The Run-A-Way Babies

THE RUN-A-WAY BABIES At Christmastide By Lula Greene Richards The Board of Directors of the "White 8 Co. General Merchan- dise" store in Hazelburg, had a dificult problem on hand which must be taken care of immediately. That was the reason the faces of those half dozen strong business men were looking perplexed and fierce almost to danger points as they sat in special council on the morning of December 24. The year was closing handsomely for them, as far as their financial affairs were concerned. Hard work and wise plans carefully pushed to completion had brought to the company splendid returns. They had now the large, well-established store, in the business office of which they were now sitting, and two lively branches of the same — one sixty miles south in Gleanington, and the other forty miles farther on in Summerville. All three were well equipped and in excellent running order, with best prospects. Their well doing had not been for themselves alone but for all with whom they had dealings. So they had multitudes of friends and, as far as their knowledge ex- tended, not an enemy in the world. What then could be troubling those worthy men so seriously on the day before Christmas when everyone should be unreservedly hopeful and happy? Briefly stated, it was this: At a late hour the evening before, Colonel White, the president of the corporation, had received a special delivery letter from the superintendent of their store in Summerville which conveyed the unthought of intelligence that, on the morning of December 24, said superintendent at the White & Co. store in Summerville would withdraw from connection with the firm by simply "walking out." No cause for this sudden action was assigned, no alternative mentioned — the declaration was final, without reserve, The men felt stunned. What was to be, done? A large, stout auto rolled into the parking place and stopped in front of the store window where the board sat in council. "Here's our man! All ready to drive to Summerville and straighten things up there," called out a member of the board who was first to recognize the driver of the car as he entered the store with a sprightly step and a smiling face which were good to witness. Frank Durney was a young man of twenty-three who had lived that length of time on earth to excellent advantage. For the last three years he had been an employee of White & Co. — for two years a traveling salesman. He had proved himself industrious, economical, painstaking and trustworthy in all requirements made of him. He

THE RUN- A- WAY BABIES 209 was fine-looking, having a splendid physique and a kind, pleasing countenance. Naturally cheerful and agreeable, he was a general fav- orite and valuable exemplar for all associates, old and young. The office door stood open and the young man looked in, "What's on hand? Maybe you don't want me here just now," he remarked after a simple greeting to all. "Yes we do want you right now!" the president said emphatic- ally. "We do! We do!" echoed the others. "Your coming just now is decidedly opportune," Colonel White continued, "but how is it you are here this morning when you did not expect to get back before the middle of the week between Christmas and New Years?" "Just a few extra streaks of our uncommon good luck, Colonel," answered the salesman cheerily. "I have been particularly favored in striking good bargains." "We are particularly glad that you are here. We need you at Summerville, as soon as you can get there," replied Colonel White. "That sounds better than anything else you could have said to me — sounds as if I may yet have the happy privilege of spending Christmas! with my blessed mother!" Frank responded, with sudden elation. He accepted an invitation to be seated with the board. All that was known of the hasty withdrawal of the superintendent at Summerville was explained to him, and he was asked to go at once and take charge of affairs in the store there in his home town, and im- mediately after the holidays all details would be attended to. His salary would be more than doubled, of this he was assured. Certainly the responsibility of the new situation would be very much greater than any he had ever assumed, but, being familiar with the work in all departments of the store, through diligence in seeking to be generally useful and of as great service to his employers as pos- sible, he felt no uneasiness regarding his ability to do justice to the more extended calling. But Frank Durney could scarcely realize that so wonderful an amount of good fortune was actually being presented to him. He had no language to express the exuberant joy and gratitude he felt for the marvelous opening which seemed to mean the fulfilment of every wish or desire of his young and ardent soul. He loved work for its own sake. Oh, with what satisfaction he could do his work now! Not only would he be allowed to spend his nights, and the brief hours he might call his own, at home with his widowed mother, but very soon he could be able to furnish her almost every comfort her refined and cultured nature could crave. And there was another interest very strong in his heart which he might before long now hope to venture relating to — someone else. Of late Frank had come to realize that he was positively ancj

