HISTORY

In the fall of 1901, Willem Heyboer purchased a 100-acre farm in what was known at the time as Paris Township.  This farm, which predates the Civil War, continues in operation to this date.  After Willem’s death, his son Abe Heyboer continued the farming operation.  Abe had three children: Margaret, Paul, and Dale who were all born and raised on the farm.  All three children worked on the farm until they were called to serve their country in the Armed Forces.  His youngest son Dale, who lived his entire life on the property, was instrumental in the formation of the City of Kentwood and served on the city commission for many years.  After the death of the last of Abe’s children in 2018, the farm has been owned and operated by Abe’s 7 granddaughters.  Some of these granddaughters remain local and others live throughout the Midwest and East Coast.  In 2002 the Historical Society of Michigan designated the property as a centennial farm.

Over the past years, the Heyboer family has allowed the City of Kentwood to install a bike path on the former railroad right of away which the family purchased when the railroad ended operations.  The family has also provided a 12-acre parcel of land adjacent to the bike path to be developed as a future park for the community’s enjoyment.  In addition, the family sold a portion of the farm to the Kentwood Public School system for the building of Discovery Elementary.  

Last March, the barn caught fire and despite the extraordinary efforts of the Kentwood Fire Department, it was destroyed. This tragic event affected not only the Heyboer family, but was also a loss to the entire community. The fire became a catalyst for the family to begin discussions with the City of Kentwood as to what the future of the farm would be. The land north of the bike path will continue to be operated as farmland for now. The family has been in discussion with the Kentwood Historical Society, and at some point in the future, has considered using the farm buildings to create a historical park and event venue. The family is also considering using some of the property for the development of a community garden. On the western border, the family plans to leave the existing natural tree line as a buffer between the existing homes and the new lots. On the northern border, the existing bike path and trees will be left the same and an access point to the bike path will be added for the new neighborhood. The eastern border will also have a natural tree line maintained.  Because the family consists of all granddaughters, their desire is to keep the family name as part of the project and as such the development has been named “Heyboer Acres”.

The Heyboer family has been working with the City of Kentwood and the Kentwood Public School system to ensure a smooth transition for this new neighborhood and the family’s desire is to continue its long-standing participation in the community as they manage the future of this historic property.

The Heyboer Family