh still runs an introductory class geared for ages 3-6 at WCPR. The world of gymnastics is small; Josh shared this fun fact: the equipment at the recreation center was originally bought from Luke Evans, his childhood coach and mentor, years ago when the WCPR gymnastics program first began.

While studying graphic design at the Utah Art Institute, Josh and Rose Brittney Moreno met and fell in love; they’ve been inseparable ever since. Rose’s family was involved in the restaurant industry, so, she grew up all over the United States, and is proud of her Hispanic-Italian heritage. For several years the Schneiters moved back and forth between California and Utah; however, they feel Heber is the best fit for their family. Today, they’re settled in the Heber Valley, running their own business and raising a family of four boys, ages 13, 11, 8, and 2. Josh handles the coaching and operations of Wasatch Gymnastics while Rose manages the branding, marketing, and social media. Rose is also utilizing her artistic talents by painting large murals on the tall industrial gym walls. Each mural incorporates motivational messages to inspire and establish an optimistic atmosphere. She designs and custom makes a lot of merchandise (such as hair bows personalized with names, and beanies for staff, customers, and team members), by hand for their business through sublimation, custom vinyl cut outs, and more. An art section at the gym is also in the works that will be called, HoneyBuzz Art.

From his life-long experience, Josh has seen various coaching styles and has watched gymnastics evolve as well. Coaching, correcting, motivating and disciplining require both art and science. Josh not only spots kids on apparatuses, but also spots the positive by highlighting effort along with corrective feedback. He also strives to make the most of peoples’ time. Josh sticks a perfect landing by explaining, “My coaching philosophy is to get as much learned in a fun and concise way as possible. You typically only have an hour with the students once a week. I’m just trying to pack as many things as possible into that session as I can.” Josh continues, “We want the kids to take what they’ve learned home. The more shapes, movements, and positions you can get your students to learn, and practice, the easier it’s going to be to teach them things later on down the road. So, with that in mind, I’ve refined and articulated my lessons as best I can.”

Josh also shares how the world of gymnastics has evolved over the years, “When I was growing up in gymnastics there was a little bit more stick than carrot. I feel like society has shifted away from that, which is for the better. We keep a positive vibe, and make sure that kids are feeling like they’re doing a great job when they’re putting forth the effort. Putting in the effort to try hard and not give up after failed attempts is the best thing we can give our students.” He explains, “Sometimes you have a talented kid that can win all the medals, some students were just born to do this sport. Then you’ll have the kind of kid that is working their tush off trying to keep pace. I don’t want students giving up or getting discouraged because they’re not meeting the expectations that they have set for themselves or what other people might set for them. Progress can sometimes be two steps forward one step back. It’s important to make sure you’re not throwing in the towel on the back step. That’s my approach to it. We want students to come out of our program with an experience and template of how to get through life when things get hard.”

Wasatch Gymnastics focuses on artistic gymnastics for boys and girls. The boys’ events include rings, floor, mushroom (introduction to pommel horse), vault, parallel bar, and horizontal bar. The girls’ events are beam, floor, uneven bars, and vault. In addition to gymnastics, they offer tumbling and parkour classes, open gym times for anyone, and birthday parties. They also have a baby/toddler play area near the front of the gym so that younger siblings can enjoy their time while waiting during class. “As soon as Josh and I saw the empty warehouse (that would soon be transformed into our gym), I told Josh I really wanted a small space dedicated to help parents with younger children feel more comfortable. I was pregnant with our fourth son when we started planning this design in advance. Now, so many parents have expressed their gratitude for having it!” says Rose smiling up at Josh.

There are classes for kids who want to just learn and have fun and try it out, and there are classes and team options available for those interested in competing. Rose and Josh acknowledge the other gyms in the valley, and appreciate the niches and specialties that they offer, such as: tramp and tumble track (a trampoline based runway), and cheer and tumbling. The Schneiters have 13 coaches who help out with the varying levels and teams. Some of them are in their teen years, getting a start just like Josh did, coaching the younger kids. The competition team travels to gyms and venues throughout the state including Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo/Orem, and St. George. Wasatch Gymnastics is not big enough to house multiple teams and spectators for competitions, but hopes to host meets at a separate venue in the future.

For now, it has been a dream come true to have their own venue where they can finally offer everything they’ve been discussing for years. Rose shares, “We had a lot of support from friends around Heber, some who own businesses out here too. We received a lot of encouragement from the very beginning when we would mention wanting our own space someday. It’s been amazing as we’ve gone along to share our growth with so many who were there for our family from the very beginning. This is supposed to be a happy place, somewhere that parents and children of all ages can come and feel that they are getting something out of it. Whether you want just a good experience or you’re trying to reach a goal as far as talent goes – we want everyone to feel welcome here.”

Meet Wasatch Gymnastics Owners, Josh and Rose Schneiter

For more info:
wasatchgymnasticsheber.com
@wasatch.gymnastics

In January 2021, David and Kayla Springer unexpectedly met Travis and Lisa Nokes while on a retreat in Mexico. They soon discovered they both had connections to Midway, Utah. The Nokes lived and worked there, and David’s great-great-great grandfather, Jeremiah Robey Springer, was one of the original settlers. David has always dreamed of living in Midway, and after speaking with the Nokes, he began the process of purchasing the Springer Farms. Since Travis and Lisa own businesses in real estate, architectural design, and construction, it was a perfect fit for the Springer’s to enlist their help. As they worked together on potential ideas for the land, a strong friendship was formed between the four of them. There was a shared ideal among them to turn this land into something special that honored David’s ancestors and the beautiful rural community of Midway in a way that reverenced the past as it moves into the future.

The Old Farm House

After bringing in another general contractor, building inspector, and structural engineer, it was clear that saving the original Farmhouse wasn’t feasible. The wood framing was so deteriorated it no longer touched the old, crumbling pot rock foundation on one side of the home. After much deliberation, the decision was made to take the home down and replace it with a replica, reusing the original materials.

Over four weeks, they carefully took the old windows, doors, brick, and siding from the home. They discovered that the back and side walls of the home were built of stacked, hand-hewn timbers. They were told by some local historians that these timbers were likely from Fort Midway, the very first structure built in the area. When Fort Midway was pulled down in the 1890’s, many local families took the timbers and used them to expand their homes. After removing much of the building materials by hand, the Springer’s prepared to remove the rest with the assistance of heavy machinery, a job that would typically take only a few hours to complete, but with consideration of the old timbers, it took a couple of days. Each timber was carefully and individually removed and set aside where they waited to become part of the new building. As the day approached for the backhoe to take the home down, Travis was surprised by the unusual level of emotional difficulty he was facing at this point in the process. On March 29, 2022, he wrote this journal entry:

“For the past 20+ years, I have been helping customers design and build homes, buy and sell homes, and update and renovate homes. I’m now doing something that I’ve never done before. We are taking this old home down. This home was built in the 1890’s by the Springer family. Today will be the day that this tired old home finishes its work on earth. I woke up very early this morning […] much more emotional than expected, thinking about this home and the process of today.

