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History |
| Since the 18th century, the Gehman family has been caretakers of this land. They've nurtured it to the best of their abilities. | |
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Butter Valley Golf Port is situated in the heart of what was once called the Butter Valley. The name came about because of the large number of dairy farms located in this "ruhig tal" (valley) from Hereford to Boyertown.
While analyzing alternatives to dairy farming, the idea of building a golf course was repeatedly suggested by neighbors and personal friends. Golfers, familiar with the natural rolling terrain, knew this beautiful landscape could be transformed into a great place to play golf. After some prodding, the positive-thinking Gehman's
brought in
construction equipment and began forming the tees and greens. By the time John and Betty started having second (not so positive) thoughts, it was too late to turn back.
Butter Valley Golf Port was completed in 1969. The front nine opened Memorial Day and the back nine followed on July 4th.
Why the airstrip? John learned to fly in 1946. The farm had an airstrip out back separating the pasture from the corn fields. A Taylorcraft or Piper J-3 always had a home under the lean-to attached to the corn crib. When it came time to design the golf course, a new, longer airstrip was plotted first. The golf holes were laid out second.
The Butter Valley property has been owned by the Gehman family since 1788. Seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth generations now reside there. To everyone
who has visited Butter Valley Golf Port: The Gehman Family
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| Overview | New ©2009 Butter Valley Golf Port |
In 1967, John
and Betty Gehman began to question
whether it made sense to continue operating their dairy farm. Even though
their Pine Valley Farm was one
of the larger, more progressive operations in the area, the
income generated didn't seem right for such a huge investment of
capital, time and physical effort.
John and Betty retired in
1988. Since then, Butter Valley Golf Port has been under the management of their son
John, his wife Joan and their family.