Payson--The First 100 Years-Dr. Asa L. Curtis--24th Mayor

PAYSON–THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Part 26–Dr. Asa L Curtis–24th Mayor
Payson Historical Society

DRY LAKE RESERVOIR BUILT — SCHOOL LUNCHES STARTED

    “Dr. Asa L. Curtis took oath of office as the 24th Mayor of the city on January 4, 1932. The State Bank of Payson closed its doors the day before, January 3. This left Payson without a bank and the people with very little money.
    The Goosenest Reservoir being under construction, Mayor Curtis and the council went on with it and completed the project. The McClellan, Box and Big Reservoirs were improved and enlarged. This tripled their storage capacity. Dry Lake was made into a reservoir. The supply of water was increased in the storage tank for culinary water.
    With the aid of the C. C. C. the canyon road was improved. A road was built up right hand fork. A recreational area was built. Stoves and tables were built at Camp sites. This increased the usability of the canyon for picnics and camping.
    The gathering of dry garbage was started. It was gathered once a month from March until November. This proved so successful that a wet garbage route was commenced.
    Through the Lady Lions and W. P. A. the school lunches were started. They were at first prepared in the basement of the I.O.O.F. Building and then taken to the different schools and distributed at noon. The lunches are now prepared at the school, the school district in charge. A small amount is charged for the students.
    December 1932 the Junior High presented the first Candle and Carol Service.  From that time until now it has become an annual event. The entire student body all faculty members, the janitor, engineers participated, making it an outstanding Christmas production. Through song and tableaus the birth of the Savior is portrayed.
    According to the minutes of the City Council the tennis courts at the west side park were lighted July 17, 1933. The ball park and race track were improved, some lights were installed and more bleachers erected.’*

*Quoted from “The Payson Story” page 22-23,  published by the Payson Centennial Committee, October 1950