MPNHA Press Release - MPHNA - Equestrian Center
2-28-2018 Press Release New Resort brings railroad back to Sanpete County in a unique way
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MPNHA Photo Contest – $25 Prize
We know that you have some amazing photos, and now it’s time to share them! The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is hosting a photo contest. It’s time to dust off the camera, phone, whichever you use to capture special moments and share some great pictures. You probably have some on your hard drive somewhere too!
To enter, users must upload their images to the MPNHA Facebook Page and submit a form (below) for each image that they enter into the contest.
Rules:
- All photos must be be property of the entrant and an original work. If you are submitting for someone else, permission must be obtained before uploading the image.
- All photos must be taken inside the boundaries of the MPNHA.
- Photo enhancements are allowed.
- The entry can be used on the MPNHA’s social media channels, website, etc. and will be credited to the entrant.
- If people are included in the image, a release is required for entry.
- All entrants must submit a short entry form in addition to uploading the image onto the MPNHA Facebook page.
- The final date to enter is July 21, 2017 at midnight, mountain time.
- The winner of the contest and $25 gift card to a retailer of their choice will be selected by the number of likes on their image. Ask your friends to vote for your image! In the event of a tie, the images with the same number of likes (loves, etc.) will be assigned a random number and then picked at random. The winner will be chosen and contacted on July 31, 2017.
- There is no age limit to participants (under 13 years of age must have parental permission) or limit to the number of images that are allowed, as long as every image has been submitted into the form below.
- Voting starts when you upload your image, so enter earlier for your best chance.
- Those who work for the MPNHA are not eligible to enter/win.
- Have fun.
Railroad Resorts Bring Sevier County’s Railroad Past to Life
MPNHA-Press-Release-Sevier-Railroad
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad is being resurrected in an unusual way in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Partners David Grow and George Jones of Environetics have built a caboose and railroad village at Big Rock Candy Mountain, north of Marysvale in Piute County. In February they received a 50-year lease of the old Denver and Rio Grande Depot from the city of Mt. Pleasant to build a similar resort there.
Jones, a retired railroad union executive with an interest in historic railroading, began collecting cabooses several years ago. About six years ago he approached Grow with the idea of turning them into a unique resort.
After several years of planning, last year the pair opened the Track 89 Caboose Village Resort at Big Rock Candy Mountain with three railroad cars. This year they have seven and next year they hope to have 10. The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area recently awarded the project a $25,000 grant for landscaping and parking.
Grow said it is unlikely the Mt. Pleasant facility will be open this season since major work needs to be done to prepare the site and move the railroad cars into place. He is very excited about the location, however.
“We’ve always loved that old depot and looked into moving it further down Highway 89 but found it was too expensive,” Grow said.
In 1977 the building was rescued from demolition by a group of local citizens who wanted to preserve it and had it moved to its present location from 500 West and Main.
The new location is ideal, Grow said. “It has great visibility, right on Highway 89. We will make sure that no lodging will block the beautiful view of the terrific old depot.” Grow said the Mt Pleasant site could eventually have as many as 15 rail cars.
He said they plan to incorporate several historic elements into the resort, but they have not yet determined if that will be in the setting of a small museum or as enhancements to the railroad cars themselves.
While some have suggested that the pair open a similar resort in Thistle in Utah County, Grow said that the Utah County planning department is not open to the idea.
“It would be like trying to push a river upstream,” he said.
MPNHA Director Monte Bona sees these two resorts as a first step to bringing about a railroad museum and interpretive center in the area, one of the goals of the MPNHA’s management plan.
“The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area reached the high threshold for national designation by articulating the thesis that Mormon colonization played a major role in the development of the West. The coming of the railroad era had a signifi cant impact that needs to be interpreted, displayed and conveyed as a crucial part of the Mormon country story,” he said.
The railroad first came to the Sevier Valley in 1893 when the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad expanded its line from Chester to Manti , connecting it with its Valley Line at Thistle Junction via Mt. Pleasant and from Manti to Marysvale.
At its peak, the line ferried passengers to Richfield where tour companies would meet the train at Marysvale and take tourists to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. For several decades it spurred economic growth in the area, especially in the livestock trade.
However, as automobiles grew in popularity, the railroad began to wane. In 1949, D&RGW dropped passenger service in the area. From then until the Thistle mudslide of 1982 shut down the line completely, the line primarily carried freight. Aft er the mudslide the D&RGW determined it would not be cost-effective to restore the line, which had been operating at a loss for decades.
Now, with the Environetics projects, railroad buff s and families will have a unique opportunity to experience a taste of the rich railroading history of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
For more information, contact or MPNHA Director Monte Bona at 801-699-5065 or David Grow at 801-375-9090.
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The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area includes 400 miles of glorious scenic byways, a vast array of wildlife, the best of western living, cattle and sheep ranches, and colorful mountain vistas, all within a trip on Utah Heritage Highway 89
Wasatch Academy Student, Sonita Alizadah’s Life Story Is Premiering At The Sundance Film Festival
January 24, 2016
MT. PLEASANT, Sanpete County —
Utah student nearly sold for $9K subject of Sundance documentary 
Geometry is a language many of us have trouble understanding, but imagine trying to comprehend it when you can’t understand a word the teacher’s speaking.
It was about a year ago that Sonita Alizadah first set foot in America, and began learning the language, mainly though pictures. She likens her experience to being deaf.
“You know, what do you call them?” she asked with a smile. “They speak with their hands.”
Sonita attends Wasatch Academy, a small school in the small town of Mt. Pleasant in central Utah.
