Past and Modern Pioneers

24th of July ~~ Mt. Pleasant  1859  (taken from History of Mt. Pleasant pp 54-55

Although the pioneers had plenty of hard work, problems and

trials, they also made their joys and amusements.

A few days prior to the 24th of July which marked the 12th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of pioneers into Salt Lake Valley, the people of Mount Pleasant assembled and ar­ranged for a grand celebration. Much time and pains were taken in arranging the program and the dinner. A bowery 40 by 60 feet, built of cedar posts, placed upright holding as a shed, and covered with fresh green willows and limbs, was erected in the southwest corner of the fort. Pitch pine wood, to furnish light for the dance and the amusement in the evening, was brought from the mountains by John Waldermar and Christian Widergren An­derson.

On the morning of July 24th, salutes were fired at daybreak and drums were beat. At 9 a. m., the people gathered at the bowery. The program began with singing by the choir. (James Hansen was choir leader at that time.) The invocation was offered by Bishop William S. Seeley; there followed spirited speeches, music, vocal and instrumental, recitations, etc., until one o'clock, when an abundant meal was served. At 3 p.m., everything was cleared away for the amusements and dancing, which continued until 2 o'clock in the morning of the 25th, and with the rhythm of the music, and on the bare ground they really did dance. This cele­bration was characterized all the way through by the harmony and good feeling that prevailed among the people.