REMEMBER WHEN FROM THE PAST--PAYSON SWIMMING POOLS

 REMEMBER WHEN
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Kenna Holm

PAYSON CITY POOLS

    Payson just opened their new pool on South Main and what a pool it is. It got me thinking about the last two swimming pools we have had.  The first one I remember was in the North Side of the Park. It was constructed in 1937.  It wasn’t a huge pool but we had lots of fun there. I m not sure we even had life guards on duty. It seems like we weren’t quite so paranoid then.
    It was such a treat to go up to the park and go swimming. We even had parties where we would go as a group and swim at night. For a long time there were no dressing rooms. We just went to the park in our swimming suits and also went home in our wet swimming suits.
They finally built some dressing rooms on the east side of the pool. Nothing fancy but they did okay.    They had a high chain link fence around the pool.       In 1973 Payson had a big flood when the dam broke up the canyon. The pool was badly damaged and could no longer be used. The flood had caused large cracks in the cement and could no longer be used. Repair would have been just to costly so it was closed. Then if you wanted to swim, you had to go either to Arrowhead in Benjamin or Park-Ro-She in Springville.

    Reed Money Jr. was on the City Council at that time and he was determined for Payson to have a swimming pool. He and the other members of the city council along with Mayor Dick Harmer made it a number one priority. The group spearheaded by Money was able to receive a grant to help build a new pool with a bath house. The grant they received was the largest grant ever given in the state to build a swimming pool.
    Payson was with out a swimming pool for 2 years before the new pool on the South side of the park was built.  Location for the new pool was a big issue for awhile. Some wanted it to be built in the new Jr High that was being built on the southwest part of town but Mayor Harmer felt that more people would use it if it were in the park and was run by the city and not the school district.
    The plans were made and the project was started. The pool would have a L shape with a teaching and play area in one end and a wading pool in the corner of the L shape.  They said the Bicentennial Swimming Pool would be finished by the next year during the nation s 200th birthday . It opened in June of 1976.
    We've had a lot of fun parties at that pool. The Fireman and EMT s and their families have a hamburger fry and swim every summer at that pool. Now maybe we will have them at the beautiful new pool. It s been a place for swimming lessons, parties and just plain summer fun.

   The new pool has two slides, a lazy river to ride around and a lap pool. It s beautiful and has lot of perks the other two didn t have but oh it s fun to remember back when...
    Connie and Stan Cloward were lifeguards at the old Payson Pool that was located on the north side of the park by Peteetneet Creek.  For seven years before they left Payson and went to Pennsylvania they served as lifeguards at the pool.  Connie also taught Water Ballet to hundreds of young swimmers. They would practice all summer to put on a water show for the Labor Day celebration.  There were bleachers put in place along side the pool for the public to view the show.
    Ralph Daniels recorded the music and used his sound system.  His three daughters, Sue, Jo, and Janna were swimmers in the shows. Clever costumes were made for swimmers for the shows. These shows were a big part of the Payson celebration. They were so outstanding and unique that they were invited to  Lagoon, Tooele, and Salt Lake to perform the show..
After Connie left, Susan Daniels took over for a few years. Cora Lee Wilson then became the director.  The shows were put on for about 14 years total until the new pool on the south side of the park was built.  The new pool was not adequate to accommodate the things necessary to carry on with the water ballet so they were discontinued when the original pool was abandoned.  It was sad to see these outstanding productions come to an end. Connie, Sue, and Cora Lee did an outstanding job with these productions that we will always remember.

REMEMBER WHEN FROM THE PAST--NORTH MAIN CHANGES

     The Payson Historical Society was saddened to announce the passing of one of our most dedicated members, Kenna Holm.  Kenna was a member of the organization for many years.  She had been  serving as the Historical Society Historian.  She will missed.  We will continue posting the columns she wrote several years ago of  her "Remember When" series.  Thanks to this wonderful lady, once again, these articles posted on the Payson Historical Blogspot will rekindle many fond memories for many of our readers and introduced many new ones the the Payson many of us remember.  Kenna's contribution to maintaining the history of Payson will always be treasured

 Remember When
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Kenna Holm - Nebo Reporter

NORTH MAIN CHANGES

    As I was watching the snow come down and watching the traffic here on Main Street in
Payson, I couldn't help but think of all the changes that have been made just here on NorthMain.
From the light north on the corner on the west side of the street by the stop light instead of
a little park area, there was a Car Dealership. As I remember it, it was Snyder Motor Co. It was
operated byBert Snyder. They sold Oldsmobiles and they had a garage in the back ofthe business.
Franz Suter and Ellis Johnson (Steve Johnson’s father) among others were some of the Oldsmobile mechanics that serviced the automobiles for Snyders.  Their business was right out on the sidewalk and the portico came out to the corner. We used to cut through there on our way to church at the 3rd Ward.

