Wasn’t it Sariah Wheeler’s vision that shaped this very Wheeler Farm House? It’s more than just a building. It is a testament to a family’s life and a community’s history. We are standing at Wheeler Historic Farm. It is a window into Salt Lake County’s past.
Henry J. Wheeler, born in 1866, established this farm. He married Sariah Pixton. They built this brick home and several outbuildings in 1898. Sid Gills and Hans Yorgensen were the builders. Mrs. Wheeler planned the house. It was considered one of the prettiest farmhouses in the county.
Imagine this farm in the early 1900s. The Wheelers grew their own food. They had milk cows and raised cattle. Hard work sustained them. Henry established the Rosebud Dairy around 1912. It supplied milk to neighbors. He even sold ice blocks for refrigeration. This showed his commitment to the community. The Rosebud Country Store pays tribute to this legacy today.
Step inside your mind. Feel the warmth of the adobe brick walls. They were recycled from the old house for insulation. Picture Henry’s prized possession. It was the Pierce-Arrow car. It was stored in the family garage.
After Sariah passed in 1928, Henry Jr. cared for his father for 15 years. After Henry Sr.’s death in 1943, the farm was sold. The Sterling Furniture Company acquired it. They ran the Golden Guernsey Cattle Ranch. They improved the farm.
But the story does not end there. Salt Lake County bought the farm in 1969. It was nearly lost to development. Thankfully, the Junior League of Salt Lake stepped in. They proposed preserving the farm in 1974. It became a Bicentennial project. Volunteers cleaned up the neglected land. They restored the farmhouse. They acquired artifacts.
In 1976, Wheeler Historic Farm opened to the public. Dr. A. Glen Humphreys, the curator, lived here. He helped shape the farm for over 25 years. The Wheeler Farm Friends also supported its preservation. Henry Jr.’s daughters, Beverly and Jean, were actively involved.
Today, Wheeler Historic Farm is an agricultural museum. It is also an outdoor recreation site. You can see a milking parlor, a historic garage, and a root cellar. Nine original structures are on historic registers. Farmhouse tours are available.
The Wheeler Farm holds nearly 6,000 artifacts. They represent Utah’s agricultural history from 1887 to 1940. The Victorian farmhouse showcases domestic life. The Machinery Barn displays farming equipment. The Activity Barn features exhibits and research.
As you explore Wheeler Historic Farm, remember the Wheeler family. Remember their hard work and community spirit. Their legacy lives on in this preserved farm. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era. It connects us to our agricultural roots.