Great Dance Routine by James Cagney and Bob Hope ~ Shared by Larry Staker

First Schools In Mt. Pleasant ~ Research done by Mary Louise Madsen Seamons ~ pictures added by Kathy Hafen

Soon after the settlers of Mt. Pleasant had built homes and churches and their crops planted, the colonists made certain that  education was available for their children, as they believed that "the glory of God is Intelligence" and that "no man can be saved in ignorance."

On January 13, 1860 a single teacher opened the first school, sponsored by the LDS Church, in a rough log cabin inside the fort.  Children attended school when they were not needed at hone.  Soon other schools constructed of log and adobe were opened; one in each of the for wards of the town, and the number of teachers was increased.  Eventually a Territorial Superintendent of Public Instruction was named.  He was assisted by a County Superintendent and; locally, by a Board of Trustees consisting of three elected men.  Few textbooks were available, so the children were taught from all types of printed matter including religious books and pamphlets, on blackboards and slates, and through such oral recitation as spelling bees.

In 1875 the ecclesiastical leaders in the East, fearing for the souls of the "misled" mormons, established   mission school in small Utah communities in an attempt to "save the children."  One of these, Wasatch Academy sponsored by the Presbyterian Church, survives in Mt. Pleasant.  For a short time there was also a school supported by the Methodist Church.

Other, more permanent structures, were soon built.  One of the first was a red brick building constructed on the corner of First West and First North, near one of the early schools had been.  This was later remodeled and used as the City Hall.  It now serves as a mortuary.

Hamilton Elementary  

Hamilton Elementary School was completed in 1896 at First East and Main.  The three-story, red brick building consisted of twelve classrooms; four on each floor, and the necessary offices for administrators.  Separate entries were maintained for boys; for girls, and for teachers and staff.  Indoor plumbing was added in the 1920's.

The building had a large brass gong which was usually rung by sixth graders who served as hall monitors.  These monitors watched the round faced clock on the wall above one of the rooms and rang the bell for changing classes or for other assignments during the day.  Students were eager to be monitors so they could spend the day reading and catching up on assignments or just enjoying a day of ease.  The school building was capped with a large school bell which was rung by pulling down vigorously on the attached rope.  If the monitor were strong enough; he or she was also allowed to ring this bell at the appropriate time in the morning.  The bell is now in front of the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society Museum on State Street about a block and a half south of Main Street.

A spiral fire escape was later installed on the outside of the building as a safety precaution.  Although students were forbidden to play on the fire escape, it helped provide them many hours of entertainment in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer months as they played "Hide-and-Seek" or "Run, Sheep, Run" or used it as a slide.

Hamilton Elementary (Slide Fire Escape View)

Instruction was provided for students in grades one through six, sometimes with the addition of kindergarten, until the school was replaced in 1962.  It originally housed all classes through grade eight until the seventh and eighth grades were moved to the high school.

JOURNEY OF FAITH

With permission of David R. Gunderson, we include the following book to our blog.   I will do a few increments at a time, as I have done with the Andrew Madsen and James Monsen histories.  I will also paste the pages over to David's own blog page: http://davidrgunderson.blogspot.com/
This book will be of interest to not only the Gunderson Family but also to the Brotherson, Ericksen, Peel,   Madsen, Larsen and more.
 
Erick and Caroline Gunderson



                               to be continued…….

Seeley Family In Pickering Township and the Mormon Mission of Pickering Township

Justus Azel and family in the Pickering Township Historical Society Pathmaster, Newsletter, published by the Township of Pickering Historical Society, 16 pages, winter edition, volume 8 numbers 1 & 2

What’s Inside this issue of Pathmaster is devoted almost entirely to the Mormon mission to Pickering Township in the 1830’s. While the Mormon presence was limited for the most part to a mere three years (1835-1838), the impact it had on the township was far greater than that short span would suggest, and the consequences for the history of the Mormon Church also far outweigh the brief association. 

