Wheeler Farm

In 1886, a young Henry J. Wheeler, just twenty years old, began a legacy at what we now know as Wheeler Farm. He married Sariah Pixton and started his own farm near his father’s in the South Cottonwood area, present-day Murray. Wheeler Farm wasn’t just a place to grow crops; it was a testament to a family’s hard work and ingenuity. The Wheelers, along with their seven children and later two grandchildren, truly lived off the land. They raised cattle for beef, kept milk cows, and cultivated a thriving garden. Their resourcefulness extended beyond their personal needs. Henry established the Rosebud Dairy, which operated from 1912 to 1933, providing milk to neighbors and the surrounding community. He even supplemented this income by selling ice blocks harvested during winter, offering a much-needed source of refrigeration in the warmer months. Today, the Rosebud Country Store at Wheeler Farm stands as a tribute to Henry’s entrepreneurial spirit and support for local farmers and artisans. The heart of Wheeler Farm is the Victorian-style farmhouse, built in 1898. Sariah, a woman of refined taste, envisioned a spacious and elegant home, a stark contrast to the original adobe dwelling. The current farmhouse, with its interior walls insulated with adobe bricks from the old house, reflects her vision. The surrounding outbuildings, including the family garage where Henry reportedly kept his prized Pierce-Arrow car, further paint a picture of their lives. Wheeler Farm remained in the family’s hands for 56 years. After Sariah’s passing in 1928, Henry Jr. returned to the farm to care for his father until his death in 1943. The farm then changed hands, becoming the Golden Guernsey Cattle Ranch under the ownership of the Madsen family. Finally, in 1969, Salt Lake County acquired the property. Initially slated for redevelopment into a regional park, the farm’s historical significance was recognized thanks to the efforts of the Junior League of Salt Lake. Their 1974 proposal led to the restoration of the farm as a living, working historical site. Today, Wheeler Farm, encompassing 75 acres, invites visitors to step back in time. Nine original structures are listed on state and local historic registers. The farm houses nearly 6,000 artifacts, showcasing Utah’s agricultural history and early farm life. From the farmhouse, which offers a glimpse into domestic life, to the Machinery Barn and Activity Barn with its changing exhibits, Wheeler Farm remains a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of Henry J. Wheeler and his family.