Our Venue's History

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue comes to life at the Hitchin Post at Rockin H Ranch in Palm City, FL. A young girl’s dream and a legacy that fulfills the most romantic and sought after barn wedding dreams right here in our Martin County backyard.

History of Rockin H Ranch in Palm City, FL:
Marcia Coker’s dream to share her love of Rockin H Ranch and the hope and inspiration of a simple and full life started when she was just 13 years old. Christmas of 1980 Marcia got her first horse. Amber was boarded at a stable in Port St. Lucie. Ranch life was such a perfect fit for Marcia that her parents Al and Barbara Hendry wanted to give Marcia the opportunity to make this a lifestyle and bought property to keep her horse on in 1981. Robert Grier and his family lived on the property when they purchased it and stayed on as caretakers of the land. Robert’s father, Jack Grier leased some of the property to graze his cattle. A young girl’s dream becomes a reality and Boat Ramp Acres Farm and Nursery began. Shortly thereafter, the Blue Barn was purchased from a flower farm owned by Mike Luce and later oak and eucalyptus trees were planted in the field next to the blue barn. Barbara, Marcia’s mom grew other plants at the farm and she would take them to the B & A Flea Market to sell them.

Ranch life was rich with labor and love of the land, Marcia and Gary learned to work cows with Jack, Robert & Mike Grier. So much fun, and a lifetime of memories and friends were made on this land. In 1983, the Hendry’s decided to put a Mobile Home on the property. Marcia and her best friend Jane Marie Hudson (Eaker) would ride nonstop on the weekends. By this time, they had 2 ponies Midnight and Bucky and 3 horses Amber, Dixie & Sonny. Amber and Marcia never really bonded, so they sold her to a friend. The Hendry’s bought an Appaloosa from Mike Grier who lived off 714 by the dump.

Marcia’s parents dropped her off at Mike’s with her saddle and she rode her new horse home. She named her Stripes and they were a match made in heaven!

New year, new friends and the farm livestock numbers are growing. Several horses were acquired from a guy named Pete Copeland, including Paisano. Marcia met Stacey Gudelis (Anderson) in High School and they became fast friends. Paisano was Stacey’s dream horse. Stacey and Marcia would head to the farm after school almost every day. They would stop at Steverinos on Mapp Road and get an Italian Delight to feed their hearty appetites before they headed to the farm to care for the horses and ride.

Martin Commons was not developed yet, and a guy named Aubrey Savage leased the property behind Boat Ramp Acres Farm and Nursery. Marcia always loved the name Aubrey, so much so, that many years later, she named her daughter Aubree after him. Savage’s property was beautiful and had an Artesian well, Marcia and Stacey would swim with the horses often – it was crystal clear water. There were several other ponds back there and Savage gave permission for the Hendry’s to duck hunt there as well. Al, Marcia’s dad and Gary, Marcia’s brother would go back there every weekend during Duck season.

Late in 1981 they bought a 1978 John Deere loader, it was Al’s pride and joy. I think they still use that old John Deere at the B & A flea market today.

Braford Cattle were brought in from Adams Ranch. They were brown & white. Marcia’s grandfather was good friends with Judge Adams. (see the attached list of the cows). Marcia’s Uncle John passed away, and left them all of his cows, which were black and white. Every cow had a name and Marcia loved each one of them. They would follow her everywhere she went on the golf cart.

On Marcia’s Grandfather’s 85th birthday, they planned a party at the farm and built a pole barn. They named it Buck’s Burger Stand. To this day it is still called Buck’s and have hosted too many events to count.

In 1990, Marcia bought her own mobile home and moved to the Farm. She has lived there since then with exception of a short period of time after her mobile home burned down in 1996. She had to rent an apartment until the renters in the other mobile home moved out.

Early in 1998, Marcia built her home there and changed the name to Rockin H Ranch. Since then, there have been more memories made than we could put in this article. The biggest bash to date was on February 21, 2004 when Marcia and Dutch got married! It was by far the most amazing wedding in Martin County! Marcia’s brother Gary provided a huge tent for this spectacular event. The food, the presentation, the ice sculptures were amazing. Most of all the family and friends that gathered made memories to last a lifetime. The celebration was given not only to celebrate their union, but in true Marcia style – to bring joy, and good times, good food to all. Hospitality a word that reigns in Marcia’s heart.

The fun didn’t stop there, Marcia’s niece Jen Brown her husband Moose Brown had their wedding reception there. Ron Teal planned an amazing 60th Birthday for her Aunt Cathie Teal. He flew her in by helicopter, it was quite the sight. There are many more friends and family that have started their marriages, showered their babies, celebrated birthdays, engagements, celebrations of life – all on these blessed acres.

The ranch has also been used to further many excellent causes through the years. They generously hosted the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons Ball for 3 years.
Marcia has always dreamed of having an amazing venue for weddings/events at the Rockin H Ranch in Palm City, FL, and she is proud and excited to say that with the help of her husband Dutch and their children, Aubree & Saydee, they are booking weddings and events beginning May 2019.