Highlighted here are the families of Edward Lawrence, John Lovell, and Justus Azel Seelye. The Mormon Mission to Pickering Township in the 1830s By John Sabean The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (more informally known as the Mormon Church) was organized on 6 April 1830 in Fayette, New York. Its founder was Joseph Smith, Jr., to whom is ascribed the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, which is the basis of the Mormon faith and treated as Scripture. 

In June 1832 the first church elders were sent to Upper Canada for the purpose of doing missionary work.1 See the accompanying item regarding the plaque erected near Bath (formerly Ernestown), Ontario, to commemorate this event. By 1836, the Mormon expansion had reached Pickering Township in the person of John Taylor, then a recent convert to Mormonism, but destined to be one of its leaders.   Taylor had been introduced to the church by Parley P. Pratt, a church elder from the United States. 

As Pratt himself described it in his Autobiography, in April 1836 he received a visit to his home in Kirtland, Ohio, from Elder Heber C. Kimball. Kimball prophesied: “Thou shalt go to Upper Canada, even to the city of Toronto, the capital, and there thou shalt find a people prepared for the fullness of the gospel, and they shall receive thee, and thou shalt organize the Church among them, and it shall spread thence into the regions round about, and many shall be brought to the knowledge of the truth and shall be filled with joy.   Pratt soon set out on a mission to Canada and having arrived in Hamilton, was given a letter of introduction to John Taylor in Toronto. Although Taylor was not satisfied with the current teachings of his Methodist faith as he understood it, he was at first resistant to the new teachings he heard from Pratt. Taylor’s wife Leonora, however, was immediately receptive and persuaded her husband to continue to study. In time he, too, was convinced and John and Leonora Taylor were baptized on 9 May 1836. 

Shortly after his baptism Taylor was ordained an elder in the Mormon Church.4 That same spring Taylor came to Pickering Township to preach. (Names associated with this item. Anderson, Ane; Anderson, Jens; Babbit, Almon; Bennett, Mahitable; Brown, Stephen; Butterfield, Josiah; Calkin, Unknown; Clark, D; Clark, John; Combs, Betsy; Conant, Thomas; Crockett, David; Croft, Jacob; Curtis, Enos; D'Angela, Henry; Dunbar, John; Dunbar, William; Eanon, John; Excean, John; Excein, John; Eynon, Thomas; Field, Thomas; Gordon, Christiana; Gordon, William; Gowdry, Oliver; Harris, Joseph; Hart, B; Hayes, William; Hilts, James; Hinckley, Gordon; Hinckley, Ira; Holbrook, Delene; Homes, Joseph; Hubbard, Thomas; Johnson, Leo; Johnston, Ross; Kimball, Heber; Landon, Joseph; Landon, Mark; Law, William; Lawrence, Edward; Lawrence, Henry; Lawrence, John; Lawrence, Lettice; Lawrence, Maria; Lawrence, Nelson; Lawrence, Sarah; Leavens, John; Logan, James; Lount, Samuel; Lovell, George; Lovell, Grace; Lovell, John; Lovell, Joseph; Major, Hannah; Major, John; Major, Margaret; Marquis, W;, George; Norman, Mary; Page, John; Parsons, Anne; Parsons, Seelye, Justus; Seelye, Mahitable; Seelye, Sarah; Skeane, Andrew; Smith, Elizabeth; Smith, Hyrum; Smith, Joseph; Smith, Rachel; Strong, Elial; Taylor, John; Taylor, Leonora; Taylor, (and others)

for more info click Here:

MT. PLEASANT PIONEER DAY, MARCH 25, 2017

Crowd at the Celebration



Theme:  The Sheep Industry 

Approximately 275 people attended this year's celebration.  Everyone enjoyed the festivities.  The weather was a little damp, but the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming.  Fried chicken strips with rolls, jelly, potato salad, chips, oreos and ice cream were served.  Our president, Dale Peel had been pushing for fried mutton, but our beloved Diane Lund, who has prepared the lunch for many years, won the debate.  