“I love it!” she said. “Especially Wasatch, because Wasatch is the first real school for me. I have never been in a real school before.”
Sonita came here from Iran, but that country isn’t her home. Her family fled there from Afghanistan when she was a child.
“I don’t have any happy story, except shooting in the night, and a picture of Taliban in my mind,” she said.
Sonita had a cleaning job in Iran, which she likens to child labor.
“Life wasn’t easy because I was a refugee who didn’t have any papers or ID,” she said.
Sundance documentary
Her life in Iran is the subject of a documentary showing at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film bears her name, “Sonita.” One of its central events is when she receives a visit from her mother, who still lives in Afghanistan.
“My family decided to sell me,” Sonita said.
In Afghanistan, forced marriage is common. Sonita says it’s a tradition. Her mother wanted to sell her for $9,000, planning to use the money to buy a bride for Sonita’s brother.
“Forced marriage is like going to death for me,” she said.
Sonita isn’t your typical girl from Afghanistan. In fact, she’s not your typical girl from Iran, either. She’s gained quite a bit of notoriety all on her own through her music. Sonita’s a rapper — she first learned of rap music when she saw Eminem on television.
“I couldn’t understand him, what he was saying, but I realized I can tell something like him,” she said. “I can say my story like him, very fast.”
Celebrate An Old Fashioned Christmas in Mt. Pleasant City Of Lights Festival
The Annual Lighting of the City Lights in Mt, Pleasant will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 on Main Street. The festivities will begin at 4:00 PM and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus is slated for 4:15 PM.
At 5:30 PM the lights will be turned on with the accompany of Fireworks. It is a sight to behold!
Come join in the Spirit of Christmas, with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Hayrides, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, and Entertainment by the Mt. Pleasant Elementary Children.
Sat, Nov 28, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Mt Pleasant Main Street
Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas!
Santa & Mrs. Clause
Fireworks
Children’s games with prizes
Hayrides
Hot chocolate & cookies
Entertainment by Mt Pleasant Elementary children
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Has 4 Best Main Streets
Posted in November 18, 2015
These 13 Towns in Utah Have the Best Main Streets You’ve Gotta Visit
There’s just something about the Main Street in any town. It’s often part of the town’s historic district, and typically features some of the oldest buildings in the area. The best Main Streets are bustling, vibrant places where members of the community, along with visitors, shop, eat and mingle. Here are a few of Utah’s best Main Streets; maybe you’ve visited some of them recently!
You’ll find many of Ephraim’s shops on Main Street.
Many of the buildings along Mount Pleasant’s Main Street are original to the town – built in the 1800’s. The town added fiber optic lines, so you can surf the Internet while sitting in a historic building.
If you live in central Utah, chances are good that you’ve done some shopping on Richfield’s Main Street.
If you prefer something more rural, Main Street in Torrey is very charming, with its beautiful old trees, making a shady canopy overhead.
Which Main Streets did I miss? Share your favorite in the comments.
Perfect Ideas for Christmas Gift-Giving for History Buffs Straight From Santa
Do you have someone on your Christmas List for whom it is difficult to find the proper gift? Santa Claus himself has partnered with the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area to give stumped shoppers some ideas.
Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country is a compilation of stories of strength of the pioneers in Central and Southern Utah – many of which are not very well-known. Deseret News Review
Press Release – Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country
Sanpete Messenger article about Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country (Page A5)
Journal article from the Utah Historical Quarterly about Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country
Purchase from Acadia Publishing ($21.00)
Purchase from Eborn Books (also watch for signing events)
For the best prices, visit Amazon ($14.72 paperback or $9.99 Kindle) with free shipping for orders over $35 or Walmart with free shipping over $50
Events – Past (Bookmark for upcoming events)
Book Signing at Kings English Bookshop
Meet the Authors – Eborn Books
Explore The Blackhawk War, with an informative and entertaining DVD, available for purchase from the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area for $10, please contact the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Information at 801-699-5065 for more information about and to order this hour-long documentary by Discovery Road.
Press Release – Blackhawk War DVD
For those looking for more, Lincoln and Mormon Country, from the Looking for Lincoln in Illinois book series, in a partnership with Looking for Lincoln, a National Heritage Area in Illinois, is a unique gift.
Purchase from Amazon ($19.99 paperback and Kindle) with free shipping for orders over $35
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE MORMONS SHARE A RICH HISTORY
Bryon C. Andreason author of Looking For Lincoln in Illinois series has a new addition to his collection with his newly published book, Looking For Lincoln In Illinois; Lincoln And Mormon Country . This new book introduces the rich history of the early Mormon leaders and Abraham Lincoln. This edition contains over thirty amazing stories that connect President Lincoln with the Mormon community and members.
It is an honor for the Mormons and the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area to be recognized by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area with the publication of Andreason’s latest addition to his popular series.
Andreason amply tells of the great generation of the nineteenth century pioneers and of the Latter-day Saints, in Nauvoo to the state capital of Springfield. Included in this publication are maps, historic photos, Mormon expeditions, descriptive battles, interesting events of his travels, the now famous inns in which Lincoln visited. Also included in the edition are Brigham Young and various Mormon apostles of the time.
The book also includes colorful and engaging looks at key figures such as Brigham Young, various Mormon apostles, and more. Anyone inspired by Lincoln, as well as Mormon and Illinois history enthusiasts, will appreciate this look back at a long-past, but not forgotten, landscape.
Those with any interest in the history of the nineteenth century history, Abraham Lincoln, and Mormon history will sure be pleased with his latest publication.
