Payson First 100 Years--Philo Wightan--26th Mayor

PAYSON–THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Part 28–Philo Wightman–26th Mayor
Payson Historical Society


PAYSON HOSPITAL BUILT — CEMETERY PLANTED LO LAWN AND SEWER STARTED

    “Philo Wightman took over the office as the 26th mayor in January of 1935. The first project was the completion of the water tank. Henry Erlandson, as mayor, had started it so was asked by Mayor Wightman to finish as he was familiar with the project.
    The country was still in depression. It was up to the cities and taxing units to sponsor worth while projects under the direction of the W. P. A. These projects furnished work for the men who needed it.
    The Payson City Hospital was one of these worthy projects. Dr. A. L. Curtis saw the need of such an enterprise and met with the city council. A proposal was submitted to the Works Progress Administration. They accepted it and the hospital was built by Payson City, and the W. P. A. Dr. Curtis was medical advisor. It started operation Feb. 14, 1938. It has been a blessing for not only Payson, but surrounding cities.
    In 1937,  the swimming pool was improved and the bath houses built. In 1938 the two tennis courts on the southeast side of the park were put in.
    The cemetery was enlarged, new water lines laid, and the whole planted to lawn. This was a great improvement, making the cemetery one of the nicest in the state.
    With the growth of the community, Payson High School needed to expand. Dr. L. D. Stewart and Graham Daley broke the ground for a new #39,000 shop and gymnasium on January 27, 1939, to be built on the ground south of the high school. The high school was also renovated.
    Oct. 26, 1939 Mayor Philo Wightman turned the first ground starting the sewer system, in the presence of the City Council, WPA officers, citizens and workmen on the project.
    Peteetneet Creek running between Utah Avenue and First South paralleling Main Street was covered over, this opened a road back of the business buildings on the west side of Main Street.” *

*Quoted from “The Payson Story” page 23-24,  published by the Payson Centennial Committee, October 1950