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Pioneer Village (Utah)
Encyclopedia
Pioneer Village is located inside of the Lagoon Amusement Park
in Farmington, Utah
. Meant to be a “living museum", Pioneer Village is intended to make the history of Utah come alive. It was founded in 1938 near Salt Lake City by Horace and Ethel Sorensen. In April 1975, Lagoon bought the collection from the Sons of Utah Pioneers
, and it opened at the amusement park in 1976.
Pioneer Village is dedicated to the pioneers of the 19th century who pushed their way westward in the spirit of religious freedom. Their day began with the earliest sun and did not end until sundown when all tasks were complete. It was said that they could handle a gun or plow with equal dexterity. Pioneer Village contains the mementos of these pioneers and reminds us of a time long ago. There are over two dozen buildings in Pioneer Village.
The Mormon furniture exhibit contains furniture on loan from the Historical Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of the furniture pieces are made of pine, since hardwoods were scarce in the time of the pioneers. However, special coats of paint were used to give the pine furniture the appearance of oak, cherry, mahogany, birds eye, maple, walnut, and other hard woods. Most of the furniture was based on patterns from the East such as Empire, Federal, and Gothic Revival. However, Utah furniture was generally simpler and heavier than the styles it imitated. Some of the pieces in the exhibit include:
The presses in the Pioneer Village Print shop are from Intermountain Stamp, Patterson’s Print, Ogden Standard Examiner, and the Salt Lake Stamp Company. Since communication was limited in those days, newspapers were a popular commodity and were printed in many communities throughout the state.
This building contains the repair tools and leather working machines of Charles T. Baxter, a cobbler in American Fork, Utah
around the turn of the century. Up until 1900, the primary mode of transportation in the Western states was walking. For a nation of walkers, the cobbler was vital.
This structure was built in 1885 and was the official Coop
store of Rockport
in Summit County, Utah
. It was organized by farmers from the Wanship
area and functioned all the way up until the 1930s. This store has a false front, which was typical of the period.
This china shop contains pieces made from 1830 to 1910. Many of the pieces were carried across the plains by pioneers who knew that there would only be enough room in their covered wagons for a few of their most precious possessions.
The Hardware Museum is the home of the Sovereign Jewel. The Sovereign Jewel is a stove that is an excellent example of how early Americans would create works of art out of ordinary household items. The bronze dome of the Sovereign Jewel is covered in gems and its doors are illuminated mica
. The drapery is carved from nickel. Many years of research have gone into studying the history of the Sovereign Jewel, and as far as it can be determined, it is unique. It originally sold for $36.00, but its replacement value today would be $12,500.
The Post office was built in Charleston
, Wasatch County, Utah
in 1905 and operated until 1955. Today it contains the original postmaster's desk and dozens of postal boxes, each with their own combination lock. Like most rural towns in Utah, Charleston did not have mail delivery until recently, so residents would have to come to the post office to pick up their letters.
The bakery in Pioneer Village sells many baked goods and is the home of the first soda fountain
in Utah. The soda fountain came across the plains by wagon which was no easy feat, since the fountain consists primarily of a large marble slab. It was housed in the store of William S. Godbe
, which was built in 1855. Customers at the store could choose between strawberry, raspberry, sarsaparilla
, and cream soda. In those days, a glass of soda cost 10 cents.
The David E. Sperry Model Train Museum contains dozens of model trains, most of which are from the collection of David E. Sperry. Sperry’s fascination with trains began in 1928 when he saw an electric train in a friend’s sandbox. From 1930 to 1934 he went through many catalogs and store displays in an effort to increase his collection. In 1935 he was hired by ZCMI as a model train salesman. Over the next sixteen years, he helped customers build their own train layouts both in the store and in their homes. He later joined the local and national train collectors clubs where he received the title, "The Repairman’s Repair Man."
The train museum is also home to "The Lagoon Miniature Railroad." Built in 1925 in Ogden, Utah
, the engine was powered by coal and steam. Originally the train ran two routes: one around the northeast of the Carousel and then north of the White Roller Coaster, and one through the midway and the picnic boweries. For many years the train was on display next to the Lagoon Lake and in 1974 it was rebuilt and ran again until 1986 when it was finally retired.
