SWEET PHOTOS FOUND ON FAMILY SEARCH

Shared by Pat Sagers

 

Shared by Pat Sagers

Posted by Pat Sagers
Pioneers Entering the Great Salt Lake Valley 

        Artist  Lynn Fausett

 

                                                          

                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wagon Train gathered in a circle
posted by Pat Sagers

RIGBY CLAN ~~~ THIS IS THE BUNCH I WAS BORN INTO 7? YEARS AGO

 The gentleman on the back row is my Grandfather Rigby,  Charles Martin Rigby 

My brother Gregory Pete sent me this picture.  Charles Martin Rigby is our Grandfather. 

My Grandma Rigby is on the back row, head and shoulders above the rest.

 

 

My Birthday Party 1952

I'm not sure my memory of all is very good, but here we'll try:

Back Row l to r: Unknown, Tammy Frandsen (hiding behind), Darlene Frandsen, Dennis Cloward, Doyce Coates, unknown, Kathleen Burnside, Me,  Virginia Allred, Gary Larsen

Second Row  l to r: Dorothy Frandsen, unknown, unknown, Tommy Larsen, Donny Larsen

Front and Center:  unknown

Possible unknowns:  Ted Burnside, Scott Frandsen, Gary Brown, Wally Frandsen

Some Rigby Baby in 1947

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following photos are where I grew up.

My parents were able to purchase this home from Charley Rambo early in their married life.

My father was able to fix it.  He studied

carpentry at Utah State Agricultural College.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP COME TO MT. PLEASANT

Primary Class of 1885 by the Old Bowery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Choir Inside The Old Northward Church

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The First Presbyterian Church

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First and Fourth Ward                                                                                                              2nd and 3rd Ward 

HOME OF NIELS JOHANSEN #1 and 2nd wife ANDERSINE ANDERSEN

 

 

 

 

Gary Elliot Arnoldson

February 23, 1951 — July 22, 2025

Mountainville

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Gary Elliot Arnoldson, who returned to his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2025, while exploring the Crow Canyon area of the beautiful Uinta Mountains—one of his favorite places on earth.

Gary was born on February 23, 1951, in Preston, Idaho, to Elliott Julius Arnoldson and Rinda LaRane Bjerrgaard, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the second of six children and is survived by his siblings Rinda (John) Thompson, Layne (Sheri) Arnoldson, Earl (Christine) Arnoldson, and Wesley (Ellen) Arnoldson, and is reunited in heaven with his brother Clair (JoAnn) Arnoldson.

On September 15, 1972, Gary was sealed to his eternal companion, Leslie Ilene Shelley, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. Together, they built a loving home and raised a devoted family:

Tara & Jeff Lund, Daina & Logan Freeman, Phillip & JeuneElle Arnoldson, Cody & Jordyn Arnoldson, Daniel & Tamar Arnoldson, Denim & Brooke Arnoldson, and Kyle & Jessica Arnoldson. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who will carry forward his legacy of faith, love, and adventure.

Gary was a man of quiet strength, unwavering discipline, and deep humility. He worked as an accountant in secondary education and also operated his own tax business—not for profit, but to serve the hundreds of individuals and families in his community, often charging little or nothing at all.

He served faithfully in the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Air Force, and later devoted much of his life in service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many callings included Scout Master, Bishop, Stake President, Ministering Brother, Temple Worker, and Branch President of the Reykjavik Iceland Branch. He was a proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award in scouting and completed Wood Badge training. He also served three missions throughout his life—in the England North British Mission, the Australia Perth Mission, and the Denmark Copenhagen Mission.

Gary’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for people. He took his family on annual backpacking trips and led countless youth on wilderness adventures filled with hiking, fishing, white water rafting, and spiritual growth. A gifted guitarist, he regularly played for senior centers and for his grandchildren, brightening lives with his music and cheerful presence.