210 IMPROVEMENT ERA genuinely in love with Elva Coping — unquestionably the sweetest girl, the most desirable woman in all the world, so far as he was concerned. She had been a resident of Summerville with her parents but a short time. But from the hour of their first meeting Frank had felt himself irresistibly drawn toward Miss Coping and she had un- deniably evinced a something more than ordinary pleasure — he be- lieved— in readily accepting the few small attentions he had found opportunities of offering her. So his case was by no means hopeless, yet he had felt insecure over it, for he had learned the girl had passed her twentieth birthday, and she was too attractive, too spontaneous, and vigorous to remain much longer unmarried in a community like their home town, where young men of good repute were plentiful. And furthermore his most formidable rival was a wealthy young debonair who came frequently from a great city with unmistakable designs of carrying off the charming Elva, as soon as her consent should be won. With his new prospects — Frank thought swifty — he might dare to pit himself even against the young man of wealth, and he would be alert about it, nothing should hinder. But there was no time just then to spend on self-congratulation, or mental exercise of any sort, except that which would tend to take him quickly to his mother, and then the taking up of the new responsibility before him. As soon as it was definitely settled that he should go at once and assume the superintendency of the Summerville store Frank started up with his usual promptitude, inquiring, "Does anything need my attention here? Can I do anything for either of you? Is there any- thing to be taken?" "Oh, yes!" replied one of the men, "See Roger , he and the boy are going to Summerville today — doubtless you can help them in getting off — everyone else is extra busy and old Roger, you know, is slow and the boy is not quick to catch onto things." For the next few minutes Frank ga.ve his attention to the ar- rangement of a truck-load of goods which had been ordered too late for shipment on the morning train from the main store in Hazelburg to the smaller one at Summerville. There was nothing to be left at the Gleanington store — but a man who had recently located in that place — Roger said, had ordered door fastenings, hinges, screws, etc., which he could not get to his liking in the store there — and a bucket of paint — all to be used for the new garage he was building and he wanted them left at his place. "I don't find any safe place to put your box of hinges, screws, etc., Roger," said Frank, when everything else was loaded in. "Here, I'll take it for you in my auto. Where does the man live and what fc his name?" "He's bought that little new home on the side hill just east of

THE RUN- A- WAY BABIES 211 » the church," said Roger, "and his name is Hyrum Hesper. Now where'll we put the bucket of paint?" "Oh, ugh!" Frank sort of gurgled. "I don't think I want to risk daubing my auto up with that odoriferous stuff! Look here, you can'hang it at the back of your auto on this hook." "That I can — that's dandy! Oh, you're the fellow who knows what's what," chuckled Roger. Poor Roger, who had been shell- shocked in the war and in consequence had been left a little defective in both sight and hearing. He could run the auto truck all right though — a boy being generally sent with him for safety. "I'll see you at the store in Summerville," Frank called back cheerily as his auto rolled away. The day was warm and sunny, notwithstanding the time of year, but so short, and the moments sped so rapidly it seemed to Frank he had scarcely time to begin studying out the new plans to be made in the changed condition of his life when the sixty miles between Haze^burg and Gleanington had been run and he found him- self slowing up in front of the new home on the side hill which Roger had mentioned. "Mr. Hesper?" Frank asked, bowing to a man who was helping a lady with numerous bundles in her arms to alight from an auto which had just stopped. "Yes, sir," the gentleman answered, and waited for further remarks. But there w'ere others present who did not wait for conversation between the two men, being too eager to learn of things which more directly concerned their own affairs. "Ve don't vant to ride more now, faver. Ve vant to go in ee house viv movie!" called out two children in a breath from the auto, as the father closed the door leaving them inside. "Mother does not want you now, she wants you to go with father," Mr. Hesper explained to his babies, feeling he would better silence them before trying to speak with the visitor. But the children still clamored until the father told them emphatically, "Be still!" Then they listened. Noticing that their caller looked upon the children with interest and an admiring smile, the father explained to him, aside, that their mother had Christmas surprises to arrange for them and had asked him to take them with him as he had other errands to see to. "Faver, hitch our sled to the auto and let us sleigh ride like we did yesterday," said the older child, a four and a half year old boy. And the two-year old baby girl chimed in "es do — es do!" But the father said he had not time to let them sleigh-ride that way now — they could go in the garage and play there with their sled if they wanted to. They said they did want to and were lifted out of the auto. Frank then told Mr. Hesper of the box of fixtures he had brought for the garage. And Mr. Hesper took the box with thanks and car- ried it to the garage, followed by his babies, Durney looked after them

212 IMPROVEMENT ERA as he rolled away in his car, with still newer thoughts and possibly higher hopes and aspirations than he had been indulging in before. What treasures Hyrum Hesper possessed in that wife and those babies — his teeming thoughts suggested. How beautiful the woman was, and her style of beauty was much the same as Elva's — his Elva, that was soon to be! He would ask her that very night, during their pleasantries at the grand ball of which his mother had written him. He would tell her of his great love — ask her to be his wife — and oh, what happiness would be theirs! Thus reveling in young manhood's purest and most sacred dreams, Frank speeded over another forty miles, and surprised his mother by rushing into their home and clasping her suddenly in his arms. It did not take him long to unfold to her — his always "best friend" — the delightful story of that day's wonderful good fortune and happiness for him. And what mother's Christmas could ever be more glorified by other means than those which bring joy and blessedness to her child, be the child small or large of stature? After an hour or a little more in which the happy mother and son partook together of refreshments both for body and spirit, Frank said he would go to the store as he wanted to be there when Roger came in. Roger had not arrived when Frank reached the store. He looked about for some one who could tell him the exact situation of things and was fortunate in finding the former superintendent into whose place he had been so suddenly thrown. That gentleman was "in a hurry" but took time to admit that his reason for stepping out so hastily was that the opportunity was offered him of taking posses- sion of a| new store where he could better himself immensely, if he could take it on the dot, which he had done without question or waiting for anything. But where was Roger? After Frank left Roger, at Hazelburg, the latter waited a while for "the boy," and so was farther behind than he otherwise would have been. At Gleanington the boy again shirked his duty by running off to see some relatives while Roger drove up to the Hesper home to leave the bucket of paint. There did not appear to be any one at home to tell him what to do, so Roger turned his auto and ran the back of it into the doorway of the garage, and, slipping the bucket of paint from the hook, placed it at one side of the doorway. Then he proceeded to fill the water boiler of the auto from a nearby hydrant. "That boy isn't worth his salt!" Roger growled as he watered the car. "He should have done all this while I took care of the bucket of paint. He's a sluggard, that's what he is!" So Roger grumbled to himself, and did not notice that anything was going on at the back of his car. Something was going on there, however — something very important. Two little children playing with their sled in the garage saw •

