Ed Scott Mayor 1994–1997 by Petrea G

city Information Highland City Administration Offices 5378 West 10400 North, Highland, Utah 84003 www.highland.org 756-5751 | 756-6190 | 756-6903 Fax | 420-4860 pager

City Emergency Services City Meeting Schedule Police (801) 756-9800 City Council meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday Fire Department (801) 763-5365 of each month. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. County Dispatch (801) 375-3601 at City Hall (5378 West 10400 North). Animal Control (801) 756-9800 Emergency and Ambulance Services (801) 763-5365 Planning Commission meets every 2nd and 4th Public Safety Director (801) 763-5365 Tuesday of each month. The meeting starts at Administrative Assistant (801) 756-5751 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Culinary Water (801) 492-6362 Pressurized Irrigation (801) 342-1471 Sewer (Timpanogos Service Sewer District) (801) 342-1471

Businesses in Highland The following services are provided by businesses in Highland: • Post Office • Banks • Grocery • Copy Center • LDS Clothing and Video Store • Dry Cleaning • Dining • Music store • Tire and service • Professional services including vision, • Oil and Lube dental, and health center • Convenience store with gasoline

School Locations and Information School District School Address Phone / Fax

Freedom Elementary Alpine 10326 N 6800 W, Highland, UT 84003 801-766-5270 / 801-766-5272

Highland Elementary Alpine 10865 N 6000 W, Highland, UT 84003 801-756-8537 / 801-763-7001

Ridgeline Elementary Alpine 6250 W 11800 N, Highland, UT 84003 801-492-0401 / 801-492-0263

Mountain Ridge Jr High Alpine 5525 W 10400 N, Highland, UT 84003 801-763-7010 / 801-763-7018

Lone Peak HS Alpine 10189 N 4800 W, Highland, UT 84003 801-763-7050 / 801-763-7064

Park Reservation Timpanogos Cave American Fork Canyon Fees

National Monument To reserve a city park, get a Reserva- Entrance into American Fork Canyon is tion Request form at the City Hall. You http://www.nps.gov/tica necessary to reach Timpanogos Cave can also visit http://www.highlandcity. (801) 756-5238 call for hours National Monument. org/images/applications/parkapp.pdf to find the Reservation Request. Fill Location $3 - 3 Days out and print the Reservation Request The visitor center is located in Ameri- $10.00 - 14 Days form and bring it to the Highland City can Fork Canyon on Highway 92 just $25.00 – Annual office at least one week prior to re- 10 miles east from Interstate 15 and quested reservation date 17.2 miles from U.S. 189. message from the mayor

s we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Highland City considerate of one another. They respect one another’s A being incorporated, it is appropriate that we not opinions even if they disagree. Because of all the selfless only look forward to the future but also review our past. service that has been given, the city is a better place. While not a comprehensive history, this document is Please enjoy this glance at the past. Then as you look intended to educate, inform, and maybe even entertain forward to the future of Highland, remember we are us. What are the events and who are the people that have the ones who will determine what that future looks like. helped create the wonderful place we call home? If we Find ways to join and be part of your community. Take know where we have been, it also helps us get to where we your turn at serving on committees and in municipal want to be. Our hope is that you gain a sense of apprecia- government. Esteem and care for your neighbors. Let’s tion for the past of Highland City. celebrate our differences by being respectful and treat I want to express gratitude to the committee of vol- each other with civility. Highland is a magnificent place unteers who have researched, compiled, and published because of its residents. Please keep that tradition alive this history for our use. They have done a grand job at and well. The feel of Highland will go away if we do not giving us a glimpse of our past. Highland’s history is full work on keeping it. Each of us must do our part. of volunteers who have given of themselves to make it a better place. The committee has continued that legacy. As this document reflects; Highland, the commu- Thank You nity, is all about people. As a resident of over 26 years, my fondest memories are of the people I know and respect. I strongly believe that the quality of people who have and still call Highland home are what make this a special place. People care about each other. They are Mayor Jay W. Franson

4 36

contents

1 Mayor’s Message 22 Larry Miller 24 James A Hewlett 4 Early History of Highland 26 Ed Scott By Petrea G. Kelly By Petrea G. Kelly 10 Pioneer Cabin 28 Jess Adamson By Kathryn Schramm 30 Highland City Staff 12 The Stice Family, How We Lived On Highland By Elisabeth Luntz By Elisabeth Luntz with Carolyn S. Kitchen Activities city government 34 Highland Fling 16 Incorporation of the Town of Highland 36 Highland Rodeo By Donald LeBaron and Elisabeth Luntz By Jennie Spykes 18 Don LeBaron 38 Youth Sports 20 Eric Adamson By Jeanne Hodges and Reed Chidester

Acknowledgements

Art Director | Rachael B. Haney Editors | Petrea G. Kelly, Brian K. Kelly

Members of the Highland City History Committee Petrea G. Kelly Brian K. Kelly Elisabeth Luntz Craig Walker Kathryn Schramm Jeanne Hodges Don LeBaron Kurt Hall

City Representatives far left: First Mayor and farmer, Don LeBaron feeding one of his cows. left: Highland Rodeo egg race. Mayor Jay Franson 1983. above: Robert Hall on 1947 John Deere Model H tractor he restored. It belonged to Lish Boley who Wini Jensen owned the farm where this picture was taken (now Mystic Cove subdivision.) The silo still stands as a familiar landmark along the highway. Emily Gillingwater

Other Contributors Christine Dalley Eric Adamson Yukus Y. Inouye Carolyn Stice Kitchen David Durfey Mitzi Hedges Carl Day Wayne Day Ruby Buhler and her family 39 Youth Council LeRoy Buhler By Petrea G. Kelly with Wini Jensen Quentin White 40 Highland Arts Council Bob Carter By Elisabeth Luntz Kittie Tenny Carey Crockett Church Carol Oertli 44 Eccleastical History of Highland By Cora Beck Adamson (Excerpts)

Schools Special thanks to Gary E. Smith, a long-time resident of Highland who 50 The Schools of Highland City By Elisabeth Luntz allowed us to use his paintings in this publication. Each of these Highland scenes was painted during the time 56 Higland City Map of incorporation and founding of our city some thirty years ago.

upper left: George F. White harvesting hay in about 1936. His favor- corner’s area, across the street from the current Kountry Korner. ca.1937. ite horse’s names were Burt and Bus. upper right: Don LeBaron with lower right: Kenneth and Lucia White’s family often enjoyed water- one of his prize pigs, about 1965. lower left: Old Alpine/Highland melon picnics in American Fork Canyon on lazy Sunday afternoons. Children, school bus “Jitney.” Elizabeth Wilkins on hood. 1920. middle right: Kenna, Quentin, Larrie, Janet, Sherma with their mother Lucia. Photo taken Johnny Greenland’s store and gas station sat on the southwest corner of the four about 1938. The 1932 Ford is still in Quentin White’s possession.

by petrea g. kelly

he first recorded inhabitants of Utah County were members of the Laguna or Timpanogotizis Ute tribe of Native Americans. The Spanish exploration party led by Fathers Domingo and Escalante met some of them as they traveled toward Utah Valley in 1776. In September the exploring party came to the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon, but the Natives who were camped near the American Fork River set fire to the grass. This appar- ently hostile action as well as the lateness of the season discouraged the explorers from venturing further into the valley. Fifty years passed and the Timpanogotizis continued to fish in the lake, catch deer, jackrabbits, and fowls to eat, and make their clothing from deerskin and rabbit skins; they lived in little huts made of willows. Then the trappers began to frequent the area hunting beaver. The trappers called the streams that flowed into Utah Lake “Forks” thus Spanish Fork was named because of the early Spanish explorers; Provo Fork was named for one of the trappers, Etienne Provost; and American Fork got its name because it was a favorite trapping ground for members of the American Fur Company such as Jedediah Smith, William Ashley (for a time Utah Lake was called Ashley Lake), Peter Skene Ogden, and Jim Bridger. In 1843 and 1844 John C. Fremont, an explorer for the United States government, passed through Utah Valley. The Mormon pioneers arrived in Salt Lake Valley above: The original road now known as SR 92 or the Highland in 1847. As soon as they had built simple shelters there, Highway, was unpaved and always closed in winter. It was a good some of them traveled north and south to find appropri- place to ski. below: John Greenland between his gravity feed gas ate sites for future settlements. pumps. A measured amount of gas was pumped into the tanks on the In March of 1849 a settlement was established in top of these pumps—then it would drain out into the automobile. Provo. The following year Stephen Chipman and his son William Henry, and Azra Adams and his son Nathan

Early American Fork settler, Alexander Adamson is often credited with calling the bench to the north “Highland” because its dry, rocky, rugged landscape reminded him of the Highlands of Scotland. Adamson never lived here, but he did own some ground and several of his children lived on Highland after they grew up. People who have lived here a long time usually say they live on Highland rather than in Highland as more recent arrivals say.

traveled from Salt Lake to Provo. This trip took two or three days so they had to camp along the way. They camped on American Fork Creek among the cottonwoods. “While the fathers were engaged in preparing supper the two boys scouted around the vicinity and upon their return, Nathan Adams exclaimed, ‘I think I would like to live here.’ “At that time the lower lands toward the lake were meadows, and the upper lands were covered more or less with bunch grass with an occasional patch of sage brush. “Upon their return trip they also camped on American Fork Creek and were still more favorably impressed with the surrounding country. They had brought a few cattle and sheep to Utah with them when they crossed the plains in 1847. All were impressed with the thought that the location would not only be a fine one to make homes but would be ideal for a big pasture and cattle ranch.” (Early History of American Fork, p. 17) They received permission from Brigham Young to settle the area. Heber C. Kimball asked them to also survey a tract of land for him. Leonard E. Harrington was sent to the area as President Kimball’s agent. Other early settler families included the Eldridges, Robinsons, Motts, Thomases, Guymons, Coles, Greenwoods and Shelleys. They began their settlement in the fall of 1850. Another group of would-be settlers arrived just a few weeks too late to stake claims on American Fork Creek. above: American Fork Canyon. Photo by C.R. Savage 1890, courtesy of Instead they camped three miles west near a stream they the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young called “Dry Creek” because it tended to dry up in the late University. far right: Hanging Rock in American Fork Canyon, (the rail- summer. They also found some springs nearby, but the road ran to Tibble Fork). Photo by C. R. Savage 1870, courtesy of the L. Tom water tasted acrid, they called it Sulphur Springs, and Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University. another spring was called Stinkweed Springs. The leader right: John Poole Home. The first home built in Highland was lived in for of these early settlers was David Evans and the town was many years after the Poole family left the area. called Evansville until 1852 when the name was officially changed to Lehi. With water sources called Dry Creek, Sulphur Springs, and Stinkweed Springs it is easy to understand why water was a constant worry to the settlers in Lehi. In May 1851 David Evans and a crew of men went to

American Fork Canyon, constructed a diversionary weir The first home that we know of in Highland was built and began digging a seven-mile ditch. in 1875 by John Poole beside the ditch leading to Lehi “The trench was only two feet wide, but wooden (northeast of Strasburg park—on the north east corner of spades, hard soil and stones made digging difficult. 10400 North 6000 West). Others soon followed him. One rod (sixteen and one-half feet) was considered a Fifteen families made up the first settlement. good day’s work for each man. In late August water in The story of the growth of Highland is written the ditch reached Evansville in time to save a portion almost entirely in water. The first settlers built near the of the parched corn and potatoes. Six months later, on Lehi ditch so they could use the water, but the Lehi farm- February 18,1852, the territorial legislature awarded ers were not eager to share their water. There are stories Lehi one-third of American Fork Creek’s flow…” of some stressful encounters. George Munns recorded: (Lehi History, p. 4) “The people of Lehi guarded the ditch bank with armed “The massive influx of Mormon settlers…soon had a men some of them very threat[en]ing in their behav- chaotic impact on Utah’s Indians. Towns were established ior….two men guarding the ditch caught Mrs. Mary Ann on Paiute farms, Ute and Shoshone hunting grounds Winn and her son Edward W. Winn using water to irri- were converted into grain fields…and white man’s dis- gate with. The boy was out in the grain, and Mrs. Winn eases began to wreak their havoc. Native life patterns standing by the gap in the ditch bank with a good big were destroyed forever and hostility became common.” stream of water flowing into the grain. They told her In 1853 the Western Utes under Chief Walker rose up to stand back and they commenced to through [throw] in a general revolt against the Mormon settlers who then gathered into forts. The natives attacked outlying homes, and the settlers fought back. “The most extended and costly conflict in Utah history was the Black Hawk War, a series of raids, ambushes and militia countermoves from 1865 to 1868.” A number of battles were fought in Utah Valley. (Atlas of Utah, p. 103) Only after the Indians had been driven out was it possible for settlers to move by ones and twos outside the towns with forts and not be attacked. The area now known as Highland was windswept and barren, with no natural water. In the spring the bench became green and lush with grass. Farmers from both American Fork and Lehi brought their cattle to the bench to graze. One of these farmers, Alexander Adamson, said that the area reminded him of the Highlands of Scotland—so he called the place Highland, and the name was soon picked up by others.

