Home of Niels Lauridsen Lund Sr. and his wife Johanne Catherine Christensen~~~ Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

 

WATER HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE (from our archives)

 Ever since the Utah Pioneers entered the valley of Sanpete, water has been a concern. From the History of Mt. Pleasant by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf we read about the early Mt. Pleasant fort, "The water supply was obtained from Pleasant Creek, which passed almost parallel east and west through the center of the fort. A large bridge was erected over the stream." "All corrals for the cattle were built to the north, just outside the fort, leaving a road-way between." At this time Mount Pleasant was a thriving community of about eight hundred inhabitants, with about 1200acres of ground under cultivation.(pp 51-52) The first entry about water in the History of Mt. Pleasant: "In an act of the territorial legislature approved February 20th, 1868, incorporating Mt. Pleasant, the following provisions were made: "All that portion of Sanpete County embraced within the following boundaries, to-wit, beginning at the mouth of Cedar Creek Canyon, thence running westwardly down the center of the channel of said Cedar Creek to the bridge of the road leading from Spring Town to Mt. Pleasant, as traveled at the present time, giving half the waters of Cedar Creek to Spring Town during the season of irrigation, and from said bridge running due west course until it shall intersect the eastern boundary of Moroni City: thence north along said boundary four miles: thence east¬ward crossing San pitch River to Birch Creek, thence up the center of said Birch Creek to the mountains, giving half of the waters of said Birch Creek to Mt. Pleasant, and the other half to Fairview, thence southwardly along the slopes of the mountains to the place of beginning shall be known and designated under the name and style of Mt. Pleasant, and the inhabitants therein are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic by the name aforesaid and may have and use a common seal, which they may change and alter at pleasure." (pp 13-14) Brigham Young encouraged the settlers to keep their settlements small: "I am satisfied that as a general thing, the sooner the streams are let upon crops after they leave their canyons, the more produce can be raised with a given amount of water. This is especially the case when the streams are small. By concentrating streams at much expense of labor and waste of water under a hot sun and in loose soil, a larger settlement can be made at a given point; but not nearly so many persons can be sustained in a given valley as by the mode of making smaller settlements, as they are large enough for safety at the nearest points where water can be applied to tillable soil." (p 58) Water from streams was used to power old fashioned water wheels: "During the late summer and during the fall and winter months, P. M. Peel and James Porter Sr., built a chopping mill on Peel's lot on Pleasant Creek, (northeast corner, intersection, Main Street and First West) where the stream had previously been taken out and used for irrigation purposes. Here the stream furnished the water power with which to run the mill. Owing to the distance to the nearest flour mill, this mill was a great assistance, and the people were glad to take their wheat there to be chopped. It was ground between two stones and came out quite black, but coarse as it was, it served the purpose and was used for bread. At about this time, a small Burr mill was built east on Pleasant Creek, a little south of where the Mount Pleasant flour mill is now, by John Fredrick Fechser and John Ellertsen, (Spring City). A whip saw was installed in the fort, on the banks of Pleasant Creek, by Wellington Seeley and Rudolph N. Bennett, and was operated by Thomas Dutton." (p 64) In 1861 we read: "Early in the spring, David Candland, who had recently' ar­rived from Salt Lake City to make his home in Mount Pleasant, located on some land south of the city and east of the cemetery. There was a spring on this land and on account of the scarcity of water, the people objected to his taking it. Later, a compromise was made, and twenty acres of land in the field was purchased and given him in exchange." (p69) "Five creeks contribute their water to irrigate the land. Pleasant Creek is made to turn machinery every few rods, and so strong and rapid is the current that mills could advantageously be located along the stream very near to each other. We have good peace here and the usual spirit of industry is manifested."

