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Show TIBS mi,T,ECTORS EDITION. November 9. 1988 Myton, yesterday, today and tomorrow ing access to the Basin. In seasons of high water the bridge was the only crossing on the Indian Reser- vation over which military and freight could pass. Freight road, as it was known, served to trans- port freight to and from Ouray, Ft Duchesne, Whiterocks and Ver- nal, and was used by stockmen trailing livestock to and from gracing lands. The freight road passed to the south of Myton into what is known as wells draw, where a 200-f- t. well made the ter- ritory well known aa a favorable camp ground, with water and pasture. The road then continued to the head of Gate Canyon at the mouth of which is situated the Much of the informa- tion included in the following article was taken from written manuscripts of principle dates of events conditions of of Myton town, com- piled by Luther E. Potter. There has been no veri-fication of statements or dates, and no susuranee of its Credit is given to the people who have made available or contributed pictures or information used in the bicentennial articles on Myton: Fred Todd, Naomi Babcock, Haydon Clark, Bud and Ludy Cooper, and Mr. and Mrs. Burr Eldredge. Preston Nutter ranch. First known as "The A necessary and ideal lo- Bridge in 1905, and location for cation, Myton at once began to an Indian trading post, the town- - organize its residential area for its which waa to later become civic and educational needs. A aa Myton was established community house was built with William H. Henderson of Ver- - labor, contributed materials and nal. Later, rights were trans- - gome cash. The first result was s ferred to H. G. Clark, an army canvas covered structure with scout under General Nelson A. well constructed frame and excel- Mr. Clark later sold his lent Oregon flooring. It was con- rights to Hayden Calvert, who sidered a credible recreation con- became the first mayor of Myton ter, school house, court house and while Mr. Clark became the first general assembly hall, where all justice of the peace by appoint- - matters of importance were ment, Mr. Clark also served aa trashed out Use of the building following HISTORIC PAPER BUILDING Although not still standing, this building housed the Duchesne Record and other early newspaper efforts in Duchesne. Those in the photo are not identified. . Continued fro in previous page ness center of this section, continues to thrive end its merchants ere looking forward to a prosperous year. All lines of business are represented in Theodore, and business among the wide-awamen whom the Chieftain interviewed were the following: A. M. Murdock, the Pjpneer Mercantile Supply Co., Barr W. Musser, General Mercantile Co, Implements itc, W. C. PeiTy, drug store. ke Cook and White Restaurant, Ar- lington hotel, Kata', Workman, Pioneer Hotel, Mrs. A. Sutton, Meat market and bakery, L W. Meadows, Moat market, S. P. Dean; Millinary store, Mrs. Wash-buMillinery store Lucy Crites; Blacksmith J. R. Lewis and Jerry Hatch; Saloons, Steels and Munsa, Andy Murdock, Alta Cloward, physician; Jno. Bond, undertaker; E. Schonian, music teacher, Julius Jensen, Harness maker and shoe shop (punctuation is as printed). Noticeably optimistic, the Chieftain suggested that farmers grow alfalfa in 1909, but warned Record reports that a new mise line was established, and a new petition was filed in April, 1914, to divide the county. Elections were set for July 13, 1914, and this time the vote carried, cresting "The richest new county in natural wealth. The Record really got into the battle for county seat, carrying banners for "Myton for the County Seat. The paper also editorially fought to establish the premise that Roosevelt was not in the new county. But their efforts there avail The new county became a reality in January, 1915, with Duchesne as the county seat. were to no That same month the Record plant was sold, and the paper, moved back to Duchesne. At Duchesne the Record took on a mom reserved status. Although it reported the news, it did not exercise editorial drive. As to the development of Duchesne, the Record reported that work was beginning on Duchesnes first building", in March, 1916, and that much other two-stor- y ,A construction of the South Myton Bench canal. Myton lots were in big demand, and buyers were reported as rushing to buy. The chieftain also reported (hat in order to assure continued growth of the town, the main business district