Wanda Stewart

Wanda Stewart took the honors for being the oldest woman in attendance.  I arrived late and did not hear how old she is.  

Mac Wilkey (oldest man) with President Dale Peel

We were honored to have Mac sit at our table and as he stood when asked if there were anyone over 86, Mac said "Surely I am not the oldest man here".  Sure enough, he did get the prize.  We think there were other men older than Mac who wouldn't stand up.  Then when he sat down, he said "Boy am I gonna get teased by my kids."  Peter said, "Yes, now we can call you Methusalah".  

Kevin Anderson, Gary Arnoldsen and Larry Seely furnished the musical program with songs about Sanpete, Fairview Canyon, and Sheep Herding.  Some were written by themselves.  They did a wonderful job.  (I took a poor picture)

Judith Daniels Jackson has headed up the quilt committee for several years and tickets were sold for this quilt.  It turned out beautiful.  The winning ticket was someone from Fairview.

The photos on the quilt all had to do with the sheep industry.  Sheep, sheep dogs, and sheep camps. A real treasure.  

Dale took around the microphone and encouraged everyone who had special memories to share them.  There were several fun stories told.

Gloria Daniels read a poem written by one of her relatives.

Paul Sorensen told of his great grandfather Millar the Sheep Dog trainer from Scotland.  His story has been posted here a few weeks ago.

Minutes were read.

Then Dale had asked Deann Peterson Lubbers, Steve Monsen and Charlie McKay to each share some of their memories on stage.  

The festivities ran long and many were ready to go home. 

Both the south wall and west wall of the recreation hall were lined up with artifacts, albums, pictures and more for everyone to see.  

The Relic Home and Blackshop were open for visitors as well.  

There were a few sheep camps on display in the parking lot.

SUCCESSFUL DAY

One to Remember for many years to come. 

5 Reminders That Will Make Today Better

Home of John Henry Fowles and wife Emma Sorensen ~ Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

North Sanpete High School Vandals 1950-53

 

The Sego Lily

Colored reproduction in water color effects from original photograph by Chas. R. Savage
Frank Thayer Publisher

Autobiography and Journals of Christian Nielsen Lund Sr. (Called to Serve as President of the Scandinavian Mission)

Recipes From the Early 1900s

Sponge Cake ~~~~~Bertha Tanner

1 Cup sugar
6 eggs
1 Tbs lemon
3 Tbs cold water
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 teacup of flour
1/2 teacup of potato starch

Separate  eggs, beat egg yolks with sugar,
mix with other ingredients
Mix whites, blend into other mixture
Sugar the pan.   No temperature given.

Sponge Cake ~~~~~~~Mrs. Paxman

4 Egg yolks
3 Tbs cold water
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbs cornstarch in cup and fill cup with flour
1  1/4 tsp of baking powder
Whites of 4 eggs

Beat yolks with water til thickened
Add additional ingredients
Add egg whites beaten
No temperature given
(filling below)

Filling~~~~~~~~Mrs. Paxman

7/8 cup of sugar
1/8 cup flour
2 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
1/2 tsp butter cream
add powder sugar until thick
add warm dressing???

Doughnuts~~~~~Bertha Tanner

2 teacups of buttermilk
1 teacup of cream  (sweet or sour)
3 eggs
nutmeg
1 tsp soda
1 teacup of sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
Blend to make a soft dough  and fry.

Baker's Gingersnaps ~~~~~~~~Mina Peterson

1 Cup each of sugar, molasses and butter
1 tsp soda
1 Tbs ginger
1/2 tsp of black pepper
Nearly 1 cup of lukewarm water

Dissolve the soda in lukewarm water.
Mix all together; add flour to make a soft dough.
Punch of pieces the size of marbles.
Place in pan with space between to allow for spreading.
 Bake

Hot Water Cake  ~~~~~~Mrs. Paxman

Cream 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup lard
Add 1/2 cup molasses
2 1/2 cups of flour with a scant tsp of soda
Add  1 tsp each of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Last of All, Add 1 cup of boiling hot water.