'No pent up city controls our powers, The whole mountain Territory is ours.' (p 70)

taken from a letter to the Deseret News by David Candland; June 8, 1861

Disputes A dispute came up among the settlers over the water. This was later settled by Orson Hyde, who decreed one-half of the water of Cedar Creek to Mount Pleasant, and the remaining one-half to Spring Town. Birch Creek water was divided likewise, one-­half to Mount Pleasant, and one-half to Fairview. (p 73) On account of the scarcity of water, a meeting was called and it was agreed to dig a canal from Fairview down through the field. It was surveyed by Abraham Day and companies of ten were organized with foremen appointed to oversee the work. The water was taken out just below Fairview, the terminus of the canal was in the field south of the country road leading to Moroni and crossing at a point less than a mile below Mount Pleasant. The using of the Sanpitch water was later discontinued on account of the objection made by the settlers of Moroni. The upper part of the canal in 1914 furnished the water power for the Fairview Roller Mills, located on the west side of the highway about two miles south of Fairview. The other end of the canal is now used for diverting the water south from Pleasant Creek. (p 80)

City Water Works

Mt. Pleasant business district was steadily being improved, and fire protection was discussed by the city council. The thought was expressed that although the treasury was "in a very depleted condition." some steps should be taken to secure a water system for domestic purposes and for extinguishing fires. The following is copied, "How to accomplish it was the next question, whether to borrow or let the revenue pay."(p 168)

"In March 1903, while George Christensen was mayor, the city voted a bond for water works, but not until 1905, during H. C. Beaumann's term, were contracts let for installing the system. In due time, the system was installed, and with its completion. the settling barrels with their prickly pears, which had been used at most every home for the settling of the roily water, disappeared."

"June 13, 1894, the city council met in special session to con­sider the proposition of constructing a waterworks system. The petitions of Jonas H. Ericksen et. al. and William Zabriskie et. al., praying for a franchise to erect a system of city waterworks were read, and was, after considerable discussion, referred to the city attorney."

A committee was appointed to canvass the taxpayers on Main Street, in order to obtain their sentiment as to bonding the city for a waterworks system. If results there were favorable they were to continue throughout the city, otherwise it would be dropped. (P175)

Windmills

"Many wells had been dug, and in a number of places pumps installed, yet it had been a common sight to see people carrying water from wells where the water was thought to be extra good. A number of wind mills had also been erected, the first being the one by J. B. Hunter on Hoo Doo Hill. Mr. S. E. Jensen and J. H. Seeley, with the wind mill pump installed a water works system in their homes, while for the Ferdi­nand Ericksen home a hand pump was used. "(p183) "While John Carter was mayor for two years, Plat "C" was added to the city. An estimate of the cost of building a water­works system was made at $20,949.64." (p241)

"The flood gave W. D. Candland and his associates financial and other troubles. A $25,000.00 bond issue was voted for the purpose of piping pure spring water into the waterworks system."

And so the water saga continues. ..... Current administrations have had to deal with many problems concerning the domestic-use water system, as well as the current irrigation system which is used to water our lawns and flower beds. But with the influx of more people wanting to build homes and wanting to have nice manicured lawns and landscape; we always seem to run out of irrigation water. The amounts of snowmelt the last few years has been very low. Somewhere down the line, something will need to be done to conserve our water resources. Perhaps a building maratorium will need to be issued. Maybe we can learn to recycle our water, rather than let it go to waste. Perhaps we can forego the nice lawns and follow the landscape techniques used in other Southwestern communities like New Mexico and Arizona. Too bad Sanpete Valley wasn't blessed with giant aquifers like are found under St. George and other Washington County communities.

Juanita Hill Miramonte, Class of 65 , North Sanpete High School

Juanita Hill Miramontes, 73, Mt. Pleasant, Utah completed her earthly journey and was called home to her Heavenly Father on January 22, 2021, after a courageous 8 year battle with kidney disease. She passed in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah on September 9, 1947, to Enoch Leander Hill and Annie (Terkelson) Hill Atwood. She was the youngest of 7 children and was always babied by her older siblings. Her younger years were spent playing paper dolls and hot wheel cars. She learned the value of hard work by helping take care of the family animals. She graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Cosmetology school. She worked at the Moroni Processing plant for over 40 years. It was there that she met her sweetheart, Raul Miramontes. 

