The board of directors of the free public library recognizing the value of the untiring services rendered by Mr. John D. Spencer, not only to the cause of library development during the past sixteen years, but also to the advancement of every laudable civic undertaking and desiring to express appreciation of such service, voted to designate the new branch library.
In taking this action the board has placed before the community in a permanent way, the name of one who though a private citizen has been a conscientious efficient and devoted public servant.
The hike to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge begins at Orson Smith Trailhead Park and is a fairly easy hike with some pretty great views and things to see.
This bridge was designed and constructed by Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co. Inc. and paid for by donations from residents and friends of Draper City. This bridge is dedicated to Clark Naylor and associates who started building Draper trails some 50 years ago.
Span: 185′ 5″ Completed: July 1, 2015 Land Owner: WaterPro Inc Maintained by: Draper City
Donations from: Nic Wadsworth, Paul Anderson, Paul Skene, R.E.I., In Between Days, Premier Fitness Camp, Ralph Wadsworth, Con Wadsworth, Tod Wadsworth, Kip Wadsworth, Ty Wadsworth, Draper City, Sandy City, Corner Canyon Trails, Alta View Concrete, WaterPro.
The following is from a historic marker on the house, but I think it might be talking about the house next door which also has a plaque with the same text: The Jensen/Clark House, built c. 1921, is significant for its association with Sandy’s historical development. The Jensen/Clark House is a one-story bungalow with a full-width from porch and hipped roof with wide, overhanging eaves. Joseph and Frances Jensen purchased a 98-foot-wide by 200 foot-deep section of land for $1,000 in September 1921. One month later, they secured a mortgage for $3,500, presumably to build the house. In April of 1933, the house was sold to Dr. Lionel and Charlotte Sorensen. Two years later, the Sorensens secured a $3,200 mortgage to construct the infirmary that is just west of the house. In 1939 the house was sold to Dr. Thomas Clark, a family physician, and his wife Charlotte. The Clark family held the property for forty-five years selling it in 1984 to James Witherspoon.
The Mort Cheesmen House, built in 1912-13, is significant as one of a very limited number of large scale Craftsman houses in Utah, and as an outstanding and unique example of that type. It is one of two monumental and unique Craftsman homes designed by tie successful Salt Lake architectural firm, Ware and Treganza, the other example being the Knight-Mangum house in Provo. Alberto O. Treganza, the principal designer of the firm, had worked for the famous San Diego firm of Hebbard and Gill, and the design of the Cheesman house may reflect the influence of that experience. It is a distinctive example of the Craftsman style because of its single axis orientation, and its unorthodox point of entry. The combination of stucco and cobble rock as building materials, while not unusual, is not common in Utah, especially in large homes. It was more often reserved for use in Craftsman Bungalows.
Located at 2320 East Walker Lane in Holladay, Utah – it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#82004137) July 23, 1982.
The Morton A. Cheesman House was designed by the architectural firm of Ware and Treganza in 1912 and the house was completed by 1913. Craftsman elements which tie the house together include: a low pitched roof; ornamentation created by the use of natural materials such as exposed rafters and purlins, bands of casement windows, and cobble rock for the base and chimneys; the use of leaded glass in some windows; and the combination of materials, stucco and cobble rock, to create visual interest rather than relying on the application of ornament to serve that purpose. The house was built on eleven acres of property originally owned by Mr. Cheesman’s maternal grandfather, Joseph R. Walker, a famous Salt Lake banker and businessman. The settlement of the Walker estate resulted in Mrs. Mary Ann Walker Cheesman receiving the property.
The house being nominated belonged to Mary Ann’s son, Morton. From evidence of title, it appears that Mary Ann owned the property on which Morton’s house was built until 1916, at which time she deeded the property to him. Mary Ann’s own house was built in 1912 and is located adjacent to her son’s house. Her house was also designed by Ware and Treganza.
In 1921, Cheesman deeded the property back to his mother and in 1925, Mary Ann mortgaged the house for $15,000 to Malcolm A. Keyser, a friend of the Cheesman family. In 1931, Mary deeded the property and house to Mr. Keyser. The reason for the property loss has been blamed on the stock market crash of 1929 as both Morton and his mother lost large amounts of money in the crash. In 1932, the city directory lists Morton as an employee of the Salt Lake City Water Department and residing at 746 East Second South. In the same year, Keyser and his family moved from their home at 6710 Holliday Boulevard to Mary Ann’s former residence. The Morton R. Cheesman house remained vacant. Mr. Keyser deeded the house to his son M. A. Keyser, Jr. in 1940, and in 1945 the house was deeded to George R. McClure and his wife, Helen Keyser. The McClures were the first people to inhabit the house after the Cheesman’s departure and are the current owners.