He found special joy in serving the widows in his community, often enlisting his five sons to deliver freshly caught fish or chopped firewood to those in need. Gary was a social butterfly, able to make friends with anyone, anywhere. His life was one of quiet sacrifice, and every act—big or small—was driven by his loyalty, love, and deep sense of duty.

Gary found great peace in temple work and was known to attend and serve in the temple multiple times each week. His faith defined him, and his family was his greatest treasure. He let us know often how proud he was of each of us—and he showed it in every part of how he lived.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, July 29, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at 461 N. 300 W., Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. He will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

Dad, we love you. We honor the life you lived and the legacy you’ve left us. Thank you for everything.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Elliot Arnoldson, please visit our flower store.

THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN SANPETE ~~~ MANTI TEMPLE AND HERITAGE GARDEN ~ EPHRAIM CANYON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

 

Leo Larsens Remembrance of the Flood of 1918

 

 

1919 Flood, Unknown Location
Water wagon in the center now sits in front of the Relic Home

In the photo above, we are looking down first south from state street. 

 

In response to an invitation from my grandchildren to tell them about my early life, I pondered for a moment, cleared my throat and began--- “Let me tell you about a devastating flash flood that hit Mt. Pleasant and did an untold amount of damage to property and took the life of one man. It was a day I will never forget. It was the summer of 1918.”

 “It was like all hell was turned loose. My brother Vernon and Daddy and I were out at the farm irrigating our alfalfa hay. Rain began to fall, and as we took shelter in our barn, Daddy looked toward the mountains. With a very worried tone of voice, he called our attention to the cloud burst on top of the mountains and told us that it might bring a flood, and a food could mean trouble. He then told us that at about 18 years of age he had witnessed a terrible flood and didn’t want to see another. He then urges us   to hurry and hitch old Tillie, our old bay mare, to the buggy while he set the water for the night and we would go home early.” “In a matter of minutes we were ready to go, and with the crack of the whip old Tillie was off on a fast trot toward home.

 About half way home Daddy stopped the buggy to listen. We heard the fire bell ringing. In those days when there was a fire or an emergency of any kind, the fire bell was rung to warn the people of the emergency. We could also hear a faint roar towards the mountains and Daddy said he was sure there was a flood and it could be a big one.” “As we reached the edge of town, we could see people hurrying in all directions, some in wagons, some on horses and others running on foot. A man on a horse came up to us and said to Daddy, ‘Say, Fred, I don’t know whether you can get home or not. They say nearly every bridge across Pleasant Creek is washed out. It surely is a mess there in the center of town.’” “I was sitting next to Daddy. I grabbed his arm and cried, ‘Gee, Daddy, what will we do if we can’t get across the creek and get home to Mamma?’” “we were soon at 3rd North.

We could now smell the mud. We stopped briefly and talked to the people gathered there. One said, ‘It’s terrible!’ another, ‘What a mess!’ Still another, ‘It’s just like all hell is turned loose, led by the Devil himself!’ Someone said that we might get across the channel on 2nd East by Tobe Candland’s home.” “As we drove up 3rd North, we learned that the bridge by Tobe’s was the only bridge left and that a few people had gone over it. The road for about one block from the bridge was covered with thick mud, ranging from six inches to a foot deep. I grabbed Daddy’s arm again and Vernon held on to me as Daddy urged old Tillie through the water and mud.”

 “As we approached nearer the bridge, a big boulder had been deposited in the middle of the road and Tillie needed extra urging to pass the big smelly thing. When we were directly over the channel, I remember how horrified I was as I looked down into that seething, smelly mass of mud, having the consistency of thick, brown, boiling gravy. Although by now the peak of the flood had passed, we could still hear the bump, bump, bump of the boulders being carried by the force of the heavy water.” “Even old Tillie was glad to get across the bridge, for she lost no time getting us home. I remember how glad I was to see Mama. She was out in the road waiting for us. She was wiping her eyes with the corner of her apron.

