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Show Utah Recreation Guide, Summer 1S84, Page 16 It All Started in 1921 rawbeny Bays : A History All It Own By DIXIE BECK Strawberry Day began in 1921. James D. Thorne was the instigator, and everyone called him Jimmy D. Strawberry Days is the only continuous celebration throughout the United States. Nothing has stopped this annual celebration. When the depression came, things were done just a little bit different and it was the same during the second World War. Families need entertainment and fun and each June Pleasant Grove provides fun for one and all. The first Strawberry growers were Nat Loader and Tomlinson Bros. As their success was noted, other famers planted the large strawberry patches. Until strawberries and Pleasant Grove were synomous. The farmers hired young people to cultivate and hoe the patches. The cultivators were horse drawn one row at a time. The wives of the growers were always in the patches working side by side with the men. The wives were the bookkeepers checking each young boy and girl as they brought in their cases. At that early time the pay was 15 cents for a 15 cup case. The berry pickers came from each surrounding town and were picked up each morning early so they could start work by daylight. The fanners took the berries to the growers market in Salt Lake and sold them to truckers and individuals. There was such an abundance of berries, Wes Jacobs manager of Pleasant Grove cannery started cold packing them in barrels and shipping them. Pleasant Grove berries were even sent to the Queen of England. From the beginning of our celebration berries and cream has been served. All the area growers donated the Strawberries free and the people of the towns, Lindon, Manila and Pleasant Grove cleaned the fruit and served in labor free, for the enjoyment of all who attended. Strawberry Days has been a cooperative effort between Lindon, Manila and Pleasant Grove, from the beginning. Each year the celebration has begun with a parade down main street and winding up Battle Creek Drive. In the beginning the floats were horse drawn - 4 - 2 '' : j It " ..-.-:.:-.: Jit U -frf., S " I f ' - 4 Last year's Strawberry Day's sweepstakes trophy winning royalty float. OCaoDGcaDe da y o wagons. One time a team driven by Ches Gillman, bolted and the wagon was loaded with children. The horses were headed for home, Ches was able to get the team under control. As time passed, the floats were pulled by cars, and trucks, as it is today. Minature parades were started in the depression years, and then again during World War Two. The large and small floats were made by civic clubs, wards, neighborhoods, and the businesses in town. Everyone worked together to make their float the most creative and beautiful. It was always a source of pride to see the float you worked on come down the street, then all those late night hours you spent pinning the material together made it all worth while. Being chosen Strawberry Day Queen has always been an important honor. At first a certain number of girls were chosen then each business had a list in their store or cafe. The votes were sold for a nickle, and the girl who received the most money, won the honor of Queen. This became very competitive and money was spent freely. This money was used for the building of the float for the queen. Miss Pleasant Grove was also chosen in this same manner. By having two sets of royalty more young girls could participate. It was always exciting to see 'who would win these honors. The Strawberry Day royalty was chosen by judges during the 1950's, and continuous to this day. The rodeo has been held at the same Cont. on Page 17 - P r w nno . o uuue uuu Because of so many sales, we've extended our sale till May 31st- p1 mrmm i-wfmin fffmnre plus cicny mere. 1502 CIIHV CITATICIl 1977 FOUD f.lUSTAriO 1500 GLDG Qf.lEGA Auto, Air Conditioned . , . . Brougham, Loaded Wholesale NADA Book $4350 Wholesale NAD A. Book $1700.00 Wholesale NADA Book $3375.00 1902 DUICIl LASACS1E 77 QUICK OEAGAL 1979 FCUD TOM Q 25 .4 Auto., Air Conditioned Loaded Wholesale NADA Book $7475.00 Wholesale NADA Book $2100.00 Wholesale NA D. A. Book $4500.00 1 r-ii ? IMIT IRS |