THE RUN- A- WAY BABIES 21) the man remove the bucket of paint from the hook and set it away. "See, Eva, see!" called the boy to the baby sister. "See the hook on the back of the car — we can hitch our sled to it and have a ride Come on, Eva, let's do it!" "Veil, I vill, Hummie." answered the baby fearlessly. Hummie was her baby way for saying Hyrum. As sure as the thing was thought of, it was done. The innocent babies slipped the loop in the end of their sled rope over the hook. The boy helped the baby into the box on the sled and, getting in himself, arranged the cushion seats so they could be comfortable for their ride — how long a ride they did not think. As the truck started off the sled ran along evenly after it, and the babies laughed merrily. Interested in what they saw on the way they rode con- tentedly along, chattering and laughing at little bumps which came as they glided over rough places, or little splashes of melted snow through which they were whisked. And Roger,' who went off without waiting for the boy at Gleanington, because he was not at hand as he should have been, drove peacefully along huming or whistling softly, totally uncon- scious of the precious freight hauled at the back of his car. A short distance from the Hesper farm Roger turned off the new road, taking an older and longer one, because he was not liable to meet so many autos and would be safer, he thought. And likely his thought was right, for no one traveled the old road since the new one was com- pleted. Not an auto passed him all the way from Gleanington to Summerville. Frank Durney, waiting outside the store for Roger's arrival, noticed the sled at the back of the car the first thing. Finding in it two babies fast asleep, he asked anxiously, "What does this mean, Roger — whose children are these?" "Children!" gasped Roger, "I didn't bring any children — I don't know a thing about it — no, sir — I never saw them before!" "Some one has played) a trick on you, Roger," said Frank, "and you have thrust upon you two babies to raise!" It seemed so ludicrous a joke at first that Roger had to laugh a little, but the serious side of the affair soon took such prominence that the laughing was checked. "Where have you stopped as you were coming?" Frank asked. "Haven't stopped anywhere since I called at Hesper' s to leave the bucket of paint," Roger answered. It was growing dusk. Frank looked at the babies more closely. "Good gracious, Roger!" he exclaimed, "these are Hyrum Hesper's children — I saw them with him today when I went there with the hinges and things." Then the whole truth of the matter flashed upon Durney's mind. He recalled the request of the little boy to have his sled hitched to his father's car, the father's answer — the children were to

214 IMPROVEMENT ERA play in the garage with their sled. Frank saw it all — knew exactly what had happened. "Roger," he said, "these children must be taken home at once — those Hespers will be wild over their disappearance." "I can't take them back now. I'm clear done up. I wouldn't drive back that forty miles tonight for a million dollars." "I wouldn't ask you to take them, Roger," said Frank. "I shall take them myself if necessary— they must be taken to their mother! First of all though, I'll phone and let them know their babies are safe. Stay by them Roger until I am ready to take care of them." Frank rushed to the 'phone only to hear the startling news that the train had been held up and robbed by bandits between Glean- ington and Summerville — that telephone and telegraph wires were cut in several places between the two towns and poles thrown down, so there was positively no chance for communication with more rapidity than by auto. Five minutes later Frank stood in his mother's room with the two babies scarcely yet awake. He was telling her the strange things which had happened, and asked her to feed and care for the little run- a-ways while he attended to a few matters before taking them to their distracted parents. The exciting, message brought by her son now, so soon after the welcome intelligence he had so recently delighted her with, nearly overcame Mrs. Durney. Of course, she must look to the comfort of the dear babies and do whatever she could to help in such a time of calamity and general confusion. "But what about the ball this evening — what about Elva?" the mother asked, feeling sorrowfully that, after all, her son might lose the principal part of the great good which had seemed almost certainly secured to him but an hour or two ago. "We must trust and pass those things over, dear mother, at such a time!" Frank answered. "We must not let self-interest stand in the way of our doing our best in the common cause of humanity, to alleviate hard luck and suffering for others." Mrs. Durney felt justly proud of her son at that critical moment. He had spoken, nobly. She saw that his face was very white. She knew that the finest, tenderest cords of his sensitive heart were being drawn to their utmost intensity. But she also knew that he could not fail in the dutiful purpose he had determined to carry through. A millionaire that evening might succeed in winning away from her boy the woman whose love would mean more to him at that time of his life than the whole world without it. What of it, so long as it could not touch nor tarnish the native trueness of her son's character? She said nothing more, but taking in hand the two babies who stood looking and wondering — strangely enough, without the

