Orem, one of Utah County’s younger cities, has been incorporated only since 1919. But it’s come a long way since then, and today ranks among the state’s sizable and progressive cities. The Orem Chamber of Commerce’s annual installation banquet the other night was an occasion for taking stock of the city’s progress – and for an optimistic view of the future. The special Herald tabloid section’ in connection with the event cited the Orem City Chamber of Commerce partnership – and statements quoted from Mayor James E. Mangum and Stanley D. Adams, new president of the Orem C. of C., were abundant in their enthusiasm for continued growth and prosperity. re was 1 corporate as a town in 1919. The articles of incorporation were filed April 21 and were accepted May 5 by the Utah County Commission which appointed the following as the initial town board: Lawrence Snow, president, J. W. Gillman, J. A. Loveless, Niels Jacobsen, Henry McKel1ip, and Orson Prestwich. Orem became a third class city Feb. 14, 1944. B. M. Jolley, was serving as president of the town board when this milestone was reached. His title was changed to mayor. at that time. There had been earlier attempts to incorporate in the “Provo Bench” area – the first as early as the 1890s on the sector extending from Carterville. Another proposed townsite was laid out in 1907 in the general area from Fourth to Eghth North and between about 200 West and 200 East. Still another plat was developed in 1913 for an “Orem Townsite” in the vicinity of the old cannery from about State Street to 400 West and about 800 North to 600 North. The need for a culinary water system had a strong motivation with the incorporaters. These early leaders – together with others who approved annexations and spearheaded the move for “city of the third class” status aid the foundation for the surge f growth Orem has experienced ‘n recent decades. Orem, long known as one of the state’s best orchard areas, now has other distinctions – and one of them is its broad commercial and industrial growth, which has made it one of the state’s important shopping centers. The Orem Chamber of Commerce spotlighted this at its installation banquet, along with the growth upsurge which has boosted population to an estimated 41,000 or 42,000. It is claimed Orem is now the state’s second fastest-growing city (behind Sandy). The city is not without its problems. Any fast-growing community has problems, and Orem has its share. But the future is promising. And the enthusiasm and optimism evident at the.C.of C. banquet is a definite plus. Truly “things are happening” in Orem.