Home of George William Day and wife Elizabeth Ellis Staker ~ Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

We are not sure when this older home was built and by whom.  The property owners follow.  The older home was torn down by Stakers. Russ Keisel built a new home on the property

Hamilton Band circa 1952

Back Row: L to R:  Marden Allred, Dennis Tucker, Keith Lasson, ..............., Robert Lasson, Ralph Wright, Bert Olsen, Justus Seely, Jay Carlson, Robert Jorgensen, Jerry McArthur, Roger Larsen, Jerry Sorensen, ............, Brooks Larsen.
Middle Row:  Sue Ann Seely, Lynn Madsen, Connie Johansen, Sharon Staker, Kathleen Truscott, Karen Jacobs, ................., Leah Faye Johansen, Sally Peterson, Marion Lay, Peggy Peterson.
Front Row:  Ronald Lay, John Carlson, Steve Rosenlund, .............,................, Karl Lund, Jerry Barentsen, Buddy Holt, Richard Poulsen, Dwight Shelley, Leon Brotherson

Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Erin Go Bragh) ~ Dave Gunderson

What Happens when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday?

  

Corned Beef and Cabbage are banned by the Catholics.

Well at least the corned beef. 

The two occasions meet this year. March 17 marks the celebration of St. Patrick -- known as the Apostle of Ireland 

for his years of missionary work there -- and it also is a celebration of all things Irish and even green. This March 17, since it falls on a Friday in Lenten, also is a time of penitence.

However, many bishops advised Catholics over age 14, who are required to abstain from meat on Friday, to do an extra act of charity or penance in exchange for eating meat.

So its like getting a "out of jail card".

Cause the Irish like to Celebrate !!!

People all over the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, especially places with large Irish-American communities. Feasting on the day features traditional Irish food, including corned beef, corned cabbage, coffee, soda bread, potatoes, and shepherd’s pie. Many celebrations also hold an Irish breakfast of sausage, black and white pudding, fried eggs, and fried tomatoes. Common traditions include:

• Parades – This event is most often associated with the holiday. Cities that hold large parades include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Savannah, and other cities worldwide.
• Drinking – Since many Catholics are Irish-American, some may be required to fast from drinking during Lent. However, they are allowed to break this fast during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This is one cause for the day’s association with drinking heavily.
• Dying water or beer green – Chicago dies its river green for the festivities, and many bars serve green-dyed beer. The White House fountain is also dyed green.
• Other incorporations of green – In Seattle, the parade routes are painted in green. Observers are supposed to wear green or else risk being pinched. Parade floats and decorations will feature the color green.
• Religious services – Those who celebrate the holiday in a religious context may also hold a feast. Outside of this context, overindulgence tends to revolve around drinking.
• Pea planting – In the Northeast, many celebrate by planting peas. This is largely due to the color and time of year (prime pea-planting conditions.

Sanpete My Home by Lyndon Graham

Sheep Industry In Mt. Pleasant ~

Miriam B. Murphy
History Blazer July 1996

During the 1920s Sanpete County's sheep herds were the largest in Utah, and woolgrowers were the kings of the local economy. Quality as well as quantity brought economic rewards. In 1918 John H. Seely of Mount Pleasant had sold a two-year-old ram for a record $6,200 at the National Ram Sale in Salt Lake City. It was a French Merino type sheep known as Rambouillet, and Seely had introduced the breed to Utah and Sanpete County.

