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Show May 17. 1995 - Pyramid Recreation Guide - Page 11 Fairview completes mammoth project by Koleen Peterson When a construction crew unearthed the remains of an ancient Columbian mammoth while repairing the Huntington Reservoir Dam in the mountains above Fairview in the summer of 1988, few visualized the significance of what would become a major archeological find. Today, a replica of the mammoth, believed to have lived nearly 12,000 years ago, is the main exhibit in the citys a new $1 million museum building. The building which will also contain exhibits and other collections was designed especially to house a replica of the mammoths ancient remains. A dedication and open house is 10:30 a.m., July 22, and will coincide with Fairview s annual Pioneer Day festivities. The new 12,600 square-fofacility is adjacent to the old rock school house, built in 1900 that houses a collection of more than 2,000 pioneer artifacts and has attracted visitors from all over the world for nearly 30 years. To be called the "Horizon Building," the new museum also houses a large collection of original casts and plaster working renditions made by the late renowned sculptor. Dr. Avard Fairbanks. The collection is said to be closer to the originals than his bronze works. Fairbanks sculptures are found in Fords Theater in Washington D. C. and other major locations worldwide. The collection was donated by the Fairbanks Family. Also exhibited are paintings by prominent Utah artists including 85 pieces in the Theodore Milton Wassmer collection. For a small. Central Utah town of about 1,200 residents, taking on the building project was a mammoth task in itself. Today, a modern building with winits magnificent dow elegantly framing the giant replica stands as a tribute to dedicated residents who turned a dream into a reality. No doubt spurred by the same undaunted spirit that possessed their hardworking pioneer ancestors who settled Fairview in 1859, museum supporters also battled what looked like unsurmountable odds to build a place to house the replica and other exhibits. "To see it a reality is a thrill," said Norma Vance, a boardmember. "Weve come to love the Fairview Museum which is why we all worked so hard," she said but adding, "We were stretched to the max." As one who has volunteered many hours and also met many people, Vance said visitors are also commenting that the building more than met their expectations. More than 5,400 visitors toured the museum in 1994 and more than 900 stopped by in March of this year alone, many attracted by the mammoth display. This is the first year the museum will be open year around. pre-histor- ic ot . two-sto- The new building is a stark contrast to the small, historic homes surrounding it, yet it was designed to be in harmony with the nearly school house that was die beginning of the museum 28 years ago. Now called the "Heritage Building," visitors can step back in time as they view the collection of agriculture machines and early implements, spinning wheels and other items that were part of the daily tasks a century ago. Visitors will also marvel at the minute detail of the Lyndon Graham exhibit which includes miniature scenes from folklore. When the dust settles on the new project, the board plans to restore the old building. Shortly after the mammoth was discovered, Harris Cheney, then a member of the museum board, was among the first to see the vision of what this scientific discovery could eventually mean to this small Sanpete County community. Cheney, a Fairview native, who spent many years as a California building contractor, had come home to retire. But retirement was not in the cards for Cheney who was soon named to the board and emersed in numerous projects. Cheney wanted to house the replica in another vacant school building on the same property, but studies showed remodeling costs to meet building codes were prohibitive. The museum board was also facing a "do it or die" situation ECS School with the eight-roorock buildthat been had run almost ing single handedly by its founders Golden Sanderson and Lyndon Graham until their deaths. But the mantle would fall on Jerry Nelson, a retired high school teacher and artist who valuable provided leadership was probably the what during most critical time in the mus- December he was fully with people like Vem former Mt. Pleasant City Fisher, administrator, who was familiar with grants and funding sources, and by January was ready to go after those funds. Fisher continues to add expertise as a member of the board. Swensen s tenacity and perseverance would prevail over a eums history. skeptical and often unwilling city Surviving on financial and council, and his ability to weathvolunteer donations, the board er the storms following the faced closing the museum or decision to build a new building that brought it to fruition. making major repairs and movBut the project would need ing forward. It could no longer n be run as a show and the support of townspeople and others willing to donate money would require skillful guidance if it was to succeed. The board and many did. The big break came with a found that leadership in Carl E. donation from the $100,000 its director. Swensen, present George S. Eccles Foundation Swensen, retired from a Hill Air Force Base management that provided a defeasance fund g to start the project. With Fairview Citys backing position and Fairview businessman, had an uncanny way of the states Community Impact matching people with the jobs Board said funds would be available if residents would that needed to be done and being forceful enough to take on any support a $400,000 general challenge or challenger. "Ive obligation bond election to pro- been in the trenches before, and I know how to fight in the trenches," Swensen, said of the job he neither asked for nor wanted. "I was roped into it," he said of telling Cheney "No" many times. But answering a phone call from his LDS bishop, Kevin Anderson, telling him to attend the museum board meeting Swensen found himself elected director that October night in m By staffed one-ma- fund-raisin- vide another $400,000 loans for the required match. That was going to be tough. Only months before residents had turned down a proposed waste-watcollection system by 10 votes in a questionable opinion poll. Almuseum the board along though with many residents pleaded with the council to put the matter before the voters, the council denied their request. Swensen said turning down $500,000 in CIB funds took a lot of explaining to the CIB by Mayor Jerry Hansen, but the board finally agreed to the museums project if it received community support. "Even the CIB didnt think the project would come together," Swensen says now. Knowing it would be an uphill battle Swensen organized his board and personally went to nearly every home to explain the project. The voters gave their approval and the project was on its way. Along with Fairview residents Swensen also added the expertise Continued to page 12 er ed 1990. SC Office Supply 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. Sat. Office hours: -- 1 Jon Schuhmann "IP SC 462-260- 1 Bring in this ad and receive 10 OFF any purchase through 48 West Main Mt Pleasant ry CttWBB UOtP COOT) (MKKHIDHDI Enjoy the many beautiful sites and wonderful events Sanpete offers. 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