would be moved south and west The move was not completed until 1911, when a story in the Duchesne Record reported that "nearly the entire move from hid town to View town was com- -. piste. Businesses listed at that time were the post office. Commercial Club, Myton State Bank, Calvert and Waugh general atom, Myton Hotel, Coltharp general store, Wells 'Butchershop, Maxwell Dry Goods, Maxwell Undertaking; Mrs. Maxwell Millinery, M. McGuire sign painting; Harry Spears painter, Dr. S. B. Harris physician, Norris Bakery, Pritchard barbershop, Frost Drugstore, Hurd Feedyard and Liddell Livery, plus many others on the bench, including the newspaper office. Mytons population in 1910 was listed at 350,' and in 1912 it was listed as 470. Myton leads all towns in building", was the headline in 1911, although the growth was not as rapid as had been projected. The Record was also heavinvolved in various campaigns ily of the period. The most noticeable of these was the county division. As early as 1911 the Record suggested that t a new Duchesne county could be formed as early as ' 1913. Alter a gradual change in the name Duchesne of usage instead of Theodore, over a period ofseveral months, it was official May 5, 1911. In an item on that date, it was reported, Hip, hip, hooray! Our front name and our hind name now is Duchesne. The postoffice name was officially changed by the feds, reflecting the new status. In 1913 the Record re- ported that Senator Wight petitioned the legislature to divide Wasatch county. An election was set for July, 1913, according to a stay in March, 1913. But the move was stymied in April when divigroups could not agree on a new the county sion line between and the old Waaatch county. Many meetings were held, and a compromise line eetabliahed. Readers of the Record were encouraged to on Vote for JulySrd. The new county vote failed in Myton 67 to 62, and did not cany in most of the net of the ares, particularly in the west end. Undaunted, however, the nt time been connected with the Whiterocks Trading Post, which was under the direction of the Interior Department, later bought the right to trade at the Bridge, which was located where the old town is now located, and was the former business center of Myton. The bridge proper was a two span structure supported by a pier, built crib like and filled with rocks. The end abutments were built in the same manner. The bridge was the only safe bridge panning the Duchesne river giv- - was free and any business per- taining thereto was in title hands of the Social Committee. Mr. Britton was the first . . . in Myton, and waa, echool by profession, an attorney. The school, established by the Board of TMufHnw and Board of County of Wasatch commissioners County, waa under the supervi- ajon of John Moffett Mr. Moffett resided at Boneta and served the county in the interest of roads os well aa schools. Classes were first held in the city hall but it soon became necessary to acquire more room so as quickly as possible a new school house, consisting of are a few clippings from CLIPPINGS FROM THE PAST-Bel-ow papers during this period of time. All are from the Duchesne Record, with the dates noted. They should prove interesting to our readers. building was planned. It was not reported what businesses were in Duchesne at that time. January 2, 1915 --r Oil activity in the Basin waa reported in 1918, and in De- Hellp! . t. ,f opmberi 1920) the' 'Record an-- " a) ,j 0 nounced,' 'Duchesne to be' Great"1'" This issuc marics the ifemov&l ofTheBecoTct from idyton to DuOil Center, stating that land adchesne, its original home. We do this partly because of sentimental reasons and partly because of business reasons. When three jacent to the city had been leased. In March, 1921, a story merged into this papers were consolidated several years ' ons paper, there was an understanding between the people of Dureported that the chesne and the people of Roosevelt that when the propier time came road was now passable, after they would have papers of their own. The Duchesne people have years of work. Then in June, 1922, always expected this paper would come back home, not only because Duchesne-Helpthey reported that the it was first established there but because its name is indicative of road and the Strawberry tfae town. And the people of Myton would rather have a paper Valley roads were now open to the 'more indicative of their town and more intensely local public. We therefore oblige and please all by