“The first requisite of a good citizen,” said Theodore Roosevelt, “is that he be able and willing to pull his weight.” This article is about more than 500 Provo citizens who have gone far beyond that “first requisite.” They are present and past members of Provo City “Citizen Boards” whose talents energies and leadership have… Continue reading More Than 500 Have Served on Provo City Boards
Category: Provo History
Changing Utah’s State Song
Our state song, “Utah, We Love Thee,” may have its inadequacies but are these sufficient to warrant displacing it as an official state symbol after all these years? Gov. Scott Matheson “occasionally has suggested,” according to a news story, “that somebody ought to come up with a more modern replacement.” Now, Dr. Steven R. Mecham,… Continue reading Changing Utah’s State Song
Candy Smiles
During the crucial Berlin Airlift 3 1/2 decades ago, rays of gladness were spread by human interest stories of an American “candy bomber” who dropped sweets to destitute German children. If you are old enough to remember the historic airlift (called Operation Vittles) – the Allies’ answer to the infamous Berlin Blockade by the Soviets… Continue reading Candy Smiles
Provo Bids ‘Goodbye’ to Tom
Provo said goodbye this week to one of its highly respected war heroes. Thomas S. Bullock, prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years after the fall of Corregidor in World War II. As the sweet strains of “Taps” added a final plaintive touch to graveside services at the Provo Cemetery, many must have reflected… Continue reading Provo Bids ‘Goodbye’ to Tom
‘Ashton Tower’ Has a Long, Distinguished History
If you’re new in Provo you might wonder about the brick smokestack near the heart of the city with ”Ashton’s Chevrolet Buick” inscribed in larger vertical letters. The smokeless stack is a vestige from the historic Woolen Mills, once Provo’s largest industry which operated for 60 years on the First West-Second West block between First… Continue reading ‘Ashton Tower’ Has a Long, Distinguished History
Salute to Freedom Fete Workers
“One cannot help coming away from the celebration uplifted, grateful for a free country… proud to be an American!” The smiling and energetic man who spoke these words was Steven R. Shallenberger, general chairman of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo. He, his top two aides Ben E. Lewis and Don T. Nelson, and over 500… Continue reading Salute to Freedom Fete Workers
Provo Honors Pioneer Spirit: Painting a Picture of Yesterday
Provo, settled as Fort Utah in 1849, is 135 years old today. The anniversary will be marked on Wednesday with a noon luncheon and program at the Eldred Center by the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers of Provo and the Senior Citizens. The first colony of Mormon settlers – sent from Great Salt Lake… Continue reading Provo Honors Pioneer Spirit: Painting a Picture of Yesterday
Tabernacle Real Eye-Grabber With New Paint
Get ready for some surprises the nest time you visit the historic Provo Tabernacle, now closed for renovation. First off, a striking new interior paint job is sure to grab your attention. It’s aimed at restoring the tabernacle’s original colors and decorative style. A contrast from the blend of whites and pastel greens of recent… Continue reading Tabernacle Real Eye-Grabber With New Paint
Provo Settlers Once Started to Build Walled Enclosure For Protection Against Indians
Did you know that the pioneer settlers of Provo once started to build a 12-foot mud wall around a section of the city for protection against the Indians? The walling project – never completed – began in the spring of 1854 during intermittent Indian troubles associated with the “Walker War,” named for a hostile Ute… Continue reading Provo Settlers Once Started to Build Walled Enclosure For Protection Against Indians
Growth, Change: They’re Perpetual Watchwords
So we’ve entered a new decade! High hopes for happiness and prosperity are mingled with concerns over inflation, energy shortages, and other economic problems as we turn from the 70’s and advance into a new 10-year span. There are other concerns too, as war clouds gather in parts of the world. The Soviet Union is… Continue reading Growth, Change: They’re Perpetual Watchwords