Heber Area History
In the early 1800's men from a settlement along the Little Colorado River north of Heber found this beautiful valley. However there was little settlement until the late 1880's. Buckskin Creek runs along the back of our property and, along with Black Canyon Creek, was the main source of water for farming and living. Homes were built using the beautiful Ponderosa pine trees that make up the largest stand of Ponderosa trees in the world. Settled originally by Morman pioneers, Heber Valley was a place to raise livestock, plant corn, potatoes, and alfalfa among other foods. Life was harsh but every one pulled together to insure all survived. Thru the years farming and then logging became major sources of work for the residents. A Sawmill was built and logging soon became the predominate industry in the area. Logging was done well into the 70's and died when the Spotted Owl protection law was passed.
Indian troubles were few as the Indians had the same challenges as the settlers which was mainly how to feed their families especially in the winter months. The settlers furnished the Indians with bread and other staples and traded for other Indian goods. Heber was a Pony Express relay station in the 1880's. Today the Hashknife Pony Express group recreates the route taken from the railroad station in Holbrook thru Heber all the way to Phoenix.
Heber resides in the forests of the magnificent Mogollon Rim Country. For years only the Mogollon Rim tribes and later the Apache Indians knew of this lush summer area. Ponderosa pine, Pinion pine, Scrub oak, Cedar, and Juniper trees abound the area. These wandering tribes left behind the remnants of their camps that included pottery, arrow heads used for hunting along with various farming tools. The forests and, on occasion, my own backyard will reveal Elk, Deer, Wild Turkeys, Coyotes, Jack Rabbits, Fox, and Ringtailed Cats. Neighbors have also seen Bears, Mountain Lions, and Wildcats, however not very frequently. Our valley is home to many birds including Eagles, Turkey Vultures and the largest Ravens I have ever seen. The migration of birds presents a nice opportunity to see a hundred different species.
Today, Heber is an unicorporated town of approximately 1500 in the winter which blossoms to 4000+ during the summer. The influx of partime residents is mostly made up of Flatlanders from Phoenix. The culture in our town excudes a quiet respect for others and a reasonably casual pace. As such, we are beginning to see an influx of retirees who after taking time to observe the culture are embracing it as their own.
Reference material: "Those Days are Gone Forever" by Bobbie Stevens Hunt
