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Show Past heritage is discovered by Chris Anderson as he helps in the restoration of his great-great-grandfather's home in Midway under the direction of John Told of Pleasant Grove. Local designer restores Midway home John Told who restored his home in Pleasant Grove has taken on restoration projects in other areas of the state. One project underway at the present time is the historical, George Bonner home, in Midway. Visitors to the coming Swiss Days at Midway may have the opportunity op-portunity to see the home at 100 East and Main in Midway. Since the destruction of the Coalville Tabernacle, the Bonner home is the only true example of "Gothic Revival" along the Wasatch Front. The home is one of three homes known as Bonner's Corner. It all began when brothers, George and William, built a home for their parents. The brothers, successful in the timber industry, had the home built by John Watkins in about 1877. When the brothers married, John was called on to build each of them a home. They were both married in the parents home on Jan. 24, 1878. Successful businessmen, they built and operated Bonner Mercantile. Mer-cantile. The first merchandise was , actually sold in the Bonner home. . John Watkins was skilled as a builder and an architect in Kent, England. He was converted to the Mormon Church, joined the saints and traveled to Utah. He was prominent in settling Pro vo and built the first tabernacle and was active with the "Provo Band." While traveling with Brigham Young, he discovered his "Dreamland," in Heber Valley. He felt a longing for the area so he packed up with his three wives and moved to midway. He brought with him a sophisticated style in a primitive area. John built a rock house after arriving in the valley. Then he began his dream house, making his own brick, the first brick in the valley. He helped build a rock church and then built the three "Bonner's Corner" homes. The beautiful fret work was designed by John and made by Moroni Blood. Many historians have studied John Watkins. The homes built by him have been recognized by the Dupont Museum in Win-terton, Win-terton, N.J. He was able to get away from the drab everyday cabin and introduce homes spectacular to his day. The "Gothic" structure was popular, in the 1860's along the Hudson River and the East Coast. John Told, who restores homes would not put this labor of love into any home, but he feels it is one of the top houses in Utah worth restoring. The home will be furnished with original period furniture. It will be a "relic house" and preserve the historical value of Bonner's Corner. Another restoration project is underway in Park City. John makes his living as a set director. He is currently set director for the new "Berretta" TV show. The new fall series, "Helltown," stars Robet Blake who gave up his gun for a Bible as a barrio priest. It is the only new fall series forecast as a likely hit. John began his career in Hollywood in the early '70s. His first series was as set director in the Donny and Marie show. Told spent many seasons with the "Love Boat," and "Trapper John, M.D." shows. He has also been involved with other films and movies. This restoration project will awaken a historical interest in Bonner's Corner. The home has been abused and unnoticed for years. One of the workers, Chris Anderson, An-derson, discovered he was helping restore his great-greatgrandfathers home. BYU Industrial Arts students are also involved in the project. They are performing a work of art restoring a home with a valuable heritage. |