[…] I’ve been so focused on the logistical process of taking the home down, that I hadn’t given myself a chance to think about the emotional process or implications. I thought of the excitement for the family as the home was first built and the preparations that were made to move into it when it was finally finished. The family probably envisioned all the wonderful things that would happen in the home. They probably worried about how they would pay for it. I thought about the safety and “cover from the storm” that this home has provided. The Christmas mornings, the sound of little feet coming up and down the front steps to and from school. The 4th of July celebrations, and all of the dishes done and problems solved at the kitchen sink. All the nights parents stared at the bedroom ceiling, worried and wondering about their kids. […] I am very grateful to it for the service it has provided and the memories that still will live on in the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in the Springer family.”

The New Farmhouse and Springer Farms

The new Farmhouse’s footprint and basic structure are as close to the original Farmhouse as possible. The old timbers that first stood as part of Fort Midway, and then used to give structure to the Springer home, now stand in a place of Prominence supporting the front patio. Some of the original windows are inside the main floor of the Farmhouse, and the soffit of the front porch is constructed from the old wood siding. The overall goal of this project was to create a building that looks like it has stood, belonging in downtown Midway, for 100+ years. The main floor of the Farmhouse will house a home decor store: Haven Haus Co., owned by local residents Jack and Diane Nelson. The top floor will serve as a two-bedroom nightly rental, hopefully as an extension of Midway homes when more room is needed for guests and family. The vision at Springer Farms is to provide space for businesses and services needed by the people of Midway. To meet these needs, the Nokes and Springer’s plan to build three additional buildings over the next three years, adding nine retail units and 17 nightly rentals. Locally owned businesses projected to join Springer Farms in 2024 are Folk and Fable Books and a nail salon, Lueur Salon.

Springer Farms’ goal is to preserve the charm of Midway as they create a space for this close-knit, supportive community to gather and strengthen bonds with friends and family. They are excited about the future of Springer Farms and what it will offer the Midway community over the next 120 years.

65 N 200 W, Midway
springerfarmsmidway.com

The traditional country barn stands as an iconic figure of yesteryear. If you were “raised in a barn” like I was, you’ll remember how dust filters through rafters and dances in the sunlight, the soothing rhythms of rain as it pitter-patters on a tin roof during a summer shower, and the sweet, permeating smell of new hay. If not, you may be able to imagine.

As time slips by, a vast majority of those, now, old barns in the valley have fallen into disrepair and quietly crumbled to the ground; slipping away with the people of their time. However, lucky for us, there are a few choice specimens and existing landmark buildings left around the valley. Join me on a tour as we visit a few exemplar classics.

Let’s start north of town at Old McDonald’s Farm…I’m not kidding! It’s the real deal!

McDonald Barn

In May of 1859 a Mormon pioneer party arrived north of where Heber would be established at a natural spring. They named the spring London in honor of their home country. Prior to World War II, Storm McDonald was a car salesman in Heber.

During the war he was unable to get inventory, and determined there was more money to be made in dairy cows than cars. He sold his automobile business and built a big red barn at the mouth of London Spring and began milking. McDonald had one of the largest dairies in the valley. He skimmed his cream and sent it by train to Cherry Hill Dairy in Provo. Today, the barn is being restored by artist, Guy Wann and his wife Jane. The couple has invested over $100,000 jacking the barn up and reinforcing it, securing and shoring up portions for modern use. Guy rummages at yard sales finding antiques to add to the property. The barn is now home to four barn kittens, a small herd of goats, and Guy’s art studio. Just to the side of the barn is the original ‘Caretaker’s Cottage’ now an Airbnb. You can watch the happenings on the farm at their YouTube channel, Life on our Mini Farm.

Old McDonald’s Farm: Contact Guy & Jane Wann 805-220-8181
guywann.com  |  2500 N Highway 40 Heber City

Kohler’s Dairy Barn

For almost 100 years, generations of the Kohler family have continued to work their family’s dairy farm. Russel Kohler’s great-great grandfather made cheese in Switzerland; his great-grandfather worked in the original Midway Creamery; and now, Russel works the dairy that has been in the family since 1929. In 2011, the family built a new creamery and began using their farm’s milk to handcraft and age artisan cheese. We are all very blessed to still have this working dairy in the valley. Stop by the barn for a tour, and enjoy some delicious, rich and creamy milk, a slice or two of their award winning chesses, and some yummy ice cream.

 Kohler’s:
Get the details at hebervalleyartisancheese.com
435-654-0291  |  920 River Road, Midway

CB Barn

This large red and white barn was originally built in 1875 by Swiss Immigrant (and my common relative), Andreas Burgener, using mortise and tenon style construction – no nails are used in the build. Seven generations later it has been lovingly restored, by his posterity and current owner, Rick Tatton.  Rick has gone to great lengths to maintain and renovate the property; staying true to the fundamental craftsmanship. Tatton named the barn after his grandfather Conrad Boss. This quaint, yet pristine property now includes much more than just the original barn. It’s the whole shebang! The barnyard is complete with a henhouse, outdoor stone kitchen, smokehouse, outhouse, garage, cellar, granary, spring, and home. The original Burgener family lived in the top of the granary until construction of the house was completed. Rick and Connie Tatton’s preservation and attention to detail shows in everything they have done. In 1995, the barn was recognized nationally by the Barn Again! Program. It has received multiple Civic Beautification awards and is designated as a State of Utah Century Farm. The Tattons enjoy sharing their story with those interested and are always up for offering a little hometown hospitality.

CB Barn: Rick & Connie Tatton
435-654-2416  |  102 W 100 N, Midway

Tate Barn

The Tate Barn stands proud on the west side of the valley. The one story hay barn, built by English immigrant, Francis Tate, at the turn of the 20th century is built on local pot rock, and was used on the Tate’s cattle and horse ranch. Ironically, the Southern Pacific Railroad, Ogden-Lucin Cutoff Trestle was also constructed in the same year – 1902-1904 to be exact. The trestle bridge spanned the Great Salt Lake. In 1961 Wasatch State Park acquired the Tate Barn, and unfortunately, in 1996 the barn collapsed due to heavy snow loads. In preparation for the 2002 Olympic Games, and to offer a symbol of the American West to the Soldier Hollow venue, the barn was restored using the wood from the Ogden-Lucin Cutoff trestle. Today, the reconstructed barn is used for storage by the state park.