Just outside of the museum is the Union Pacific Semaphore. Built in 1920 in Swissvale, Pennsylvania
, this style B lower quadrant semaphore
was originally located in Nephi, Utah
along the Union Pacific Railroad
line. It was used to signal trains to either slow down and pick up orders, or proceed to the next signal. It is said that the design of traffic stoplights were adopted from this type of device.
This blacksmith shop was built in 1858 and was used to meet the needs of Johnston’s Army
stationed at Camp Floyd
. The original tools are still on display in the building.
equipment from the 1890s. In addition to offering a shave and a hair cut, the barber shop also provided bathing facilities. Because of this, it contains a tin tub and a pot-bellied stove where water was heated.
Ordinance Building built in 1860. The weapons displayed in the building range from guns used in medieval times to weapons used today. Many of the guns on display were used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and several were used by gunfighters in the Old West.
The Gun Exhibit Building also contains a safe that belonged to Porter Rockwell
.
area. Mr. Bigler lived and worked in this house, and wove cloth that he traded with other settlers.
as an LDS church. Today the building contains the original pews, pot-bellied stove and lectern.
, which were named after them.
School House was constructed in 1870 out of "squared-off" pine logs. In the winter, the school children they would have to huddle around the pot-bellied stoves to keep warm since it was impossible to adequately heat the entire cabin. The building also served as an LDS chapel until a few years later when the LDS settlers could afford to construct a church.
cabin was the first two-story home built in Summit County
. It contains a great deal of pioneer era furniture including a pine rocking chair, a high post bed, and a Mormon Couch.
Lagoon Amusement Park
Lagoon is an amusement park in Farmington, Utah, United States located about seventeen miles north of Salt Lake City. It is privately owned...
in Farmington, Utah
Farmington, Utah
Farmington is a city in Davis County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 18,255 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Davis County...
. Meant to be a “living museum", Pioneer Village is intended to make the history of Utah come alive. It was founded in 1938 near Salt Lake City by Horace and Ethel Sorensen. In April 1975, Lagoon bought the collection from the Sons of Utah Pioneers
Sons of Utah Pioneers
The Sons of Utah Pioneers is an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of and studying the history of the Mormon Pioneers of Utah. The organizations is open to "All good men of every age and circumstance who have an interest in the early Utah Pioneers. It is not necessary to have...
, and it opened at the amusement park in 1976.
Pioneer Village is dedicated to the pioneers of the 19th century who pushed their way westward in the spirit of religious freedom. Their day began with the earliest sun and did not end until sundown when all tasks were complete. It was said that they could handle a gun or plow with equal dexterity. Pioneer Village contains the mementos of these pioneers and reminds us of a time long ago. There are over two dozen buildings in Pioneer Village.
Mormon Furniture Exhibit (Historic Rock Building)
- The octagon top table: Carved with elaborate flowers and foliage and made out of pine, this table was made by William Bell in 1860. William Bell was an expert cabinet maker from London, England.
- The Double Lounge (or Mormon Couch): This couch was made in Utah in 1860. It could be pulled out to form a double bed. Pieces similar to this one were used by passengers on sailing ships.
- The Rocking Chair: Also carved in 1860 and made out of pine, this rocking chair was built to be large and sturdy, and closely resembles the “Boston Rocker.”
Print Shop
Charles T. Baxter Shoe Shop and Repair
American Fork, Utah
American Fork is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, at the foot of Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, north of Utah Lake. It is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 26,263 at the 2010 census, nearly a 20% growth since the 2000 census...
around the turn of the century. Up until 1900, the primary mode of transportation in the Western states was walking. For a nation of walkers, the cobbler was vital.
Rockport Coop
Cooperative
A cooperative is a business organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit...
store of Rockport
Rockport, Utah
Rockport is a ghost town in a narrow part of Weber Valley at the mouth of Three Mile Canyon in Summit County, Utah, United States. Located south of Wanship, it was inhabited for nearly a century before the creation of Rockport Reservoir, which covered almost the whole townsite.-History:The first...
in Summit County, Utah
Summit County, Utah
Summit County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah, occupying a rugged and mountainous area. In 2010 its population was 36,324. It is part of the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Salt Lake City–Ogden–Clearfield Combined Statistical Area. The county is...
