Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Mack Wilkey and Peter Hafen ~~

Mack Wilkey and Peter Hafen

Mack Wilkey stopped by on a Sunday afternoon eight years ago.

Peter had just come home from surgery.

  Peter has always looked up to Mack.  Mack has been so very encouraging to our whole family.


 

 

Sunday, March 6, 2022

BASKETBALL TEAM 1907-1908

 

Mt. Pleasant Eighth Grade Basketball Team
Champs of the County of Sanpete
First Row: Ione McArthur, Vern Seely, Vivian Pritchett, Della Tidwell
Back Row: ???????, Virginia Gilbert 

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Did You Know That Mt. Pleasant, Utah Once Had Three ZCMI Stores? (From Our Archives)

 





























Three of them at different times and different locations. Mt. Pleasant’s Own Z.C.M.I. (third location). was on State Street and Main; North East Corner of the Intersection and faced south.

 Now On display at the Mt. Pleasant Relic Home is an original Z.C.M.I. trunk donated by David and Jan Smith. Also a set of Z.C.M.I. exchange coins which were donated by Dick and Peggy Ruiz. 

The picture above is also on display. This display features a very important segment of Mt. Pleasant’s history. Z.C.M.I. stands for Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution.

The following is taken from Hilda Madsen Longsdorf’s History of Mt. Pleasant, page 129. “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, intersection of State and Main Street. (Where Skyline Pharmacy is now located); 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.” (HML) It is interesting to note that a “lower store” was built later and was known as the Gentile Store, Swedish Store, or Sanpete County Co-op. This is the store now located on the north side of main street at about 150 West, most recently occupied by Head Start. 

The third Z.C.M.I. was built on the corner where the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Center is now located. And this last Z.C.M.I. building is shown in the picture above. This building was the first building that necessitated a break in the old fort wall. It was a two story brick building. “Its brick were made and fired by hand and then tested to make sure that “nothing but the first class brick or any other material was put into the building. The huge timbers used were hewed with a broad axe and smoothed with drawing knives.” HML p.156. 

The second story of the building was used as a theatre and dance hall. Madsen and Anderson operated the theatre and dance hall on the second floor of the brick building, and here the public witnessed Shakespearean plays by John S. Lindsay and Company, also other high class companies, home dramatics, etc., as well as the C. C. A. Christensen's panoramas, minstrel shows, sleight of hand performances, hypnotism, etc., and many heated political rallies, setting forth free trade, tariff on wool, etc.” “The scenery for the hall was painted by C. C. A. Christensen, a very popular artist. Music for the dances was mostly furnished by the Peter Almertz orchestra, consisting of John Waldermar, Rebecca Beckstrom, Bent Hansen, and others. Brigham Lee was floor manager and prompter. The east room of the building was used as the city council headquarters. On top of the building had been arranged seats, and at daybreak on holidays the Brass Band assembled; their music could be clearly heard in the distance, as the stars and stripes were unfurled. It had been common for the band, in their band wagon, to serenade the city, and they were usually treated with plenty of home-made beer and refreshments.” HML p.173. 

Anyone having additional pictures of the people named above or anyone who was also involved which can be added to the Relic Home’s Z.C.M.I. Display is encouraged to email us at pandk@cut.net or visit the Relic Home.
The Mt. Pleasant Pioneer Historical Association is also asking for additional histories of pioneers of our community, but also histories of all residents and events right up to the present time. These histories will be collected, documented, preserved and eventually put on DVD’s for current and future generations.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Larry Warren Seely ~~~ A Good Friend

 

Larry Warren Seely

February 21st, 2022

1/16/1939 ~ 2/21/2022



Larry Warren Seely, 83 of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, passed away February 21, 2022. Born January 16, 1939 to Hans Rex & Mary Mae Krebs Seely in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Larry served in the US Army. He loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He loved his dog Bunky.
He is survived by his brother Reid Seely; sister Shanna Jones; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; siblings Dean Seely, Wanda Olsen, Donna Jackson, Dixie Wix, Patsy Christiansen.
Following Larry’s wish he will be cremated and interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Wise Family ~~~ Pioneers of the Month ~~~ March 2022

No Photos of Joseph or his wife are available.



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



The following come from Mt. Pleasant History by Hilda Longsdorf: 

There arose another tower of strength in the person of Joseph Wise, who, for many years, Was the stage manager. How often were we thrilled and terrified by the thunder and lightning he conjured up by the aid of gunpowder and a sheet of metal.
In the 80's there seemed to be a lull in the activities of the local home talent. That was when John S. Linsey and Company used to present fine plays to us at stated intervals. We now had a good show house upstairs in the Co-op building, which became known as the Madsen Hall.