Fun Fact: There is a geocache near the Tate Barn!
Check it out at geocaching.com and happy hunting!

Tate Barn: midwaycityut.org/visit
For more info visit the Midway Visitor Center  |  1281 Warm Springs Road Midway

Rustling Aspen Farm Barn

The old Probst Dairy Barn was built in 1948 as a hay and dairy barn. Back in its glory days, hay would be stacked to the very top. There are large iron grapple hooks hanging from the rafters that were used to move the hay to the top floor and wooden slat ladders creep up the walls. The old dairy cow stanchions are still in the traditional milk parlor, where cows are milked, on the north end of the barn. A stanchion is a contraption used to hold cattle in place as they’re milked. It runs the length of the parlor and catches each cow’s neck to hold them steady and allow them to feed as they’re milked. Afterwards, they return either outdoors or to a loafing area. Current owners, Rodger and Sue Pyper purchased the old barn and surrounding barnyard in 1983 from Joe Probst. Today, the Pypers use the barn to store hay for their horses, produce organic compost materials, and to hang garlic as it cures for their son and farmer, Chris. Chris’s organic vegetable and flower farm, Rustling Aspen Farm, is currently housed on the property. Behind the barn are three greenhouses and land used for production of organic vegetables and flowers. Chris is the founder of the Midway Farmers Market. Stop by on a Saturday June through October from 10-2 and grab some veggies and a bouquet grown in the company of this majestic old barn.

Rustling Aspen Farm:
rustlingaspenfarm.com  |  65 N 300 W, Midway, UT

Bollschweiler Cellar and Granary

84 year old Midway resident, Martin Bollschweiler was raised on this property. His mother, Norma Martin, moved with her parents and siblings to the little farmstead in 1929 when her family sold their original farm to the Kohlers (where Kohler Dairy is now). Originally, there was a large milk barn and hay shed behind the old granary. The cellar was built using local pot rock, it is cool and musty, the perfect place to store bottled fruit and root vegetables. There are small, aged doors in the top of the granary and chutes for the grain to flow through the top portion of the build. Martin tells stories of his mother in an old rock building out behind the granary and the house where she did her wash and hung it to dry in the country air. That crisp wash would bring a little sunshine to the home. His father, Henry Bollschweiler, hauled milk to the surrounding areas. As the years passed, Martin’s brother Reed and sister Rosann moved away, but Martin kept the old home and ran a small engine repair from the old garage and cellar. I caught up with Martin just days before he left for Spring Gardens Senior Living Community in Heber. If you’d like more tales of Midway and Heber Valley go by and visit him. He’d sure appreciate the company, and you’ll be blessed with learning about a little piece of our history.

Bollschweiler Cellar and Granary: On the corner of 300 W Main Street, Midway

Batty Barn at the Old Fort Wallsburg and Spring Creek

Joe and Marcia Young took me around the old dairy barn tucked back off the road on the old Batty Family Dairy. Young grew up on the property and lives there today. Joe was able to take a cabin from the old fort built in 1865 and restore it on his current property adjoining the barnyard. Looking closely at both the barn and the fort cabin you can see the joints carefully carved to interlock the red pine logs. Red Pine was used specifically to prevent rot. Over 150 years later it has proved to be a wise choice.

Batty Barn at the Old Fort Wallsburg and Spring Creek:
175 S Center Street Wallsburg

Murdock Homestead Barns

Smack dab in the middle of town sits the 1869 homestead of James Stacy Murdock. His great-granddaughter, Joyce Bailey, now holds down the fort. Stop by and admire the two beautiful hay barns, the loafing sheds, two granaries, a handful of sheds, a chicken coop, and a pot-rock root cellar. The big board barn on the south started out two blocks away on a neighboring farm. In the time of Joyce’s father, the family pulled it with teams of horses, rolling over logs, and brought it to the homestead. Joyce remorsefully tells of a little blacksmith shop that once sat on the property. She donated it to the 2002 Olympics, and it now sits in Midway. She’d love to have the original billows return home. The property is smattered with pot rock hauled from Midway and sandstone from James Stacy Murdock’s quarry.

Murdock Homestead: 250 N 500 E Heber City

Calvin Giles Barn

The Calvin and Amber Giles family lived on the east side of Heber, but their dairy was on the west side of town. Cal and his boys would get up early to milk each morning. George Giles, Cal’s cousin, was a policeman in town and would regularly come by at 5:00 am to haul all of them to milk in the morning. If the car wouldn’t start, they’d have to hoof it across town. The boys consistently missed their first period. Things clearly weren’t working. Calvin and Amber determined something had to be done. In 1950, after the banker called Cal’s neighbors to verify his strong work ethic, he was granted a $50,000 loan to build his big hay barn, a milk barn, and his house where the cows were. Their son, Lew, worked for the Forest Service and was able to secure timber to build their barn.

Calvin, now 98, reminisces about a time when there were no grocery stores, and families had to produce their own food. “There were barns on every corner of Heber Valley. Every family had 7-8 cows, 2-3 pigs, 3-4 sheep, and a dozen or two chickens, and that is how everyone survived. Big gardens were a necessity, and food was bottled and canned. They were thrifty people.” Calvin milked 40 cows, and butter was 2¢ a pound! Now that butter is $5 a pound, the cows are all gone, and Calvin’s granddaughter and her husband own the barns and are making plans to restore the big hay barn.

While visiting each of these historic barns, I had the privilege of meeting some extraordinary people who were happy to share their stories. I invite you to take time out of your busy schedules and go for a ride around town. Imagine a simpler time, talk to the ‘old timers,’ and get to know them and their stories. If we are to value our future, we must treasure our Heber Valley’s past.

We all love a good remix of a favorite oldie. There’s just something about the predictability of things we’ve known for a long time mixed with a fresh and unexpected twist. When I stepped across the threshold of the Old Firehouse, that feeling of ‘old meets new’ flooded over me. The building dazzles with southern light pouring in through the enormous updated windows. Visitors are welcomed by the interior’s clean lines and organic textures. The warm and fashion-forward entrance lounge made me feel right at home. It was easy to picture myself settling in among the cushions of their fabulous couch, sipping ice water while scanning my Instagram or flipping through a magazine. I resisted the urge and made my way through the rest of the newly renovated building.