THE RUN- A- WAY BABIES 215 sign of whine or whimper — the mother put her arms around her big, strong boy and then made preparations for the safe and speedy return to home and parents of those wonderful and delightfully heroic run- a-way babies. As Frank started off with them snugly tucked away in his car he thought of the graceful and singularly attractive mother, with her load of Christmas surprises for them entering the home as he had seen her. What had been her anguish a short time later at the discovery that her babies were not to be found anywhere about the place? He quickened the speed of his car as much as he could with safety. * * * The Christmas tree in the Hesper home was being decorated exquisitely by one of the happiest mothers to be found, when her husband came to her, having completed his business around town. "Don't let the babies come in here now, Hyrum!" was the mother's greeting. "I supposed they would have come in to you before now," Hyrum answered, "they objected to riding with me any longer and I left them to play in the garage." "I have not seen nor heard anything of them — are they still in the garage?" the mother questioned somewhat anxiously. "No, they are not there now, and I did not notice their sled as I ran the car in," answered the father with a voice of concern. The Christmas tree received no further attention at that time. Everything was put aside but a diligent search through and around the house and then the whole premises, by two distressed parents for two missing babies. The little sled being gone, tracks of it were looked for, but as the snow was entirely melted and the ground hard about the garage, no traces of it were discovered. The whole neighborhood was soon aware of the terrible fact that the Hesper babies were lost, and many volunteer searchers laid aside their festive preparations to engage in the general hunt. Then came the alarming news of the train robbery, and it was discovered that communication between Gleanington and Summer- ville was cut off. With the terrifying thought that the heartless bandits must have stolen her babies, the over-wrought mother almost collapsed. She was persuaded to remain with kindly women who did their best to console and strengthen her.' And that is where she was when Frank Durney drove up to her house with her babies which had been lost but were found. The light of the winter moon and the light from his auto made a picturesque scene of the young man with the run-a-way babies in his arms, as he stood on the Hesper doorstep. In answer to his ring the door was opened by a weeping woman. With a cry of astonished gladness the woman caught the children out of Frank's arms and

216 IMPROVEMENT ERA rushed with them like a will-o'-the-wisp into the room where their mother was mourning for them with inexpressible grief. Frank thought at first it was the mother herself who had taken the babies from him; but the talk in the other room soon convinced him that it was not. The door between the two rooms was left open and he heard distinctly what was said as he stepped inside the front door. The one womatn only had been left to watch with Mrs. Hesper and the conversation the young man heard after the mother's wild exclamations of delight upon receiving her lost darlings was this: The mother asked, "Who brought them, sister — has their father returned?" "No, Hyrum has not come, but someone else has — someone I have been longing to see — someone I know now that I love with all my heart. Oh, sister, to think he should have been permitted to find and bring back to us our dear, lost lambs, our babies!" "Well, where is he — and who is he — sister? Why not bring him in and let him tell us all about it?" "Oh, of course, I must I I should have done it at once, but it was so wonderful to see him, and I was so excited — what a sight I am anyhow — look at my hair!" "Never mind, sister, he will excuse your looks at such a time — do bring him in and let us thank him!" The woman who had snatched the babies from Frank came back to him now. Her face, though tear-stained, was radiant with sudden happiness and glorified with the spontaneous revelation of fresh young love. He knew now it was his own Elva and that she was sister to the mother of his newest little friends — the run-a-way babies. Neither of those young people could speak as they stood looking into each other's faces, but Elva broke the spell by doing what Frank's mother had recently done. She put her arms around him and was tenderly clasped in his. They understood each other. A Few Thought Gems Make a lie as rare a thing as perpetual motion. Prefer bare feet and empty pockets to an empty brain. What rights have you that others should be deprived of? If you cannot see it: Ladies first, in company, stay at home. A bare head is no disgrace if the brain is covered with knowledge. Powder adds to the complexion what smoke adds to daylight, an im- perfect vision. An evil eye and a lying tongue may canker the heart, fellon the brain and bring the soul to decay. If beauty were to be judged by the powder on the face, it would be too common to be appreciated. Fairview, Utah. E. S. HOWELL