There is another interest that the Looking For Lincoln and the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area have in common, it is the recently published book Legends, Lore& True Tales In Mormon Country. This insightful book was edited by Monte Bona, Director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
It contains contributions from authors Christian Probasco, Steven J. Clark, Eileen Hallet Stone, James Nelson, Jack C. Billings, Ed Meyer, Jack Monnet, Jason Friedman, and Shirley Bahlmann. These gifted authors have brought to life the exciting life and times in the Mormon Country.
Interesting and beloved stories of Brigham Young, Hiram Bebee, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Maude Adams, Chief Walkara, Chief Black Hawk , and Zane Grey’s ghost and numerous other stories. This book is a wonderful addition to your library, our family truly enjoys learning between myth or fact in our new home.
These books are a great Christmas gift for all that have an interest in the Mormon Country, and in President Abraham Lincoln.
A Great Honor Paid to Monte Bona, Director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area
July 30, 2015 12:15 am •
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MT. PLEASANT—Monte Bona, who has been a member of the Mt. Pleasant City Council for over 20 years, has had many opportunities to pat himself on the back over the years for his many accomplishments.
But Bona is not that way, he prefers to work “under the radar” so to speak and “keep a low profile”.
Most recently Bona received a great honor during the Days of ’47 Pioneers of Progress Awards ceremony in the historic and creative arts category for his vision of preserving historic buildings and taking the “seed” of an idea that later turned Highway 89 into becoming a national area designation. Bona currently serves as Director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA).
As far back as 1994 the National Trust for Historic Preservation told Bona there was a story to tell about the colonization and architecture along Highway 89 which turned into the Sanpete Heritage Council and later the MPNHA which spans 400 miles within central and southern Utah.
Senator Bob Bennett sponsored the bill and with the help of Representatives Chris Cannon and Jim Matheson, the bill was passed in July 2006 and signed into law by President George W. Bush in October of that year. Others who played key roles in the designation were Wilson Martin, former director of the Utah Division of State History and Brad Shafer, a member of Bennett’s staff. The management plan was approved by the Secretary of the Interior in March 2010.
“The award was given in honor of the Mormon pioneers. There are 49 designation national heritage areas in the U.S. We are the only one named after a people. The Pioneers of Progress Awards go to individuals, not organizations. I agreed to accept the award on behalf of all of our partners in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area,” said Bona.
Since the designation, Bona has worked with great partners including the Utah Division of State History assisting in the restoration of many historical buildings along the corridor. In Mt. Pleasant alone, because of the fundraising efforts of Wasatch Academy, there have been two buildings restored, the First Presbyterian Church, which is also used as a music conservatory for Wasatch Academy, and Liberal Hall, which was the first home of Wasatch Academy and now a museum.
Along the strip, two Carnegie libraries in Mt. Pleasant and Ephraim; Casino Star Theater, Gunnison; Peterson Dance Hall, Fairview; a historic plaza at Snow College, Ephraim; and a monument of the Quilt Walk, Panguitch; are just a few restoration and developments that have taken place.
Bona has also promoted the area with television productions, the Black Hawk War, and programs, such as Discovery Road, seen on KJZZ and UEN, and most recently a new book edited by him entitled, Legends, Lore & True Tales in Mormon Country. Local writers include Jason Friedman, Steve Clark, Jack Monnett and Shirley Bahlmann. The book is available at Amazon and locally at Skyline Pharmacy, Mt. Pleasant.
Although Bona chose to not seek re-election to the Mt. Pleasant City Council this year, he plans to remain an active participant with the many projects in continuing with the MPNHA. He is also heavily involved with the Mt. Pleasant Main Street Committee, which serves as the executive committee of the Community Development and Renewal Agency (CDRA)
In the beginning the assessed evaluation in the CDRA was $6M and is currently set at about $23M. By 2018 when the designation expires, Bona hopes the value will be in the neighborhood of $30M.
Bona has also received awards from the Utah Heritage Foundation, Utah Division of State History Outstanding Contribution and the Regional Recognition Award from Utah’s Six County Association of Governments.
The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Utah for 2015
A new selection of Utah small towns has been compiled and posted on 30 July, 2015 in Utah by Catherine Rees. Rees, a lifelong resident of Utah, is a writer, researcher and observer of the human condition.
Of the list, Mt. Pleasant, in Sanpete County, Kanab, in Kane County, and Monroe, in Sevier County are in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Utah is a beautiful state with many charming towns, magnificent landscape, and overflowing in rich history. If you are a resident of this amazing state, might we suggest that you get to know your state, learn all there is to know, and enjoy her natural resources. If you are wanting to visit Utah we highly recommend our state as one that will delight you with all that she has to offer.
Utah’s abundant outdoor recreation will certainly thrill all that share in the experiences she provides. You will be delighted with Utah’s year round activities. Come visit Utah and don’t forget to take a memorable trip along Utah Heritage Highway 89; in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
The Mormon pioneers who settled in these remote areas, fought many battles with the elements, sacrificed beyond measure, endured countless hardships to leave la worthy legacy for those who followed. Is it any wonder the state reveres its diverse history and honors the their contribution in declaring 24 July Pioneer Day throughout the state.
Pioneer Days is a great time to visit Utah but don’t wait, visit Utah over and over to really experience all that Utah has to offer. Experience the enchantment of small town living in this great and beautiful state all within a short distance of the larger metropolitan cities. Where small town charm and rich pioneer traditions coexist to provide an environment unlike any other.
Visit Utah, Experience Utah, Utah where the western way of life thrives, and the small town charm is ever present!