In 1948 the structure was originally planned to serve as the Memorial Service Building. However, when it opened in May of 1949, the Old Firehouse would not only serve as the fire station but would also be home to the Heber City offices, Heber Light and Power, a meeting place for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a ballroom. The people of Heber packed it all into this building from the get-go! They also touted, in a 1948 newspaper article, restrooms, and a kitchen. Over the years, the facility’s uses have been vastly diverse. It has been a credit union, an optometrist’s office, a dance and exercise studio, a police station, and an engineer’s office. Everyone in the valley remembers it as something different.

Today, the Old Firehouse building is owned by Rodrigo and Natalie Ballon. Positive energy exudes from the couple, and they make me laugh out loud! They’ve had quite an adventure with this old charmer. Rodrigo’s booming voice and personality convey his passion for the new office spaces. His enthusiasm is contagious. Looking around, I can see he has a lot to be excited about. The space is gorgeous! He beams as he parades me around the carefully designed space that feels like a modern home. I’m so comfortable. I just want to kick off my shoes and settle in for a light-hearted chat. I realize they’ve nailed it when Rodrigo tells me, “We want to make this not just a place where you’re comfortable working, but we want a place that’s inviting where we can bring clients for seminars or weekends.”

Natalie’s quiet and knowing smile makes you want to pry more from her brilliant brain. Natalie Joy Ballon, and her sister, Madison Jean Blackburn, make up the dynamic duo of Jean and Joy Interiors, now housed in their very own masterpiece. Rodrigo’s space as Executive Vice President of Cross Country Mortgage sprawls the west wall. In his suite, Natalie and Madison worked with an old, weight-bearing, exposed brick wall to evoke that industrial feel, marrying the old and the new. Natalie speaks to the essence of this historic building, “It has history and great bones. It just has character! I love the brick. We didn’t want to change the look of it. We were attracted to it. We wanted to give it a little facelift; make it look nicer and more functional. We wanted to create some nice, classy office spaces for the community. I think it’s a great addition to the area.”

Madison chimes in, “It was important to develop something that wasn’t a new development. To take something in the community that was beautiful already and give it life. There’s so much new building going on, and I just think it’s important to clean up what is already here. New construction just doesn’t tell the story of Heber like this does.”

The story of the Old Firehouse building is one of a community coming together to create a space for all. In the 1940s, the initial construction funds included a “special memorial tax levied for years by the county,”² funds from the city, and “donations of the veterans organizations and other groups.” Even the construction was a group effort. An article from that time told how “a competent foreman will be employed and the work will be done by contributed labor as recruited by the veterans’ groups and the volunteer firemen.”
That may explain a little of the hodgepodge nature of the old build; however, the new build is far from a hodgepodge.

Although Natalie and Madison’s business specializes in residential design and development, the sisters are thrilled to have spearheaded the Old Firehouse’s entire remodel, reconstruction, and complete design. Both Natalie and Madison felt it was important to not only keep the outside as original as possible but to ensure that the building harmonized with Heber’s current Main Street redevelopment.

Jean and Joy Interiors is centrally located on the main floor, along with Christine Sara Photography and Ambienti AV Architects. Perhaps one of the most exciting spaces on the ground level is Kevin Kehoe’s gallery. It is the first fine art gallery in Heber City. Ten years ago, Kevin transitioned from 30 years as a marketing creative director to a fine art painter and photographer. Kevin created his studio in Heber’s Old Firehouse and has been here ever since. The studio, located on the top floor, is where each of Kevin’s masterpieces found life. Kevin speaks with reverence of the blessing granted to him and his work when Rodrigo and Natalie arrived in his world. When the building went up for sale, Kevin was on pins and needles regarding his fate. Relocating to his home wasn’t a possibility, and finding a space on a second floor with a nearly unobstructed view and southern exposure lighting would be almost impossible to replace, not to mention a place with the same vibes. When the Ballons purchased the building, Kevin not only kept his recently beautified and updated studio, but he now has a floor-level gallery.

As Kevin coins it, “This building was restored to attract people with a creative heart.” His neighbors upstairs include Milkcrate Development, Robison Home Builders, Northwestern Mutual, and a couple of offices yet to be leased. The updated space stands in drastic contrast to its previous state. The Ballons and Kehoe get quite animated when they share the details of the full demo renovation. Kevin, who remained onsite working through the entire process, describes it as almost a war zone. “They didn’t tear the outside walls down, but everything else got turned on its head. There were days in the thick of it when they would have to shovel a path for me to get to my door. There were several of those days when it was knees to waist deep! It was messy! It was noisy! It was dusty!”

Kevin muses about the path he has been on in tandem with the Heber Valley and this building where his artwork has emerged. “We’ve been like kindred spirits, and I’m very grateful for that. I’m like the building. It is changing just like I’ve changed myself, reinvented myself. I can’t believe I get to walk in here every day and do what I get to do. That is not lost on me, not for a single day — ever.”

Kehoe wraps it up perfectly. “You know when you walk into an old building that’s been given some love? That’s a good feeling. A brand-new building doesn’t speak to you that way. I think this building is the coolest in Heber now because it does have a story to tell. Rodrigo and Natalie did keep the integrity, and it has a soul, but there’s a new guard in there now. There’s new blood, and it’s exciting for the town.” The history of Heber marches on as people in the community continually work to unite and make space for one another in their lives. Go take a peek at part of the new narrative of Heber in a feel-good, familiar old place.

One might have asked, “Is the Kamas Valley too far to go for a luxury stay, a world class concert venue, or great dining?” In other words, “If we build it, will they come?” The founders and management of the property took a chance on that sentiment hoping that “If we build it, they will come!”

From an office overlooking the Kamas Valley, Mr. Tom Grimmett, Trustee for High Star, and Tom Schiemer, Director of Multi-Media, shares their insights on the 17 years of work and development that has gone into creating this one-of-a-kind destination. They also spoke candidly about what they’d like the world to know about the property, as well as what they hope their community will understand about their genuine commitment to their neighbors.