Norton R. Cheesman was born June 1, 1889 in Salt Lake City, a son of Martin J. and Mary Ann Walker Cheesman. Morton started his business career in 1910 as a treasurer for Walker Brothers Dry Goods and continued in that position most of the time that he lived in this house. He was also president of Cheesman Auto Company and involved in the Campbell-Cheesman Realty Company. He was later employed for the Salt Lake City Water Department. He was married to Vera Edward and later divorced. In 1940, he married Naomi Brinton. He was the father of two children. Cheesman died November 21, 1963, in Salt Lake City.
The Wasatch Mountain Club Lodge is an excellent example of rustic western log architecture. It stands at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon, 25 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. Situated near the trailhead to Lake Mary, it has overlooked Brighton Bowl, lying below, for fifty years. The original structure was begun in 1929 and completed in 1930. It remains intact with the exception of two minor additions. It is one of the few surviving structures from the period 1900-1940, when the canyons of the Wasatch Range were first developed for recreation. It is distinctive in that it has served as the mountain headquarters for one of the earliest private groups in the region dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of nature.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places (#80003935) on November 10, 1980 and located at N 40.59611 W 111.58473.
A brief history of the early years of the Wasatch Mountain Club reveals the essential reasons for the construction of the lodge. At the start of the century few people went into the mountains for recreational purposes. A few hiked by themselves and met by chance. Eventually a nucleus of such men and women formed to hike together for companionship. Their interest spread to the winter season as snow touring was added to their activities.
Realizing the potential for growth of public interest in the outdoors, the group officially incorporated as a non-profit organization on May 13, 1920 under the name of The Wasatch Mountain Club, Inc. There were thirteen charter members. Growth came rapidly and before long there were several hundred members. Special committees were established to manage club programs, arrange transportation and handle publicity.
For eight years, 1920 to 1928, the Club expanded into a number of enterprises. Frequently public officials such as the mayors of Ogden and Salt Lake joined them on particular events. C. Clarence Neslen, then mayor of Salt Lake, was listed as a member. The Club was active in civic projects, built a toboggan slide east of Salt Lake City near Dry Canyon, and was instrumental in obtaining government protection for Timpanogos Cave in American Fork Canyon. It also publicized the present Southern Utah Parks areas and thus was of assistance in obtaining National Park status.
Toward the end of the 1920’s it became evident that the Club needed a cabin or lodge to serve as its mountain headquarters. With the cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service, the present site was selected for the lease of land on which to build. Its location near Salt Lake City would allow convenient access to members and yet provide enjoyment of the natural beauty and ruggedness of the Wasatch Mountains.
The solid lodge which stands today is the result of the enthusiasm and work of those early members who approached the project in the summer of 1929 when the foundation was undertaken. The following summer trees in the area were felled and hauled to the building site by teams of horses. Under the supervision of several skilled craftsmen the logs were peeled, cut to length, trimmed and hoisted into place for the walls and interior structure. The rough stone work was accomplished for the construction of the imposing fireplace and its two story chimney. By the fall of 1930, with the exception of finishing touches, the main part of the structure was completed and ready for use.
Through the years the lodge has served as the focal point for summer and winter hikes and snow tours to Catharine Pass; the lakes Mary, Martha and Catharine; Twin Lakes; Clayton Peak and other trails in the area. With the clarity of a crystal ball, the chairman of the lodge committee in 1929 foresaw that “unquestionably, Brighton is and will continue to be a preferable local retreat of its kind …. and it is not improbable that Brighton will develop into a real locale for winter sports”. Subsequent events have upheld his forecast.
In June, 1970, Governor Rampton declared “Wasatch Mountain Club Week” to honor the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Club. This was an honor not only for the recreational aspects of the Club but to recognize its contribution to conservation efforts and the encouragement of appreciation of our natural resources. The Lodge played its part as a background to these commendable activities.
Access to the lodge has not been restricted to Club members. Its use is available to the public and has provided facilities for church groups, scout troops, family reunions, community organizations, university groups, etc. It has even served as a surrogate wedding chapel and the setting for amateur chamber music festivals. It can accommodate 150 people comfortable for daytime activities and house 50 people overnight. The lodge is operated on a non-profit basis with charges levied only to cover operating and maintenance expenses.
The lodge is unique, also, in that it is the survivor of companion rustic edifices which were constructed in the early days of Brighton. The original M.I.A. Lodge, the Davis Lodge, the Alpine Rose Lodge have vanished – – the victims of fire. The Brighton Hotel was boarded shut, suffered vandalism and eventually was demolished.
Although less than $5,000 was required for materials and labor at the time of its construction, it has been estimated that the lodge could not be duplicated for $150,000. It probably would not be possible to duplicate the log and stone work at any price. Its value as a setting for club activities of the 600+ members and for public functions could not be adequately equated. As a superb example of early rustic construction it merits inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic and Cultural Sites.