“Over two million dollars worth of silver, gold and zinc were taken out of the mines in American Fork Canyon between 1870 and 1940.” —LeGrande Adamson

Farmers in Highland have learned to watch a geologic formation in the mountain to the north called the “sleigh runner.” If it still has snow in it by the 4th of July they know there will be enough water to finish the season.

Sutherland was the only lawyer from Utah to ever be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.” (History of Highland by Stephen Beck, p. 1) In 1900 Highlanders helped build the reservoir at Silver Lake Flat, and they were also able to purchase water from the Provo Reservoir Company. In 1930, they purchased Deer Creek water. Like all pioneers, the early Highlanders made many sacrifices. In an eight-month period in 1879-1880, John Poole buried, five of his children in his family grave yard. In May, 1894, George Y. Myer’s wife and three of their children died of diphtheria, leaving him with seven children. Other families also lost many to this dreaded disease. Stephen Beck recalls, as a small boy, seeing the children put into homemade coffins, loaded into buggies, and taken away to the cemeteries in Alpine or above: An early view of 10400 North. The fields were open with no American Fork. They could not even hold funerals for trees and snow drifts often collected on the roads. opposite page top: fear of spreading the disease. Oscar Hall driving his farm tractor. opposite page bottom: First The weather was another problem. In winter bliz- Water pumped from Highland Water Company Well. November 25, 1958. Left zards swept across the fields and snow blinded any trav- to Right: Yukus Inouye, Project engineer, Mr.Targelson, Reed Thompson, Perry elers. People living in Alpine were occasionally caught in Jepperson, Ludwig Larsen. such a storm as they traveled from American Fork. The winds blew in all seasons and the summer sun and heat could be oppressive on the mostly treeless bench. The dirt into the gap. Mrs. Winn made good use of the hoe building of many houses and planting trees has some- that she had in her hands by pulling the gravel out, with what subdued the weather in modern times, because the the help of the water, as fast as these two big, selfish fel- snow can’t blow quite so far as it used to. lows could through [throw] it in. At last one of them In 1888, a little brick school was built at 10400 North was about to push her away, when quick as a thought she 6000 West. When it no longer served as a school, the thrust her hand into her bosom quickly and fetching out Highland Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- a big, ugley look[ing] knife. There was blood in her eye day Saints purchased the building. For many years this and had the man laid a hand upon her that would have was the center of the community—it was school, church been [?] [?]. The two fellows had to leave her and her and social hall. As the community grew the building was son in passion [possession] of the water.” (The Homesteaders enlarged several times. of Highland, Utah by David T. Durfey, p. 65-66) In 1957, sixty families in the community organized A lawsuit between Lehi and the residents of Highland a culinary water system. Until that time they depended went to the courts in Provo. Attorney George Sutherland on shallow wells, and when the wells dried up in late represented the Highlanders. summer they had to get their drinking water from the “It has been said that the people wondered lots of ditches. They borrowed $140,000 from the State Board times if Highland was right in the winning of the lawsuit of Water Resources, interest free. They drilled a deep and getting the much needed water for their dry land, well and laid water lines throughout community. This or if they just had the best lawyer in the state. George action made possible the dramatic growth Highland has

experienced since that time. More wells were drilled to In more recent years most of the farms have been meet the growing needs over the next 40 years. When it made into subdivisions. Today only a few residents of became apparent that there wasn’t enough culinary water Highland work here—most commute to other parts of to water lawns and gardens, the City of Highland invested Utah Valley or to Salt Lake, and some even further but in a pressurized irrigation system, which was completed we still enjoy a semi-rural atmosphere with many small, in 1998. In 2005, the Highland Water Company was acre or half-acre farms. Horses and other animals as well absorbed by Highland City. as gardens and orchards are common sights. In the early days most Highland residents were farmers growing peas, hay, grain crops, potatoes, sugar beets, apples, cherries and peaches as well as poultry, pigs, cattle and sheep. Most of the men also worked in the mines in American Fork Canyon, on the railroad or at other jobs in addition to their farms in order to provide for their families. Often the running of the farms fell to the women and children. A few dairy farms operated in Highland, and for a time there were a number of successful poultry operations. Turkeys were raised for their meat and chickens for eggs. In the 1950s and 60s several mink farms began operation in Highland. There are still a few farmers raising grain, hay, mink, cattle, and sheep; but the farming is almost all backyard gardens—although some have said that we might grow more food now than was possible in the early days when all the land was devoted to farming.

Pioneerby kathryn schrammCabin

n a bright sunny August morning in 1990 the Boy Scouts, working with the DUP committee, can- members of the Highland Camp Daughter of the vassed the entire City of Highland on March 23, 1991 Utah Pioneers learned that a pioneer cabin had been for donations to pay the moving costs. Several compa- found as the Stice family tore down their old family nies gave anonymous donations and there were many home and outbuildings. Another building had been people anxious to assist with time, labor and funds. The built around the original cabin, so it was well preserved. amount of money donated paid the moving costs and Louise Stice wanted to donate the cabin to the Highland also for materials to be used for restoration. Camp Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. On moving day, community interest was high and The women immediately began putting together newspaper reporters were on hand to record the historic the project. With the assistance and recommendations occasion. The cabin was placed on the cement pad, the of Roger Roper, director of the Utah State Historical exterior walls were re-caulked, and a preservative spray Society; Don Southworth, director of BYU’s museum applied. Eagle Scout candidates installed a new roof, built of Peoples and Cultures; Richard Hansen, president a handicapped access, researched and installed the fence, of the Utah County chapter of State-wide Volunteer planted period flowers, and installed the brick walkway. Archeological Society; and several community volun- Wooden shutters were built to protect the windows. The teers, they were able to come up with a workable plan. cabin floor was refinished, electricity and light fixtures The City of Highland allowed them to place the cabin were installed. The interior walls and ceiling were re- in Heritage Park. A concrete pad was installed by Eagle plastered. Many volunteers have donated artifacts and Scouts with materials donated by Westroc. The mover’s labor to assist in restoration of the cabin. fee was $1200. Moving day was set for May 30,1991. Kathryn Schramm is cabin project management coordinator.

10 opposite page: Demolition of adobe house reveals a well American Fork Canyon gets its name from the river which preserved cabin inside at the south end. top right: The cabin flows out of it into Utah Lake—all such rivers were called being moved to a new location. bottom right: Finished and “forks” in the early days of settling Utah. This one is so restored cabin in Heritage Park. named because it was the trapping area of the Ameri- can Fur Company. The canyon is steep and beautiful. It connects with Provo Canyon via the “Alpine Loop” when snows do not block the road. A great place for hikes, picnics, camping, bike rides and cooling off in summer it is also one of the premier rock climbing areas in the world.

There are over 50 climbing sections. (Global Rock Climbing

Routes Database. http://www.rockclimbing.com/north_america/ united_states.) 11 the stice family

How We Lived on Highland by elisabeth luntz with carolyn stice kitchen

arolyn Stice Kitchen is the youngest of three was stillborn. The following children were three girls: girls born to Rufus Boyd Stice (Boyd Stice) and Dorothy, Darlene and Carolyn. Blanche Louise Roundy Stice (Louise Stice). Carolyn The main room of their home, which was later dis- has researched and recorded her family history. From covered to be the original log cabin covered over with those records and her oral memoirs, we get a glimpse wood slats, was a living room and bedroom combination of the culture and lifestyle of one of the early families of measuring just sixteen by eighteen feet. There were two the Highland area. They lived on thirty acres in the little beds in this room, one bed was for the parents and one cabin now in Heritage Park. twin bed accommodated all three girls. The other room Carolyn’s grandfather, Rufus Jesse Stice, with his was a kitchen and eating area. The house was wallpa- brother-in-law, Harvey Speer, purchased 60 acres pered, had curtains and a wood floor. In 1930, electricity on Highland in 1906, later selling 30 acres to Ludwig was brought to the area and the house was furnished with Larson. Rufus Jesse Stice worked as the operator and electric lights. Prior to that, they used a kerosene lamp. agent of the Union Pacific Railroad in Lehi and often At the same time, the 50-foot well was modernized with rented the Highland property to others. During the an electric pump, bringing cold water into the house for summer, he sent his wife and five children, including the first time. This signified a vast improvement over Boyd, to live on the farm. He paid a Mr. Hobbs to tend carrying water into the house one bucket at a time. Water the farm. Although it was a difficult lifestyle, the farm was heated on a coal stove and used for baths and washing was a refuge from the busy, noisy and sometimes danger- clothes. The toilet was located in an outhouse and dirty ous life at the train station. water from the house was sent to the cesspool out back. While living on the Highland farm, Boyd’s mother, The bathtub consisted of a tin tub filled three inches high Alice May Speer Stice, and Mary Lee Myers organized and placed near the stove surrounded by towel-draped the first Primary School in Highland. They traveled chairs for privacy. The girls would call, “First bath, no about the area in the Stice’s newly purchased “surrey” leaders, no presidents!” as they had to take turns with informing children of the opportunity to attend Latter- the limited water. For warmth, the family had a Heatrola day Saint Primary education in Highland for the first in which they burned wood and coal. The young girls time. Although Alice missed her home ward in Lehi, she gathered kindling and wood and Louise, their mother, adjusted and grew to love her local Highland ward and would start the fires in the morning. Carolyn remem- contributed much to its success. bers summer clothes washing took place out on the porch After serving a mission in the Southern States for and winter washing was indoors in the kitchen. Washing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boyd tubs were set up and an electric wringer twisted the water out of the clothes and put them into the rinsing tub and wrung them again, then they were hung on a clothesline “Everybody who lived here believed they had found uto- to dry. When the well pump failed, they would secure a pia, and everybody who has come here since wants to be ladder to the porch posts and lower their dad down the the last to move in.” fifty-foot well to retrieve and repair the pump. —Wini Jensen, City Recorder The family had a piano, sewing machine, radio, tele- phone and a Ford automobile. As a welcome amusement, Carolyn remembers rocking in a chair as she listened to the Stice returned home. In 1926, he met and wed Louise radio. She liked the shows “The Lone Ranger,” “The Green Roundy and moved into the two-room farm cabin, Hornet,” “The Shadow,” and Art Linkletter’s “House Party.” which was built in approximately 1890, with the House Party was especially appealing to her because it kitchen added a few years later. Sadly, their first son solicited audience questions and awarded prizes.