For a little back history, Tom Grimmett shares, “The High Star Ranch, with its World Class DeJoria Center, as it’s now constituted, was the brainchild of Jack and Louise Mahoney who came to the Kamas Valley after a successful career running restaurants in California.” When the Mahoney’s arrived in Kamas they found two beautiful, historic ranches that sat side by side on Hwy 32: The S Bar S Ranch, founded by John Simpson, and the High Star Ranch, owned by the Fitzgerald family. The Mahoney’s saw an opportunity and purchased the properties in 2005 which was annexed into Kamas City. Unfortunately, the real estate crash of 2008 disrupted all momentum and values plummeted. Jack Mahoney was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which severely limited his ability to manage his investment. The banks got nervous and the property was in jeopardy.
Mr. Mahoney’s good friend, Mr. John Paul DeJoria, a well-known business mogul and taste-maker for luxury brands, looked at the project to see what could be done and if the investment could weather the storm. In spite of the many risks, Mr. DeJoria acquired the property and appointed his long-time accountant, friend, and former federal banker, Mr. Tom Grimmett, as Trustee and Manager. The High Star Ranch, with all its amenities and housing, is what it is today because of Mr. Grimmett. As a resident of the Kamas Valley for over 15 years, Tom Grimmett is committed to not only overseeing and protecting
Mr. DeJoria’s investment, but also to creating something the locals can be proud of. He has been, and continues to be, determined, “to do the very best for the community” even when the vision may not always be fully understood.

An Ingenious Renovation

The vision to create something truly unique in Eastern Summit County came to fruition with the renovation of an existing hay barn. With the understanding of how music and the arts open doors, the first order of business was to transform the old building into an incredible events center. The DeJoria Center was completed early in the process and was meant to provide an intimate entertainment and event venue. It was a success and the concert venue received the prestigious, ENR Mountain States 2016 Regional Best Projects Award of Merit: Renovation/Restoration; competing against multiple remodeled projects across the intermountain west. With its stage, full lighting mechanics, video camera system, and state of the art sound system, The DeJoria Center has become a favorite destination for weddings, corporate events, and especially the concerts that host about 15 to 20 major artists each year.

Mr. Grimmett explains, “We knew that we had the distinctive challenge of building a venue in a cow pasture in Kamas, and somehow we’d have to attract people up here from Salt Lake, so it all had to be ‘above and beyond.’” Going above and beyond has paid off. In 2020 the DeJoria Center was honored with an Academy of Country Music Awards nomination for Theater of the Year. Mr. DeJoria’s name, reputation, and credibility have made it easy to entice great talent to the Kamas Valley. There are immediate advantages to performing in such an intimate space. The DeJoria Center can seat up to 1320 maximum guests, which means “even the back row is one of the best seats in the house compared to other venues.” Tom Schiemer shares, “People can come to great concerts for not a lot of money and really enjoy the close and personal performances.”

A Commitment to Kamas Valley

After The DeJoria Center was established, development of High Star Ranch began. Once it started the demand for homes in both the Thorn Creek and Spring Hill neighborhoods was instant. “We’ve sold 40 homes [in Thorn Creek] over the last 18 months. We would sell more, but we don’t have any more until we get our next plat approved by the city,” Grimmett shares. Tom Schiemer adds, “There are 8 Spring Hill Lots sold with 10 more available, then we’ll be building The Ranch Center, then the Wasatch View neighborhood.” These new custom home sites lie to the north of the DeJoria Center. Tom Grimmett explains, “There will be an HOA and design committee” to oversee the custom homes. “I want people to come out here 30 years from now and say, ‘look at these beautiful homes.’” The aesthetics of the High Star Ranch will be protected and consistent.

Mr. Grimmett grew up in a small town in Idaho and understands the challenges for locals. “When we first arrived, we understood the difficulty of seeing things change and grow […] but we continue to strive to be good neighbors as we add, not just restaurants, free summer concerts, activities, and sponsorship, but also a significant increase to the Kamas City coffers themselves through the tax base and development increase on every home built on High Star Ranch.” Tom Schiemer adds, “What I love personally, that I think is helpful for people to understand, is that out of the 1200 plus acres that we have available on High Star Ranch, only 30 percent is going to be used on building homes, and the other 70 percent of our land is in an agricultural, conservation, and greenbelt easement.” In other words, “what you see now, that we’ve already built, and those home sites presently in the works […] it’s never going to change after that. We’re not going to overtake the natural beauty of the land.” Tom Grimmett adds, “Yes, even though the original entitlements allowed us to build homes further up the mountain, we gave that away.”

Hunting, Fishing, Horseback Riding

What’s really impressive is the way that High Star Ranch has not only built a beautiful community for its residents, but it has also kept its gates OPEN. The public is welcome to come and enjoy the trails, the mountain access, the events, and activities provided by High Star Ranch and its affiliate, Rhodes Valley Outfitters. Bikers, Hikers, and Equestrians each enjoy their own set of trails, keeping the experience both customized and safe for all. “We have mountain bike trails with a brand-new parking lot just for the mountain bikers,” Grimmett continues, “They can now take the new road right to the trail head, park, and get on their bikes, going right up into the Mountain.” The canal trail will remain open to hikers and bicycles as a part of Kamas City; however, the canal company and conservation area regulations have restricted motorized vehicles. With that in mind, there are still many ways to enjoy the mountain all year long.

Rhodes Valley Outfitters

As the only licensed outfitter in northern Utah, Rhodes Valley Outfitters at High Star Ranch can lead activities and hunts in multiple areas for deer, elk, bobcat, and bear all over the state. They have a concession on a 7 mile stretch of the Duchesne River for the best fly fishing in Utah, and a concession for horseback riding on Antelope Island in addition to rides on the Kamas property. Grimmett shares, “You can do a 3-4 hour ride on a horse right at the High Star Ranch and experience amazing 360 degree views due to the altitude. You can see forever and it’ll never change. It climbs from a base of 6400 feet up to 8500 foot views in the old growth pine trees. It’s just beautiful.”

Other amenities include a new club house, pool, and fishing ponds for the residents. A vintage and specialty automobile museum, curated by local collectors, is also in the works. In addition, some winters allow for packed and groomed cross country skiing right on the property. For meals and hospitality, visitors can enjoy the menu and beverages at the State Road Tavern upstairs and the newly added Country Store and Café with made-to-order breakfasts, lunch, snacks, hot coffee, or cold drinks.

Concerts will resume again in January, and the property will continue to welcome the public through its gates for more friendly hospitality, entertainment, and experiences.

Giving Back to the Community

When asked how High Star has stayed involved in giving back to local residents of the Valley, Tom Schiemer explains, “During the summer we host a free Summer Concert Series provided by Mountain Town Music. There is also a Poker ride guided by Rhodes Valley Outfitters with a wonderful horseback tour through the property.” The High Star Ranch remains committed to creating opportunities for the public to continue to enjoy the shared space on the mountain in a variety of ways.

Tom Grimmett shares that, “We want to give [everyone] that come’s through the gates the best possible experience for whatever they come here to do. If they come for dinner, we want them to have the best food and service; if they come for a concert, we want them to have a great time; or to find a house and community to call home.” Tom Schiemer adds, “Our goal is to invite all the neighboring communities to come and see what we’ve created here and enjoy the venue, the views, and the arts.”