. It was organized by farmers from the Wanship
Wanship, Utah
Wanship is a census-designated place in Summit County, Utah, United States. The population was 400 at the 2010 census.Wanship is located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Utah State Route 32, at the junction of Silver Creek and the Weber River. It is from Salt Lake City, and from Coalville...
area and functioned all the way up until the 1930s. This store has a false front, which was typical of the period.
Village China Shop
Pioneer Stove & Hardware Museum
Mica
The mica group of sheet silicate minerals includes several closely related materials having highly perfect basal cleavage. All are monoclinic, with a tendency towards pseudohexagonal crystals, and are similar in chemical composition...
. The drapery is carved from nickel. Many years of research have gone into studying the history of the Sovereign Jewel, and as far as it can be determined, it is unique. It originally sold for $36.00, but its replacement value today would be $12,500.
Post Office
Charleston, Utah
Charleston is a town in Wasatch County, Utah, United States. The population was 378 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Charleston is located at ....
, Wasatch County, Utah
Wasatch County, Utah
Wasatch County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. It was named for a Ute Indian word meaning mountain pass or low place in the high mountains. Its county seat and largest city is Heber City.The county is governed by a county council with an appointed county manager.Wasatch County is...
in 1905 and operated until 1955. Today it contains the original postmaster's desk and dozens of postal boxes, each with their own combination lock. Like most rural towns in Utah, Charleston did not have mail delivery until recently, so residents would have to come to the post office to pick up their letters.
Bakery
Soda fountain
A soda fountain is a device that dispenses carbonated drinks. They can be found in restaurants, concession stands and other locations such as convenience stores...
in Utah. The soda fountain came across the plains by wagon which was no easy feat, since the fountain consists primarily of a large marble slab. It was housed in the store of William S. Godbe
William S. Godbe
William Samuel Godbe was a British convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
, which was built in 1855. Customers at the store could choose between strawberry, raspberry, sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla
is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Central America. Common names include Sarsaparilla , Honduran Sarsaparilla, and Jamaican Sarsaparilla...
, and cream soda. In those days, a glass of soda cost 10 cents.
David E. Sperry’s Model Train Museum
The train museum is also home to "The Lagoon Miniature Railroad." Built in 1925 in Ogden, Utah
Ogden, Utah
Ogden is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. Ogden serves as the county seat of Weber County. The population was 82,825 according to the 2010 Census. The city served as a major railway hub through much of its history, and still handles a great deal of freight rail traffic which makes it a...
, the engine was powered by coal and steam. Originally the train ran two routes: one around the northeast of the Carousel and then north of the White Roller Coaster, and one through the midway and the picnic boweries. For many years the train was on display next to the Lagoon Lake and in 1974 it was rebuilt and ran again until 1986 when it was finally retired.
Just outside of the museum is the Union Pacific Semaphore. Built in 1920 in Swissvale, Pennsylvania
Swissvale, Pennsylvania
Swissvale is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, east of downtown Pittsburgh. Named for a farmstead owned by abolitionist and early feminist Jane Swisshelm, during the industrial age it was the site of the Union Switch and Signal Company of George Westinghouse. The population was 8,983 at...
, this style B lower quadrant semaphore
Railway semaphore signal
One of the earliest forms of fixed railway signal is the semaphore. These signals display their different indications to train drivers by changing the angle of inclination of a pivoted 'arm'. Semaphore signals were patented in the early 1840s by Joseph James Stevens, and soon became the most...
was originally located in Nephi, Utah
Nephi, Utah
Nephi is a city in Juab County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,733 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Juab County. It was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1851, and is the principal city in Juab Valley, an...
along the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
line. It was used to signal trains to either slow down and pick up orders, or proceed to the next signal. It is said that the design of traffic stoplights were adopted from this type of device.
