Recently, Heber City had a birthday. This March, Heber City turned 125 years old. This got me thinking about the history here in this town and I wondered what other places around here could make the claim of reaching the 100 year mark. Today let’s celebrate our centenarians of Heber Valley.

The Shneitter family that settled the Homestead area probably couldn’t have imagined that what they started back in 1886 would still be around in 2014. Ownership at the Homestead has changed hands a few times since the Shneitters, but the same home-style comforts and feelings still exist. From condos to cottages and from economy rooms to executive suites the Homestead has been a centerpiece of Heber Valley hospitality for over 128 years.

Recently, Heber City celebrated their quasquicentennial anniversary in March. Though it has been around longer than that, 125 years ago Heber City finally became an official city. The changes that have taken place in the valley since then have been quite stark. On 1860 census Heber City had 471 people compared to today’s almost 13,000. Remnants of some pioneer era homes can be found round town. The
Heber City Offices, and
Heber Valley Bank, are all old historical buildings. All of which are available to the public.

For a unique experience that will take you back to the days of the Wild West hop on board the Heber Valley Railroad, or as it is affectingly known as the Heber Creeper. Originally the rail line was used to transport sheep to and from the Heber Valley. This year marks the 115 anniversary. To celebrate a newly restored steam powered engine will once again carry passengers on to new memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Completion of the steam engine restoration will happen this summer.

Farming in the Heber Valley has been an integral part of this community since it began in the 1850s. Still to this day agriculture and farming are a major part of our identity. One of these farms is the Kohler Dairy and Creamery. Though it hasn’t quite made it the century mark, this 85 year old, four generation, family dairy has more recently expanded their produce offering to provide artisan cheeses, milk, and famous
Aggie Ice Cream at their Heber Valley Artisan Cheese store in Midway.
By Dallin Koecher