establishing this paper at Shortly after this time a Duchesne and we shall give Myton people a paper of their own. The battle began which waa to cany on Record trill continue independent in politics, ad we shall strive to be for several years before a decision worthy the support of the people aa a whole. While being publishcould be made on which road to ed at Duchesne, and while representing the Upper Country, we Carbon county would be supshall endeavor to be worthy the general support of the people of the Basin. ported by the state. Support would go either to the Duchesne-HelpOur equipment will be ample to handle all requirements. With this introduction we wish you all a Happy and Prosperous road, or the Myton-Pric- e Duchesne Publishing Co. Now Year. road) but not both. In March, 1923 it was reported that the state .January 30, 1915 engineer suggested abandoning the Myton-Pric- e road. Then the Courier entered the controversy concerning a highway to Salt Lake, proposing in 1923 a route from Duchesne to Soldier Summit, over Avintaquin, as the best route west It wasnt until 1926 that the Haber route waa named, and, surveying began Corporon that road. Early newspapers of the Basin carried articles in serial , form. One such that captured a front page spot for several months in the Courier was a biography of Brigham Young, written fay a A transaction of much interest to the people of the Uintah Basin Ladies Home Journal writer. and of vital importance to the town of Myton was consumated on In 1930, a story reported of this week when a company organized by the citizens Wednesday two been holes had another that the entire plant of the Duchesne Record from of purchased Myton added to the Duchesne golfcourse, ' H. Wm. Smart now sporting a total of nine holes. been pending for the past week and definite con has matter This Again, for interest to price elusions were reached Tuesday night at which time the prospective conscious shoppers, an advertisestockholders of the new corporation met with the owner of the ment in 1909 in Myton listed Duchesne Record and aftei considerable debate the details of the sugar at $7 per 100 lbs. In 1912 transaction were agreed upon. On Wednesday morning the papers lumber was sold for $12 per thouwere drawn up that transferal this entire plant to the purchasers. sand and up. A personal ad in Under the terms of this purchase the new company acquires ownerThe com1916 stated that I will cut your ship of the entire printing plant located at Myton name of under the boon has incorporated the wood for you, for $1.50 per cord." purchase pany making Jie Uintah Basin Publishing Company with capitalization of $5,000. And an ad by a Ford dealer in ind articles of incoirorat ion have been .filed. 1928, stating that they could well company to publish a newspaper and It is the intention of the newand service the cars they sell, stated, printing business. The policy of on a publishing general erry We have $30 worth of parts in be published will be to work for the advancement and to he paper stock for every Model T in our Iin4 nil Riidn nnil if flfvlnn nnH IMflilfitv i iL. inventory. A few of the names noticed through the old files, in 1909 in carry Myton: L. E. Hume, S. S. Duben- hat tho new organization will be successful and enabled toaccord-t dorif, E. M. Jones, W. C. Wheeler, the policies outlined is evidenced by (ho hearty support stock including for the subscriber, of C. M. Green , and Frank Lott In Myton, citizens the by incorporators, :tically all of the business men of the town. The 1915, also in Myton, George BillUtoan, F . (J. Power . A. 1 .Maxwell.Wm. S. Geo. are lie M. M. M. F. company Smith, Shelton, ings, of mart and H. C. Means and t ha numbers of the Board L. H. Hollenbeck and Mrs. E. W. J, M. Bryant are A. M. Tcdd. A. F. Maxwell, F. C. Powers, B. Schonian. L. Dart as H. C. Means, with L. A. Kemper as Secretary end In 1930, soma of the Grithe subscribed for following: been by lias Stock isurer. names noticed in Duchesne were K. C. M. F. J. Powers, D. Bryant, Btnvers, ft waugn. j. r;,u n it Bertha Hofelti, Wm. Baker, Mrs.' Wm. Seaton, Charles Burdick, Silas Brady and Clarence Wilson. Ufinstrom, Fred Praefke, P. L The years between 1905, when the reservation was opened, rill R. L. Hurd, A. M. Todd, Wm. Zowc, C. T. BcggJ, L, L, Dart, C. C. B. Cook, Geo, Philipps, and 1931 when the Uintah Basin ColthPrp, Vm. Gentry, H. Means, Record wad established, were hlfiSTSsue of the MYTON FREE PRESS will appear in about