12 Boyd and Louise Stice and their daughters, Carolyn, Darlene and Dorothy. 1957

There was no school in Highland at the time and the When World War II broke out (1939-1945), Boyd girls commuted by bus to American Fork and attended Stice dedicated most of his time working on the farm. He the Harrington Elementary School on 50 North and also made many trips to Detroit to bring back cars to sell. Center Street in the now historic downtown district, and The family grew and harvested raspberries, potatoes, American Fork Junior and Senior High School on the grain, hay and peas. The girls helped with the harvesting hill to the north of the American Fork cemetery. when they were old enough. They also raised pigs, cows, Carolyn Stice remembers as a small child, shopping in and chickens. American Fork for the few goods that they did not produce Irrigating the farm was done by the flooding method themselves. They would occasionally purchase such foods as where water was turned on once a week and left on for “Cheerios” and lettuce for sandwiches. There was a Boleys’ many hours. Headgates were located along the ditch to grocery store, and a Chipman’s Department Store. help irrigate sections of the fields, and there was one in While the Stice family was fortunate to have a small front of the house by the road to irrigate the orchards family and a farm for food, the Great Depression hit and lawn around the house. Evar Strasburg and Clarence Utah especially hard. “[In 1933 Utah’s unemployment Greenland were the water masters and oversaw all mat- rate was over thirty-five percent, the fourth highest in the ters relating to the town irrigation. Managing to acquire nation, and for the decade as a whole it averaged twenty- more water was always a priority. They understood how six percent. By 1932 the wage level for those who had not valuable water was to their livelihood and life. lost their jobs had declined by forty-five percent and the Looking back on her life in Highland, Carolyn Stice workweek by twenty percent. Annual per capita income Kitchen comments, “We were all happy and all poor. [We dropped fifty percent by 1932, and in 1940 had risen to were] all in the same boat and did the best we could.” The only eighty-two percent of the pre-depression level. By family spent seven years saving enough money to build a the spring of 1933, thirty-two percent of the population larger home. It was finally completed the year Carolyn was receiving all or part of their food, clothing, shel- was to graduate from high school. Many years later when ter, and other necessities from government relief funds: the old cabin was to be demolished, the original log con- thirty-two of Utah’s 105 banks had failed; and corpo- struction was discovered, preserved beneath the wooden rate business failures had increased by twenty percent.]” panels. The home was donated to the Daughters of the (http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/d/DEPPRESSION. Utah Pioneers and serves as a reminder of the culture GREAT.html) that existed in Highland before the rapid growth.

13 city government

14 15 The Incorporation of the Town of Highland

By Donald LeBaron and Elisabeth Luntz

he name “Highland” generally referred to the area of for future use. (6) To provide for the maintenance of an Tunincorporated county land defined by the bound- adequate road system and snow removal within our com- aries of the Highland (LDS) Wards in 1977. Highland, munity. (7) To provide for the establishment of parks, at this time, was administered by the Utah County cemetery and recreation facilities within our commu- Commission, with offices in Provo. Items such as zoning nity. (8) To maintain and enhance, where possible, our for land use, lot size, and the details of home construc- natural environment.” tion were controlled by county ordinances as interpreted While it was not an explicitly stated goal of incorpo- by this authority. The decision to incorporate and become ration, former Mayor Don LeBaron acknowledges that the town of Highland came about as an attempt to have gaining local control over the sales of beer in Highland more local control over several key issues. Still, many was another motivating factor in incorporation. The residents resisted incorporation. The idea to incorporate County did not support the prohibition of alcohol. By only a portion of the community was suggested by Yukus incorporating, they could enforce stricter regulations on Inouye, a resident farmer of Highland and member of beer and liquor sales. the county commission. Commissioner Inouye noticed Boyd A. Wilson, L.A. Latimer, Melba W. Latimer, that most of the opponents seemed to reside on the west W.H. Blomquist, Josephine Zimmerman and Leor side of the Alpine Highway, while a majority of the pro- Griffiths, who served as spokesman, met in regular ses- ponents resided on the east side. He proposed that the sion in the County Commission Chambers, on June 15, east side could be incorporated as a town by means of a 1977 and again on July 6th to present the signed petition. petition signed by a majority of the residents of that area. The planning department of the County Commission The east side was thoroughly canvassed and 164 signa- used three methods to certify the vote including the asses- tures were gathered in favor of incorporation. sor’s role, the census, and the number of registered vot- The requirements for incorporation covered by sec- ers. At the time, there were 152 houses within the town tion 10-2-6 of the Utah Code in 1977 call for a majority limits (see map of defining boundaries). Ninety-eight of the electors to sign the petition, to state a town name, (64%) households consented. According to the census, provide a statement of legal description, and define the there were 324 people eighteen years or older. Of those boundaries of the territory. In addition, the proposed 324 people, 204 signed the petition giving the proposal area must have a minimum of 100 residents. a 63% approval rating among residents eighteen and The purposes for incorporation were stated as the fol- over. And, finally, among registered voters, 160 out of lowing: “ (1) We believe the number one most important 242 (66%) signed the petition for incorporation. reason to incorporate Highland is to protect, promul- According to the County Commission July 6 minutes, gate, and preserve for ourselves, and for our future gen- Highland spokesperson Leor Griffiths asked the County erations, the life-style of semi-rural family living which Commission to sign the resolution approving the petition, we now enjoy. This life style is being threatened because of the rapid residential growth allowed by present county regulations and policies. (2) 1977, the year Highland became a town was also a year of be- To protect and preserve real property values in ginnings in other ways: The Concorde supersonic transport our community to the highest degree possible. began making flights between New York and London and (3) To assure adequate police and fire protec- tion for Highland both present and future. (4) Paris; the space shuttle “Enterprise” made its first manned To assure an adequate water supply is available flight; George Lucas release the first Star Wars movie, and for present and future needs. (5) To provide for the TV dramatization of “Roots” resulted in an explosion of and assure adequate sewage disposal is available interest in tracing family history. It was a year of endings too—the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, died.

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but delayed recording it until some “legal matters pertaining To pay for these services, incorporated towns have to subdivisions could be worked out.” A motion was made several sources of revenue available. These sources can by Commissioner Pinegar, seconded by Commissioner be taxes in the forms of a hospital tax, dog control tax, Lymon (and in absence of Commissioner Inouye), to water and light tax, local sales and use taxes, among oth- accept the resolution to incorporate said Highland area ers. Building permit and subdivision fees, road funds, to be known as the Town of Highland, and to appoint the business licenses, federal revenue sharing, and traffic Board of Trustees as recommended: Donald LeBaron, citations all contribute to the revenues a city collects to Town President; Gilbert E. Taylor, Trustee; Ronald fund their budgets. The total possible estimated rev- Lafferty, Trustee; Steven Adamson, Trustee; and Boyd enue in 1977 was $92,468.00. Property evaluation at Wilson, Trustee. Karl R. Lymon and Kenneth Pinegar the time was $1,872,258. passed the motion in favor, and zero opposed. The trust- Maintaining semi-rural quality of life, limiting ees became the original town council members. sprawling growth, prohibiting alcohol sales, minimiz- There are thirteen functions permitted by law that ing traffic and air pollution from asphalt and cement a city performs. They are as follows: (1) Hold property. manufacturing, and enforcing maximum density reg- (2) Provide health and hospital services. (3) Provide and ulations all contributed to the desire to incorporate manage a cemetery. (4) Govern livestock and stray ani- Highland. By doing so, the framers sought to increase mal regulations. (5) Provide shade trees. (6) Distribute the degree of services to their residents, as well as have business licenses. (7) Control of gambling, prostitu- greater control over their social and environmental tion and liquor. (8) Provide police and ordinances. (9) concerns. And so it was that Highland Town, a plat Provide roads and sidewalks. (10) Provide parks and rec- of 2,142 acres and 152 homes, became the 18th incor- reation. (11) Manage water, sewer and streetlights. (12) porated area in Utah County. The County Clerk con- Control commercial development. (13) Govern zoning firmed that the first municipal election would be in the rights and regulations. fall of the same year.

17 “One of the memorable moments came when we tried to open a bank account for Highland Town. There was no money available so the town council members each put up $2. With the $10 we could open a bank account.”

don lebaron President of Highland Town 1977 Mayor 1978–1982

n August, 1977, the town of Highland was incorporated been in operation before we were incorporated and the Iby an action of the County Commission. I was asked county had given them a permit to sell beer. Our city to serve as town president until the following November council passed an ordinance that prohibited the sale of when the normal election would be held. At first I did beer within the city. (Alpine Country Club was excepted.) not wish to be the president, or the mayor. I knew noth- We eventually worked out a compromise with the owners ing about such things. But with the coming together of of Kountry Korner so the new ordinance stood. the new town, its future became important to me and Only a small part of Highland was included in the I became interested in going further with the office. original city limits. The incorporated part was mostly In the election I won over my opponent, Milt Sealey, on the east side of Alpine Highway. A number of peti- by only two votes. tions to annex came from the parts that were still in the Planning for growth was a keen issue at that time. county, and Highland City grew rapidly. Local residents took issue with a number of County One of the memorable moments came when we tried decisions, and wanted to put the planning under local to open a bank account for Highland Town. There was control. A small gravel company was already operating no money available so the town council members each near the mouth of American Fork canyon but a very large concrete and gravel products company, Gibbons and Reed, wanted to open a large operation. This request came to us just a day or two after we were incorporated. This would have added an immense burden to Highland streets and highways as hundreds of large trucks would be coming daily from the canyon area. According to their estimate forty million tons of useable gravel could be taken out of the area. It did not take the council long to calculate how much time it would require to extract forty million tons of gravel; something like four hundred years of trucks running every ten minutes day and night. They also wanted to build a batch plant on the site, which would have manufactured concrete products, and another to make asphalt. We did not give them the permit they needed to begin operations. The matter ended up in a long court battle. Years later we lost the case, but they had moved on to other locations by that time. Another big issue was the public sale of beer and alcoholic products within the city. Kountry Korner had Glen Strasburg, long time resident, and Vern Romney, city attorney.

18 put up $2. With the $10 we could open a bank account. I don’t recall if we ever got our $2 back—it didn’t seem to Where have city councils met through the years? matter much at the time. We all served without salaries When Highland city was first incorporated in 1977, the city in those days. council met at the media center at Highland Elementary. The first town council included Stephen Adamson, This was the only public building in Highland city. The city Bert Taylor, Boyd Wilson, and Ron Lafferty. “Town” was the designation for an incorporated community of council has met at the city hall since it was built in 1991. up to 800 persons. Highland grew rapidly with all the annexations so that it soon qualified to be called a third class city and the office of president became Mayor. more than 49 years. Our city council met in the library When we held the election in November of 1977, of the school when it was finished. the following men were elected to the city council: Our first Highland Fling was held the first week- four year council members Lamond Tullis and Eric end in August 1978. A Scottish theme was followed Adamson, and two year council members Dennis with a program and pipe band performing. There Horan and Ron Lafferty. On Feb. 8, 1979 Governor were a mini marathon, family breakfast, parade, and Scott Matheson declared Highland a third-class city. country carnival. The office of president was then changed to mayor. Our In 1980 the local newspaper noted that the popu- growth made us eligible to have an additional council lation of Highland was 2500. Businesses in Highland member; so our first woman council member, Gladys were 1 gravel operation, 1 golf course, 1 gas station/ Clark, was appointed in 1979. convenience store, 6 construction companies, and 10 We had no place to meet, so Alpine city allowed us home businesses. to use their city hall free of charge until we had a place In 1981 we purchased land to build a future city to meet in Highland. Melba Lattimer was our first city center. recorder. She sat up until the wee hours of the morning As my term of office came to a close I was happy taking minutes of our efforts to put our town together. that we had been able to keep Gibbons and Reed from Bob Gunn and then Vern Romney were our first city operating within our city limits, and that we had passed attorneys. Vern led the fight against Gibbons and Reed the ordinance against beer sales. I looked forward to and their large gravel operation in the mouth of the can- a city center being built in the future and hoped that yon. J. LeGrand Adamson served as our first Justice of future administrations would be able to control growth the Peace. He brought fairness and order to the enforce- and still allow for some kind of commercial center. I ment of our local ordinances. also felt it would be important to develop a secondary On June 28, 1978, ground was broken for Highland water system. Someday I hope that Highland will be Elementary School and it was completed in the winter of known as a center for the arts and that a junior college 1979. This was the first school in Highland since 1929, will be built here.

