Mayor Justus Seely Kills Bear With Knife

div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">

Jens Jorgensen Home ~ Researched by Tudy Standlee

John Gunderson Home ~ Researched by Tudy Standlee

Tudy Standlee is researching the homes of Mt. Pleasant.  This page is the first of many more we wish to share with you.  But if you are wondering about other homes, pay us a visit at the Relic Home (150 South State).  You'll be amazed at what we can help you with.    This home is located on the corner at 192 East and 100 South.

 

"The Barn" by Sue Ann Seely Croshaw ~ photography by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

North of the residence of Ray and Mildred Seely (1981) at 430 West Main Street in Mt. Pleasant, Utah stands a large barn, the first built in that pioneer community.  It's construction is unique to the present day and stands as a reminder of the hard work and physical labor of those early settlers.

From information obtained through Ray Seely, and his sister, Elva Guyman, it was built in approximately 1862, 3 years after Mt. Pleasant was colonized.  Huge timbers were brought down from the east mountains with teams of horses and the inner structure was built by craftsman who didn't use a single nail!  All the beams were hewn and pegged so that they fit together perfectly to make a sound sturdy building. 


When the men were lifting the timbers, one man, who they called "Joe Heave", would call out "heave" so that they could lift together the heavy beams into place.  It's original construction site was on 5th west, halfway between Main Street and 1st North.  It was later moved to Main Street on the creek just east of Aunt Miranda's home, so that the animals could have water more readily.  From there it was moved to its present location.

 

Orange Seely, brother of Joseph Seely and Uncle of Ray, was the first owner and Henry Wilcox, brother of Clarissa Jane who was a Grandmother to Ray, was the builder with much help from other members of the family and the settlement.  One can picture in his mind these men all working together with the horses and the tremendous amount of toil and labor it would have taken to move the heavy beams and hew the rough boards into the work of art that they are.

In that day, there was always the danger of Indian aggression.  Chief Black Hawk and his painted warriors terrorized the women and children.  So horses were kept saddled and ready in the barn 24 hours a day so that the minute men could ride quickly to Manti or Thistle for help.  Also Indian squaws were kept as prisoners there during times of battle.  It was also used as aplace for dancing where good times were shared by many.



When Dad (Ray Seely) move to Mt. Pleasant, from Moroni, he purchased the lot where the home now stands and the barn went with the property.  Uncle Orange had moved to Castle Dale so Dad became the rightful owner of the barn.  And no prouder owner could there have ever been!  It was his most prized possession, and he loved to tell of its history to all who would listen.  He had great respect and love for the hands who built it, and always did all he could to preserve it and maintain it.  The reverence and love that Dad had for the barn has been passed onto his family and posterity- - -a memory we all cherish.

(written in 1981)

Photograpy by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

Marie Johansen Syndergaard ( in white dress - center) and friends or family 1918

We thank Tudy Barentsen Standlee for this addition.  Marie Syndergaard in the white dress with friends and family. Obed Nelson home in the background.

Hamilton Elementary School Band 1952 - 53

Tudy Barentsen  Standlee Collection

Hamilton Elementary Sixth Grade 1955

Hamilton Elementary Fifth Grade 1954

Double Click to Enlarge

Tudy Barentsen Standlee Collection

Hamilton Elementary Fourth Grade 1954

Pioneer Day Ladies 1955

The last one on the right is Sadie Mower.

Hamilton Elementary 3rd Grade - approx 1952

Hamilton Elementary School Band 1954 - 55 Marsden Allred, Band Teacher

Tudy Barentsen Standlee

Tudy Standlee has put in hundreds of hours organizing and displaying the thousands of photos at the Mt. Pleasant Relic Home. She has a natural talent for recognizing and identifying photos, as well as organizing them in a sensible, understandable way, where patrons can find their ancestors, within minutes of arriving. She has also put together a manual for all hosts and hostesses, that makes everyone aware of where things are stored and exhibited. The many histories the Relic Home has to offer have also been organized by Tudy.



Tudy is a native of Mt. Pleasant. She grew up here and graduated from Wasatch Academy. She is married to Wayne Standlee and they now live in Tudy's family home on Main Street. The home has been in her family for 6 generations. Her parents are the late Hugh and Ruth Barentsen. She loves history and is an avid genealogist. She also loves helping other families with their histories. Wayne has also helped with the picture project as well. He is a retired building contractor and native of Idaho.



We encourage everyone researching lines that originate or have lived here in Mt. Pleasant to come visit our Relic Home and see what we have to offer.

Kindergaarten - - - about 1949

double click to enlarge

Uhknown Group - Unknown Location