    On the East side was Duke Page Chrysler Dealership (which I have written about). Next to Snyder's (who later sold it to Painters) on the north was the old Fairbanks hom

e.  It was torn
down and rebuilt at This is the Place State Park in Salt Lake City. Brigham Young used to stay in
this home when he came through Payson.

   Next was the old tithing house  located  next to the  Third Ward Church. The Tithing House was torn down and the Faribanks home was removed and that area is the parking lot of 3rd Ward.

   Across the  street where Central Bank is now was where our old Nebo Stake Tabernacle stood. Oh, we all hated to see that building torn down but time marches on and we can't keep
hold of everything even though we try. Then further north on Main Street there were just
homes for many years.
    In 1974 a only a little service station called Budget Fuel was constructed where Flying J is now. A new building was built further back on the lot and it has been remodeled and a restaurant called Cobblestone was added to the business. My dad used to call it 'The Rock Pile.  He'd say ,"Let's go have lunch at the Rock Pile". I always got a laugh out of that . The owners changed the name to Fuel America and then it was sold and became Flying J in 1998 and the restaurant became known as The Cookery.
    There was no Motel, McDonalds, Gas and Dash, Payson Market or any other business on
North Main.
    When we first moved to our home at 555 North Main in 1985, there was the old sub station across the street that had been turned into an apartment and then they built the storage sheds behind it. To the North of that was 3 homes. Johnson's, Pulsipher's (who later was sold to Pam and Scott Haney) and King's (who later sold it to Ren and Chris Zeeman).

    In1986 they built McDonald's. I guess we had  moved  up  in this world. I  remember  my little  grandson Brady saying, "Boy Grandma, it's so neat to live right by McDonald's". He was only about 4 and he thought that was fun to be able to walk down to McDonald's with one of us and get a treat.

    Then in 1987, they built Comfort Inn. It was a nice addition to our town. Later Dan Chambers built Dan's Dash Inn (the little gas station and food store)also a Subway Sandwich was
built between Dan's and Comfort Inn.
    They then took out the 3 homes that I mentioned before (which was sad to see go) and started building Payson Market. It was nice to have that big market in this end of town. But with it came more traffic. Then came BlockBuster Video and Checker Auto. With each of these additions, the traffic got heavier and heavier. They did widen the road some but it's still hard to get in and out of our homes besides those that shop trying to get out onto Main Street.
I keep wondering what will come in next. Payson just keeps changing but it's fun to take time to look back and remember when...

REMEMBER WHEN--KENNA HOLM

     The Payson Historical Society is saddened to announce the passing of one of our most dedicated members, Kenna Holm.  Kenna has been a member of the organization for many years.  She has been currently serving as the Historical Society Historian.  She will missed.  We have been posting the columns she wrote several years ago of  her "Remember When" series.  Once again, these articles posted on the Payson Historical Blogspot have rekindled many fond memories for many of our readers and introduced many new ones the the Payson many of us remember.  Kenna's contribution to maintaining the history of Payson will always be treasured.
      Kenna Heaps Holm passed away Wednesday,March 16, 2016  in her home in her beloved Payson.
She was born May 19, 1938  in Payson, Utah to Pherron and Alene Adair Heaps. She was the only daughter with 3 brothers.
     On August 12, 1955 she married Frank A. Holm in Payson, Utah They were later sealed in the Manti LDS Temple July 19, 1957. He preceded her in death on April 23, 2014.
     Kenna attended schools in Payson and  graduated from Payson High where she was active as a cheerleader. Kenna loved to sing and was always asked to perform with her friends.
     She was also an Optician for over 20 years, something she loved to do. Service is what drove her,  through her compassionate efforts, many where blessed, especially her. .
     She was the editor of a local newspaper for a number of years and that was when she began writing her series, "Remember When."
     Kenna was active as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of the DUP and the Payson Historical Society.  She loved to share her knowledge of her heritage and her community.
     She supported her family no matter the event, including being a Payson Lady Fireman.
     She is survived by her daughters and families, Patti and John Witham, Cindy (Butler) and John Spange, Kelly and Stuart Montague, Vicki and Jeff Barnes and Rebecca and Mark Westover. 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Her brother DeLynn Heaps.
     Her sweetheart, Frank, her granddaughter Brooke Barnes and grandson, Zachary Westover met her on the other side along her parents and her brothers, LaVell and LaMoyne..
     Funeral services will be Monday, March 21, 2016, 11:00 a.m., at the Payson 11th Ward Chapel, 902 West 400 North with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior. A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 6-8:00 p.m.. at the Walker Mortuary, located at 587 South 100 West, Payson. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