19 “I believe that many of the fathers of our city, before my time, had seen the vision of Highland becoming a wonderful and safe place to come and raise families. “

eric adamson Mayor 1982–1986

was elected a member of the first city council of During my administration, Heritage Park was estab- IHighland in November of 1977 and served for four years lished. I worked to get Little League established and with Mayor Don LeBaron. Then I made a decision to run encouraged Eagle Scout candidates to do their proj- for mayor. My Mom and Dad and grandparents on all four ects with the city. Much of what was built in parks and sides lived in Highland all their lives and had a great love playgrounds during my time of service was done with for this area. I truly believe that most of the people who get Boy Scout Eagle projects and other volunteer service. involved in this service do so because of their love for the We also held our first rodeo in connection with the community and those who live here. I love Highland and Highland Fling. The Highland Jr. Miss program began believe in the people and their values. during that time. Our first Jr. Miss was Laura Linton On the city council I was given the responsibility in 1987. for animal control, law enforcement, and roads. We In 1983 our desert state was flooded with water. contracted with the county and sister cities, Alpine and Spanish Fork canyon was the scene of a large landslide, American Fork, for some services and with private con- and the creation of an unwanted temporary lake, and tractors for others. I remember that we had purchased a the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake rose well beyond few tons of salt and dumped the salt at Kountry Korner. their normal boundaries. American Fork Canyon also Yukus Inouye would call me on snowy mornings and was filled with mud slides and the raging waters threat- we would go load up some of the salt in the back of his pick-up and then shovel it out on the icy roads. XIX Olympic Winter games were hosted by Salt Lake City There were several big issues discussed during our campaigns. Our citizens had in February 2002. The theme was “Light the Fire Within.” many different visions for the future of the The emblem represented a snow crystal in yellow, orange city. The zoning for a commercial area was and blue, representing the Utah landscape. bitterly debated. I felt we needed to plan for 2,399 athletes from seventy-seven nations partici- it so that we didn’t have it come in a haphaz- ard way. The acre density was also established pated in 28 events. The events were held in Salt Lake in those early years as a city. City, Park City, Ogden, Provo, Kearns, and West Valley Members of the City Council were Russell City. An army of volunteers including many from High- Gerber, James A. Hewlett, Jay Gammette, land helped with opening and closing ceremonies, usher- Brent Harrison and Milt Sealey. Mid-term ing, traffic, hosting, translation, and all the other details elections brought William Bloomquist, Ken Monson, and LaMar C. Hatch to fill the that made the games run very smoothly. recently vacated seats. President George W. Bush opened the games on Feb 8; the first time that an American President has opened the winter games in the United States.

20 City Council 1982 Left to right: Mayor Eric Adamson, Brent Harrison, Jay City Council 1984: Chris Coons, City Manager Intern; Jay Franson; James Gamette, James A Hewlett, Russell C. Gerber, L. Milton Sealy. A. Hewlett; Mayor Eric Adamson; Wini Jensen, Recorder; LaMar C. Hatch; Kenneth Monson. ened homes in Hidden Oaks and other areas. Citizens of Highland came together to sandbag and clear debris from the ditches and streams to prevent water damage. May 1986 an article in The Daily Herald noted that thir- Nevertheless, some homes were damaged by the waters. teen permits had been issued for construction of new The Central Utah Project constructed an aqueduct homes since the beginning of the year. The value of the through Highland in the summer of 1985. This large average home under construction was $106,757.00 underground pipe takes water from Deer Creek to Salt Lake City. I also encouraged the city to look into a pressurized irrigation system. As the city grew we had annexations, planned unit I worked with the mayors of our sister cities in the developments, the City’s master plan, and a road mas- Council of Government, Timpanogos Special Service ter plan, as well as planning and zoning ordinances that District, and the Timpanogos Planning and Water provided for the one-acre density concept. The sewer Management Agency. was developed and provided service to some areas of the I believe that many of the fathers of our city, before City. We also purchased the property that was later used my time, had seen the vision of Highland becoming a for the city building. (The property purchased when wonderful and safe place to come and raise families. Don LeBaron was mayor became Heritage Park.) Some This certainly has come to pass. My hope would be that street lighting was also installed. this will continue to be the case in the future.

21 “We aren’t a sleepy residential community anymore; we can be a source of influence and wisdom in the County, the school district, and the State of Utah.”

larry miller Mayor 1986–1989

n 1986 I attended the town meeting where candidates The City was rather small at that time; we had a Iwould be chosen to run for various city positions. population of fewer than 3,000. However it appeared My purpose in attending was only to keep up on what that growth was imminent and would happen rapidly. was happening in the City and the upcoming election. I Planning for that growth would be a major effort. As it had no intention of running for any office. There were turned out, the population more than doubled in the not a lot of people in attendance and it became evident four years I was in office. that there were few people interested in running for When I took office, there were 12 lawsuits staring any office. Names were discussed, including mine, but the city in the face. The settlements would have totaled most declined to run…including me. A day or two later some $1.5 million. Our total annual budget was less than the chairman of the party called and said that if I didn’t $300,000. If those decisions had gone against us, the run there would be no second candidate running. Out City would have been bankrupt and we would have been of desperation, I somehow became the last hope for a in danger of going out of existence. Our City Attorney choice in the election and I succumbed to the invitation was Vern Romney. One by one we tackled each of these and allowed my name to be placed on the ballot. legal actions. It took more than two years and literally I had two great councils to work with during my hundreds of hours to get them all settled. However, we term. Each one contributed significantly to the issues, accomplished this and our total expense in bring them creation of policy, the carrying out of their assignments and duties, and in their dedication to the City and its citizens. There was almost always a difference of opinion among the Council; but it never deteriorated to a personal attack. I was very impressed with that. No one will ever equal the dedication and hours that Wini Jensen has contributed toward Highland. Her thousands of unpaid hours toward reaching successful conclusion to programs, policies, and procedures will never be adequately appreciated by anyone except those who had the great privilege of serving with her. There were many committees that functioned so well. We’ve always had a great Highland Fling each year. The Beautification Committee kept the importance of making Highland a beautiful place in all our minds. The cultural arts, recreation, cemetery, library, and city building committees also contributed much to the success of our city. Highland City building approved 1989, completed 1990.

22 City Council 1986: Left to right: Chris Coons, city manager intern; Mayor City Council 1988: Back row left to right: Richard Westwood, Lowell Larry G. Miller; LaMar C. Hatch; Kenneth Monson; Richard Westwood; Nelson, Kreg I. Kirkham, Kent R. Day. Front Row: Roger F. Tracy and, Lowell Nelson; Jay W. Franson, Mayor Larry G. Miller. to a successful conclusion was less than $15,000. I don’t traffic through routes other than Highland and to remember Vern submitting a bill for even one hour of expand 11000 North. It was nearly twenty years before his time in these negotiations. that area was developed, but our careful planning at Whether or not to have a city building became a very that time paid off. controversial issue. The city council decided it was time We obtained community development funds and for the city to have its own building. We hired a local constructed the first sewer lines in the City. This brought architect, Vern Hancock, to design the building. We about one-third of the city onto the sewer with a very approved an action to move forward with the funding small fraction of the cost coming from the city’s budget. and begin the bidding process in my second to the last Cable TV was made available throughout the City and we meeting. That formally set the approval for the construc- negotiated the garbage collection services and contracts tion of the building. the City still uses today. It was a very emotional issue at that time. For example, Highland is a wonderful community. It is a beautiful quoting from the American Fork Citizen from August 23, 1989: place to live and raise a family. The talents of the resi- “Over 60 displeased citizens attended the recent dents are unsurpassed any place else. We aren’t a sleepy Highland City Council meeting to protest the city’s plans residential community anymore; we can be a source of to build a new city building….Over 230 citizens signed influence and wisdom in the County, the school district, one of the eight copies of the petition.” and the State of Utah. Despite the protests, we knew the city’s growth I will ever be grateful for so many people who necessitated the construction and we went forth. It is the donated their time and talents. All the elected officials, current building in which the city is now housed. It has the committees, and many other citizens served without served the city well for over 15 years. Once it was com- compensation. To those who opposed us, thank you for pleted there was only praise and satisfaction that the city your honest input and for taking time to get involved offices finally had a “home.” and making us make better decisions. To those who sup- Another big issue at the time was the potential devel- ported us, we thank you very much. We have all created opment of Traverse Ridge by the Estes Corporation—a a better place in which we live and one we affectionately planned community of over 20,000 homes to be built call home. in the mountains between Draper City and Utah County. Draper had approved the development, but there would In February 1992 Kathryn Schramm, along with Patricia need to be roads into Utah County and it was possible that we would need to provide water, sewer, and schools McClure and Nancy Snell began publishing a free for some of the homes. It could have crippled the infra- monthly newspaper called the Highland Piper that structure of our little town. We spent considerable time reported the ins and outs of life in Highland. It also working with Utah County, Lehi City and Draper City contained full transcripts of city council meetings. officials. In the end Utah County was compelled to direct The publication, which varied in size from eight to 24 pages was delivered monthly to city residents until June 1997. 23 “I love fireworks and it was during my term that they were introduced as part of the Highland Fling celebration.”

james a. hewlett Mayor 1990–1993

he previous administration had begun the process Tof preparing to build a city building. I arranged financing, worked with the architect, held the ground breaking, purchased the furniture, and moved the city staff into the new quarters. We arranged for Highland Water Company to occupy a portion of the building to help defray costs. I also developed an Employee Handbook outlin- ing policies, procedures and benefits for the city staff, and codified Highland’s ordinances. We revised and then issued a new “Welcome to Highland” brochure for new residents. Highland Kiwanis Club was formed and they contributed to the city in many ways. One was the building of a “Welcome to Highland” sign on Highland’s south- Merlin B. Larsen Park, named for long time civic and religious leader, was ern boundary, and later another sign on the western built in 1993. city boundary. Two city parks benefited from my attention. In would not accommodate outdoor use for future growth, Heritage Park the restrooms, pavilions and playground so we worked very hard to develop a pressurized irriga- equipment were installed, and Little League baseball tion system. I felt that in addition to saving water, such a facilities were constructed. The Daughters of the Utah system would eliminate the many open ditches that criss- Pioneers placed a historical cabin in Heritage Park. crossed Highland and were a safety hazard during the The Merlin Larsen Park on 6000 West and 9600 summer months. This became tragically obvious when North was dedicated in 1993. BYU students, under two Highland residents were drowned in an irrigation the direction of Councilman Glen Thurgood had built ditch in July, 1992. the pavilion. A parking area was built, sprinkler system We established a special improvement district and an installed, and grass and trees were planted. incentive program in the form of interest-free loans for Highland City’s first dump truck was purchased, residents to connect onto new sewer mains and began complete with snow plow and salt/sand thrower. The discussions to join Timpanogos Sewer District as an floods of 1983 had given us warning of possible water equity and voting member. problems, so we worked with Highland Water Company I love fireworks and it was during my term that they to develop a large catch basin in the mouth of American were introduced as part of the Highland Fling celebra- Fork Canyon to better manage heavy spring runoff. At tion. In fact I personally conducted the show—and con- the same time, we realized that the culinary water system tinued to do so for the next eight years.

24 City Council April 1990 left to right: Steven P. Draper, Larry G. Rhodes, Kenneth Monson, Mayor James Hewlett, Kent R. Day, Roger F. Tracy.

With the construction of Mountain Ridge Junior High School in 1993, it became important to have sidewalks along Alpine Highway (SR 74. These were built with Safe Sidewalk Funds. The Utah Department of Transportation also worked with the city to reduce speed limits, install safety walkways, and lighting. The Junior High also provided an opportunity to begin a cooper- ative effort with the Alpine School District and Alpine City to have a Community Library in the school. More than $150,000 was raised for books and equipment for the new school/library. Two years were spent revising Highland’s Commercial Zone for development of commercial business at the intersection of SR 92 and SR 74. Ground was broken City Council, September 1991, left to right: Steven P. Draper, Larry G. Rhodes, for Kohler’s store in November 1993. Gaylen D. Rogers, Mayor James A. Hewlett, Kent R. Day, Roger F. Tracy. Like the mayors before me, I served without remu- neration. I could see that running the city was going to require more than part time/volunteer workers, so in my final year’s budget I included funding for a city manager position for the incoming administration. Wini Jensen, City Recorder, noted, “Mayor Hewlett envisioned Highland to be a beautiful, clean and orderly community. He desired to see streets lined with beautiful trees with well-kept yards where citizens could be proud to live.” Little, if any, of these accomplishments of the city could have come to pass if it weren’t for the cooperation and efforts of Highland City Council members, a dedicated city staff, and the many volunteer organiza- tions and clubs who desired to improve Highland and the quality of life for its citizens. City Council November 1992 left to right: Larry G. Rhodes, Brent M. Cook, Glen S. Thurgood; Mayor James A. Hewlett, Steven P. Draper, Marlin McKinney.