OBITUARY:
Joseph Wise, 82, a pioneer resident of this city and Black Hawk Indian war veteran, died Saturday from heart failure and general debilitates.
Mr. Wise was born in Birmingham, England 1848, and came to Utah with his parents, Thomas and Phoebe Wise, in the early '60s. The family lived in Farmington for several years, coming to Mt. Pleasant during the Indian troubles in the late '65s. He married Miss Mary Christensen in Salt Lake June 8, 1871, and they have resided here since.
He is survived by his widow and five sons and daughters; Mrs. T.N. Zabriskie, Mrs. Fred Jensen and Wilford Wise, Mt. Pleasant; Joseph T. Wise, Moab; Victor Wise, Fillmore; 26 grandchildren.

Salt Lake Tribune November 9, 1931
 

Mary Johannah Christensen Wise

BIRTH
Sjælland, Denmark
DEATH1 Sep 1935 (aged 83)
Mount Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah, USA
BURIALMount Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah, USA
PLOTA_101_1_2
MEMORIAL ID142128  View Source



OBITUARY

Mrs. Johanna Marie Christensen Wise, 83, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T. N. Zabriskie, Sunday afternoon of infirmities incident to age. Mrs. Wise was born in Ved-ilu, Roskilde, Denmark, November 29, 1851, a daughter of Niels and Karen Johansen Christensen. After embracing the L. D. S. faith in their native land the family came to America in 1859 and were among the earliest settlers of Mt. Pleasant, living in the pioneer fort. She was married in the Salt Lake City endowment house June 7, 1871, to Joseph Wise of Farmington, a Black Hawk Indian war veteran. He died in 1931. Surviving are three sons and two daughters, Mr. T. N. Zabriskie, Mrs. Fred Jensen and Wilford Wise, Mt. Pleasant; Joseph T. Wise, La Salle, and Victor Wise, Fillmore and 30 grandchildren. Salt Lake Tribune September 3, 1935


We have recently learned that a creamery was operated next to this home operated by Mrs. Wise. Any other information would be much appreciated.  The home stood west of the tracks facing east on about 349 North and 5th West. The creamery was a flat front small building much like you see at 249 West Main today (2009).

Friday, February 25, 2022

UnPopular Pets ~~~ Story by Esther Christensen

 


















Ki and Ote, the boys called them, were two little pups which Joe and Frank Jorgensen found in a coyote den on the bank of Cedar Creek near their farm home four miles out of Mt. Pleasant, Utah.

The little coyotes thrived on the diet of dog's milk furnished by a female dog  at the farm.  They became most interesting pets, but  lost their favor with Mrs. Jorgensen when they began devouring her little chickens.  So the pets must be disposed of.  The Ericksen boys who lived in town brought some rabbits to the farm and exchanged for the coyotes.  When the trade was made, Joe  and Frank accompanied the coyotes and the new owners to town where the coyotes were established in their new home.  When the Jorgensen boys returned to their home in "the bottoms", they found no rabbits--only scattered fur, but Ki and Ote were comfortably housed in the rabbit pen.

Source:  This incident took place in the 1880's as Frank was born in 1877 Joe in 1880. An older sister of the two Jorgensen boys told the story.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Steven Ralph Poulson Has Passed On

 

Steven R Poulson

9/10/1944 ~ 2/15/2022

Steven Ralph Poulson, age 77, of Moroni passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 15, 2022.  Steve was born September 10, 1944, the first child of Junior Poulson and Afton Livingston Poulson.  Steve grew up in Mt. Pleasant and as a teenager he excelled in track and football at North Sanpete High School.  Steve married the love of his life, Marilyn Christensen, on February 28, 1964, and was later sealed in the Manti Temple on June 6, 1986.  They made their home in Moroni where they raised 3 sons: Carl, Kevin, and Brad.

Steve was a master gardener and enjoyed reading and had a talent for oil painting.  He had a love for the outdoors and adventures with his family, that he instilled into his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed many trips to Lake Powell and the desert.  Some of our most cherished memories are of the time spent at Birdseye with family and lifelong friends.

Steve was a mechanic by trade and owned his own business, Big Pine Conoco, where he made many good friends.  He then went on to work at the Moroni Processing plant until his retirement.  Steve loved his country and served in the National Guard for 24 years.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and truly exemplified the Christ like attribute of service.  He would not let an opportunity to serve another pass him by.  To know Steve was to love him and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  We will especially miss his big heart and his infectious laugh.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, whom he affectionately referred to as “his bride” of 58 years. Sons Carl (Diane) Poulson, American Fork, UT; Kevin (Rita) Poulson, Moroni, UT; Brad (Carol) Poulson, St. George, UT and brother Ted Poulson. 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his parents Junior and Afton, brother Alan, sister Peggy, and granddaughter Jessica.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Moroni Stake Center.  Viewings will be held Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 6:00-7:00 pm and Monday 9:30-10:30 am prior to the services, both at the Moroni Stake Center.  Interment in the Moroni City Cemetery.