REMEMBER WHEN FROM THE PAST--CENTRAL MARKET TO PAYSON MARKET

Remember When
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Kenna Holm

FROM CENTRAL MARKET TO PAYSON MARKET

    Thinking back over the years of the grocerymarkets we had in town Ikept thinking how fun those markets were. We now have 3 big store, Smith’s, Payson Market, and WalMart.   Back then it was Safeway and Central Market.
    I want to talk about Central Market and how it grew and changed hands.  Central Market was located on the East Side of the Main Street between the OLD library on the corner of Utah Avenue and Main Street and Roe's Bakery.
    Before it was Central Market it was a big co-op store and it had been open for over 20 years when Roy Rodgers and Leon Fullmer bought  the  building  and  called  it  Central
Market. I described the store in an early article of  Remember When.
    My mom worked at that store as a checker along with Fern Lucas. Fred Robertson was
assistant manager, Art Daley and Leon Fullmer worked in the meat department.

    Roy later built a market in Spanish Fork called The Foodliner and RayAngus (Fay's husband) was his manager there. That was in the early 1960's.
    Roy also built a new market on the corner of 1st North and 2nd East (where NAPA is now) here in Payson.  Instead of keeping the name Central Market, he changed the name to Roy's Market. There motto was "Service and Quality" and they did give great service.

   After 2 years of managing the Spanish Fork Store, Roy brought Ray over to Payson to manage his Roy's Food Mart. Roy decided he wanted to retire so he sold the store to Ray in 1972. It then became Ray's Foodmart.

    In 1975, Ray added a lot more space to the store and made the parking lot larger. He
now could have a new frozen food and produce section and also the dairy departments were expanded.  He added more shelving so he could carry more merchandise.
    He had many who worked for him over the years, Mary Lou Draper, Louise DeGraw,  Larry Houser was Assistant Manager, Glen Thatcher, Lillian Davis (KarenRiding's and Nedra Curtis' mom),  Jennie Wilson (Carol Sue Mortensen's mom) Cora Montague,  Leona Baron and  I probably could go on and on with more but that is a few I remember.
    In August of 1983, Ray sold the store and it changed hands and names several times. The last was Day's Market and was there until they opened up the big Payson Market at 560 North Main  and moved there. Many things have changed over the years but isn't it fun to look back and remember when.

REMEMBER WHEN FROM THE PAST--THE OLD FIREHOUSE RESTUARANT

REMEMBER WHEN
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Kenna Holm

THE OLD FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT

    There's a building in town that has been standing since the very early 1900's. It was built as a livery stable in 1907 and then when cars became popular, Charlie Douglass, who owned it, leased it to Payson City for their Fire Department.
    The Fire Department was in the building where the livery stable was until they built their new Fire Station where it is today at 100 South and 100 East. In those early years, there just wasn't that many cars to make it hard for the Fire Engines to get out and go to the fires. It would never work today because they have to many fire trucks and apparatuses but then they only had one or two trucks.

    Next to that building was a pool hall operated by Gordon  'Boots' Barnett.  That seemed to always be a popular place for a lot of the men in town. Today, Downhill Cyclery is located in area once occupied by the pool hall.  The upstairs of the IOOF building has been  remodeled  into  an  apartment  for  the owners of the bicycle shop.
    On the north side and adjacent to the  fire station was Reif’s Radiator Repair. The shop was operated for many years by Chris Reif. When the Fire Department moved into their new home,  the Reif’s expanded into the area formerly occupied by the Payson Fire Department. Chris’s son, Jay incorporated a body and fender shop into the business.  