Born in 1855 in San Bernardino, California, Seely moved with his family to Mount Pleasant in 1859 where he grew up on a farm and attended local schools. At age twenty-one he hauled mine timbers in Bingham, but his future lay in stockraising. According to historian John S. H. Smith, Seely managed a cooperative flock and "dramatically improved the quality of the sheep by selective breeding. When he established his own herd in 1888 he continued his interest in improving bloodlines." He liked the huge French Merino and in the late 1890s "began introducing Rambouillets from California into his breeding program." The results were so impressive that "he sent his assistant breeder on a buying trip to France and Prussia. By the time of statehood in 1896 Seely had a herd of some 6,000 Rambouillets. He was also known for breeding Durham cattle, Berkshire hogs, Scotch collie dogs, and Plymouth Rock chickens.

By 1920 Utah had the largest number of Rambouillets in the United States and "was the leading source of rams and ewes for flock improvement...their value lay in the large frames which they could impart to the smaller specialized breeds. Fleece yields from their progeny, when bred for wool, were quite exceptional and widely admired for uniformity and a fine, crimpy texture." Woolgrowers in SanpeteCounty raised the average weight of a fleece from six pounds in 1900 to ten pounds in 1930. The Rambouillet breed also had the advantage of being relatively docile and adaptable to climatic extremes.

 Although a few Sanpete woolgrowers had flocks in the thousands, many families kept small flocks that were part of cooperatively managed herds. Such was the case in Ephraim, a town of some 2,000, where income from sheep amounted to $125,000 one year. Wool prices were good throughout the 1920s, with 1923-25 "especially good years." Smith reported that wool "prices in Sanpete County were much better than the state averages, which were in turn better than national averages. Utah wool commanded higher prices than wool from surrounding states because Utah fleeces had a shrink factor 10-15 percent less than other fleeces. Sanpete wool was all this and more. Most of the Sanpete sheep were part of the Jericho pool, a marketing arrangement, whose clip set quality standards for the entire United States and always fetched premium prices"--on occasion more than three times the price of other Utah wool.

Along with the annual wool clip, Sanpete sheep owners also derived income from breeding stock. After selling to Mormon colonists in Mexico, they began looking farther afield to markets in Australia, South Africa, South America, Japan, and Soviet Russia. In 1921 about fifty  yearling Rambouillet ewes were sold at $50 a head to agents of the Japanese Department of Agriculture. Two years later the Japanese bought 160 ewes, and in 1924 a Japanese commissioner visited Sanpete to make additional purchases of Rambouillets. During the 1920s Sanpete stockraiserssent 1,250 head of sheep to Japan and Japanese Manchuria. Smith noted that "The Russians bought Sanpete breeding stock on an even larger scale, but only the purchases from the Seely flocks have been recorded--1,164 in three exportations. Larger numbers of sheep were bought from other breeders in the county...."

With its high, dry climate, abundance of bunch grass, excellent breeding program, and "near-perfect transhumance cycle," Sanpete County had proved an ideal place to raise sheep. Unfortunately, the worldwide depression that began in 1929 sent wool prices tumbling. On May 31, 1929, the Manti Messenger had reported that wool was selling at the highest price ever--about a dollar a pound. Then things suddenly changed. Rudolph Hope "related a story of two men who were dickering with a commission man after the peak of the season. Not content with a dollar they were trying for more, but during the bargaining a telegram arrived for the commission man who promptly refused to buy at any price and left. This was the start of the slump and soon wool was fetching as little as five cents a pound, irrespective of quality." The industry would never fully recover.

At the turn of the century Utah had some 2.7 million sheep, and Sanpete was the heart of sheep country. By 1994 the state had only 445,000 sheep and lambs and a wool clip of only 3.8 million pounds. Sheep remain an important element in the state's and Sanpete County's agricultural economy, but the glory days of the 1920s are gone forever.

Whiskey, Gambling, Terror and Murder In 1881 Mt. Pleasant

Then there was the murder of the owner of the Pritchett Saloon (Store).

GEORGE FARNWORTH'S VISION

President Anthon H. Lund