Here Are The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Utah
Utah has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few decades; once small towns have grown to medium-sized ones (at least by Utah standards). Of course, you can still find many beautiful little towns across the state. This list isn’t meant to be a “Best Of.” It’s simply a list of a few small towns we think are great (in no particular order!). We chose towns with populations between 612 and 5,130, though many residents living in towns with populations of 10,000 or even 20,000 might enjoy that small-town atmosphere.
1) Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, pop. 3,278
The historic 19th century shops on Main Street are still filled with thriving local businesses today. The town has upgraded its technology quite a bit — the beautiful brick buildings all have fiber-optic cable. This small town may just win the prize for “Most Adorable Main Street.”
Most visitors to Huntsville stop by while they’re boating, fishing or splashing in Pineview Reservoir, but this little town has much more to offer than meets the eye. Visit the Huntsville History Museum and take a tour of the first cabin built in the town in 1861. If you really want to get a taste of history, visit the Shooting Star Saloon, which has the distinction of being Utah’s longest-operating bar.
Stop by Kanab on any given day, and you’re likely to find some diverse folks. The community is home to many farmers and ranchers, but is also often home to Hollywood film crews, makeup artists and actors. Drive around the town to find many historic homes and buildings, and stop by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a visit.
Kamas sees its share of visitors. The town bills itself as “The Gateway to the Uintas,” and that’s exactly what it is. Kamas is the last stop on the way to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, so stop and get a meal at one of its several restaurants, or grab a shake or cone at Uinta Drive In.
If you don’t already know, Fillmore was the original capital city of Utah. The Utah Territorial Statehouse still stands and is the oldest government building in the state. Visitors don’t come to Fillmore today for state politics, they come for its ATV trails. The town hosts an annual National ATV Jamboree — you can hop on your ATV right from your motel and hit the trails!
Midway hosts its annual Swiss Days every year in September; the festival brings thousands of visitors to the little town. Other tourists come to stay at The Homestead, where they play 18 holes at the golf course or scuba dive in the geo-thermal pool.
This small town is host to thousands of visitors each year; outdoor recreation opportunities abound. The influx of tourists allows Moab to support dozens of restaurants and numerous art galleries.
Morgan is a vibrant little community where residents enjoy the great outdoors, then gather together for community events at the park. Visitors come for skiing at Snowbasin and kayaking on the Weber river. Get a great deal at the Browning Outlet Store and grab some delicious chicken at the Spring Chicken Inn.
Nestled at the base of Mount Nebo, Mona is well-known for its lavender fields and annual Lavender Festival.
This town is known as Little Green Valley because of all its green pastures and fields. Tourists visit Monroe to soak in Mystic Hot Springs; South Sevier High School draws students from smaller neighboring communities.
Mt. Pleasant Hub City Days 4th of July 2015
Each year Mt. Pleasant hosts the Hub City Days in the Little Denmark District. The events surrounding the 4th of July attract around 10,000 spectators in a small rural setting of 2,700 residents.
The presentation of the flag brings everyone to their feet.
This year the citizens were treated with the Mt. Pleasant Mayor, David Blackman driving his vintage 1949 Ford Tractor pulling the City Council Members. There of course, is candy a plenty thrown from the various floats to the crowd.
To kick off the festivities, the PRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sponsors a rodeo on the 3rd and 4th of July. The city of Mt. Pleasant hosts a Rodeo Fun Night
—Games on Horseback at Mt Pleasant Rodeo – Free admission for a variety of games for children and adults to enjoy on the 2nd of July. Here you will get in the spirit of the cowboy life in Sanpete County with horse games, calf pull, stick horse races, hide races, barrel riding, and musical tires on horse back. The video clips of the festivities courtesy of Randy Wootton.
On the 4th of July the day starts Breakfast in the Park Cancer Fun Run: $5—Free t-shirts. Tennis Tournament—High School Tennis courts. Doubles & singles Book Sale, chess & checkers on Library Lawn. Children’s Parade—Mammoth Parade—Mt. Pleasant City Park: Entertainment, Craft/Food Booths all day Free games, prizes & wagon rides in park by Youth City Council “Best Pie in Mt. Pleasant” contest—$100 prize—. Hub City Rodeo—Mt. Pleasant Rodeo Arena (Mutton Bustin’). This year, there were 90 entries for the parade. Following the rodeo fireworks in the park.
The Mountain Man Rendezvous is in the city park with muzzle loader shoot-outs, exhibits, trading, displays, candy cannon explosions, tomahawk and knife throwing contests, frying pan tossing, dutch oven cook off, kids games, native American dancers, historical reenactments and more. Participants camp out in authentic teepees and wall tents during the three day event. Spectators are always welcome.
Memorial Day Honoring Family and Traditions
Memorial Day has always been a family tradition. No matter where we moved, we always went to the family cemetery to honor our family. Decorating the graves was a responsibility my father would say “someday you will take on this responsibility and teach it to your children.”
Well, here we are as grandparents taking our wonderful grandchildren to the graves of family members to honor them. What I saw this year was a wonderful example of the past and the present. Grandchildren reverently placing flowers on the graves of family members that are six and seven generations past.
This year there was more joy as we spent the day together talking to the children, telling them stories. We focused on the living and the funny family stories of the past. We still missed those who have preceded us, but it was a sweet remembering this year. What does bring tears to my eyes is the respect, reverence, and the United States flags flying high to honor our fallen military men and women.
There is truly something amazing beyond description that seeing lanes lined with the United States flying. I am proud to be an American, I am proud that my father was a WWII Veteran. I am proud that my husband was a Viet Nam Veteran. I am proud of all those who have offered their lives for the freedom our country represents. I am proud of those who continue to fight for our freedom, and pray that someday they will all come home. I pray that we will be able to continue to represent a land of opportunity, one where we all live in peace and in times of peril, there will continue to be brave men and women who feel as deeply as those of past days and take their ranks in the military.