Photo by C. W. Carter. A train of immigrants, on the way to Salt Lake City, camped on the Weber, near Coalville, Utah, 1865, some sixty years ago. BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL - A Unique Cooperative Enterprise By Gustive O. Larson, Principal of the Latter-day Saints Seminary, Richfield, Utah In the spring of 1868 it was evident that the Union Pacific Rail- road would not pass through Salt Lake City. The Union Pacific, building from the east, and the Central Pacific, building from the west, had virtually entered into a race, as they neared each other, each attempting to lay as many miles of track as possible. The memorable driving of the Golden Spike occurred at Promontory on the 10th of March, 1869. But Salt Lake City, the most important community center in the intermountain country, lay nearly forty miles from the nearest railroad center. To bridge this gap, and bring to Salt Lake City the immediate benefits of the railroad, was the aim in building the Utah Central. To view the launching and the completion of this enterprise in true light it will be helpful to locate a setting, in the attitude of the "Mormon" people towards the coming of the railroad into the west. This attitude can be clearly read in the official expressions from the people and in their active support. On March 3, 1852, the first Utah Territorial legislature memorialized Congress to aid in every way the construction of a railroad to the Pacific. On January 14, 1854, after active surveying of routes had commenced, another memorial strongly suggested that the route pass through Provo canyon instead of Weber, thus bringing the railroad around the south end of the lake. Early in 1868, when bids were received for the construction of the western end of the Union Pacific, Brigham Young personally took the contract

218 IMPROVEMENT ERA for the construction of fifty-four miles of the most difficult portion of the road, that from Echo canyon to the Salt Lake valley. Mr. L. O. Leonard, historian of the Union Pacific system says: "There was no other contractor of responsibility who wanted or who could take it. There was no other source from which men could be drawn in sufficient numbers to do the work. After an examination of the records, occupying the greater part of a year, it is evident that the Union Pacific railroad would not have been completed for several years without the active support which it received from the 'Mormon' church." But it was a keen disappointment to the people of Utah that Salt Lake City was left "out in the cold," as Brigham Young said later in a railroad mass meeting. The "Mormon" contractors on the main line had contributed heavily toward its building only to find that both the Union and Central Pacific would pass them by. Photo by C. W. Carter The Utah Central Railroad Station, Ogden, Utah, looking east, as it appeared in 1870. Just to the right and south was the old Keeny house, and further south about one half block the old Union Pacific Railroad Station was located. The Oregon Short Line, (formerly the Utah Central and Utah and Northern) , the Union Pacific, and the Rio Grande Western are now under one roof, an elegant structure, replacing a former station which was destroyed by fire in February, 1923. (See frontispiece and page 226.) Immediately upon this realization the legislature of the Territory of Utah passed "an act providing for the incorporation of railroad companies and the management of the affairs thereof" (Feb. 12, 1869). This act provided that the incorporating body, which must not be less than ten in number, must include two-thirds residents of the territory. One thousand dollars per mile must be subscribed by the stockholders and ten per cent paid in cash to the treasurer.

BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL 219 On March 2nd the initiatory meeting was held to organize in con- formity with the law. This was called and attended by men of influence who were interested in a branch line from Ogden. At the meeting stock subscriptions exceeded the requirements of the territorial act. On March 8 the Utah Central Railroad Company was organized. The Deseret News announced, on the 10th: "On Monday last a meeting in connection with the branch railroad between Ogden and this city was held in the office of President Brigham Young. Articles of association were read, adopted, and personally subscribed to by the stockholders present. The following gentlemen were elected a board of directors: Brigham Young, William Jennings, Feramorz Little, Christopher Layton, and Daniel H. Wells. At a subsequent meeting of the board, Brigham Young was elected president; William Jennings, vice- president; Jos. A. Young, general supt; John Sharp, asst. supt.; Jesse W. Fox, chief engineer; John W. Young, secretary; and D. H. Wells, treasurer. "The treasurer was authorized and directed to open books and receive subscriptions to the capital stock. A committee of three was elected to draft by-laws. The general superintendent and chief engineer were directed to proceed at once to locate the road." In the meantime the main transcontinental line began to operate between the East and the West. On April 1, The News announced that, "Wells Fargo and Co.'s coaches commenced to run north from this city, this morning, to connect with the Union Pacific railroad about three miles this side of Ogden City." Subsequently, on April 22, ap- peared the announcement that Congress had decided the contest between the Union and the Central Pacific companies ordering that Ogden be the terminal of the companies. But railroad building involves more than incorporating of com- panies and the appointing of officers. Capital must be forthcoming to provide the means of construction. Experience in construction is necessary. Fortunately the "Mormons" had taken active part in the building of the Pacific railroad. Camps had been established at var- ious points under the direction of some of the men whose experience now proved helpful in the building of the branch line. Contracts, amounting to very large sums, had been completed by these men. Lack of funds, however, prevented settlement on the part of the Union Pacific company. Much dissatisfaction was occasioned by this inability to secure payment, and led in some instances to suit against the com- pany by non- "Mormon" creditors. A committee was appointed by the Church, consisting of Bishop John Sharp, Elder John Taylor, and Hon. Jos. A. Young, to arrive at some agreement with the Union Pacific Company. These men went to Boston and pressed their claims on Dr. Durant, vice-president of the company, and some of his associates. An important feature of the settlement was the acceptance by the Utah men of $600,000 in rail and rolling stock. These men, as well as Brigham Young, realized the importance of connecting Salt Lake City with the transcontinental