 I remember that night the feeling of security as we safely sat down to a supper of salt pork, potatoes and gravy, and fresh vegetables from our garden, with applesauce for dessert.” “After supper Vernon remarked that Daddy surely did set the water for the night awfully quick.

Daddy explained that he was worried. He said he was sure when he saw that cloud burst on top of the mountain that there would be another flood like the big flood he mentioned out to the farm that he had witnessed when he was eighteen years old in the summer of 1893. He said he and his mother and sisters and a brother were on their little homestead farm in the mouth of Pleasant Creek Canyon. They were caught in a cloud burst. Soon they could hear a flood coming down the canyon. His half brother, Andrew Peterson, then about twenty-four years old, jumped onto his horse and raced to town and warned the people that a flood was coming. Daddy then said the rest of the family climbed the hill where the Mt. Pleasant electric power plant now stands and watched the flood come out of the canyon. He said it was like a wall of water and mud twenty feet high rushing forward with a deafening roar. Everything in its path was taken with it. Large trees were simply uprooted and tossed end over end downstream. Huge boulders, some as big as a room, were moved and left down on the farm land below. So great and terrible&nbsp ; was this flood that whenever anything is mentioned or anything happens that reminds him of this experience, it strikes horror into his heart and a sickening sensation in his stomach.”

 “As we were talking, a neighbor came and excitedly asked, ‘Have you heard the terrible news? Lewis Oldham lost his life in the flood. They don’t know where his body is.’ Our neighbor then explained how she had heard it had happened. According to George Rosenberg (Petersen), he and his wife were visiting the Oldham family, whose home is about one mile out of the mouth of Pleasant Creek Canyon. When the first sounds of the flood reached their ears, they went to the main channel, which is a short distance from the house to see the flood. Soon they discovered that a small part of the flood, which had overflowed the main channel, was coming down a little hollow between them and their house, so they hurriedly found a pole to walk across the small newly formed stream. They were all safely across except Mr. Oldham, and as he was crossing, a flush of much more flood water came and covered the pole, and Mr. Oldham slipped and fell into the now suddenly increased stream.

The shock of this sudden emergency in his life either caused him to have a heart attack, or he was so confused he could not act. He merely sat motionless on the thick mud as it carried him down to the main channel of raging water, mud, and rocks. George Rosenberg ran along the bank trying to reach him, begging him to hold out his hand so he could get hold of it and help him out, or grab onto that bunch of willows, but Mr. Oldham just sat dazed and rode the thick mud to his death.” “One week later the fire bell rang again and the people gathered on Main Street and learned that the battered body of Lewis Oldham had been found lodged against a fence west of town near the D. & R.G. railroad tracks. All his clothes had been torn off his body except one shoe.” “The death of Lewis Oldham was of course a great shock to the whole community and added determination to public sentiment to do something better about the floods if they could. But what could they do? Back in 1894 a flood dam was built. Shortly after, a small flood came. The dam diverted the flood to the North and South Fields. A law suit resulted and the city had to pay the damages.

The dam did not solve the problem, it merely shifted the area of destruction. Over the years, several other projects were suggested, but it was not until 1950 that fifteen agencies in all initiated a comprehensive investigation which resulted in a program of flood prevention. This was a program of controlled grazing and terracing the steep slopes and reseeding the range. As a result of this flood investigation, it was learned that there had been twenty floods since the big flood of 1893, or an average of one every three years. Four of these were major floods causing damages into thousands and thousands of dollars. There four major floods occurred in 1893, 1918, 1936, and 1946. The flood in 1946 was a ‘hum-dinger.’