They were married on May 7, 1976, and the marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple on September 9, 1997. Together they raised their family with dedication and love. Her greatest love was her family. She always put the needs and wants of her family above her own. She loved to support her grandchildren and was often seen at their ball games. She always had a crochet hook or an embroidery needle in her hand. She made such beautiful blankets, pillowcases, and dish towels. She went through a lot but she never complained and she always kept her faith in Jesus Christ. She was loved by all and will be missed sorely by many.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Sisters: Norma (Wahlin) and Annalee (Jensen); Brothers: Jim Hill and Dave Hill; Son-in-law, Jay Danner, and Grandson Brooks Miramontes. She is survived by her husband: Raul Miramontes; Children: David (Sabrina) Hill of Myrtle Creek, OR; Gary (Mary) Hill of Blythesville, AR; Tony (Jana) Miramontes of Delta, CO; Smokey Miramontes, Ana Danner and Scarlet (Roland) Terry all of Mt. Pleasant, UT and 11 grandchildren: Andrew, Devin, Makyla, Caleb, Eli, Rhett, Bodey, Tyler Jo, Xavier, Anastasia, and Jaxon.

A limited funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at the Mt. Pleasant Utah North Stake building (500 N 300 W, Mt. Pleasant) at 11:00 AM, 

IN MEMORY OF OUR NEPHEW, RICK and HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL BARN~~~ Compliments of "If Barns Could Talk" by Doug Mollonen

'

 

Richard Wayne Rigby,


12/5/1959 ~ 12/9/2020


Richard Wayne Rigby, 61 of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, passed away December 9, 2020. Richard was born on December 5, 1959, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Richard & Sherril Rigby. He graduated from North Sanpete. He married his beloved wife Lori Lynn Shand on October 7, 2008, they enjoyed 16 years together.
Rick, as he was known to friends and family, was a devoted father, husband and son.
At the coal mine, Rick was a fire boss, always looking out for the safety of his fellow miners. He loved his country and served honorably as a combat engineer in the 1457th Division of the Army National Guard. He served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He sustained an injury in Iraq that gave him chronic back pain. We are so glad he is now pain-free. Rick was an avid collector and outdoorsman. He supported the community he lived in as a volunteer EMT and at the local food bank. He loved his country, but above all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Rick was a loved, beautiful human being who always tried to do the right thing and didn’t always succeed. Above all, he worked to provide the best for his children. He loved them individually, although some at a distance. He had a very special relationship with his youngest son Ricky. They spent their time watching movies, playing video games, and talking on long drives.

Rick is survived by his mother, Sherril Rigby, wife Lori Lynn Rigby; his four children Robert (Rachelle) Rigby, Karl Rigby, Melissa (Peter) Hartwich, and Ricky Rigby; siblings Blake Rigby, and Sue Ellen Rigby; grandchildren Jim, Khloe, Emery, Liam, and Max. Preceded in death by his father Richard; brother Jim, and sister-in-law, Shelly Rigby.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center (101 E 100 N). Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

 

A Little Inspiration Here ~~~~ Submitted by JoAnn Hafen Granger ~~~ Archives

 

                              

Dogs That Can Detect the Covid Virus ~~~ Submitted by Larry Staker

 

Postcards From the Past

  

Family Group Sheet of Alma Zabriskie

 

David Lund Peterson

 

 

 

Home of Morten Rasmussen and his wife Karen Marie Christiansen ~~~ Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

 Currently Vacant

"Legend of Mt. Timpanogas" From Our Archives

  

Once upon a time, in a land far far away (okay, not that far away.....just down in Utah County) lived a beautiful Native American princess named Ucanogos. Minutes after her birth, her mother died from complications, and the sole responsibility of raising her fell on her father's shoulders.

