The Wheeler
Farm Story...
began on June 17, 1886, when Sariah Hankinson Pixton
married Henry Joseph Wheeler and together they made their home
on this seventy-five acre farm. Helping Henry run the prosperous
dairy enterprise, Sariah and the six Wheeler children each assumed
a portion of the chores around the farm. Everyday there were cows
to milk, eggs to gather, and wood to shop. Churning butter, making
soap, trimming wicks, and cutting ice were just a few of the many
necessary tasks.
In 1969 Salt Lake County
purchased the 75 acres which comprise today’s farm. Wheeler
Historic Farm was placed on both the Utah State and National register
of Historic Places in 1976. Originally started as a 1976 project
of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, the restored museum
farm evolved during a decade of historical research, reconstruction,
and restoration. The restoration was a challenging project. Some
buildings were in excellent condition and easily restorable while
others were in ruin or had been completely destroyed. Restoration
and furnishing the buildings is a continuing responsibility.
The Farm is a restoration
of the turn-of-the-century dairy farm of Henry J. Wheeler. Maintaining the farm
presents to the public the history of Utah family
agriculture. It is a representation of the rural lifestyle in Salt
Lake County from 1890-1920 and presents the best farming methods
of the Progressive Era. Historic demonstrations and exhibits are
just a few of the things that will take you back in time. Here you
may discover the old time farm lifestyle once common for most families
in Utah but which is now largely past and gone.
Wheeler Historic Farm
is also an outdoor classroom that promotes discovery and inquiry
into the world around us. The Farm is a part of the outdoor space
you require to provide your food, air, and water. The Farm environment
is a fun place to visit, so come on down! See the animals and stroll
along Little Cottonwood Creek or visit our award winning wetlands.
next
The Wheeler Farm Story
The Progressive Farmer
"Modern" Farming
Families
Farming Today at Wheeler Historic Farm
|