 I will never forget it either. It was the 24th of July. The whole town was ready for a big 24th of July parade. The banks of Pleasant Creek overflowed at the bridge over State Street; diverting the water, mud, rocks, and tree stumps down Main Street. And what a parade that turned out to be.” “I want to mention before I quit two more things about the flood that I remember vividly. The next day after the flood, we rode around town looking at the extent of the damage where the flood had gone. We saw a straw stack down in the middle of Main Street. The flood had taken the straw stack from the yard of Emil Hafen, and floated it down six or eight blocks unmolested, and even a setting hen ’scrook’ was still on top devoted to her task of trying to hatch out the nest of eggs she had secretly stolen away. The other was the ‘digging out’ or the ‘clean up’ which was such a tremendous task that Mt. Pleasant City requested help from the State Government. The State responded by sending a group of convicts, as they were called then, from the State Penitentiary. I remember weeks later as we passed over the bridge one day, a uniformed guard with gun drawn was guarding these convicts. I noticed one convict in particular   who was shoveling rocks into a wheel barrow. When he had a load, he picked up a big steel ball that was fastened to a four foot length of chain which was locked to his ankle. He put the ball into the wheel barrow with the rocks and walked over to dump his load.”

“So, young people, you can understand why I will never forget the devastating floods that hit Mt. Pleasant.” Source: History of Mt. Pleasant U.S. Soil Conservation Service Verlyn Oldham, Leora Oldham, and John A. Peterson Family records and author’s memory. HOLLY

LATTER DAY SAINT BISHOPS UP UNTIL (circa 1965)

 

 

PIONEER DAYS WITH THE OSMONDS 1965

 

ELNORA JORGENSEN BOYDEN ~~~(from our archves)

 

EVENTS IN THE EARLY DAYS OF MT. PLEASANT

Styles Through the Years

SHIRLEEN ALLRED CLOWARD ~~~ A Childhood Friend

 

Shirleen Cloward 

Shirleen Allred Cloward, 78, of American Fork, Utah passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 12, 2025 due to health complications from battling cancer for 15 years. She left this earth surrounded by all of her family that loved her. Shirleen was born on January 29, 1947 in Mount Pleasant, Utah to Bruce and Shirley Allred. She married LaMar Cloward on May 15, 1968.

Shirleen graduated from North Sanpete High School in May 1965. She went to beauty school after graduation and worked in salons and nursing homes throughout her career, always caring for others and making them feel beautiful. This love for creativity and beauty in all things shaped those around her, including her daughter, Gina, granddaughter KyLee and grandson Chandler who followed in her footsteps in their lives as well. Shirleen was a talented seamstress which also highlighted her creativity. She was always making some type of quillow, blanket, pillow or craft for her friends and family.

Shirleen grew up in Mount Pleasant, Utah and this is where her love of animals began. Throughout her life she was always taking care of and loving the animals around her. Shirleen always had a well-fed and healthy Siamese cat throughout her life. She frequently reminisced and loved telling cat stories about Kitten Little, Casper, Rambo and Bandit. She loved quarter horses and grew up riding. Her beloved horse, Soxy, whom she broke herself with the help of LaMar was a huge part of her life. She continued to tell stories of Soxy throughout her life and up until her final hours here on this earth Soxy was a beloved topic of conversation. Throughout her childhood, Shirleen developed a deep love of dolls and became an avid doll collector. Her beautiful house was filled with dolls that reminded her of loved ones. She had an extensive Madame Alexander Doll collection and acquired every doll from the movie ‘Gone with the Wind,’ which was her favorite movie.

Shirleen and LaMar had a great love for the outdoors and camping. She was often found in the mountains in her fifth wheel taking long rides in the side by side looking at the beautiful scenery. Her happy place was on the mountain where she found peace and comfort being in nature and with loved ones. She spent numerous weekends camping with friends and family which created so many wonderful memories and lasting friendships. She was able to spend some of her final days on the mountain that she loved for one last hurrah.

Shirleen loved her family fiercely as they were the most important aspect of her life. If Shirleen was telling a story, it was most often about her kids and grandkids who she loved more than anything else. She lived for them and was so proud of each and every one of them.