eventful and important Newspae weeks The r.cw publication will be under the management pers ofthe area helped record this nal Express. !. B. Cook, now of the Vi i livinghistory. -- Duchesne County. -- Mj r 4 - ago-an- Helper-Duch-ea- ne er er New Publishing Co. For Myton . Government quarters were located about one half mile south of the old townsite and bridge, around which new busineaa houses were being constructed, and days instead of months marked the completion of many s structures. Activities in 1909 jumped Myton into first: place as the financial center of the entire reservation territory. The establishment of the Myton State Bank, which paid such high dends in 10 yean service to the community was an acknowledged success until its demise, Another milestone in the emergence of Myton as a budding empire was May 14, 1908, the day The Uintah Chieftain went to press. The paper was published by J- - Norton Alexander and gave apace to many well known people of the Basin, including aome of the more well known Indian people, Ouray, Chipeta, Atche, Red Cap, (EDITORS NOTE: The following material is copied from am article in the Uintah Basin Standard Feb. 26, 1976; which was published as part of the Church of Utah ty a commission composed of Rev. Joeiah McLain. J. K. Gillroy and J. D. Storemont as minister. 1908-affair- ss. Acawana, Arapo, Woero, Moun-know- n tain Sheep, Modock, Greymoun-btain Dick, and many ladies, Ioka, Revorue, and others. The Uintah Chieftain was followed by "The Myton Free Pros. The Reserva-Miletion, a new publishing Company, changed ownership many times and served the young country as a local journal. A M. Todd of Myton served through the entire life or the Myton Free Press os mechani-Cit- y cal operator, editor and large stockholder. Arnold Reef served with the press during its latei issues with Stan Peatroes as lino- type operator during the entire press service to Myton. Prior to the opening of the reservation in 1905, the religious teaching of the Indian people and what white man were here, was partly conducted under the First y s. Episcopal Church of Utah, by EagS-5 nity The established CommuSunday school and church services, which was comprised of people of many faiths continued until the attendance waa too large for the building capacity. The Saint organization leadership of presiding Elder I. W. Odekirk took over the duties inherited with the office, and with the help of his wife, as- sumed the responsibilities of caring for the sick and needy and comforted the bereaved. ' Mytons first water works came in the form of a flood which not only changed the course of the Duchesne River at the big bend, leaving the bridge high and dry, but waa also the cause of an accident drowning a Spanish shaep herder and a negro mail driver. The two men were buried about where they were found, and only a board slab was erected to mark their final resting place. The Indian Department and construction gangs now maLatter-da- y under the . rooned from their activities prompted John Moffit of Boneta and political advisor D. M. Fro at, to contact the county commissioners, resulting in a telegraph message being sent to U. S. Senator Reed Smoot, in Washington. Ten days later a reply waa received by Mr. Frost announcing the passage bill appropriating $25,000 fund, which waa later assumed by the State of Utah, for the construction of a new steel bridge. The year 1914 marked the first use of both power and light at Myton. A pumping water station was later installed and because of the service provided attracted much growth and wide range of development. Many residents of a from the Indian . Reverend F. 8. Spaulding of Salt Lake City, with local work done by Rev. Hershey ofRandlett. During the fall and winter the community Sunday School waa organized with J. W. Odekirk and J. O. Hohn aa superintendents, each alter- - were stockholders of the Power three rooms, was built Myton was soon selected nating a three month term. In and Light and were influential in as headquarters for the Indian 1907 the Firat Presbyterian its final success. 