25 “I believe we must recruit the forces of volunteerism and private industry to accomplish these objectives rather than expecting our government to do all the work through taxation.”

ed scott Mayor 1994–1997 By Petrea G. Kelly

fter serving for several years on the Planning repair. Scouts made improvements as part of their Eagle ACommission, Ed Scott was nominated as candidate projects and it became a delightful addition to the com- for mayor by the People’s Party in 1993. He won the elec- munity. With its 80 acres it more than doubled the park tion in November and was sworn into office in January, space available. The name was changed to “Highland 1994. Council members who won in the same election Glen Park.” Roads were constructed so that there was were Richard Sudweeks, Marlin McKinney and Gary access to the park from both the east and west. L. Gray. This was the second election in a row that the Ed had been very involved on the Planning People’s Party won all the seats. At the mid-term elec- Commission with the development of Highland’s com- tions in 1995 Pat Hendrickson, Mark Thompson and mercial district. Wini Jensen commented, “Mayor Teri Jerman were elected to the City Council. Scott…has been one of Highland’s pioneers in the sense In his first message to the city Mayor Scott stated: that he explored, researched and surveyed the issue of “I believe we must recruit the forces of volunteer- commercial development and did much to provide the ism and private industry to accomplish these objectives codes and guidelines which have permitted the commer- rather than expecting our government to do all the work cial development….” through taxation.” Just a few days after he took office, January 26, 1994, In the spirit of volunteerism the Youth Council was ground was broken for the Kohler’s grocery store and organized in 1994 with Eric Adamson and Wini Jensen Lone Peak Shopping Center. The store opened in as advisors. Other volunteer groups included; The February, 1995. In the following years other businesses Highland Fling and Rodeo committees, Beautification came to Highland, but the strict architectural themes committee, Cultural Arts Council, Library Foundation, and the twelve acre confined area for commercial devel- and the Cemetery committee. opment ensured that Highland would have a business Another opportunity for volunteer efforts came as district—but that it wouldn’t be a hodge podge of discor- the city leased the Adventure and Learning Park. This dant businesses scattered along the two main roads—SR park had originally been built by the state of Utah with cooperation from BYU. Its purpose was to allow clients of the State Training School and other handicapped people to have access to outdoor activities—all the trails were wheelchair accessible and a person in a wheelchair could fish in the lake from the dock. Over the years the original purpose had faded away, the state had turned it over to the county for a few years and it had fallen into disrepair and was subjected to vandalism. The State offered the park to Highland City on a twenty year lease Ground breaking for Kohlers Grocery Store and Lone Peak Shopping Center, in 1996. Volunteers quickly gathered to clean up and January 26, 1994.

26 City Council 1996 Back row, left to right: Teri Jerman, Mark Thompson, Marlin City Council 1996. Back Row: Teri Jerman, Marlin McKinney, Richard McKinney, Richard Sudweeks, Pat Hendrickson. Front row left to right: Wini Sudweeks, Pat Hendrickson, Jan Bunce. Front Row left to right: Wini Jensen, Jensen, Recorder; Mayor Ed Scott; John Newman, City Administrator. Recorder, Mayor Ed Scott, John Newman, City Administrator.

92 (Canyon Road) and Alpine Highway. The Planning Commission invited Joseph Alfandre, a developer of neo-traditional towns to meet with citizens in a series of town meetings which involved the sharing of ideas about the importance of planning for future growth. 1994 saw the opening of Mountain Ridge Jr. High School. Alpine and Highland Cities co-operated with Alpine School district to create a community library in the school’s library, with extra books and extended hours. Just a few months later, ground was broken for a high school in Highland. Lone Peak High School was completed and opened for classes in September of 1997. For the first time Highland had a full time City City Council 1994 Back row, left to right: Marlin McKinney, Richard R. Manager in 1994. John Newman had twenty-four years Sudweeks, Glen S. Thurgood, Gary L. Grey, Brent M. Cook. Front row: John experience in other cities, and he promised, “As city Newman, City Manager; Ed Scott, Mayor; Wini Jensen, Recorder. administrator I will address issues of sewer, water, police, personnel and anything else that is associated with the and Lehi on land near 9400 North and 6800 West. running of a city.” A Public Service District, with Alpine, The summer of 1997 was the summer of BAD was established July 1, 1996. John was very busy as pres- ROADS! But there was a good reason for that. The $11 surized irrigation and sewer projects were completed; million pressurized irrigation system was being installed and also with road and sidewalk improvements necessi- throughout Highland, and sewer lines were being laid in tated by the opening of the two secondary schools. the parts of the city that hadn’t had them. Outside Highland there were rumors that Micron Near the end of his term Mayor Scott wrote in The would build a $2.5 billion manufacturing facility in Highland Insider, “Having made a trip to Scotland this past north Utah County, the Traverse Mountain develop- year, I was struck with the great similarity between the ment that had been proposed ten years earlier began to Scottish Highlands and Highland City and could easily become a reality, the LDS Church began construction relate to the original settlers who named this place. of a temple in American Fork. By 1997, the twentieth “I simply want to acknowledge the great privilege anniversary of the incorporation of Highland, the pop- I have considered it to live in this amazingly beautiful ulation was about seven thousand; up two thousand in and peaceful city and to have had the opportunity to be just five years. involved in trying to preserve the beauty, safety, and pros- Land was acquired for a city cemetery in March perity of our community. I am appreciative of so many of 1997. Ivan Day was chairman of the committee that supportive individuals and families who have helped to helped the cemetery become a reality. An equestrian complete projects and support programs which enrich park was developed in cooperation with American Fork this community.”

27 “The most important thing to me as I took office was the understanding that you only have one opportunity at planning and building a community.”

jess adamson Mayor 1998–2005

had been serving as Chairman of the Planning city recorder. She always performed above expectation. I Commission and had served there since 1993. I had One very big project was the implementation and been an advocate for planned, orderly growth and knew completion of the city-wide pressurized irrigation system that the pressure of development was coming. I felt I begun in Mayor’s Scott’s administration. We had all the understood the needs of our community and had the roads renovated within four years after the Pressurized vision to carry it out. I ran unopposed in 1997 and was Irrigation construction! re-elected in 2001. We purchased Highland Glen Park (Formerly These were busy times: Commercial development Adventure and Learning Park). This 80 acre park fea- had begun with the Kohler’s store. Other businesses were tures a lake, playground, walking trails, and picnic facili- eager to move into the city, we needed a cemetery, pres- ties. We also constructed a west access road and improved surized irrigation was finally set to become a reality, our access from 4800 West. small city staff was becoming overwhelmed, and there The Highland City Cemetery was constructed and was a housing boom throughout the state, but especially dedicated in 1999. in Highland. Master planning and approvals for the Highland The most important thing to me as I took office was Town Center have made possible a new city hall, com- the understanding that you only have one opportunity at munity center, and public safety building as well as addi- planning and building a community. The decisions we tional retail and service businesses and accommodations made would last for a lifetime. I felt strongly about the for senior living. potential of Highland. We are blessed to live in such a In May 2001 the agreement with Alpine School wonderful community. I could see the potential to build District to share the library in Mountain Ridge Jr. High a model community where through the unified efforts of was discontinued. We saved the books we had purchased all we could reside in peace and safety. for future use. Residents could receive vouchers to use at I consider all those who served before my time in other libraries in the county at a reduced rate. elected positions as mayors or city council members as Creation and implementation of open space devel- pioneers. They had to do so much with so very little! opments allowed us to go from 10 acres of parks to over Those who served on the planning commission worked 300 acres of parks, open space, and trails, including the long and hard. They are as responsible for what Highland Mitchell Hollow Park, American Fork River Trail, Dry is today as any group. Creek Open Space north of Canterbury North subdi- The city staff was always the heart of the day-to- vision, and many other trails and parks associated with day operations of the city, often going the extra mile to new subdivisions. get the job done. They always provided small-town ser- One of the first issues when the city was created in vice (people came first) in a time of increasing respon- 1977 was the desire of Gibbons and Reed to mine gravel sibilities and challenges. Wini Jensen served as my from the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Years and personal secretary in addition to her responsibilities as years have been spent in negotiation and litigation with

28 them, but finally in 1999 the battle was won and the servant…not a politician.” I have always focused on this ground in question was rezoned for residential rather as my guide. I am a better person for having served and than mining. hope you feel Highland is a better place because of that Highland Water Company and Highland City were service. I challenge all Highland citizens to find ways to consolidated in 2005. Now Highland city controls both be of service. the culinary water and the pressurized irrigation systems We became a “Tree City USA,” and beautiful landscaping of medians and parkways along SR 74 and SR 92, 10400 North and 4800 West has made our city an even more According to City Recorder, Wini Jensen, “Jess will al- pleasant place to live. ways be remembered as our ‘jogging Mayor’ as he spent Many, many subdivisions have been built in the years hours of his leisure time going about the community be- between 1998 and 2006, but we have been able to main- coming aware of areas of growth and concern. He en- tain the one-acre overall density with creative use of open couraged residents to get involved in ‘Taking Pride in space and parks. Thank you, Highlanders, for allowing me to serve. Highland’ through the annual clean-up campaign.” When I ran for mayor in 1997, I promised to “be a

City Council 1998 Back Row: Teri Jerman, Gary Phillipi, Pat Hendrickson, City Council 2005 Back Row: Wini Jensen, recorder, Steve King, Brian Brunson, Gwyn Frnason, Jan Bunce. Front: Wini Jensen, Recorder, Jess Adamson, Mayor, Glen Vaudry, Berry Edwards, City Manager Front Row: Kathryn Schramm, Jess John Newman, City Administrator. Adamson, Mayor, Gwyn Franson.

29 The Highland City Staff By Elisabeth luntz

ne of the original intentions of incorporating was Wini maintains the City records, attends and records minutes Oto minimize urban sprawl, but over the last thirty of City Council, manages the agendas, and handles the legal years, Highland City has become one of the fastest grow- requirements for the office, such as handling the election pro- ing cities in Utah. According to Mayor Jay Franson, “Last cess for the municipal election and processing annexations. year 277 new home building permits were issued… This She has also served as secretary to the Appeal Authority (pre- sets the theme for Highland right now: Growth.” That viously known as the Board of Adjustment), and is the editor of the city newsletter with final approval from the City Administrator. Wini has been responsible for accounts What employee has been with Highland city from almost its payable and accounts receivable. She handles the ceme- incorporation until now? tery records and business licensing, as well as provides If you talk to anyone who has been involved with Highland Notary functions and attests to documents, which are from 1978 until now, the one person who gets mentioned the signed by the Mayor and other city representatives. In most is Wini Jensen. Wini started working for Highland as the addition, she volunteered for five years as the advisor of the Youth Council. town clerk on May 3, 1978 (the position name was changed Initially, the building inspector, and city treasurer to city recorder after Highland became a city in 1979). Like worked minimum hours out of their homes. The city everyone who worked for Highland at that time, Wini worked contracted for services for police, fire, snow removal, for many years without pay. She has done an excellent job and road repair, as well as for the City Engineer, Boyd Wilson. Also, the city used a graduate student part-time and has been the glue that has held the city together. She to assist the mayor with administrative issues for a few worked in her home for the first 8 years and all city records years. Jay Haws was the first full time employee hired were stored in her basement. After the city acquired a trailer, in September of 1995 as Operations Manager, which the city records were stored there until the city hall was built. included Building Inspector and overseeing issues that While she worked in her home, the city paid half her phone arose in the city under the direction of the mayor. Lynn Ruff was hired in January of 1980 as a part-time Finance bill. Residents in Highland could call this number any time Director. In October 2006, he was hired full-time. day or night. When the city operations moved into an office trailer with the Highland Water Company (HWC), VaLois Paxman was hired to work full time, part-time for the figure is almost a 10% increase in the 3,300 homes in City and part-time for HWC. Nancy Day, the Treasurer, 2006. That growth takes a lot of staff support to accom- worked from her home part-time and did some work in the modate the workload. While there are currently 31 peo- office trailer. Day has worked for the city for 24 years begin- ple employed to run the affairs of Highland City, the ning with the Eric Adamson Administration. Day is respon- initial staff consisted of only a couple part-time employ- sible for investing the city funds. She is also the Justice Court ees. The longest serving City employee is Wini Jensen, Supervisor. Both the treasurer and recorder began working City Recorder (1978-present). Starting in May, about full-time in the City Building when it was finished in March of a year after the Town of Highland was Incorporated, 1991. The HWC, being a publicly held company, independent Wini worked for seven years out of her home, which was of the City, went on its own but some staff was often shared. “basically City Hall if anyone needed something,” recalls When the HWC was dissolved and all assets and management Jensen. handed over to the City in 2005, Mark Thompson, formerly The City Recorder is the Records Officer and the president of the HWC Board, was hired by the city as a over the years some of the assignments have varied. full-time employee managing the city water distribution.