220 IMPROVEMENT ERA Photo by C. W. Carter Showing part of the first train that arrived in Salt Lake City from Ogden, January' 10, 18 70. Note the man with the cape on, an article of clothing commonly used at that time. line at Ogden. This material, to be supplied by the Union Pacific, would make possible the local line. On May 1 7, the first ground was broken for the Utah Central Railroad. At the ceremonies all the officials of the company were present except Jos. A. Young who was in the East on business con- nected with the road. The News received, in part, the following mes- sage over the Deseret Telegraph line: "Ogden, May 17. At 10 o'clock this morning President (Brigham) Young broke the first ground for the Utah Central Railroad near Weber River imme- diately below Ogden City. * * * After a few remarks President Young cut the first sod, observing that it was customary to use a pick in breaking the first ground, but he believes in using a tool the best adapted to the soil. President (George A.) Smith then dedicated the ground for a railroad, praying that nothing might be wanting to complete it; asking blessings on the president and the officers * * * that the work might be speedily accomplished. Pres- ident Young then removed the first sod, followed by President Smith and (Daniel H.) Wells, W. Jennings, Esq., and others cutting sod." Grading work commenced on the west bank of the Weber river just below the city of Ogden. Much enthusiasm was manifested by the builders, and it was expected that by the October conference visitors from the northern town would be able to ride to Salt Lake City on steam trains. No large contracts were let. It was determined that the road should be built by the people as far as possible. Small con- tracts for grading in local sections distributed the work quite uniformly along the line and added an element of friendly competition. This is

BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL 221 evident in news items that appeared from time to time under the cap- tion, "Progress of the U. C. R. R." We read in The News of June 9: "To meet the increased demand for work it has been determined to let out an additional five miles of grade on the Utah Central to citizens of Weber county, thus making a total of fifteen miles of road bed that will be graded by them. "We learn that Captain Green Taylor of the fourth district, established his grading camp on the line of the Utah Central Railroad about noon yesterday. He claims that his was the first camp on the ground and con- fidently told our informant that he and his stalwart party would finish their contract this week." In the fall when preparations were being made for track-laying another News item stated: "P. Barton, Esq., just returned from Kaysville, informs us that the enterprising bishop and citizens of that settlement are pushing the work ahead with a vim on the three miles of grading they have contracted to do for the Utah Central Railroad, and are determined th^t no one shall have to say that they had to wait for Kaysville." An interesting feature of this railroad construction was its con- tact with another singular provision of cooperation in the Church known as the Perpetual Immigration Fund. Converts from foreign lands who desired to come to Utah and had no means to cross the plains, were in many instances advanced transportation costs from a revolving fund. This was to be paid back as soon as opportunity afforded and was used in turn to aid others to make the journey. Often immigrants found it difficult to pay off their indebtedness for extended periods. Many found opportunity to discharge the obliga- tion by working with the Utah Central construction forces. The enterprise proved a God-send to a considerable number of these. Brigham Young, as president of the company, needed additional labor and gladly made provisions for assuming their indebtedness to the "Fund." Father and sons of many families worked together to pay off their emigrating expenses and often when giving service beyond their indebtedness would receive in return for their labor, some of the tools with which they worked, such as wagons, wheelbarrows, shovels, etc. Thus is many cases transportation to Zion was paid for by aiding transportation developments within Zion. President Young, accompanied by W. Jennings, vice-president of the U. C. R. R., Feremorz Little, director, and J. A. Young, superintendent, left Salt Lake on June 10 to determine the exact route to be, taken by the road. The News of June 11. gives an interesting account of an equally interesting occurrence: "At Hot Springs the party was met by representatives from Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, and Kaysville. During the day the road was definitely located from Hot Springs to Kaysville. * * * The track at Hot Springs will first run along the present lower wagon road cutting through the farm of Daniel Wood, Esq., a little to the west of his residence,

222 IMPROVEMENT ERA Photo by C. \V. Carter The Jennings emporium, southwest corner of First South and Main streets, Salt Lake City, in 1868, reconstructed and at present occupied by the Utah State National Bank. As you pass by there, in 1925, note the difference in the motor power and vehicles parked on Main street, and then continues northward at a short distance west of Bountiful and Centerville. At Farmington. the inhabitants were at fi.st anxious to have the track located at some considerable distance from the settlement, but at last preferred to have the railroad go to Farmington rather than have Farm- ington obliged to go to the railroad. The track will continue to run on the bottom roads between the Great Salt Lake and the settlements until it reaches Kaysville." The remainder of the road to Ogden was located on the follow- ing day. An editorial by President G. A. Smith comments at some length on the method followed by President Young in consulting the wishes of the people and the local bishops in locating the road. Referring to differences that appeared at Bountiful, he says: "President Young before fully deciding upon this point for the depot called upon Bishop Stoker and the people of Bountiful to express their feel- ings. From Bountiful the party proceeded to Centerville where a point about a quarter of a mile from the town was chosen for the depot in the same manner as at Bountiful; the people's wishes, as well as those of the owners of the land, being consulted." The concluding paragraph summarizes the spirit of the whole enterprize: "President Young and other officers of the U. C. R. R. have taken the right method to secure good feelings. Probably their course is unexampled in the history of railroad building. But the U. C. R. R. is not being built

BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL 223 by a company solely to make money for its own benefit, but for the good of the people and country. And it is desirable that whatever is necessary to make that scheme, a success shall be done by the common consent of all concerned." The work was pushed forward as rapidly as possible. A large number of men and teams were constantly at work. Under the direction of General Fox and F. Little piles were driven and a bridge thrown across the Wejber river. This was ready for the rails by Sept. 1 6, when nine carloads of iron and one carload of spikes were expected Photo by C. W. Carter A winter view of the .west side of Main street, Salt Lake City, south of the Deseret News building, just before the arrival of the Utah Central, December, 1869. at Ogden. The switch at that city was finished and grading rapidly being completed. Then followed track laying. On Sept. 14 John W. Young, as- sisted by Bishop E. F. Sheets, was organizing a party of track layers with which to begin laying the rails. It was to commence operations at Ogden immediately on organization. It was arranged that the Union Pacific cars should run on the new tracks distributing the rails as needed. On Sept. 22, track-laying commenced in charge of Mr. Young assisted by seventy men. The rate of a half mile per day in track-laying was increased by the end of the year to two miles per day. President Brigham Young and the other Utah Central officials, witnessed the first locomotive run along the track of the branch railroad on Oct. 14. It crossed over the Weber bridge dragging in its wake, fifteen cars loaded with iron and ties. The delight of these officials received comment in the local newspaper.

224 IMPROVEMENT ERA "President Young, and the other gentlemen who returned with him, speak with much pleasure of the gratification the sight of the first locomotive on the first road, built and owned by the people of this territory, gave them, which argued so much for the future well-being of Israel." President Young and Hons. John Taylor and Jos. A. Young rode from Kaysville to Ogden and return by rail on Nov. 16; and early in December, the company advertised in The News that the road would be open for freight and passenger service from Ogden to Farm- ington after Dec. 6, 1869. The interest of the Salt Lake residents became more intense as the end of the line crept nearer and nearer upon them. When it reached Hot Springs an interesting crowd began to gather, arriving in every conceivable vehicle, to witness the art of Photo by C. W. Carter Southwest corner Main and Twenty-fourth streets. Ogden, Utah. To the right the Z. C. M. I. building site, now occupied by the Ecdes building. Immediately south was Child ft Son, merchants, and next to that, W. H. Wright ft Sons, now the occupants of the modern department store across the street north. The tall building down the street was Driver ft Sons Drug Store, all as they appeared in 18 75, fifty years ago. track-laying. This shifting crowd escorted the enterprise to its terminal. On Monday, Jan. 10, 1870, just ten months after the comple- tion of the transcontinental line, the completion of the Utah Central was celebrated. The city council appointed a committee on Jan. 4, to make preparations for the event. It was regarded as a landmark in the development of Utah. The eventful day was cold and cloudy. But this seemed to have little effect on the thousands who gathered to witness the driving of the last spike. Besides the local church, ter- ritorial, and railroad officials, representatives from the Union and

BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL 225 the Central Pacific companies were present. Governor Stanford of California telegraphed regrets at not being able to be present. At 2 o'clock p. m., the last spike was driven by President Brigham Young. Both the mallet and the spike was made by James Lawson in the Church blacksmith shop and were inscribed with the sentiment, "Holiness to the Lord," and U. C. R. R. In his remarks President Young, as well as the following speakers, called attention to the unique features of the enterprise. "We are in debt to none but our own people," he said, and then after expressing appreciation to the Union and Central Pacific companies, he said, "If they had paid us according to agreement, this road would not have been graded and this track not laid today." His view of the enterprise was expressed in the words, "Not for individual benefit, but it is an aid to the development of the whole country." His remarks were followed by a salute of cannon for each of the 3 7 miles of track. Hon. Jos. A. Young referred to the accusation that the "Mor- mons" wished to be exclusive. The Utah Central, he observed, was an invitation to the North, the South, the East and the West. He hoped that the last spike of this road now completed would be the first of the next road. Colonel Carr, representing the Union Pacific, congratulated the people of Utah Territory on the accomplishment of so much with so little means and so few advantages. He said: "The U. C. R. R., although only thirty -seven miles in length, is perhaps the only railroad west of the Mississippi that has been built entirely without government subsidies; built solely by money wrung from the soil which we used to consider a desert." Chief Engineer Morris, of the Central Pacific, said that in his fifteen years of railroad experience he had never before known of a road but that capital had contributed the money and the responsibility had fallen on the nation or state. President Young, on the evening of Jan. 10, sent the following telegram: "To all Saints throughout the territory — We congratulate you on the completion of the U. C. R. R. The last rail laid and the last spike driven at 2 p. m. today. Many thousands were present to witness the ceremonies. Two engines and a number of cars, including two palace cars from the Union and Central Pacific railroads, were in attendance. Fine celebration. No ac- cident. Grand ball will be given at the theatre tonight. Love and peace abide with you." (Signed) "Brigham Young." It is not within the scope of this article to consider the effect of this enterprise. Such, however, is emphatically suggested in the concluding words of The News' editorial commenting on the achieve- ment: It would bring more people, good and bad, "but the results we fear not, believing that the advantages that will accrue therefrom will far outweigh any disadvantages that can possibly arise. The days of isolation are now forever past. — We thank God for it."