Shirleen is survived by her husband, LaMar Cloward, American Fork, Utah; daughter, Gina Tooley, Mesquite, Nevada; son, Wyatt (Jodi) Cloward, Lindon, Utah; grandchildren KyLee (Brandon) Barrows, Chandler Tooley, Davi Cloward and Gunner Cloward; and great grandson Rowan Barrows. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara Ann (Bobbie) Cox; and her brother Bruce Gail Allred.

A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:30am in the American Fork City Cemetery, 100 East 650 North, American Fork, UT.

 

MT. PLEASANT CONTINUED TO GROW

 

Flour Milling  had its beginning in the early days of this community. In 1983 the Roller Mills were established. 

On July 24th 1898, Main Street was destroyed by fire. A bucket brigade assisted the fire department. Sixteen offices and buildings were destroyed,

After the Fire 

PIONEERS HAD PLENTY WORK TO DO ~~~ No modern machines back then.

First Sheep Wagon made in Mt. Pleasant by William E. Madsen. Alma Allred drove it in the parade. 

 

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE PAST

 

 

Main Street Fire    (History of Mt. Pleasant) p 180

About one a.m., on the morning of the 24th of July, 1898, a fire was discovered on Main Street, about one. half block west of State Street. The alarm was sounded and along with the fire engine, volunteers formed a bucket brigade. Most of the buildings were frame, and the flames could not be checked, in spite of their efforts, until all on the block between the Equitable build­ing and Consolidated Furniture Store had been destroyed.

Those who sustained losses were: Dr. S. H. Allen, store build­ing; M. G. Rolph, building and cigar factory; Dr. A. Lundberg, building, household furniture, dentist and jewelry tools; M. C. Kroll, store and bakery; Maiben & Aldrich, drug store; New York Cash store, merchandise; Equitable Co-op Store, building; Victor Nielson and Olaf Olson, Shoe Company; Kofford & Johnson, building and stock. The Post office, owned by John N. Ericksen; C. E. Hampshire, barber shop; Dr. C. McGoughan, office furniture; Dr. H. P. Morrey, office fixtures; J. C. Barton, barber shop and fixtures; Carl Kroll and Hyrum Hansen, each shoemaker fixtures. The Odd Fellows, Masonic, Workman and Woodmen lodges, their hall and furniture. Some were partly insured. The fire being checked by an adobe wall in the Lundberg building, saved the Con­solidated Furniture Company, W. O. Ash & Company, and a frame building built by Nils Rosenlof, later owned by Rasmus Anderson. A year later, this frame building was also destroyed by fire.

One of Mt. Pleasant's first stores owned and operated by M.G. Rolph. The upstairs was the home of the family.

The Union Store With the Opera House Upstairs

PHOTOS FROM THE PAST

 

JOANN SENA LEA WINWARD ~~~ A life-time friend

 

JoAnn Sena Lea Winward

August 2, 1938 — July 3, 2025

Mount Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant, UT JoAnn Sena Carlson AKA JoAnn S. Lea, JoAnn Winward, 86 of Mt. Pleasant Utah passed away July 3rd 2025 at her daughter’s home in Montpelier Idaho.

Born September 2nd 1938 to Lawrence and Aseneth Swensen Carlson in Mt. Pleasant, UT. JoAnn is survived by her brother “Bud” (Sophie) Carlson; Children, Farrell B. (Janice) Bowers, Cherryl (Don) Golding, Frank E. (Ramon Gomez) Winward, Shannon G. Winward, Shane L. (Julianne) Winward, 26 Grandchildren, 44 Great-grandchildren, and 5 Great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmo L. Winward, daughter Pauline Smith, siblings Betty, John, Francis, Maxine, Barbara and LaRae.

For many years, JoAnn and her late husband, Elmo showed their love for local children and the Christmas season by portraying Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 18th 2025 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am at the LDS church located at 461 N 300W Mt. Pleasant, UT. Funeral to follow at 12:00 noon.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 11:45 a.m. MST prior to services.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of JoAnn Sena Lea Winward, please visit our flower store.