   The entire building was later remodeled and made into a  restaurant called "The Old Firehouse Restaurant". It  was owned  and operated by Russell  and Arlis Hutchinson. Charlie Douglass was Arlis' father. It was a lovely place to go eat and they had kept the decoration in the flavor of a fire house. I remember the red shag carpet and red chandeliers and a lot of old things around on the walls. Theylater sold it to Norman and Holly Broadhead and her sister Betty Quinn.  It became one of the most popular restaurants in southern Utah County.  People would drive for miles just to savor the delicious scones, steaks and other items on their menu.
    That seemed to be a family business also as Holly's mom, Minnie Stanton (who could forget that fun person) and Connie  Hansen their sister ( who owns the Wildflower) They were all exceptional cooks. They were known for their great steaks and their fish and chips. Minnie and Connie did most of the cooking. Minnie was strict about getting the food out while it was hot. Her words were "Let it get cold in front of the customer, not waiting for you to serve it".
    Minnie was the master bread maker, cook, and all around do everything person. Connie told me some fun stories about her but told me I'd better not print them.
    They later leased it to someone else for awhile but they were not successful in following the previous owners with the outstanding food and services that the customers had been accustomed to receiving. Afterit closed the building became a clothing store called "Something to Crow About". It was owned by the LeBaron's and they carried all kinds of women's clothing and accessories. They run it for quite a while and then moved their store up to the old Forsey building.
    Now the old Douglass building is occupied by the Utah State Liquor Store.
    I'm sure if the walls could talk, the walls of this old, historic building would have some good stories to tell. It's fun to remember back when isn't it?

REMEMBER WHEN FROM THE PAST--ROE'S BAKERY

 Remember When
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Kenna Holm

Roe’s Bakery

    While driving through town recently, I was looking at all the empty buildings we have lining the streets. It made me so sad and I got to thinking back of how busy Payson Main Street was.  One  of  my favorite  places  was  Roe's Bakery. That place has been around so long and now it stands vacant and just a reminder of the better days.  The bakery was actually started in the 1920's but Roe Wilde didn't take it over until  He made everything from scratch and it was so delicious

   Snaff Wood reminded me of all the bakers Roe had trained, him among them.  Snaff said he was wonderful to work for and so many that he trained went on to have their own shops or work for big stores.
    I remember when Roe did the baking and he had a lot of good helpers. The ones I remember best is Larsen Wilde's wife Marsha (she was always so friendly), Teresa, his wife worked there forever, Venita Harmer, Colleen Wilson (she was Teresa's sister),  Shirley Houser and Leila Greenhalgh Houser among others.
  

 Snaff  said  Roe  was  always  a  hard working man and a good man to work for. He also trained his sons in the bakery but I think Garth was the only one to carry the trade on.
    I loved to go in there and then be so confused as to what to buy. Everything always looked  so  good.  I'm  a  fussy pie  eater and  I usually never buy pies from commercial places because I make my own but Roe's had good crust. His pies were delicious.  He made a mean meat pie you could buy with or without gravy. ymm.
     Roe trained Snaff  Wood and he went on to do great things. He started out working for Don's Cafe before he went to Roe's and learned the baking business. He worked over in Hawaii at the BYU Hawaii school and then he came back to Utah and worked in the BYU Food Services and retired from there after 19 1/2 years of service. He was a manager there
     Remember Roe’s  good Date Nut bread. I loved it and it seems you can't find it anymore. Bakery goods were made from scratch which is now almost a thing of the past. Everything comes in pre-done from somewhere--who knows.
I remember his Flatfeet sweet rolls, his Danish rolls were to die for and I could go on and on about the products he produced. Kind of makes your mouth water to think about them.
     Roe supplied Ray’s Market with bakery goods for many years until they built the new Payson Market and they provided their own bakery
    Roe trained many good men. To name a few--there was, Larsen Wilde, Keith Mendenhall, The Mecham brothers, Rex Peery, Darwin Olsen, LaZone Porter and I'm sure there are many more. It was like the Roe's BakerySchool of Learning. He taught them and then they went on to have their own bakeries or to work at a large place.
     Roe was a hard worker, not only at his bakerybut in the cityand his church. He was Bishop of Payson Third Ward. He was actually my Bishop for a few years before they divided the Third, West and Second wards and made the Sixth Ward.
    His motto was "the two best ingredients in a bakery to make the best are 1. Butter and 2. Love.  Roe had a love for his business and he passed it on to his son.

     Roe taught all of his children to work hard. They all helped  in  the  bakery when they were young but Garth is the one who took over the bakery and had a love for it like his dad. Roe and Teressa opened up a  gift  shop  that  was connected to the bakery and called it The Dowry. They carried a lot of beautiful items.
Now the bakery and gift shop stands vacant but isn’t good to remember when?

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.