Village Blacksmith
Utah War
The Utah War, also known as the Utah Expedition, Buchanan's Blunder, the Mormon War, or the Mormon Rebellion was an armed confrontation between LDS settlers in the Utah Territory and the armed forces of the United States government. The confrontation lasted from May 1857 until July 1858...
stationed at Camp Floyd
Camp Floyd
Camp Floyd was a short-lived U.S. Army post near Fairfield, Utah, United States. The site is now a Utah state park known as Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum.-Camp Floyd:...
. The original tools are still on display in the building.
Carriage Hall
Most people are aware of the covered wagons used by early pioneers who settled the territory. But not everyone is aware of the wide variety of horse drawn vehicles used in those times. This museum contains some of the major styles of carriages used in that era. Some of them include the following:- The White Top: With the seats in place, the White Top could be used for family transportation. With the seats removed, it could be used for light work. The White Top could be found in farms across America.
- The Buckboard: The Buckboard was a light wagon and was often used by Peddlers. The wagon was equipped with drawers, hangers, racks and compartments, all for the storage and display of the peddler's goods.
- The Harney Coach: The Harney Coach was one of the most expensive coaches in the U.S. and only one of it was ever made. It was originally bought in Europe and was shipped to New Orleans where it was floated on a barge to Tippets, Missouri. There it was picked up by Captain Harney (the second in command of Johnston’s Army) who drove the coach across the plains to Fort Bridger, WyomingFort Bridger, WyomingFort Bridger is a census-designated place in Uinta County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 400 at the 2000 census. The town takes its name from the eponymous Fort Bridger established in 1842.-Geography:...
where Harney presented it to the wife of Judge W.A. Carter, the First Lady of the Territory. The style of the Harney Coach is called "the Berlin," which has a large coach body set on a double perch. - The Victoria Carriage: The Victoria Carriage started to be popular in 1869 when Edward the VII (the Prince of Wales) presented one to his mother, Queen Victoria.
- The Rockaway: The Rockaway was especially popular among the upper and middle classes. In 1900, there were 3,166 Rockaways built in the U.S.
- The Brougham: The Brougham was designed by Lord Brougham in England in 1837. If a high class gentleman were to only have one carriage, the Brougham would usually be it. The Brougham could seat one coachman and one passenger.
- The Light Delivery Wagon Studebaker: The Light Delivery Wagon was part of the delivery and merchandising scene in America for nearly 100 years. Oil wagons were used to carry kerosene. Linen wagons were used to carry laundry. Ice wagons would carry about 700 pounds of ice that was harvested in the winter from frozen ponds. Deseret News delivery wagons would carry newspapers. Rural Free Delivery wagons would carry letters, booklets, and magazines.
- Peter Schuttler Wagon: This wagon weighed 1600 pounds and could be used to haul three tons.
- The Mormon Handcart: The Mormon Handcart was usually made according to the specifications which Brigham YoungBrigham YoungBrigham Young was an American leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and a settler of the Western United States. He was the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death in 1877, he founded Salt Lake City, and he served as the first governor of the Utah...
set forth. Its wheels were four feet in diameter with 10 spokes. Its bed was 36" by 48" and was 9" deep. This design was used by the pioneers from 1856 to 1860. Nearly 3,000 people made their way west with this type of vehicle. These carts typically weighed from 100 to 160 pounds and could only carry 500 to 600 pounds (or the possessions of 6 or 7 people). The handcart pioneersMormon handcart pioneersThe Mormon handcart pioneers were participants in the migration of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Salt Lake City, Utah, who used handcarts to transport their belongings...
traveled over 1,300 miles, and the journey usually took four to five months. - The Surrey Sleigh: The Surrey Sleigh was large and roomy. It had a curved dash and was mounted with a nickel-plated snow screen.
Barber Shop
The Pioneer Village Barber Shop contains a large collection of shaving mugs and other barber shopBarber
A barber is someone whose occupation is to cut any type of hair, and to shave or trim the beards of men. The place of work of a barber is generally called a barbershop....
equipment from the 1890s. In addition to offering a shave and a hair cut, the barber shop also provided bathing facilities. Because of this, it contains a tin tub and a pot-bellied stove where water was heated.