I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America; and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
I am so grateful that the cemeteries in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, no matter how small that they might be, flew the United States of American Flag proudly for those who gave their lives for all that this great nation!
Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country (American Legends) By Monte Bona
Monte Bona, along with the collaborative efforts of talented professionals have given us an authentic view of those brave men, women and children who left their homes, family, wealth, and country to establish the communities in South Central Utah.
The powerful stories of the early settlers in the region that is now identified by the Congressional designation as the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, are touching, informative, and compelling
These pioneers certainly left a legacy that illustrates a structure that was steeped in codes of conduct, traditions, and principles that everyone embraced for the sole purpose of succeeding in a somewhat hostile environment. Their stories come to life as you read of their inventiveness, cooperation, conscientiousness, and pure resilience. You will also be moved stories of with miracles that occurred..
Many may be interested to learn that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons were not the only secular group that assisted with the settling of Utah. Jewish settlements, and contributions of a Presbyterian Minister, were instrumental. There were great sacrifices, large doses of humility, and traditional morals that were all combined to make their efforts a true success.
I have a great appreciation for the time intensive work completed by Monte Bona that has gone into producing Legends, Lore and True Tales in Mormon Country (American Legends). It is commendable that such an undertaking has been made to tell their stories. What a great job he has done!
The pictures are an added bonus, they help to recreate the trials, tribulations and the triumphs of the early pioneers. Mr. Bona has done a tremendous job in compiling this must have book for those who seek to find their family history, and a great resource for future generations. Without a doubt this is a book that you will read, reread, share, and retell the stories, legends, lore and true tales to everyone. I highly recommend this book to all who seek the true tales in Mormon Country.
Museums Located in Little Denmark
Fairview
Fairview Museum of History and Art
The Fairview Museum has something for everyone from personal handwritten heirloom family stories, records of founding forefathers genealogy, Native American artifacts, art work from local artists, sculptures by Arvard T. Fairbanks, and a true life scale of a massive mammoth. This Columbian mammoth was almost fully intact when it was discovered as the Wasatch Plateau was being excavated at the Huntington Reservoir in 1988.
Stop in for all that the Fairview Museum has to offer Don’t forget to visit the outdoor equipment that has been collected, that was once used by early settlers of the area.
Mount Pleasant
Bishop Seely and Relic Home Museum
Fountain Green
Fountain Green Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum and Old Tithing House
Manti
Manti Historic City Hall
Pattern House and Old Manti School/Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum
Spring City
Spring City Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum and Old Jail
Local Artisans and Galleries in Little Denmark
There are numerous artisans and galleries in Little Denmark, each one unique. You can find artisans specializing in: country, western, landscapes, exhibits, quilting, weaving, woodworking, murals, paintings, pottery, carvings, silversmiths, gunsmiths, violin makers, saddlery, custom boots, and numerous other crafts that will delight all.
Ephraim
- Accent Wear in Ephraim
- Address: 15 East 300 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: 435) 283-4133
- Carver Predator Calls
- Address: 380 East 400 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-6525
- Mobile/Other: (435) 340-0303
- KJB Silversmithing
- Address: 161 West Center, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-4016
- Pressed For Time
- Address: 238 South 100 East, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-4788
- Steve Olsen Knives in Ephraim
- Address: 420 East 400 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-6344
- Traditional Building Skills Institute
- Address: 150 E College Ave., Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-7000
- John Young Knives
- Address: 483 East 400 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
- Phone: (435) 283-4555
Centerfield
- Ron Anderson Wild Life Art
- Address: 385 North Main, Centerfield, UT 84622
- Phone: (835) 528-3679
Fairview
- Ancestors in Oil in Fairview
- Address: 185 E 400 N, RR 1 Box 81, Fairview, UT 84629
- Phone: (435) 427-9172
- The Art Studio
- Address: 239 S. 200 E., Fairview, UT 84629
- Phone: (435) 262-0324
- Conforme Belle
- Address: 186 West 200 North, Fairview, UT 84629
- Phone: (435) 469-1226
- North Bend Trading Post
- Address: 40 S State, P.O. Box 183, Fairview, UT 84629
- Phone: (435) 427-9390
Fountain Green
- R.A. Smith Custom Fly Rods
- Address: 315 S 500 W, P.O. Box 367, Ft. Green, UT 84632
- Phone: (435) 445-3497
- Slickrock Leather Works
- Address: 874 West 400 North, Ft. Green, UT 84632
- Phone: (435) 851-6637
- Stewart Artworks
- Address: 590 West 200 North, Ft. Green, UT 84632
- Phone: (435) 445-3531
Manti
- John Pratt Harp Company in Manti
- Address: 360 West 400 South, Manti, UT 84642
- Phone: (435) 835-3541
- Steve Johnson Knife Maker
- Address: 202 East 200 North, Manti, UT 84642
- Phone: (435) 835-7941
- Carl Purcell Studio & Gallery
- Address: 394 West Union, Manti, UT 84642
- Phone: (435) 835-7892
Moroni
- Aldridge Fine Art Studio in Moroni
- Address: 110 South 300 West, Moroni, UT 84646
- Phone: (435) 436-8815
Mt. Pleasant
- Paul Hart Violins
- Address: 36 W. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
- Phone: (435) 462-0301
- The Illusion Academy in Mt. Pleasant
- Address: 180 North State, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
- Phone: 435) 462-4545
- Peel Furniture Works
- Address: 565 West Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
- Phone: (435) 462-2887
- Pioneer Art in Mt. Pleasant
- Address: 720 Walkara Ave, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
- Phone: (559) 859-3861
- Mighty Quinn Studios / Jason Quinn
- Address: 118 E. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
- Phone: (435) 462-4531
Spring City
- Osral Allred Fine Art
