Mt.. Pleasant Z. C. M. I.

In October 1869, the Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution
commenced operation in Salt Lake City. Among the principal
stockholders were Brigham Young, George A. Smith, George Q
Cannon, William Jennings, H. S. Eldredge, William H. Hooper
From Tullidge's Life of Brigham Young, is quoted: "Simultaneously with the organization of the parent institution, local organizations were formed in all the settlements in the territory; each pledged to sustain the one central depot, and make their purchases from it.

The people, with great unanimity became share holders in the respective local 'co-operations,' and also in the parent co-operatives so that they might enjoy the profits of their own investments and
purchases."

 Mt.. Pleasant Z. C. M. I.
In February 1869, the Mt. Pleasant Z. C. M. I. was organized. It
was a co-operative organization patterned after the Z. C. M. I. that
was organized the year previous in Salt Lake City, under the
instructions of President Brigham Young, who at that time pointed
out to the people the necessity and the benefits of such institutions.
The Mt. Pleasant Z. C. M. I. began business in a small room, in a log building, afterwards known as Anderson's Blacksmith Shop, on the east side of State Street, about Third South. Here Anthon H. Lund served as clerk. After a time, the Company erected a log building on the southwest corner, intercession of State and Main Street.

 Quoting Amasa Aldrich: “This was quite a creditable building at that time, being built of logs chinked with mud. The room on the inside was plastered with mud. Outside, above the door, which faced the east, was painted the sign 'Z. C. M. I.' Underneath this was painted the “All Seeing Eye",' and beneath that, 'Holiness to the Lord.'

This was the first store building built in Mt. Pleasant, and became known as the Mormon or Polygamist Store. Charlie Hampshire, and Olaf Sorensen were clerks who served. Charlie spoke English and Ole spoke Danish, hence the people could always be served, because when one could not understand the customer, the other could.
There were many customers and on Saturday one would have to put in the better part of the day trying to get waited on. Blenda Dehlin and Lauritz Larsen Sr. later assisted as clerks. The store carried a various line of merchandise and people could get most anything needed. The mischievous boys of those days would remove chinks from between the logs, reach their arms in and help themselves to the stick and rock candy." Produce was taken in exchange for merchandise and freighted to Pioche, Nevada, and other mining camps, by John Carter, George Tuft, George Frandsen, Lars Frandsen and others, with R. N. (Dolph) Bennett acting as head freighter. Long trips were made with mule or horse
teams, shorter ones with ox teams. The store receiving cash for their produce, many people were thereby benefited.
All trading at that time was done by written order or printed due
bills. It was very seldom that a silver dollar was seen. This company was started with stock of $700.00, subscribed by various individuals, among whom were: W. S. Seeley, P. M. Peel, Andrew Madsen, N.P. Madsen, Jacob Christensen, Niels Widergren Anderson, Peter Monsen, Hans Poulsen, J. W. Seely, Hans Y. Simpson, Mortin Rasmussen and others who cared to invest. W. S Seeley was chosen as manager or superintendent. Later Andrew, Madsen and C. N. Lund served as superintendents.

Mount Pleasant History by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf ; pp128-133