'i! ...returned for sentimental reasons. to watch for weevil. They reported an appropriation of $25,000 for a. new bridge across the Duchesne River at Myton',' knd noted that larid values were rising. headline irt 1909 fetated; Population 6f Mytorf predicted to be 2500 by 1912, because of the Marshal for several years, Myton waa named for Major Myton, a U. 8. Marshall, who re- sided in Salt Lake City, end who was also an Indian agent for the area. Mr. Calvert who had at one Service, and employee for survey gangs, and canal construction were being sought New stores and residences under construction also required more laborer. -- Myton Citizens Organize $5,000 ation. Entire Duchesne Record Plant Purchased. New Paper Named Myton Free Press. ' 1 DI-o- rs u fia Town fo the future now dust of the past Myton City, located approximately ten miles southwest of Roosevelt, in the Uintah Basin, whs ' incorporated in 1912, "and enjoyed one of the most phenomenal and picturesque growths seen by any ares not only in the Basin but possibly in all Utah. erf1 Little resemblance remains of the mice financial metropolis of the early 1900s, and from such an suspicious beginning to being listed in Ghost Towns of Utah, one has to ask, what happened? Hiatorically, few towns or cities can compare with Myton in all of its glorious past. First known as the Bridge, Myton was a stopping place for stage coaches, freight wagons and travelers from Price to the wells", to half-wa- y hollow and to Vernal. And every kind of business and entertainment, including sn Opera house, known of or practiced could be found in the magic city. Yet whereas Roosevelt has seen the transition from rags to riches, and Duchesne can look with confidence to the future, Myton, located between the two cities, seems little affected by the present growth seen in other areas of the Basin. Though the town lies al- most dormant, residents of the city, ever optimistic, envision betr ' ter days to come again. Recent problems have also affected the city. Where the lack iff water is a problem in many places, in Myton the quality, not the lack, i felt. And raising money to finance the purchase of a purifies-tio- n plant or other water is felt fay the towns people to be prohibitive. Prior to the water situation the major highway which had once gone through the city, it by-pass- ed on the edge of town. Myton ie a rugged ex- and present, of how various groups of people of different teachings and modes of living ample, past can work together in a common undertaking with a high degree of tolerance of each others point iff view and way of life. With all success or failure, whatever source, Myton is a moat favorable and natural site from for development. Residents envision some kind of industrial growth, perhaps a refinery, facfor feeding and tory, finishing livestock, processing plants and perhaps retirement homes. February 6, 1915 DUCHESNE RECORD INCORPORATES Citizens of Duchesne Incorporate a General Publishing Business. The Move Heartily Supported. The Duchesne Record Company has been organized. Articles of incorporation dated Feb. 1 et 1915 have been duly filed during the present week. The purpose of the company is to publish the Duchesne Record and conduct a general printing business at Duchesne The incorporators are: A. M. Murdock, M. B. Pope, Geo. V. Billings, J. A Washburn. W. LUean, T. W. Sweatman, Lester Stott, and Wm. II. Smart. A. M. Mprdock, M. It. Dope, J. A. Washburn, Geo. V. Billings, W. L. Dean, Lester Stott and T. W. Sweatman constitute the board aa President, J. A. Washburn, jt directorsand with M. B . Pope Jay Jensen, Secretary-treasure- r. The date of the commencement of the company's operations was Feb. 1st, at which time it took ovw from Wm. H. Smart the Duchesne Record including all of its business. All the accounts due the Duchesne Record for subscriptions, job work, printing and advertising from its commencement of business are payable to the Duchesne Record Company. Vice-preside- nt The Capital stock of the Duchesne Record Co. is being for by citizena in various parts of the county. The personnel of its officers, the Record being the oldest established paper in the former reservation territory and issuing from our new countys home, all bespeak for the new Company a successful career. Bub-scrib- ROOSEVELT STANDARD ALSO The pagt week The Roosevelt Standard has been incorporated and will in future be known as "The Roosevelt Standard Company. The incorporators are prominent business people and citizens of Roosevelt, and has no connection with the paper at Myton. The policy of the paper will be independent in politics and to give the readers a real live, newsy paper. The company intend to buy more machinery Bnd type for the job department, and in fact to thoroughly equip the plant, so Roosevelt will be able to boast of k country weekly print shop. Roosevelt Standard. first-cla- ss |