- Address: P.O. Box 152, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-2137
- Antler’s Gift Shop
- Address: 465 North Main, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-5642
- The Art of Joan Durfey
- Address: 94 West 100 North, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 262-0360
- Black Canyon Taxidermy
- Address: P.O. Box 361, 300 N 300 E, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-2661
- C. M. Carving in Spring City
- Address: 409 E 200 N, PO Box 190, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-9535
- Douglas Fryer Fine Art
- Address: P.O. Box 394, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-2640
- FiddleSticks Celtic Music
- Address: 95 East 400 South, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 221-1108
- Mobile/Other: (801) 369-1243
- Foxglove Cottage
- Address: P.O. Box 220, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-9618
- Fine Art of Susan Gallacher
- Address: 12 North Main, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 486-5019
- Horseshoe Mountain Pottery
- Address: 278 S Main, PO Box 186, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-2708
- Jock Jones Handcrafted Windsor Chairs
- Address: 125 South Main, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 915-201
- LGK Studios
- Address: P.O. Box 104, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-9603
- Shirley McKay Fine Art
- Address: 190 North Main, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 226-7097
- Mobile/Other: (435) 462-0378
- The Nest Gallery in Spring City Outlaw Glass Blowing
- Address: P.O. Box 251, 150 N 600 E, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 262-0345
- M’lisa Paulsen Fine Art
- Address: 119 W 200 N, P.O. Box 36, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-3454
- Mobile/Other: (801) 910-4191
- Kathleen Peterson Fine Art
- Address: 12755 North 8500 East, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-4319
- Randall Lake Original Oil Paintings
- Address: 63 West 300 South, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 521-4609
- Sanpete Spur & Silver
- Address: 735 S Main, P.O. Box 403, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-7490
- Scientific Glass Arts and Research
- Address: 150 North 600 East, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (510) 381-3436
- Kerry Soper Fine Art
- Address: 190 North Main, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (801) 224-4129
- Walker Custom Boots
- Address: 1335 N Hwy 117, P.O. Box 561, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-3669
- Amanda Willey Studios
- Address: P.O. Box 274, Spring City, UT 84662
- Michael Workman Studio
- Address: P.O. Box 441, Spring City, UT 84662
- Phone: (435) 462-3937
Relic Home in Little Denmark
This beautiful house was once the home of William Seely, a prominent citizen, Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1859 to 1890, first Mayor of Mt. Pleasant, businessman, and leader in Sanpete County. One of the first homes to be built outside of the Mt. Pleasant Fort, is now known as the Relic Home.
Built in 1869 this magnificent structure has a hint of Greek Revival architecture. Here he resided with his wife Charlotte and their nine children.
History has placed President Brigham Young at the home, helping to place the floor in the entry way and sitting at the dining room table during a visit.
It also has been reported that the final treaty was signed Saturday, September 7, 1872 that ended the Black Hawk War between the Ute Indians and the Mormon settlers, at the entrance of the home.
Representing the United States Government was General Morrow from Camp Douglas, and representing the Ute Native Americans were Sanpitch’s Chief Black Hawk and Chief Indian Joe placing their respective mark on the treaty. 
History has recorded that Chief Black Hawk had been wounded at the battle on Diamond Hill; he stood tall and dignified as he signed the treaty.
Around 1949 or 1950 the Mt. Pleasant Historical Association acquired the home for the expressed use of a museum.
Here the rooms are filled with large hanging portraits on the walls of early pioneers, historical sites, and homes.
There is also a wealth of treasures in family histories and genealogies of the early pioneers and their descendants.
There has also been a collection of early homesteads and their history.
That is not all that is held within its walls, there are many artifacts that were used and worn during these early days in history.
This is a must see museum on your next trip in Sanpete County, Mt. Pleasant.
Along the north side of the property is an authentic working blacksmith shop, owned by Pete Hafen. One of the many outstanding features of the shop is the Prairie Diamond Rings.
It has been told that while crossing the mountains and plains a young couple fell in love and wanted to marry. Of course there was no money to be had, neither a general store, merchant, or jeweler. Hearing of the young couples plight, a kind blacksmith fired up the forge, and took a horse shoe nail to make a wedding ring. 
It became known as the Prairie Diamond due to the diamond shaped trademark stamped on the head of the nail that represented the Diamond Company. If you are lucky enough on your visit, Pete, the blacksmith just might have a supply on hand or be in the process of making a supply of rings to give the ladies that visit his shop.
Prairie Diamond
As the settlers came west to settle their land,
Many of the youth walked hand in hand.
Some fell in love and wanted to marry,
But, money and jewelry they did not carry.
A kind young blacksmith knew just what to do.
He bent the nail from an old horseshoe.
The Prairie Diamond was the name of the ring.
So much happiness it surely did bring.
Many of the family histories, photographs, and a wealth of information contained in the Relic Home was assembled by Co-Director Tudy Standlee. She has assembled and identified the information on the families so that visitors will know in an instant what treasures the Relic Home has to offer. She has also responsible for the compiled history on the historic homes and their ownership since the beginning of Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Seventh Annual Soap Box Derby Returns to Mt. Pleasant
| DATE 06/25/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Seventh Annual Soap Box Derby Returns to Mt. Pleasant |
| What do soap box derby’s and Mountain Man rendezvous have in common? Both are phenomenon’s that took the United States by storm – albeit 100 years apart. Rendezvous were popular between about 1824 and 1850, and soap box derby’s were all the rage about a century later.But more recently, their commonality is that both events are part of the July 4 celebrations in Sanpete County, and this year is no exception.
