PAYSON THE FIRST 100 YEARS--FLOYD HARMER--29TH MAYOR PART 2 OF 2

PAYSON–THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Part 32–Floyd Harmer–29th Mayor–Part 2 of 2
Payson Historical Society

WATER WORKS IMPROVED–TELEPHONE SERVICE UPDATED–LEGION HALL DEDICATED

Street markers, sponsored jointly by Payson City, the Lions Club and the Jaycees were placed on each intersection. This makes directions easier to find.
The Cocklebur Riding Club rodeo arena was initiated July 4, 1949. Under lights the youth of the city vied for honors in steer riding, calf roping and novelty races.
The United States Post Office of Payson was moved to larger quarters Oct. 15. It now occupies the building on South Main St. adjacent to the Forsey Variety Store.
Mayor Floyd Harmer was re-elected for the fourth straight term November 8, 1949. This made Payson History, as he became the first mayor to gain the honor. This term will be for  four years, due to a recent change in Payson election law. The only other long termed mayor was Orrawcll Simons. He served three terms, 1867 to 1875.
The new addition to the Taylor School was dedicated December 15 in the new auditorium of the school. The program was under the direction of Nebo School District board of education, with Melvin Wilson conducting. The prayer of dedication was given by Samuel E. Taylor, a former teacher and son of Jesse S. Taylor for whom the school was named.
1950 being Payson's Centennial year, many outstanding entertainments are slated and many improvements started.
The first highway post office in Western United States stopped in Payson Jan. 23, 1950 on its initial run on a regular route from Richfield, Utah to Salt Lake City.
The improvement program of Payson's water works system was started in June. The improvement covers the entire water system, from the springs beyond Payson reservoir thoughout Payson City, replacing pipe lines and flow lines, installing new lines and giving 70 fire hydrants to Payson.
The Payson High School during the school year of 1949-50 helped with the centennial as they won thirteen tropies. A first place trophy was awarded LeRov Bills as best rifleman in the six western states. The Payson high rifle team won first place in state and regional competition as well as a plaque showing Payson as winning team in six state meet of National Rifle Assn.
In speech, Payson High won a sweepstakes award won in a state meet at BYU against 40 other schools.
In athletics the high school won state football, Class B, second place; regional football, first place; state basketball, Class B, second place; regional basketball, first place; regional track, first place; Snow college trek, several regions competing, first place; BYU mile relay, first place; state mile relay, first place; Future Farmers of America basketball, region, first place. The school was also awarded the Moorehead sportsmanship football traveling trophy, Region 3.
Members of Payson Senior High School band under the direction of J. D. Christensen presented a centennial concert May 18, at the tabernacle. Favorite old tunes were played. One number was played by the old Payson Band. William Clayson directed a number and John Done conducted a number, Memorial Park, written by his son, Melvin Done.
District governor of Kiwanis International officially organized a Kiwanis club in Payson June 10. James S. "Sam" McClellan, president of the Payson club accepted the charter from Governor McCune, on behalf of the eight charter members of the club.
The Mountain State Telephone company improved and expanded the local telephone service. This includes increase in rural lines and outside plant facilities to reduce party line congestion. With the completion the toll charge between Spanish Fork and Payson will be eliminated.
The Legion Home was dedicated at an open house June 22, Bill Snyder, Payson Post 48 commander and Mrs. L. D. Stewart of the Legion Auxiliary arranged the program and dedicatory exercises, with Mr. Snyder as master of ceremonies. Bishop Glenn Cowan, Payson Third Ward, himself a Legionaire, gave the dedicatory prayer.
A new city electrical sub-station located on the city property at the old Orem shop area went into operation July 1 at 4:30 p.m.
The Black Hawk encampment was held in Payson August 1-5. The keynote theme carried out in the programs during the five days was Our Pioneers. Some of the outstanding: features were, a pageant written by Kathryn Betts, "Youth's Heritage-Our Yesterdays" a parade, a sham Indian-settlers battle, a sunrise service, where the settlers first camped and each day programs were given by the different posts.
There are two more centennial events scheduled. The annual Onion Days and Homecoming celebration Sept. 4 and the Birthday program and marker celebration in October.