2023 Logan County Farm Family of the Year honors bestowed
Bill Wiley grew up as a “city boy” in Middletown, but had the chance while in high school to work and spend time on a farm. Soon, he had the desire to share the joys of the farming lifestyle with others.
He and his wife, Phyllis, who grew up in Jewett, Ohio, would meet a few years later at The Ohio State University. During the early 1960s, the Wileys moved to Logan County and met Bob and Susie Smithers, who operated Rollicking Hills, a farm-camp in DeGraff. The Wileys were encouraged to create a similar program just outside of Zanesfield.
In 1964, they established Marmon Valley Farm on 75 acres, named in honor of the original Quaker settlers of the area. Campers quickly began to know the the couple as “Uncle Bill” and “Aunt Phyllis,” during activities around the farm, from gardening to milking cows. Meals and other activities took place in their farmhouse in the early days.
“I can remember Mom feeding 60 people inside the farmhouse,” recalled their son Matt Wiley, who grew up on the farm alongside his sister Jane (Olsen) and brother Winston.
“Dad loved to work hard, and play hard, too. He would take us sledding in the winter. All of our recreation was right here.
“Our parents were happy to host everyone and share God’s love with them.”
In addition to Aunt Phyllis’ delicious meals, Uncle Bill was known for his chuck wagon breakfasts, serving up a big skillet of hash browns, eggs and Navajo fry bread out on the grounds. When the dining hall was established, he also was a familiar face flipping flapjacks over the rafters in the space, a tradition that Wrangler Matt continues with campers today.
Currently in its 59th year, the family farm continues the warm hospitality of its founders in a Christ-centered atmosphere, where youths and adults alike can create new memories while growing their relationships with each other and with Jesus.
“We strive to show the love of Christ to our guests and help them reconnect with nature and its Creator, while enjoying good farm fun,” Matt and Jane Olsen said. “Although we are set in the country and surrounded by nature, many of our guests come from the suburbs or the city and have a disconnect with nature and their food source.”
Today, the 7754 S. State Route 292 agri-tourism locale on 600 acres hosts approximately
35,000 to 40,000 visitors annually from near and far. Programs include summer and weekend camps accredited by the Christian Camp & Conference Association, featuring unique equestrian experiences at the largest horse camp in Ohio; along with school tours, scouting groups, birthday parties, public trail rides, riding lessons, challenge course, rope climbing wall and a petting zoo.
Honoring the vision of the founders that is now carried on through Bill and Phyllis’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marmon Valley Farm has been named the Bellefontaine Examiner’s 2023 Farm Family of the Year.
While Bill passed away in 2015 and Phyllis in 2020, Matt Wiley and his wife, Kathy, and Jane Olsen and her husband, Steve, each serve in leadership roles on the farm.
Their children Daniel Wiley and Tim Olsen are both full-time employees as well, focusing on programming, along with maintenance and operations. These two individuals also serve on the Marmon Valley Farm Board.
Additional third generation family members are involved through their own professions, including Becca Adelsberger and Josh Wiley, who serve as the farriers of the 150-horse herd.
Elizabeth Baughman serves as a graphic designer and Marmon Valley Farm Board. Joel Wiley is the HVAC technician and Luke Olsen is a horse trainer. Tim’s wife, Hannah Olsen, also serves as a camp program assistant.
The Wiley’s and Olsen’s grandchildren can be found enjoying various activities on the farm as well, during after school hours.
“As the fourth generation continues to grow, they are very active in the farm carrying out their duties of small animal care and keeping their grandparents busy,” Jane said.
“We are thankful to have many family members active in various ways at Marmon Valley Farm.”
The farm is also unique in its operational structure, as it has both a for-profit corporation, known as Marmon Valley Farm and the non-profit corporation, Marmon Valley Ministries.
The for-profit corporation operates the year-round operations and agri-tourism activities, while the non-profit leases the facilities and horse for the camping ministry and program, for eight weeks each summer. Each corporation has its own Board of Directors, though they all work together for the success of Marmon Valley Farm, Matt and Jane explained.
Keeping the 150 horses fed is accomplished with hay produced on 175 acres, along with an additional 140 acres leased from neighbors. Steve Olsen helps to oversee the annual hay production, which averages 750 tons, sustaining the horses for use in the riding program, which includes camp, private riding lessons and public trail rides.
The horses graze on 120 acres of pastureland, along with 250 acres dedicated woods.
“The wooded trails provide beautiful overlooking views of the historic Marmon Valley,” said Jane, who serves as the riding stable manager.
Other farm animals on site include a llama, sheep, miniature horses, donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, peacocks, fallow deer and kittens. All these animals are available in the petting zoo.
Adding land and new opportunities on the farm have been accomplished through six land acquisitions over the years, Matt explained. Recently, with the purchase of a neighboring farm just east of the 7754 S. S.R. 292 location, creative staff housing has been added by remodeling a milk house and milking parlor into brand new apartments, along with plans for year-round unique short-term rental units.
In addition, construction will soon wrap up on Marmon Valley Farm’s latest facility, the Orchard Barn, which houses new restrooms and a shower house. The Orchard Barn also includes two new bunk rooms for overnight guests and will be operational in May.
“Beginning a capital campaign and the gifts of generous donors from all over the U.S. have made this a possibility,” said Wrangler Matt, who also serves on the Logan County Tourism Board, as a Jefferson Township trustee and as a deacon at his church. He also is a past president of Ohio Christian Camp & Conference Association, and Matt and Kathy are members of Ohio Horsemanship Council.
Locally in the community, Marmon Valley Farm sponsors Logan County Fair photography and horse shows. The farm also has provided a place for 4-H activities for the fair, and hosts three fun shows at for 4 -H riders to practice as well. Kathy Wiley and Elizabeth Baughman serve as 4-H advisers.
Past awards include being named the 2022 Best of Logan County Kid’s Camp, through the Logan County Visitors Bureau and Bellefontaine Examiner’s contest. Marmon Valley Farm also was the Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s Integrity in Business winner in 2004.
Future goals include continuing the development of operations of weekend retreats, riding stables, field trips, summer camp and the farm’s Christmas celebration — Country Christmas, a live nativity wagon ride event that was attended by more than 3,000 visitors in 2022.
In the upcoming weeks is another special activity, Easter on the Farm, slated for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, a collaboration with a local church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. A pancake breakfast, hayride, family scavenger hunt, pony rides for ages 11 and under and the story of the resurrection completes the morning, at $5 per person. Call (937) 593-8000 to pre-register or book online.
For additional information and detailed programming information, visit marmonvalley.com or find Marmon Valley Farm on Facebook.
