It was always the dream of Douglas and Gloria Heater to perhaps one day be able to invite children and young adults “out to the farm” for some good old fashion exposure and learning experiences around agriculture. Family and friends were always welcome on the farm, and over the years had a wonderful time and often found a measure of agri-education mixed in on their visits.

The property is rich with historical significance. Around the turn of the last century, the Klumb, Oregon post office was operating out of the original farm house on the property. The post office was in operation from 1893 to 1910. The one room Fern Ridge school house was located on the northeast end of the farm which Doug and Gloria’s son Richard attended.

The farm is still in the family and Sue Heater-Nichols and her husband Mark are now the owners and have chosen to maintain the original homestead and acreage as an historic agricultural site. Through the Historic Heater Farm Non-Profit they hope to offer unique learning and entertainment opportunities for the Marion County region in the future.