30 John Newman was hired as City Administrator in 1994, at which time Jay Haws regained his title of Operations Manager and Building Inspector. Laurie Adams was hired full time in 1996 to handle the payroll and accounts payable for Highland City and the newly formed Public Safety District. Adams helps citizens with pressure irrigation issues and tries to “[make] citizens feel comfortable about converting to pressure irrigation and turning in water shares for their land.” When City Council 2006: Back Row: Wini Jensen, Recorder; Steve King; Brian VaLois Paxman retired, the city kept a receptionist who Brunson; Glen Vaudry; Berry Edwards, City Administrator. Front Row: Kathryn helped with the utility bills, dog licensing, and build- Schramm, Mayor Jay W. Franson, Claudia Stillman. ing permits. JoD’Ann Bates was hired part-time to assist the treasurer. She now works full-time and has done Edwards has served in this capacity since 2002. His various jobs, but is now Executive Assistant to the City duties include attending to issues in the following areas: Administrator. Lonnie Crowell was hired August 2003, (1) knowledge and direction in municipal government as Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning. He is now affairs, (2) municipal government finance and budget, the Director with a full-time secretary, Dawn Corrigan. (3) planning and zoning, and (4) administration and Jone Varney, who had been the HWC Secretary, is now management of Highland City staff in assisting him in the Building Department Secretary. Also under Lonnie fulfilling his duties and in fulfilling their own duties. Crowell is planner Carly LeDuc who assists with plan- In addition, the City Administrator is asked to carry out ning and code enforcement. The City Engineer and the decision of the City Council and be a resource to Director of Public Works, Matt Shipp, was hired April the city. The City Administrator is required to attend of 2004. He now has an engineer working under him, City Council and Planning Commission meetings and Nathan Lunstad. The City Engineer hired a full time approves the city newsletter, The Highland Insider. secretary, Haylie Studebaker. The Highland Insider newsletter reports information Emily Gillingwater has filled the new position of on a monthly basis but does not take editorial input Community Enhancement Coordinator. She is respon- from citizens. Another source of civic information is sible for planning, organizing and coordinating com- Christine Dalley, the Highland Correspondent for the munity events, and recreation activities and also oversees Lone Peak Press. Dalley attends Highland City Council the efforts of community volunteers. She has been with and Planning Commission meetings and her articles fre- Highland City since May of 2006 and will be managing quently appear in the “Our Towns” section of the Daily the “Highland Fling” this year as she did in 2006. Herald. Her articles can also be found on the Internet The recently constructed Public Works Building at www.Harktheherald.com. Recently, the city has added located at the north end of the mouth of the American both agendas and minutes from Highland City Council Fork canyon, 5378 West 10400 North, houses the Public and Planning Commission meetings, along with other Works staff which consists of 16 employees who oversee useful information, on the city web site: www.highlandc- the operations of the culinary water system, pressur- ity.org. This new online resource provides citizens with ized irrigation, parks, streets, sewer, open space, cem- the opportunity to tune into public civic affairs when etery, garbage and recycling. Included are two full time attending meetings is not possible or when they want to inspectors. check the public record. Plans are to have the meetings The City Administrator, while more “behind the on closed caption TV in the near future in order to reach scenes,” has a lot of influence in the community. Barry a wider audience.

31 activities

32 33 Highland fling

The first Highland Fling was held in 1978. The name Fling seemed to fit a town named for the highlands of Scotland, and it sound- ed like a fun party! The first director was Lynn Scoresby. Other directors have included Ron and Erlene Burrell, (who served for ten years) and Kathryn Schramm. Emily Gillingwater is currently the director. Fling activities include a parade, art show, 5K fun run, children’s bike race, golf tournament, baby contest, breakfast (hosted by Kiwanis Club), hot air balloons, candy toss from airplanes or helicopters, theatrical presentations, concerts, youth dance, games, food, and other activities in the park. The evening is capped with a spectacular fireworks show. It is a hometown celebration with citizens providing most of the entertainment and labor in the spirit of volunteerism that makes Highland a great place to live.

34 35 HighlandBy Jennie Spykes Rodeo

Highland has deep equestrian roots. With one acre zoning every property had animal rights and nearly every family had a horse. Consequently the city fathers wanted to include an equestrian event in the Highland Fling celebration. Ron & Erlene Burrell were asked to organize the activities and in 1986 the Highland Fling Rodeo was born. Committee members were Ron Muggleston, Martha & Bill Coe, Carol & Phil Bowers, Jeannie & Willard Spykes and Jeanne & Larry Walker. Many events did not require a horse so that even the smallest buckaroo could participate. Highland youth especially loved the pig, rabbit & chicken chases, sheep riding, and candy hunt. Adults enjoyed watching the kids and participating in their own events such as the trailer race, hay rolling and many more. The first rodeo queen competition was won by Lana Spykes with Leana Dillworth & Sarah Peterson as attendants. As the city expanded and more of our open fields were developed into housing, the rodeo grounds had to be moved several times. That first year the rodeo was held in a field northwest of Strasburg Park. The next arena was were Mountain Ridge Junior High now stands. City owned land near the power substation on 5600 West served for many years, but finally the Highland Rodeo has a new and permanent home at the North County Equestrian Center of which Highland City is part owner.

36 4-H With 20 years of 4-H service to date, Jeannie Spykes organized the first Highland 4-H group in 1982. The group was called the Kountry Kids. They met once a week to practice equestrian skills such as Horsemanship, Barrels, Pole bending, Keyhole, and Plea- sure and Trail Riding. These Highland country kids participated in county equestrian shows and rode in many parades throughout the valley.. Some of the youth members of the first group were: Jason Anderson, Braylynn DeMarco, Justin Fairbanks, John Ledkins, Martin & Matt Matthews, Lana Spykes, and Amy Westwood. 37 Youth SportsBy Jeanne Hodges and Reed Chidester

Even though Highland is now 30 years old some electrical work), donated materials (Harold Rhinehart of things have not changed! We still have large families, Harts gas stations bought the first uniforms) and Eagle just as we did then, and our children are as numerous Scout projects. (Chris Roberts constructed the bleach- as the rocks in our gardens. This abundance of young- ers as an Eagle Project) City employees cut the grass, sters made it necessary to develop various city sponsored but upkeep of the infield was done by the coaches and youth programs. their families. Prior to incorporation in 1978, no youth sports As the league grew, it became necessary to relieve programs were offered in Highland. Our youth had to the coaches of the additional responsibility of overseeing go to American Fork and Alpine to participate in athletic the many details of a large organization. An an admin- leagues. Lack of kids was not the problem - but organiza- istrative board was added with Garth Mather serving as tion, funds and playing fields were. the first league president. Under the direction of the In 1979, several Highland men, Hal Hodges, Ralph league president, Craig Godwin, a trailer was purchased Powers, Gary Morrill & Jim Cunningham, applied for as a concession booth from which candy & snacks were and were granted a charter for the Western Boys Baseball sold to generate funds for the ever demanding need for Association. The first year four major league teams of equipment & uniforms. Portable fences were purchased 11 & 12 year old boys were fielded from our own home and restroom facilities added. Mark Thompson, league grown youth. The program rapidly expanded, adding president from 1996 –2004 oversaw the construction of minor league, T-ball and coach pitch teams in subse- a two story cinder block building which stored equip- quent years. By 1993 there were over 400 youth playing ment and served as an announcement booth. President on 46 different baseball teams. Bruce Broadbent spearheaded the addition of an elec- The only ball fields in Highland were located at tronic scoreboard at the Heritage Park field. Later a the Strasburg Park and the LDS Stake Center. Neither practice field was constructed in Mitchell Hollow. field was regulation size and both were in poor condi- Thanks to talented youth and dedicated coaches. tion. The city purchased land for the Heritage Park and Highland All Star teams have won the major and minor through the determined efforts of many volunteers, a league WBBA National title three times. Though not city first class, regulation size baseball diamond was con- sponsored, soccer is offered in Highland as well, increas- structed from volunteer labor (Floris Copier did all the ing the use of fields and facilities. Our youth programs have flourished because of many strong volunteer leaders who have a In 1921 members of the Payson Outdoors Club were commitment to serve the community and given exploring in American Fork Canyon; looking for a hid- unselfishly of their time. den cave they had heard rumors about. Vearl J. Manwill found a crack in the cliff and looked in. He was amazed One of many youth teams who have represented Highland by what he saw! A few months later Martin Hansen through the years. found a way into what is now known as Middle Cave. It was designated a National Monument the following year. The Timpanogos Cave system is now a very popular National Monument. A short drive up American Fork Canyon from Highland is the Visitors Center. There is a small fee to visit the caves but one can take the hike for free. The hike of 1.5 miles climbs 1000 feet and offers incredible views of the canyon. 38 YouthBy Petrea G. Kelly with Wini JensenCouncil

The 1997 youth council helped provide the sculpture, “The Family,” which was placed in front of city hall. The Kiwanis Club, Highland City, and private donors also contributed. Local artist Dennis Smith created the casting. “This sculpture is a very appropriate theme. The people in this community have a very strong feeling about family values,” stated Smith.

The Youth Council was first organized in Highland Youth Council has received recognition on a state level in 1994. Eric Adamson and Wini Jensen were the advi- for their outstanding service. sors, followed by Stuart and Melissa Wright, and Steve The Youth Council sponsors the annual Youth and Janet King. Current advisors are Alan and Brenda Dance as part of the Highland Fling, the Easter egg Olsen. More than 100 young people have served on the hunt, Santa’s visit to city hall before Christmas, Sub for Youth Council since the beginning. Santa, an annual dinner for senior citizens, and meals Youth council members are high school students for election officials. They organize cultural and athletic who desire an opportunity to gain greater knowledge programs and lead out in service projects. They set up a and appreciation for the political system through active flag display at Heritage Park on holidays. Each year they participation. Their organization mirrors that of the raise funds and obtain assistance from the city for vari- city government with a mayor, five council members, ous projects, which have included Welcome to Highland and chairs for various committees. They are involved signs, flags and flagpoles at the Highland City Cemetery, in meaningful activites which allow them to experience the electronic sign at Heritage Park, and signs at Mitchell leadership training, planning, and implementing social, Hollow Park. This year’s projects are benches, a cement educational, and recreational activities. Highland’s pad, and garbage receptacles at the Town Center Park.

39 Highland Arts Council By Elisabeth Luntz

Arts and beautification have been an important part Pageant, Marisa Skousen has organized several culinary of Highland City since its inception. Originally named arts classes including artisan bread making, gourmet the Civic Development Committee, the activities of this soups and various cooking techniques from experts in the organization included cultural arts, and beautification. field. Lisa Best hosts the annual Art Show for the Fling. For arts, the organization usually sponsored an annual Sandi Williams directs the highly popular “Boy Scout musical or drama production. Beautification tradition- Merit Badge” Board, expanding the cultural develop- ally involved such things as decorating City Hall for ment and education outreach of the HCAC. Many merit Christmas and putting lights on the trees. The Kiwanis badges directly relate to the arts, literacy and education Club also contributed much to this effort. and it is a local, inexpensive alternative to classes pro- When the Cultural Arts and Beautification became vided outside the city. two separate groups, Vicki Forsyth was involved with Kittie Tenney is the Theatre Board representative and Beautification for many years and did a lot to help beautify has produced numerous plays and provided theatre work- the parks and city hall with trees and plantings. When Vicki shops with Laury Smith. Kittie Tenney always arranges resigned from this committee, the Tree Committee took up for quality talent such as directors Neil Johnson and Josh where she left off. Now the city hires a landscaping crew to Long and sound expert Ron Saltmarsh. Productions she put up the Christmas lights and the Youth Council puts up has been involved with include “Joseph and the Amazing the trees in the City Hall at Christmas time. Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Charlie and the Chocolate In 2004, Mayor Jess Adamson revived the cultural Factory,” “Bugz,” “Oklahoma,” “Once Upon a Lilly Pad,” arts in the city by increasing funding for the Highland and in 2007, “Guys and Dolls.” Kittie brings to HCAC City Arts Council. The first president of this program a high level of energy and enthusiasm for theater. She was Laury Smith. The Mission statement of the Highland has been active on the board because she has wanted local City Arts Council is, “To promote and provide enrich- classes for her own children. Tenney remarks, “I have ment in art, education and literacy for all ages in our always felt that Highland has such incredible talent and we community.” Laury put in many hours to help build the need to tap into that… rather than go outside the city.” foundation for a growing and successful organization. The newest addition to the Arts Council is KeriLynn Laury taught youth drama classes, directed plays and, Lenhart. KeriLynn has taught voice for over 20 years with help from Katie Evans, created the “Christmas by and has directed the Highland City Children’s Choir as well as Me” craft day that has become an annual tradition. the Highland Performing Arts Company for many years before For the last three years, Kam Capik has continued she officially joined the Arts Council. She has performed as president and under her direction the program has with BYU’s Young Ambassadors and was vocal director flourished. Sherry Hardy teaches pottery classes for for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” youth, Suzanne Holgreen has directed the Historical at New York University. She teaches Musical Dance Theater, Children’s Choir, Singing, Sight singing, Music Workshops, and Music Education. KeriLynn, and the entire Art Council, benefit the community by providing affordable, local opportunities to teach and learn art. Under the umbrella of the Highland City Arts Council various “boards” are developed each of which promotes a different aspect of the arts. One of the primary goals of the Arts Council is to strengthen the current boards and to develop new ones. Having a facility to teach and perform in is another long-range goal of the Arts Council.

