Jim (James W.) Ritchie Oral History Interview

James W. Ritchie, a fifth-generation Heber Valley resident, recounts the dramatic transformation of his community from a rural town of 3,000 to a bustling area of 40,000. He describes a childhood steeped in an entrepreneurial, agricultural lifestyle, working in his family's diverse businesses including a chicken farm and feed mill, which instilled a strong work ethic now largely absent. Ritchie laments the loss of the intimate, familiar community where everyone knew each other, replaced by a transient population of newcomers due to rapid growth, which has also led to severe traffic and infrastructure issues. He expresses deep concern over the escalating cost of living, making it impossible for young people and long-time residents to afford homes, turning the valley into a "retirement community for successful people." Despite these changes, Ritchie still cherishes the valley's natural beauty but fears the continued erosion of its traditional values and agricultural landscape, particularly the impending development of the cherished north fields.