Gun Collection
The Pioneer Village Gun Exhibit Building is modeled after the Fort DouglasFort Douglas, Utah
Camp Douglas was established in October 1862 as a small military garrison about three miles east of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the purpose of protecting the overland mail route and telegraph lines along the Central Overland Route. In 1878, the post was renamed Fort Douglas. The fort was officially...
Ordinance Building built in 1860. The weapons displayed in the building range from guns used in medieval times to weapons used today. Many of the guns on display were used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and several were used by gunfighters in the Old West.
The Gun Exhibit Building also contains a safe that belonged to Porter Rockwell
Porter Rockwell
Orrin Porter Rockwell was a figure of the Wild West period of American History and a law man in the Utah Territory...
.
Bigler Cabin
The Bigler Cabin was built by Jacob G. Bigler, a Pioneer Weaver who was an early settler in the NephiNephi, Utah
Nephi is a city in Juab County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,733 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Juab County. It was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1851, and is the principal city in Juab Valley, an...
area. Mr. Bigler lived and worked in this house, and wove cloth that he traded with other settlers.
Gingerbread House
The Pioneer Village Gingerbread house was built was Alma Gibbons in 1904. Alma Gibbons cut the trees, hauled them to his saw mill, and then built this home with his own hands. Supposedly the building is haunted (much like the rest of the village) and anyone in it alone at six in the evening is invited to dinner.Little Rock Chapel
The Little Rock Chapel was constructed in 1863 and originally served as a fort. It then became a courthouse with a jail attached. After that it became a schoolhouse, and in 1869 it was designated by Brigham YoungBrigham Young
Brigham Young was an American leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and a settler of the Western United States. He was the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death in 1877, he founded Salt Lake City, and he served as the first governor of the Utah...
as an LDS church. Today the building contains the original pews, pot-bellied stove and lectern.
Erastus Bingham Cabin
This log cabin was built by Erastus Bingham in North Ogden in 1853. Bingham was a farmer and a father of ten children. Two of those children discovered the Bingham Copper minesBingham Canyon Mine
The Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, is an open-pit mining operation extracting a large porphyry copper deposit southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in the Oquirrh Mountains. It is the deepest open-pit mine in the world. The mine is owned by Rio Tinto Group, an...
, which were named after them.
Rockport School House
The RockportRockport, Utah
Rockport is a ghost town in a narrow part of Weber Valley at the mouth of Three Mile Canyon in Summit County, Utah, United States. Located south of Wanship, it was inhabited for nearly a century before the creation of Rockport Reservoir, which covered almost the whole townsite.-History:The first...
School House was constructed in 1870 out of "squared-off" pine logs. In the winter, the school children they would have to huddle around the pot-bellied stoves to keep warm since it was impossible to adequately heat the entire cabin. The building also served as an LDS chapel until a few years later when the LDS settlers could afford to construct a church.
Wanship Cabin
The WanshipWanship, Utah
Wanship is a census-designated place in Summit County, Utah, United States. The population was 400 at the 2010 census.Wanship is located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Utah State Route 32, at the junction of Silver Creek and the Weber River. It is from Salt Lake City, and from Coalville...
cabin was the first two-story home built in Summit County
Summit County, Utah
Summit County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah, occupying a rugged and mountainous area. In 2010 its population was 36,324. It is part of the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Salt Lake City–Ogden–Clearfield Combined Statistical Area. The county is...
. It contains a great deal of pioneer era furniture including a pine rocking chair, a high post bed, and a Mormon Couch.
Past attractions of Pioneer Village
The following rides and attractions no longer exist in Pioneer Village:- Ute Indian Museum - Located north of the Blacksmith.
- General Store - Located in what is now Arby's.
- Pony Express Museum
- Ox-Drawn Wagon Rides
- Pioneer Village Railroad - Circled the entire village. The station is now the Model Railroad Museum.
- Lagoon Miniature Railroad - Smaller train which circled the northern portion of the village. The locomotive and tender are now on display in the Model Railroad Museum.
External links
- Pioneer Village Tour In-depth picture tour with printable tour map.
- Official Lagoon Website