40 The current name for Tibble Fork in American Fork Canyon is derived from the earlier more accurate name of Tipple Fork. A large mine tipple was built where the current reservoir is located. Ore cars from Mineral Basin came over the mountains and were unloaded at this tipple into railroad cars that traveled down the canyon. A tipple is a structure that allows the trains to pass underneath while being loaded from above. It is currently unknown when the change from Tipple to Tibble first came about.

far left: Brooke Hess playing the part of Ado Annie in “Oklahoma.” top: “Christmas By Me” A popular children’s craft and activity day sponsored by the Highland Arts Council. middle: Scenes from the 2006 musical “Oklahoma” by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein. bottom left: Brielle Nichols entertains with a harp solo. bottom right: Basket making is one of the crafts taught by the Arts Council.

41 church

42 43 Ecclesiastical History of Highland By Cora Beck Adamson, written in 1964, (excerpts).

n 1888 a school house was built for a cost of $500.00. The Saints had been holding church all these years IThe church is now standing on this lot at the south in the school building. In 1910 another room had been east corner of 10400 North 6000 West. added with a hallway joining the two classrooms. The The school house gave the settlers a place to hold school board was going to dispose of the old school. In the church so it was decided that a branch of the LDS church year 1929, the Bishopric met with the school board and should be organized. Members had traveled many miles offered them $300.00 for the building and Highland to church in American Fork, Lehi or Alpine. During the finally had a church. summer and fall they came in wagons and buggies, and It was a happy day when they at last met in their very they rode in bobsleds during the winter. own building. Three hundred dollars was not a large sum March 13, 1893 Elder S. A. Eastman was appointed of money, but it was a great deal for the small branch of to preside in the Highland branch, but in 1905 the Highland to pay and it was with a great deal of sacrifice Highland branch was dissolved and the church members that these good faithful Saints did raise the money to pay in Highland resumed the practice of traveling to church for this two room red brick school house. in other areas. The school seats were taken out and benches added In the year 1915, the Alpine Stake President, Stephen for church, but not much renovating was done and the L. Chipman, with James H. Clark and Abel John Evans building kept the same dismal appearance that it had came to the school house. They called a special meeting held as a school house. and passed slips of paper around to all and asked them On September 7, 1930 Bishop Greenwood was to write the names of three brethren they would like for released. The new Bishop was Harry Jerling with Hyrum a Bishopric. Brother George A Zabriskie was chosen Groesbeck and Ray L. Alston as counselors. as the Bishop and Orville Cox Day was chosen as first During this time it was thought advisable to remodel counselor, and Stephen F. Beck as second counselor. the old church house. Most of the time there was not Archie Taylor was ward clerk. This Bishopric served half enough room for all of us, but I’m sure that no bet- for five years. Other men who served in the following ter spirit has ever existed even in the most expensive years were Wayne C. Booth, Bishop, with Orville C. Day churches or chapels that were ever built for the feeling of and William Mower as counselors. In February 1919, love for everyone was rich and deep and lasting. Clarence Greenland, a young unmarried man, was chosen to serve as ward clerk and served Why are all house addresses in Highland city only West and North? faithfully for thirty-seven years. January 1, 1922 Bishop From the time that Brigham Young sent people to settle Provo, it Wayne C. Booth moved away was designated as the county seat of Utah County. All addresses in to attend school at BYU and the county started at University Avenue and Center Street in Provo. William Greenwood was sus- Highland city is in the Northwest of the county (based on University tained as Bishop. His counselors Avenue and Center Street in Provo starting as the “center”). When were Brother Pitts and George White, a year later those coun- Highland city was first incorporated, it chose to keep the county ad- selors moved away and Ludvig dresses instead of creating its own Center Street. American Fork, M. Larsen and Robert Booth however, has a Center Street and addresses based on that. Because were chosen as counselors. They of this, the US Postal Service keeps the same zip code for Highland served for ten years. city and American Fork. US Postal Service workers can easily deci- pher whether a letter goes to American Fork or Highland city because Highland city uses county addresses and American Fork does not. 44 1952-53 Highland Gold and Green Ball. Back row: Brother Skousen, Paula Skousen, Gwen Myers, Melvin Day, Pearl Thompson, Kent Day. Second Row: Esther Day, Darlene (Bunker) Greenland, Richard Greenland, Sister Skousen, Fred Buhler, Ruby Buhler, Mack Forbush, Carolyn Stice, Delores Day, Milton Forbush, Lola Healey, Gordon Strasburg, Jean Day, Leland Strasburg, LaRetta Adams, Aloa Rogers. Front row children unknown.

The church was heated by two great big black round to buy enough clothes and food and coal to keep warm bellied stoves. The ones who were lucky enough to get to throughout the winter. church early and sit up front became the unlucky ones Those who lived on the bench during the years of the later in the evening. The ones by the stoves were much depression were also faced with drought and there was overheated and the ones back by the windows and doors not enough water to reach the crops, let alone keep them nearly froze. And if you sat by a window, and we hap- alive, and you couldn’t find a job no matter how hard you pened to have one of those frequent northern blizzards tried. Most of the wells went dry. Many families got water you could sit and watch the snow drift on the window from the well at the church. sills and even seep in under the cracks and pile in little I can remember many times seeing Bishop Jerling piles inside the window. with a load of coal on his pick-up truck on a cold, snowy The west room of the church was rather nice because day taking coal to some family that could save them from it had a slightly raised platform that the Bishopric sat on. getting cold. Many times he got stuck in the snow and was It was large enough to put on some elegant plays. When late getting home to his own work. we had Deane White directing, no play was too big to be Bishop Jerling’s health was not so good at this time put on even though the stage was cramped, the curtain so on October 21, 1945 he was released from his position worn and threadbare, and the scenery, pieces of card- that he had so capably filled for fifteen years. J. LeGrand board pasted together. The big production that really Adamson was sustained as Bishop and David Strasburg stands out in my memory was the fabulous mysterious and Lenard Hyde as counselors. “Cat-O’Nine Tails with a marvelous cast of young men On January 22, 1946 a tragic fire burned the church and women of twenty characters. Other favorites were almost to the ground. As they were saying the clos- “Seventh Heaven,” and “Dixie Rose Lee.” ing prayer at Mutual someone noticed flames in the air I think the deciding factor that really made the great vent and they could hear the fire crackling in the roof of decision to make the building bigger was when the dance the church. The fire department was called and every- “Horses” came into fashion and all the young people one worked hard to carry from the building everything tried to dance in that little cramped hall. that would move. Even though they went up into the Bishop Jerling and his two counselors worked hard attic with the water hose and the fire departments came to rebuild the old school house and make it into a nice from American Fork and Lehi, they could not save the recreation hall with a small but fairly useable kitchen and building. There was not enough water in the well and the four classrooms on the north and an entrance hall on the nearest water, the Lehi ditch was frozen. The building south. When we first used the new stage we thought we was re-built. were on Broadway. On June 20, 1953 Bishop Adamson was released Our dear bishop Jerling had a hard time during and Merlin B. Larsen was sustained as Bishop with Don the depression years, no welfare was available from the LeBaron as first counselor and Glen Strasburg as second church then, and the people in the ward were hard put counselor. The new bishopric had the big responsibility

45 of building a new church. In July of 1953 we had ground breaking ceremonies. The new church was completed and dedicated on September 26, 1954. Dedicatory services were held in the evening with Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve coming to dedicate our new building with all the splendid new improvements. I think the one thing that we were the most thrilled with was the new chapel and the rug and organ. We had three large classrooms in the new addition. The Relief Society room was furnished with the money that many Relief Society presidents and members had worked and saved for many years. The Bishop’s office was a joy to behold and the large new kitchen was going to be a thrill to all who would help with church dinners in the future. We finally had restrooms and would not have to follow the path to the south fence to use the fancy WPA outdoor toilets. We even had a foyer. Nineteen hundred and sixty four and the day has arrived when we can no longer get into what we felt at the time was a church large enough to hold the many peo-

top: Oscar Hall with his children Robert, Jay, and Keith; driving the horses Don and Chub. Horse drawn sleds were used for local transportation and for farm work. ca. 1946. bottom: Strasburg church stands where original school and church were located. This photo was taken in the 1960’s.

46 ple of Highland for many, many years to come. We have outgrown our chapel and the classrooms and especially the recreation hall. We are now in the midst of a new building program which promises to be one of the nic- est buildings in the church. We will have a large chapel and a recreation/cultural hall big enough for the boys to play basketball. Highland is still the best place in the world to raise a family. We stand in population along with the other wards in the stake, with about 85 families and some 460 people.

The years since Cora Beck Adamson wrote so fondly about the old Highland Church—now known as the Strasburg Chapel—have brought many, many changes. The first was the division of the Highland ward into two wards in 1972. Since 1901 Highland had been part of the Alpine Stake which covered the entire northern part of Utah County. Gradually stakes were divided off in Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Lehi. On June 17, 1973 the American Fork North Stake was created leaving the Alpine Stake to include just Alpine and Highland. There were five wards and the Training School branch in the new stake. Stake President was Merlin B. Larsen with Thayne Bateman and Ronald C. Jones as counselors. Shortly afterward work began on a new stake center just north of the cross roads of Alpine Highway and Canyon Road. Completed in March of 1976 at a cost of $900,000 the new building was 25,000 square feet and included a pipe organ, 26 classrooms, a regulation basketball court, offices, a children’s chapel and baptismal font. Elder Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the building April 11, 1976. In August of 1980 the Alpine Stake was divided by Elder Marvin J. Ashton creating a new stake covering only Highland. The Presidency of the Highland Stake was Merlin Larsen, President, with Richard W. Stowe, and Kenneth S.G. Nunley as counselors. Highland East stake was created November 10, 1991, Highland West stake November 11, 2001, and Highland South Stake May 15, 2005. There are now more than 35 wards and about a dozen meeting houses. Not all residents of Highland are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but there are no church buildings of other religions in Highland. In American Fork there are Community Presbyterian, Calvary Fellowship, Harvest Fellowship, St Peter’s Parish and the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