Ucanogos was a very happy child, and loved hiking in the mountains above their little village. As the years passed, she grew more beautiful with each passing year. Her beautiful flowing hair grew longer and longer, and the longer it grew, the more she reminded her father of his beloved wife. As the beautiful princess grew, so did the list of many young men in the village that longed to have her by their side. Being his only daughter, her father tried to find a suitable gentleman for her to marry. Nobody was ever good enough for her, and many young men were turned away.Feeling discouraged, Ucanogos went for a walk up the beautiful mountain trail above the village. Her favorite quiet place were the caves at the top of the mountain pass. This was the only spot where she truly felt at peace.One day while exploring the caves, Ucanogos heard a noise. Out of the shadows appeared a handsome young man named Timpanac. He had sparkling green eyes, broad shoulders, and a friendly smile. He had been sent by his village leader to explore the villages and mountains beyond, and had been led to the beautiful caves. Something about these mountains and caves had sparked an interest in him, and he could not stay away. The beautiful princess immediately fell in love, and knew that this was the man of her dreams, the one she had been waiting for.Excited to tell the entire village that they had found each other, Ucanogos and Timpanac decided to wed immediately. They headed down the path towards the village, but a mountain rainstorm quickly blew in. Not familiar with the mountain path, Timpanac slipped and fell, plunging to his death. Devastated, Ucanogos vowed she would not live without him. She lept off the mountain, plunging to her death. When she landed in the grass below, she fell onto her back, her flowing long hair cascading behind her. Her knees were up, and her arms were out to her side.Legend has it, that if you look close enough at Mount Timpanogos, you will see the silhouette of the beautiful princess: laying on her back, her flowing her cascading behind her, and her knees bent upward. This is where she is forever laid to rest, watching over her village town. If you walk the mountain path and venture into the caves on Mount Timpanogos, you will see where the great spirit melted their hearts together to create the Great Heart Of Timpanogos, a stalactite inside the cave. Take the tour of the caves with a guide, and you are sure to hear of this great legend, and view the stalactite. Is this legend true? Gaze at the mountain, and venture into the caves, and decide for yourself! You canread more information about hikes and tours on the Mt Timpanogos website. This is a hike that I remember doing as a young child. The path is paved and a great hike for families. Remember to take a jacket, even in summertime, because the caves are a little bit chilly.This story and legend varies depending on who you talk to and what area of Utah they grew up, but the above story is the one that was told to me. Here are a few different versions of the same legend:

• Wikipedia
• Ballet version
• Deseret News
• Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.


Read more about Utah's Mysteries and Legends!Mt. Timpanogos at Sunsetcourtesy of Wikipedia KATHY: I have climbed Mt Timpanogos twice. In 1937, following a BYU summer school concert sear the Aspen Grove trailhead that was promoted as a community climb of the mountain, I climbed thru the night to summit a daybreak. And again in the summer of 1988 I climbed it with my daughter Tracy. It was a much easier climb at 17 than 67. I regret never having climbed Mt Nebo. lee  

RECIPES FROM ALICE HAFEN PEELCOOKBOOK

 

FROM CHARIOTS TO SPACE SHUTTLES ~~~ Submitted by Larry Staker

Railroad Tracks  
 
The  U.S.  Standard railroad gauge  (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches.
 
That's an exceedingly odd number. Why was that gauge used?
 
Because that's the way they built them in  England , and English expatriates designed the  U.S. Railroads.

Why did the English build them like that?

Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used.
 
Why did 'they' use that gauge then?
 
Because the people who built the tram ways used the same jigs and tools that they had used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing.

 Why did the wagons have that particular odd wheel spacing?
 
Well, if they tried to use any other  spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in  England , because that's the spacing of the wheel ruts.
 

So, who built those old rutted roads?
 
Imperial  Rome built the first long distance roads in Europe (including  England ) for their legions. Those roads have been used ever since.

And the ruts in the roads?
 
Roman war chariots formed the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels

Since the chariots were made for Imperial  Rome , they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing.
 
Therefore, the  United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is derived from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot.
 
In other words, bureaucracies live forever.
 
So the next time you are handed a specification, procedure, or process, and wonder, 'What horse's ass came up with this?', you may be exactly right.
 
Imperial Roman army chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the rear ends of two war horses.
 

Now, the twist to the story:
When you see a Space Shuttle sitting on its launch pad, you will notice that there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank.
 
These are solid rocket boosters, or SRBs  The SRBs are made by Thiokol at their factory in  Utah .
 

The engineers who designed the SRBs would have preferred to make them a bit larger, but the SRBs had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site.

The railroad line from the factory  happens to run through a tunnel in the mountains and the SRBs had to fit through that tunnel.
 
The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track, as you now know, is about as wide as two horses' behinds.
 

So, a major Space Shuttle design feature  of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse's ass.

And you thought being a horse's ass wasn't important!
 
Now you know, Horses' Asses control almost everything.

Explains a whole lot of stuff, doesn't it??!!