Mt. Pleasant city is gearing up to hold its seventh annual soap box derby and Mountain Man Rendezvous the Fourth of July weekend. The derby races will be held July 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street will take on the look of yesteryear for the event, which was designed to bring the once-popular races back to the streets of Mt. Pleasant. Soap Box Derby races used to be a popular event in Sanpete County, with a lot of local residents taking part as children. The races first became popular in the 1930s. It is believed they officially started when a Dayton, Ohio, Daily News Photographer encountered three boys racing homemade, engine-less cars down an inclined brick street. He reportedly came up with the idea to hold a coasting race and award a prize to the winner. The first official race was held in 1933, with more than 300 kids showing up with homemade cars built of orange crates, sheet tin, wagon and baby-buggy wheels and almost everything of “junk value.” As to be expected, Soap Box derby races have grown in popularity and sophistication over the years, with contests now full of regulations and restrictions. But Sanpete County’s races remain true to the original “anything goes” soap box derby philosophy, says event organizer John McClellan. Cars can be made of any material, including plastic, wood, metal. They should be about six to seven feet long and about three feet wide. Drivers should range in age from about eight to 16 years. For additional information on the races, contact McClellan at (435) 462-3808. The annual Blackhawk Mountain Man Rendezvous will be held starting June 30 from 9 .m. to dark in Mt. Pleasant’s city park. The popular four-day festival attracts hundreds of shooters, traders and enthusiasts from throughout Utah and other parts of the United States. A main attraction is “Traders Row” that includes historic items like those made and sold at Mountain Men Rendezvous before 1840. On July 4, there will be a Dutch-oven cook off, exhibits, trading, displays, candy cannon explosions, tomahawk and knife-throwing contests, frying pan tosses, kids games, Native American dancers, historical re-enactments and more. The rendezvous was started and is planned yearly by David and Pat Gonzalez, who are longtime enthusiasts of Mountain Men rendezvous, with help from the Sanpete County Heritage Council. Pat Gonzalez herself produces numerous items that she sells at rendezvous, including bead work, boxes covered in animal hide, and leather and wool dresses. For more information, contact the Dave Gonzalez, (435) 462-0152 or Mt. Pleasant City, (435) 462-2456. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Candy Bomber Will Highlight Mt Pleasant Fly-In
| DATE 06/21/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Candy Bomber Will Highlight Mt Pleasant Fly-In. |
| Gail Halverson, renowned as the Berlin Candy Bomber, will be the guest speaker at the Mt. Pleasant Fly-In. He will speak at the Mt. Pleasant Airport at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22nd.
Col. Halverson was an Air Force Lieutenant in 1948-49 when he was touched by the friendliness and excitement of the children of Berlin. He decided to do something special for them and dubbed his effort “Operation Little Vittles”. He gathered all of the candy he could find and attached it to miniature parachutes. His pilot buddies joined the effort with candy, gum and handkerchiefs, and the candy bombing began. The American Confectioners Association came aboard and sent tons of candy and gum to Westover AFB for processing. Lt. Halverson received additional troop support when 22 schools in Chicopee, MA converted an old fire station into a Little Vittles Headquarters. They made parachutes and tied on candy and gum. The final product was shipped to Halverson at Rhine Main AFB. By January, 1949, more than 250,000 parachutes loaded with candy had been dropped on Berlin by Lt. Halverson and his fellow pilots to reach over 100,000 children who were in Berlin during the Russian Blockade. Col. Halverson received the Cheney Award in 1948″ for an act of valor, extreme fortitude, or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest.” Col. Halverson’s appearance at the Fly-In is part of a two day event that will feature morning and evening RC Aerobatic Shows on Friday, June 22nd. A fund raising breakfast for a Haitian orphanage will be held on Saturday morning, June 23rd, at 7:30 a.m. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, children (8-17) will be given free airplane rides (as recourses allow). Helicopter rides ($25 per person) will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, along with activities for children, including the candy parachute drop at noon. The Fly-In is part of an on-going effort by David Fullmer, the volunteer manager of Mt. Pleasant’s airport. Fullmer is a recreational pilot who has big plans for Mt. Pleasant’s little airport. The Fly-In is part of a ten year effort by Fullmer to cater to those who fly for pleasure. His goal is to entice pilots to visit Sanpete County for an afternoon, a day or even longer. “Mt. Pleasant’s Airport is unique among rural airports because it’s so close to town, ” says Fullmer. Most rural airports are miles away from the nearest town, making it difficult for pilots to access services such as restaurants or motels. “But our airport is only about a half a mile from the edge of town. It gives us a lot of options.” He adds that there are countless other attractions in the area that add to the appeal factor: fishing, miles of high mountain trails for 4-wheeling, mountain biking and hiking, rock climbing at Maple Canyon and snowmobiling and snow kiting in the winter. “Once the airport becomes known in the pilot community in Utah and the Intermountain West as a place that caters to recreational pilots and as a center point for a great place to visit, all kinds of things can happen”. For more information about the Fly-In or the Mt. Pleasant Airport, contact Fullmer at 435-427-9131 Information about the Fly-In is available online at www.sanpeteflyin.org. Fullmer may be reached via email at tpjr@cut.net.