47 schools

48 49 The Schools of Highland City By Elisabeth Luntz

Early History according to educator and historian of education side of the room. It had a small library, desks, a hand Frederick S. Buchanan (1931- ), most Utah elemen- pumped well located outside and two gender specific tary schools in the 1850’s and 60’s were organized on out-house toilets. the basis of the wards established by the LDS church. There were very few women teachers in those days, For people that lived in more rural, less populated sur- especially married women. This gender discrimination roundings, like on the Highland bench, they could travel was maintained until well after World War II because to church in town once a week, but every day for school women were perceived as undesirable competition for was impractical. In 1888, a one-room schoolhouse was jobs. Mrs. Nicholes, an original teacher at the school, built in Highland on the south east corner of 6000 West was an exception to this rule because her husband was and 10400 North to accommodate the educational needs disabled and her family relied on her to provide finan- of the local children prior to the establishment of a local cially for them. ward. It was built at a cost of $500 in 1888. In 1890, the Territorial Legislature passed Utah’s James Copeland Orr (1865-1917) was the first edu- first Free Public School Act. This legislation federally cator in this new school. Orr’s father and mother came mandated that most of the existing territorial schools from Scotland and Wales, respectively, and were con- be joined into a system of publicly funded, secular (not verted to the LDS faith. James was baptized at twenty- advocating a specific religious doctrine), district schools. four years of age. He grew up in Clover Creek, Utah, (Buchanan, Education in Utah http://www.media.utah. halfway between Santaquin and Nephi, which is now edu/UHE/e/EDUCATION.html) In competition with Mona, Juab County. His hometown later made news the newly forming public school system, Congregational, in the 1940’s for jailing Burl Ives for performing Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist mission boards the English folk tune “Foggy, Foggy Dew,” because of established about 100 private elementary and second- “bawdy” and immoral content. ary schools throughout the territory. To counter the James Orr loved to read good books. James was “secularization” of the schools through the public dis- musical and sang with his wife and played the guitar in trict system, as well as the rise in Protestant and Catholic church. He liked to farm and would make some extra schools, the LDS church responded with the organiza- money doing so in order to supplement his teaching tion of a private secondary school system. paycheck. He was also remembered as a good athlete, By 1927, there was a national trend to consoli- proficient in a popular sport resembling rugby and foot- date and centralize schools into the rubric of the pub- ball called “Drop Ball.” He was named one of the first lic system and the one room schoolhouse in Highland trustees of the Alpine School District at the turn of the was closed. By this time, transportation was also more nineteenth century. Gradually, his health declined. He efficient and accessible. After the closing of the school, suffered from stomach and heart problems, and he died most Highland area youth commuted to Harrington on February 11, 1917, at age 52, of a ruptured appendix Elementary School, a large three story brick building in the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. that is still standing at 50 North and Center Street in The first local school where James Orr taught in Historic Downtown Square, American Fork. Senior and 1888 was a medium sized, one-room square structure Junior High students of the day attended the original with a high ceiling, slightly arched tall windows and American Fork High School, a beautiful historic build- a chimney. Up to eight grades were taught in the same ing that was demolished and replaced by the new Alpine room, separating the younger and older kids on either School District Building on 575 North 100 East. As it

50 was no longer useful for the school district, the Highland above: Original Highland First Ward purchased the original Highland schoolhouse school building after one addi- on 6000 West for $300 in 1930. tion, ca. 1910. left: James The LDS and the other religious private schools on Copeland Orr was one of the first the whole, became cost prohibitive by 1933 and more and teachers at Highland School. He more children gradually became “mainstreamed” into taught grades one through eight, the public schools. To ensure the school day included all in one room. religious education, a parallel released-time program funded by the LDS church in 1912 allowed LDS students to attend seminary during school hours. Historically, some Utah school districts gave students graduation credits for seminary classes, but a 1981 Federal Court ruling, Lanner vs. Wimmer, 662 F.2d 1349, 1359 (1981), decided that it was unconstitutional to give credits for seminary classes, yet upheld the constitutionality of the off-site, release-time program itself. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law In addition, communication of civic issues was facilitated respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting through regularly attended church meetings. the free exercise thereof…” The Fourteenth Amendment On January 22, 1946, the first Highland school enforces that standard to the states. Many Utah public building was destroyed by fire. Former Highland area schools successfully walk the fine line between the free resident, Carolyn Stice, vividly remembers seeing the exercise and the establishment of religion. church engulfed in flames from her kitchen window. Concurrent with the early to mid 20th century trend People were in the building, as there was a mutual meet- to centralize, secularize and consolidate the schools ing going on at the time. The ditches were frozen and in Utah, there was a national trend toward increased they were unable to combat the flames until a fire truck state funding of public education, especially increasing from American Fork arrived. There were no injuries teacher salaries. In spite of considerable resistance to reported. The church was destroyed leaving only the church-state separation in the schools, Utah was espe- walls standing. The church was then rebuilt and is used cially successful in transitioning to the public system to this day. because of the uniform organization of the communities.

51 Highland Elementary

1979-present

Fifty years after closing the original school, Highland just over 1,000 students. Enrollment figures ebb and flow City incorporated in July of 1977. During those fifty as a function of increasing city population, countered years, students traveled to American Fork for school by by the addition of more schools. Current enrollment is bus, or “jitney.” Finally, in 1979, with the building of approximately 950 students. Highland Elementary aver- Highland Elementary, Highland City residents would ages 26 students per teacher. have their own, local public elementary school. The second public school built in Highland was a Highland Elementary opened its doors to 606 stu- Junior High: home of the “Huskies.” In 1993 Mountain dents. As a reminder of the educational heritage, a por- Ridge Junior High opened, relieving overcrowding at trait of James Copeland Orr hangs in the media center, American Fork Junior High. which now houses over 10,000 books. The school mas- The first Principal of Mountain Ridge Junior High cot is the Hawk. was Sheldon Worthington. Worthington retired in 1998 The first principal of Highland was Dr. Dan Adams. and was succeeded by Terry Hill. In 2003, Hill left Adams served for eleven years, from 1979-1990. Kathy Mountain Ridge Junior High to serve as Principal at Witbeck served the next eleven years (1990-2000). The Timberline Middle School in Alpine. Paula Fugal has current principal, Reed Hodson has served since 2000. been Principal since 2003. Highland Elementary is a partnership school with Brigham Young University. This means that B.Y.U. provides intern teachers, hold conferences and teacher trainings. Highland staff works collaboratively with B.Y.U. teaching students giving hands-on experience in the classroom before they become actual teacher aids. More recently, students from U.V.S.C. also participate in this program. In 1985, the Extended School Day Plan was approved. It was a controversial idea. This plan divides children into two tracks, one starting before the other. Students have a traditional core class teacher and also move to other classrooms where they receive specialty education in art, social studies and science. By 1993, Highland Elementary enrollment reached

52 Mountain Ridge Jr High

When the school opened, there were 988 students. Shelton, a successful actress in her own right, dedicated Gradually, the school population increased to 1,966 stu- her talents to these students and now is the Director for dents until Timberline opened in 2002 and cut that the Tuachan High School for the Performing Arts, just number in half. Enrollment has since stabilized around outside of St. George. 1,200 to 1,250. The 600-seat Mountain Ridge Junior High School In 1994, Mountain Ridge Junior High merited auditorium also serves as a venue for city plays, and “Centennial School” status. As such, the Governor, political gatherings, which further enhances the school’s Legislature and the Utah State Office of Education value to the community at large. awarded the school funds to invest in three major areas In the absence of a community library, the Mountain of development: (1) technology to strengthen home and Ridge Media Center concurrently served as the city school communication, (2) the establishment of advi- library from 1994-2001. Highland and Alpine residents sor-mentor relationships and (3) student enrichment. contributed $100,000 to help fund this library, which When the school opened, there was a strong commu- had approximately 30,000 books and 27 computers. nity demand for band, orchestra, choir and drama. Boyd City patrons were assigned cards and were able to access Erickson directed the Band, Cathy Jolley led the choir, the small collection between 3 and 9 p.m. on school Kathy Wilson taught orchestra and Jan Shelton was the days. In 2001, the city residents could no longer access drama director. Erickson taught symphonic band for the collections at all. A large community effort is cur- 29 years, seven at M.R.J.H. In 1997, the school’s sym- rently underway to provide city residents with a library phonic band was one of only three junior high schools in Highland. in the country to attend a prestigious band and orchestra By the early 1990’s, the population of American clinic in Chicago. Among many events pioneered by this Fork High School was just over 2,200 students. The group, the “Grand Concert” has become a Mountain Board of Education determined that construction of a Ridge tradition. Advanced Orchestra, advanced Band High School on the north end of the district would alle- and concert singers annually present the Grand Concert, viate the overcrowding. Forty acres of land was purchased which features a solo or ensemble and an armed forces for the purpose of building Lone Peak High. Jim Starr salute. Jolley, also a theater director for American Fork was appointed by the Board of Education to organize the Arts Council Productions, directed the Mountain Ridge building, select the faculty and serve as Principal. The choir in the school musicals. The whole team would work school was officially opened with a ribbon cutting cer- together to put on classic productions like “Fiddler on emony attended by Governor Michael Leavitt on August the Roof,” “Music Man,” and “Annie Get Your Gun.” Jan 18, 1997. Student enrollment in 1997 was just over 1,250.

53 Lone Peak High School

2007 enrollment is 1760. Jim Starr left the school in and Lives to the Service of Mankind.” The Lone Peak 2005, succeeded by Dr. Kenneth “Chip” Koop who is Mascot is the Knight. currently serving as the principal administrator. Freedom Elementary opened in August of 2003, Lone Peak High School has a one hundred-seat little with James W. Melville serving as the only Principal to theater used for forums, demonstrations and instruc- date. Five hundred eighty-eight of 991 students are res- tion. There is also a one thousand-seat auditorium, a idents of Highland City. Enrollment data from 2003, twenty-five hundred-seat field house, a preschool, and 2005 and 2007 are 927, 1155 and 991 students respec- over 600 computers. tively. The school mascot is the Falcon. In addition to a traditional academic curriculum Freedom was awarded a competitive grant to become and vocational instruction, Lone Peak provides many the first “intensive computer use” elementary school in opportunities in the fine arts with five choirs, jazz band, the Alpine School District. With a focus on writing, lit- symphonic and marching band, two orchestras, mod- eracy, and project-based learning, students will have fre- ern and ballroom dance, musical theater, theater and quent access to computers, opportunity to compose and film studies, painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics. publish, and use the Internet for research and collabora- Approximately five percent of the student body is served tion. Sixth graders have the opportunity to take the com- by special needs education. puters home. Dr. David Walton supervises the program. Of the first five graduating classes of Lone Peak, it Freedom Elementary was built featuring a new is estimated that ninety percent pursue college (60%) design for the district. The school features collaborative or university (30%) degrees, while the overall aca- areas for teachers and community centers, called “kivas,” demic performance on statewide tests, known as CRT scores (Criterion Referenced Tests), is only 60% (www. Greatschools.net). As of 2005, the Lone Peak sports teams have won 12 championships. Sports programs include girls and boys basketball, wrestling, swimming, football, boys and girls tennis, track, baseball, cross country, girls and boys vol- leyball, golf, boys and girls soccer, softball, bowling and cheerleading. The Mission Statement of Lone Peak High is “Committing Minds to Inquiry, Hearts to Compassion,

54 Freedom Elementary Ridgeline Elementary

for each grade. The kivas are like built-in mini-auditori- The Mission Statement of Ridgeline Elementary is ums or work areas that serve entire grade levels. Unique “[To be a place] where everyone who enters these doors is to the school is the exclusive use of laptop computers valued, and together will encourage a love for learning.” and a wireless network. Achievement tests for grades 3- These five schools are in Highland City, but many 6 in spring 2006 were taken online. In August 2004, children from neighboring cities attend these schools the school began a modified extended day schedule. Mr. and many children in Highland go to schools that Galloway has his 6th grade class perform a Shakespearean are outside the city limits but closer to their homes. play each spring. Some children of Highland attend Legacy Elementary, On a bench in the north-west end of Highland sits Westfield Elementary, Timberline Jr. High or American the newest school in Highland. In 2006, Ridgeline Fork High School. opened its doors to 600 students. Approximately 280 students are from Highland City. The school, including the ground, cost around $12 million. The principal, Dr. Ken Higgins has a doctorate in Curriculum Instruction and served at Barratt elementary as the Principal from 2001-2006. When the administrative opportunity opened at Ridgeline, Dr. Higgins took a small staff of loyal and valued employees including his media coordinator Deb McKenzie, lead secretary Tanya Wilson and the janitor Billy Lynch with him. Ridgeline features mobile computer labs, open teaching spaces that accommodate multiple classes at a time, and the Media Center has over 3,500 books with computer-catalogued references. The school mascot is the Raccoon. As the name suggests, the school is located on an upper ridge in Highland. This seemingly small, increased elevation leads to a climate difference that is noticeably colder and windier. Because of this, Ridgeline, like Lone Peak, will soon have its own weather station which will be accessible through “weather bug,” an online weather service.