When asked about balancing his role as Trustee and resident of Kamas Valley, Mr. Grimmett states that, “I do feel a fiduciary responsibility to the whole valley. We’re one of the biggest businesses here. We are mindful of our community and the presence we have here.” Overall, both Grimmett and Schiemer agree that the stewardship and responsibility they have, from both a capitalistic and good neighbor view point, play a big part in every decision they make. They both share the desire to create something so spectacular that people will come from all over, but that locals will be proud of and excited about too. Perhaps, one of the most impressive things about High Star Ranch is their commitment to keeping their doors open for everyone to enjoy all they offer. Mr. Grimmett shares, “The more good we do, slowly people are being proud to have us here. The people in the valley are starting to say, ‘The High Star Ranch means something to us, and we can count on that’.

In the mid 90s, Jordanelle reservoir was completely filled up; obscuring Keetley to this day.

Aside from my dad’s story, the submerged town has remained somewhat of a curiosity and a mystery to me. I always wanted to know what was down there, and if there is anything left. Upon learning about this sunken city on my local doorstep, Keetley achieved something of a mythical, Atlantis-like status in my young mind. Whenever my family would drive by, I would imagine scuba diving through in-tact, fully submerged, buildings at the bottom of Jordanelle.

Perhaps comparing the aquatic ghost town of Keetley to the fictitious sunken city of Atlantis is a bit of a socio-economic exaggeration, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that part of our not-so-distant history now rests beneath more than 13 billion cubic feet of water in the Jordanelle reservoir (give or take a few, depending on the season).

Diving into Keetley’s History

Let’s explore some of Keetley’s story! Though in its latter years the town didn’t seem like much more than a tiny agricultural community, there’s significant history there! The town’s genesis has its roots interwoven with the silver boom in Park City. In 1872 prospectors opened the Ontario claim to the east of town; dubbing it Camp Florence, for the first ‘lady’ to visit the camp. In 1875/1876 the Park City Mining District chose the area for a drainage tunnel; the tunnel took six years to build and by the time it was finished, little Camp Florence had become a large mining community. The town was eventually named after the local mining project supervisor, John B. (Jack) Keetley, a former pony express rider with an impressive reputation; the numbers vary, but it’s said that he covered 300 miles in just shy of 24 hours.

Miners were not the only ones who were interested in what was fast becoming a busy town. In 1917 brothers, George and Donald Gail Fisher, purchased a 4,000-acre ranch near Ontario Drain Tunnel No. 2. Gail and his family worked the ranch while his brother George was involved with politics; he was elected to the Utah State Senate in 1922. 1922 also brought some major improvements like: electricity, water piped to homes, and telephone services, which enhanced and improved the living conditions in Keetley. In 1923 the United Park City Mines Company built four bunkhouses and a boardinghouse to house the almost 600 men that worked there. They also constructed new offices, shops, and a commissary. Children of the miners and farmers who had found their way to Keetley attended Elkhorn School, a small wooden building that housed grades K-12. The largest class had a whooping four students and the graduation class of 1924 numbered — one. Eventually, there were more students and a two-story school was built; however, by 1929 it was too expensive to keep the school running and it was closed down. The almost 90 students were bused to Heber; for evening activities the bus would transport both students and their parents.

Keetley experienced a momentary glimpse of progress and rise in population, when, in 1923, Union Pacific constructed the Ontario Branch, “which left the Park City Branch about four miles east of Park City at a point that the railroad chose to name Keetley Junction. The station at the Ontario drainage tunnel at Keetley soon became the major traffic point on UP’s Park City Branch. The new branch to Keetley meant that locomotives did not have to move up the steep and curving spur from Park City to the Ontario mine, situated above the town, improving safety for the railroad and for the town’s citizens. The new location also allowed larger locomotives and cars to be used, allowing for increased traffic.”

Local entertainment in Keetley began to increase as well when two men from Butte, Montana showed up asking to lease some land. Remembered only as Big and Little Joe; the two men built an amusement hall called the Blue Goose. The Blue Goose was painted blue and had a marble-topped bar and stained-glass barroom doors. It was a happening place and quickly developed a “reputation that rivaled the dance halls of Park City.2” The Blue Goose attracted both out-of-state and local boxers, wrestlers, and dancers, for matches and dances that they hosted. Gambling was a popular past time for those visiting the Blue Goose and its card rooms and pool and craps tables; hiding whisky around the grounds of the Blue Goose was also popular during prohibition. Eventually, all the partying came to an abrupt halt when the Great Depression hit and the Blue Goose closed its doors. It was used for a while to show movies or host Boy Scout activities, but sometime between 1937 and 1941 it was torn down. Ultimately, the railroad and mining productions would also succumb to the depression with most mines closing or operating with skeleton crews. “By 1952 the golden days of mining in the Keetley area had faded. The ore no longer earned top dollar on the market, and the coming of the unions brought lengthy strikes. Many miners could not afford to wait the strikes out and sought work elsewhere.”

In the wake of the events at Pearl Harbor and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s February 1942 executive order 9066, many Japanese Americans began fleeing persecution on the west coast, which eventually culminated in large populations of them being relocated and confined in U.S. internment camps. Some of the somewhat more fortunate individuals of Japanese descent found their way to Utah’s small town of Keetley, where they worked to build a farming community from what was apparently the largest group of (somewhat) voluntarily resettled Japanese descendants at the time. Their hard work, especially considering the rocky soil of the appropriately-named Rocky Mountains, yielded a significant contribution of produce for the surrounding areas, which was viewed as a noble and patriotic venture during the war effort. Though some were skeptical of the incoming Japanese-descended farmers, the proverbial and literal fruits of their labors earned the trust and respect of their neighbors. One such remarkable individual was named Fred Isamu Wada. Fred’s wife was born and raised in Utah, which surely was a major factor that led to the selecting of Keetly as their place of refuge. Fred was, it turns out, the leader of the whole farming venture, which he seems to have led with an astonishingly honorable spirit, despite the difficult circumstances. After the war, most of the farmers moved back towards the west coast and the rest dispersed elsewhere.

The Great Buyout

If we fast-forward to the late 80s and do a little research on the Jordanelle reservoir and building of the dam, which eventually sealed Keetley in its watery grave, you’ll find that it was a fairly contentious subject at the time. There seem to have been heated council meetings with some local unease. Some geologists felt the dam would be unsafe, while others approved the project. It’s reasonable to understand the perspectives of both those who were wary of living downstream of a large man-made dam and those who saw benefit in storing more water along the water channel between the Duchesne tunnel and the Wasatch front. In the end, residents and ranchers in Keetley were bought out, relocated to other areas, and the valley was flooded.