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| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Rhubarb Festival Celebrates Region, Creativity
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Pioneer Day ‘Birthday Bash’ Celebrates Mt. Pleasant’s Founding Fathers and U.S. Highway 89 Designation
| DATE 03/13/2007 12:41 PM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Pioneer Day ‘Birthday Bash’ Celebrates Mt. Pleasant’s Founding Fathers |
| Mt. Pleasant City is throwing a party March 24 for its founding fathers and to celebrate the designation of U.S. Highway 89 as a national historical designation.
“Every year, we honor the people who made this city what it is today with a special Pioneer Day luncheon,” says Joann Winward, a member of the Mt. Pleasant Historical Association, which sponsors the annual event. “This year, we have another thing to celebrate: the passage of the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage area, which recognizes the historical significance and heritage of U.S. Highway 89. So we decided to make the highway the theme of this year’s party.” The theme of the luncheon is “Keep on Truckin’ Down U.S. Highway 89.” The event starts at 11 a.m. with a box lunch at at noon at the South Ward “Yellow Church,” 295 S. State Street in Mt. Pleasant. U.S. Highway 89 has a rich history in Sanpete County, Winward says. It was the route the region’s early settlers used in 1860 to take cattle for the winter to Sevier Valley. In 1862, oats were delivered to Ruby Valley by wagons and oxen teams via this route, and it soon became the main road for mail delivery. In July of 1861, Brigham Young authorized spending $4,000 from tithing funds to complete U.S. Highway 89 so that it ran from Sanpete County to Spanish Fork, and it officially opened to the public in 1882. Today, the cities and towns in the six-county area are the best remaining example of how Mormon pioneers colonized the west. A bill establishing the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area was signed into law by President George W. Bush last fall. Many local residents spent years working on the measure and even helped draft the original bill. The national designation recognizes the history, architecture and culture along “the heritage highway,” and includes U.S. Highway 89 from Fairview to Kanab, the Boulder Loop (state highways 12 and 24), the All-American Road (highway 12) and the six counties through which the route passes: Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane. “In my time, boys could hitch hike along U.S. Highway 89 to visit girls in the surrounding towns of Fairview and Spring City,” Winward says. “By the time we graduated form high school, we would ‘drag’ the highway in our cars.” People are invited to swap stories about the highway, and the region’s history in general, during the Pioneer Day luncheon. The event will also include a reception, silent auction, bake sale, and musical performances by the Snow College L.D. Singers. Cost for the box lunch is $7. There will also be copies of Mt. Pleasant history books for purchase. “There is a little bit of something for everyone,” Winward says. “It’s a way for us to honor the pioneers who settled the area. We invite anyone who has ever lived in Mt. Pleasant to attend, and anyone who is interested in Mt. Pleasant to attend.” The annual celebratory lunch is one of the two main programs supported by the Mt. Pleasant Historical Association. The group also looks after Relic House, a museum that displays relics ranging from pioneer quilts and clothing to blacksmith shop tools and equipment. Relic House was one of the first homes in Mt. Pleasant to be built outside of the fort that housed the area’s first settlers. It was built by William S. Seely, who was the first LDS bishop and also the town’s first mayor. Mt. Pleasant City was officially founded in 1859. Nearly two-thirds of the city’s earliest settlers were Scandinavian pioneers who immigrated to Utah from Canada, the United States and England. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Snowkiters Will Harness the Wind, Soar During ‘Masters’ Event
| DATE 02/19/2007 9:29 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowkiters Will Harness the Wind, Soar During ‘Masters’ Event |
| Ever wondered what would happen if you harnessed the wind? Come and see for yourself at the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite Masters being held in Sanpete County March 3 to 4 at the top of Skyline Drive.
“This event will be the largest U.S.- based snowkiting event and will feature riders from all over the world in an all-out jam session,” says Brian Schenck, an instructor and owner of Windzup, a Utah snowkite company. Some of the best snowkiters on the globe will take part in the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite masters and will soar across the spectacular terrain of Sanpete County’s Fairview Canyon. The free public event will include races and competitions, with riders showcasing both the freestyle potential of the sport as well as the backcountry side with Freeriding Expression Sessions, X/C Tours and a Winduro race. There will also be free clinics, lessons, workshops and information sessions. Registration will be held at 11 a.m. each day. Some 100 snowkiters and at least that many spectators are expected to attend. The event is designed to showcase the sport, and everything is free of charge, making it an excellent opportunity for the general public to try out snowkiting. The sport involves large kites pulling a skier or snowboarder across the snow and is one of the fastest-growing sports around. The only thing growing faster than the sport’s popularity is Sanpete County’s reputation for having the best conditions in North America for snowkiting. These include acres of open flats and hills of every angle and direction. Schenck adds that snowkiters from all over are particularly drawn to Fairview Canyon’s Skyline Drive, which has an altitude of 9800 feet and is known for its excellent snow and wind conditions. Schenck is moving his company, Windzup, which he owns with his wife, Heather, to Mt. Pleasant City’s industrial park. The company has purchased a four-acre parcel of land and is relocating its primary offices and distribution warehouse to the area. The move will create a new world headquarters for Windzup, with all operations based in Sanpete County. In addition to corporate offices, Mt. Pleasant will be the new home to Windzup’s nationwide distribution facilities and in-house marketing. “This year is shaping up to be an epic year for snowkiting, and our new 2007 kites are definitely taking rank in some of the best kites ever produced,” Schenck says. More information about the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite Masters event and a map of the location is available online at http://www.snowkiting.com/snowkitemasters/. More information about Schenck’s company, Windzup is also available online athttp://www.windzup.com/. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