„Q •■ <u B J3 g o\ •- a > " t; c .2 £ • -" " ^ « O H G a 60 * c s £ .5 i< 5 X .9. .2 o a -t; o 2 ■£ rt a» « -— ■s — rt -S ■" ° ™ rt ^O >2 o^ S :*■ -a -s 60 ° ~ o .- - « * n "O <=> O 1 1 1 S "2 O 3 a, U - -= a .o 3 S T3 « 0i E •- 2 to 60 3 rt C O ° J3 •— 15 ■s Jl i 3 C o a «. 5 o .2 b ?i, .= -o H a « ■a o 5 * « "O O -° -a * 3 h J= i p 5. ■ ■2 3 2 e H O 4? rt 2 •£ -5 o ,« o a ■s .s bo u-, O" jj E E . 3 C -O « 3 60 P & •fi 2 O J (q ™ 60 w M K ? > 2 60 o U'C a^3 tu £ « s ~ T3 rt 2 E M o o -o o - o 2 JJ 5" w « C J3 C n Tl jn S . C . c <* - ^ '5 a 2 •- c ™ „, ^CQ 0.2- 2 £ !3 — g -o 3 u O .2 J2 & -a z ^ > c — rt o • *"" J3 "S rt ► ° s « ?^ : I - •§ i 6o "5 ^ S n B «, ™ fe ■£ M^ ■§ rt __ "O " d > P iS E w .2 T) rt c 'C 2 o ™ a S o 2 ■ « — E c ^ § -c >H 2 C J n^-gcrt^S ■£"■ d, — Q, 60 . ^^ "O ° • •= W J rt ^ .S < B — ~— tJ'-B „, -60 .2 2 S "£ "° ° >^J2 S"B !S M *j «- -^ "° "51 'C '"3 u- - <-> ov J; w 3 — u-tNira»-_ooOa."5

BUILDING OF THE UTAH CENTRAL 227 All tb£ south wing upstairs is occupied by railroad operating forces; the north wing by the superintendent, telephone exchange, claim agent, telegraph office and telegraph printer room. The steam heating plant is located 600 feet from the station across the tracks to the west, the heat being conveyed through underground tunnel. The latest modern systems of heating and ventilating have been adopted in the building. All the wiring is coveyed in about six miles of conduits. The building will consume approximately 64,000 watts electric current. The waiting room is lighted by three large chandeliers, containing 130 round, frosted bulbs each, and they are suspended from the ceiling by oxidized wire ropes and cost $1200 each. Outside of the two main entrance from the city side are two lantern chandeliers of similar style. At the celebration, the speakers expressed confidence in the future growth of Ogden, and referred to the prophetic vision of Brigham Young as proved when he donated five acres of ground to the railroad. Note: A free right-of-way for the Utah Central Railroad was obtained by A. M. Musser, acting as its agent for that purpose. This right was paid for later when the railroad became firmly established. On Jan. 19, 1870, Mr. Wheeler, from the committee on the Pacific railroad, reported in the House of Representatives a bill referring to this matter. It granted the Utah Central Railroad Company a right-of-way through public lands for the construction of a railroad and a telegraph. The bill was read twice and ordered to be printed. BIBLIOGRAPHY The Deseret Evening News — 1868, 18 69,, 1870. Bancroft, History of Utah — Chap. 28, page 75 6. Tullidge, Life of Brigham Young — Chap. 26, pages 362-3. Whitney, History of Utah — Vol. II, chaps. 21, 22. The Union Pacific Magazine — May, 1922. page 10. History of Union Pacific Railroad, issued by the U. P. Co., 1919 — page 11. Compiled Acts, Resolutions, and Memorials of the Territory of Utah — page 225. Compiled Laws of Utah — Page 202, 1876 compilation. Richfield, Utah. Encouragement Why should I worry, why should I care, When joy and happiness are everywhere? Why should I sorrow, why should I fear; When the treasure of happiness is always so near? Why should I fret, why should I sin, When the power of virtue is hidden within? There is never a loss without a gain, Never a drouth without a rain! Whether you're happy or whether you're blue Rests entirely and only with you. So, cheer up, friends, cast your troubles away, And let's be happy at least for today. Sandy, Utah jACK EGBERT-