Now, it should be noted that Keetley wasn’t the only town that was relegated to the status of Historical footnote by the reservoir project; it’s simply the one I’ve heard the most about. The two other towns were called Hailstone and, you guessed it, Jordanelle. Keetley was the largest of the three towns.

Quite by chance, after visiting the Park City Museum earlier this year, I discovered a display of the Ontario drainage tunnel. On my drive home from the museum, I couldn’t help but pull over and trek down to the shoreline of the reservoir (which seemed lower than I ever remember seeing it). I was hoping to catch a glimpse of some relic of Keetley with enough height that it might have survived to peek up through the low surface of the water. Walking along the windy shore, I found a short section of what seemed to be the old stretch of highway 40, made of badly cracked and crumbling asphalt. I took a picture and couldn’t help but imagine my dad coasting down that very road and holding his breath.

You don’t have to tear up your entire landscape to make your yard more water wise — though some people might enjoy that challenge. There are small and simple steps you can take to make your landscape more drought-friendly: water less, check your irrigation systems, add mulch, plant adapted plants, use less lawn, and check out local rebate programs.

Water Less

Many people water much more than their plants need. Liz Braithwaite, a garden designer, says that during the summer, it’s normal for plants to wilt in the heat of the day and for some lawns to go brown. A brown lawn doesn’t always mean the grass is dead. Cool-season turf can go dormant in the heat, but it will green and continue growing later in the fall.

Maegen Lewis, from the USU Extension Office in Heber, stated that Heber Valley has predominately clay soil, which is hard for water to penetrate. Watering less often, but for longer periods of time, is best. Deep watering less often is better for plants than frequent shallow watering; the plants will get deeper roots and will need less water overall.

Pressing a long screwdriver or metal rod that is at least 12 inches long into the soil is an easy way to tell how much water penetrates the ground. The probe will pass easily through wet soil, but it will stop when it hits dry soil. If you monitor your soil after irrigation, you can make sure you are irrigating enough. You can also use a soil probe after a rainstorm to see how much water your landscape received and then adjust your automatic system accordingly.

Adjust Your Automatic Systems

Approximately two-thirds of drinking water in Utah is used to water landscapes, and much of the water is being applied inefficiently. Lewis says that at the Heber Extension Office, homeowners can rent water catch cups to measure how much they are irrigating. Placing catch cups or cans in a grid system can help you make sure your irrigation system is watering uniformly.

You can also inspect your irrigation system for any problems such as broken heads or inadequate or excessive water pressure. After inspection, you can make necessary changes such as adjusting sprinkler heads and changing automatic clocks.

A drip system uses less water than overhead irrigation. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plants that need it and reduces water waste. It also helps prevent weeds, reduces disease, and saves time and money. A drip system also needs regular maintenance.

Hand irrigation can also help reduce water usage in the right situation, such as when establishing new plants or when watering potted flowers. Many water wise plants only need irrigation on occasion, so hand watering can be more efficient.

The Utah Legislature recently allocated $50 million for pressurized secondary irrigation providers to install water meters on existing systems by 2030. Installing meters is estimated to reduce water usage by around 30%. Heber is in the process of implementing a secondary water meter installation. Measuring pressurized secondary irrigation allows homeowners to see how much water they are using so that they can learn how to better conserve.

Add Mulch

Braithwaite says that adding mulch results in plants needing less water. Mulch can keep plants cooler, minimize evaporation and reduce weeds. Organic mulches, usually wood chips, should be 2 to 6 inches deep. On a vegetable garden, clean straw and compost are good mulch materials. Organic mulches can decompose and improve soil quality. You can also use rocks and gravel, but when used in sunny areas, they tend to retain heat. And avoid black plastic, as it does not allow air, nutrients, or moisture to get to plant roots.

Chose Adapted Plants

A water wise landscape does not need to be filled with rocks or cacti. Lewis says that a water wise garden can be lush and very beautiful. There are many trees, shrubs and perennials that grow in our environment with little water that bring beautiful colors and textures into your landscape. Some adapted plants are native to Utah, but others come from other regions that also grow well in our dry climate.

If you do choose to plant and establish water wise plants, make sure that you don’t give more water than what they need.

Establish Hydrozones

When you design your landscape, establish hydrozones. Different areas in your yard have different light, soil, wind, and water conditions. Grouping plants that have similar needs together allows you to customize irrigation so that every plant gets just enough water. You can place plants that need higher water near water sources, downspouts or in cooler areas.

Reduce Lawn

Lawn can take up a lot of water, so reducing lawn is an important step to making your landscape more water wise. But lawn can still be a part of a water wise landscape if it is only used where it is functional. Lawn may be needed for high-traffic areas, play areas or sports fields. If you are never walking on your grass, chances are it could be replaced by something else.

Some lawn varieties can grow with less water. For example, tall fescue stays greener than the traditional Kentucky bluegrass. Wheatgrasses can also be used for a low maintenance lawn without much mowing or irrigation.

Mowing your lawn at a higher setting can also reduce the amount of water your lawn needs.

Participate in Flip your Strip or Localscapes Rewards

As part of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, homeowners in the Heber Valley are eligible to participate in the Flip Your Strip and Localscapes Rewards programs. To get started, visit utahwatersavers.com, where you can create an account and enter your information and water bill.

The Flip Your Strip program is limited to the park strip, or the grass between the curb and the sidewalk. Zack Seipert from the CUWCD says that’s a great place to start your landscape change, as you can still see water savings in that small area. The rebate incentive is tied to the amount of grass you are removing and replacing with a water wise landscape. The rebate is $1.00 per square foot of grass removed, or, if you complete an optional free online education class, you can get $1.25 a square foot. The class teaches you how to make your park strip water wise and eligible for the rebate. Once your application is approved, you must complete the Flip Your Strip program in six months.

The Localscapes Rewards program offers rebates for larger landscape projects, such as your front or backyard. The incentive amount is related to the water savings, and you must take an education class from Localscapes to be eligible for the program. The classes teach you how to create a water wise landscape plan and put it into practice in your own yard. Once you create and submit a plan, your landscape is drawn to a scale that meets the Localscapes requirements, and you can get a rebate estimate. Localscapes Rewards allows you to complete your landscape in 12 months. Once completed, you upload photos and schedule a landscape review. After passing the review, you get a cash reward. If you participate in the Localscapes Rewards, you are not eligible to participate in Flip Your Strip.

The CUWCD also offers a rebate for using a smart irrigation controller.

Keep on learning

There are many helpful websites to help you conserve water and some are found below. You can also visit demonstration gardens such as Red Butte or the Jordan Valley Water Conservation Garden. And the best learning is in your own garden. Not everything you plant will grow, but you can continue to learn as you observe what dies and what thrives in your own yard.

Localscapes at localscapes.com

Conserve Water at conservewater.utah.gov

Utah State University Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping at extension.usu.edu/cwel

Slow the Flow at slowtheflow.org

Utah Water Savers at utahwatersavers.com

Combinations for Conservation Book, found at usuextensionstore.com/combinations-for-conservation/

Deer Resistant and Water Wise Plants

“In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy.” -John Sawhill

When people ask what I am doing nowadays, I explain that I am Chairman of the Heber City Historic Preservation Commission. Inevitably they ask, “What is that?” I stumbled in answering that question to the point where I decided several months ago to write what I called a “White Paper” on all matters pertaining to Historic and Heritage Preservation just to keep me in remembrance of what I am about. I admit my main interest lies in the preservation of our heritage and culture, a big part of that being the stories of people who made us great.

One such story that holds significant meaning to me is that of the Moulton family. My story here in the Heber Valley began when my ancestors decided to leave England with ‘almost’ eight children. The eighth child was born on the North Sea while heading for Zion. With meager belongings and a missionary blessing that promised the family they would all arrive safely in the new Salt Lake territory, the family teamed up with the Willey Handcart Company and headed west. History tells the story of how their late departure would prove to be a spiritual baptism by fire (and ice — literally) for the company’s saints. History also reminds all of us that the testimonies discovered during those devastating and difficult trials were never lost. The Moulton family made it to the sixth crossing in Wyoming before they thought the journey west was over for all of them. Prepared to pass from this world to the next; the family gathered in a grove of willows next to a river. The trees offered shelter from the freezing winds, and a few more degrees of warmth. Ready to spend their last few hours of life huddled together they waited . . . but the end never came. Miraculously the rescue party arrived the very next day. The promise that all ten members of the Moulton family would arrive in the valley alive was fulfilled. The baby boy born on the waters survived too, although it was reported that he was so thin by the time they reached Salt Lake Valley that if you held him up to the sun you could see through him! One branch of that Moulton family was sent to Heber Valley and became the great grandfather of many of us.

All of us have a story to tell. All of us come from a culture and heritage that shouldn’t be forgotten. Whether they are happy or sad, triumphant or devastating, good or bad, we all have something to learn from them. Our culture and heritage help us to become the people we are today. Those who settled and came to our valley have changed it forever and we honor them for what they sacrificed to allow us to enjoy such an incredible place to live and raise our families.

My good friend Jim Ritchie and I enjoy wandering through our four local cemeteries and looking at the many family and famous names that adorn the headstones. Jim says he and his wife, Carolyn, find joy in their evening strolls remembering those who had such memorable impacts on their lives. He then writes ‘entertaining’ messages to his family and friends such as: “H. Clay Cummings — Healer — Stake President — Rancher; without this man, I would have been a one-legged chicken farmer — maybe for life.” Of course, there is more to the story but these silly one-liners create an interest and desire to learn more about those who’ve gone before. Jim puts a great deal of emphasis on people from his past, those whom he learned so much from during his ‘growing and maturing’ years. He calls them his friends, family, and mentors, and credits them for teaching him and making him who he is today. For me, trying to remember the difference they made to our valley and our history is an exercise in ‘fun’. Who do you know in the cemeteries? How have they shaped you and your life? I challenge you to discover the stories of your ancestors, friends, and mentors and then share them with others. The Heber cemetery alone could keep us busy for years with historical exploration as it is loaded with names of those who changed our valley’s history. We cannot afford to forget them. I challenge each of you to seek out the names of those great men and women who helped start the amazing places like Wallsburg, Charleston, Midway, Daniels, Center Creek, and Heber that make up our beloved Wasatch County.

Like many of you, Jim and I love History and are sold on the idea, indeed the very necessity, of preserving what we have been given to build upon for the future. Safeguarding our history involves many things; however, for this article, we teamed up to put together a brief description that explains some basic elements of Historic and Heritage Preservation efforts.

An excellent definition of Historic Preservation comes from the National Park Service who spends a great deal of time and money preserving and showing history to the people of our Nation. “Historic preservation is a conversation with our past about our future. It provides us with opportunities to ask, ‘What is important in our history?’ and ‘What parts of our past can we preserve for the future?’ Through historic preservation, we look at history in different ways, ask different questions of the past, and learn new things about our history and ourselves. Historic preservation is an important way for us to transmit our understanding of the past to future generations.

“Our nation’s history has many facets, and historic preservation helps tell these stories. Sometimes historic preservation involves celebrating events, people, places, and ideas that we are proud of; other times it involves recognizing moments in our history that can be painful or uncomfortable to remember.”

Somebody said that we must make it possible to easily seek counsel from past generations. Our Mayor and City Council have established, by ordinance, a Historic Preservation Commission, charged to work with property owners in preserving our remaining historic buildings and with individuals of our community to preserve the stories and events of those who came before us. Perhaps most importantly, to preserve for our children and grandchildren the culture of what makes this community great —what makes it the safe place it is, and consequently, why we want to live here with welcoming arms to those who want to join us for the same reasons.

To date, the Heber City Historic Preservation Commission has undertaken several initiatives to preserve our history; such as the development of a Historic Preservation Master Plan; formation of a Downtown Historic/Cultural District; and building several commemorative monuments and displays to honor the historic buildings we still have, and to pay homage to and remember those buildings that meant so much to our community but are no longer with us.

As a community, the ‘Adaptive Reuse’ or ‘Repurposing’ of historic homes and buildings is an important element in the preservation of our culture and history. Wonderful examples of how this has happened and is continuing to happen can be found all over the county. Many local companies have updated and adapted older homes into offices and places of business creating profitable current usage while maintaining their historic nature. Repurposing the old Social Hall as the home for the Timpanogos Theater Company and adapting the Wasatch Stake Tabernacle into the Heber City Office Building are great examples of how we can preserve our heritage while creating new stories and history for those who will inherit this valley from us.

The Heber City Historic Preservation Commission is in its beginning stages, and we have a lot that we want to accomplish. We will need your help. As chairman, I give this clarion call to the residents of Wasatch County; come join us! Come, share your stories, add your talents to our team, help us remember those who came before, and take part in preserving the culture and history that has made our mountain home the amazing place it is!