Plain City Incorporation, Town Boards, and Mayors

INCORPORATION AND GOVERNMENT OF PLAIN CITY

In Utah the community affaris were first conducted by the Presideing Elder, and later by the Bishopric of the L.D.S. Ward.

As all community members wanted a voice in the governing of the town, it became necessary to formulate a system whereby elections could be held and others could be voted into office.

A group of public interested men spent many hours promoting the incorporation of Plain City. Petitions had to be formulated and circulated to gain interest and cooperation of the townspeople.

A committee had been chosen to help beautify the Plain City Cemetery. They found that the only way service could be maintained was to incorporate and thereby secure money through a tax levy.

On January 13, 1944, the Articles of Incorporation for the town of Plain City were filed in the Weber County Clerk’s office in Ogden, Utah.

Adoption of a resolution designating Plain City as an incorporated town was made and action was taken by Weber County Commissioners, George F. Simmons, Lyman M. Hess and Joseph Peterson. Appointment of a “President of the Town Board” and four “Trustees” was made to serve as a governing body until the next municipal election two years later.

A nomination was made by L. Rulon Jenkins that Dean Baker serve as President. The following were appointed to serve:

President of the Town Board . . . Dean Baker

Trustees . . . . . . . . . L. Rulon Jenkins Floyd A. Palmer Albert Sharp Fred L. Sinaleton

The cemetery district was officially created on July 19, 1945.

Town board meetings were held in the Plain City School.

Formerly, the county had jurisdiction over road improvement. Now, the town board had to assume the responsibility or road upkeep and new construction. The state tax funds, based on the population of the town, could now be secured for improvement of roads and culverts. Later, it would be used for law enforcement, public works, recreation, etc.

In November, 1945, the first municipal election was held in Plain City. In 1946, the following elected men took office:

President of the Town Board . . . Elmer Carver

Trustees . . . . . . . . . Floyd A. Palmer Albert Sharp Elwood “Dick” Skeen Fred L. Singleton, Town Clerk

In November, 1943, the following elected men took office:

President of the Town Board . . . Elmer Carver

Trustees . . . . . . . . . Floyd A. Palmer Lawrence W. Jenkins Clair Folkman , Lewis Vincenti

In 1948, the town board directed a beautification project on the Town Square. The five-acre park was leveled and sodded in the spring of 1949. Dairy Days had to be held on the school grounds and on neighboring property.

A granite monument was erected on the Church ground honoring those who had served in World War II.

In November, 1948, President Elmer Carver was elected to the position of Weber County Commissioner. On April 12, 1949, the duties of President of the Town Board were taken over by Floyd A. Palmer, who was appointed to succeed Mr. Carver to the post. Meetings were held with three Trustees until a fourth could be appointed. They met in the home of President Palmer.

On January 1, 1950, the following men took the oath of office:
President of the Town Board . . . Clair M. Folkman

Trustees . . . . . Lewis Vincenti (4year term) Lee Olsen (2year term) Elvin H. Maw (2year term) Dean Baker (2year term)

Elvin H. Maw was appointed Town Clerk. Meetings were held at Clair Folkman’s home.

Plain City’s assessed valuation for 1950 was $390,220.~.

An annual celebration was held each year on July 4th. It was called “Potato Day.” A queen and her attendants were chosen to reign over the day. The affair was sponsored by the Town Board and the Cemetery Committee to raise funds for the upkeep of the cemetery and other purposes

Walter Johnson was employed as caretaker of the cemetery
On October 2, 1950, Frank Anderson became the Town Marshall. He served until August of 1951.

In 1951, Plain City joined the Municipal League. It was made up of cities and towns in the State of Utah. Years later, the name was changed to “Utah League of Cities and Towns.”
The population of Plain City in 1951 was 829. The elected men of Plain City would now hold office four years instead of two years.

In January, 1959, the Trustees elected to the Board were:

Trustees . . . . . . . . . . Lee Olsen, Earl Hadley

Holdover Trustees . . . . . Elvin H. Maw, Town Clerk Lewis Vincenti

On April 7, 1952, Frank Hadley was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Earl Hadley, who passed away April 4, 1952.

On April 6, 1953, Rulon Chugg was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Lewis Vincenti, who passed away December 1, 1952.

In May, 1953, a flagpole was installed at the Plain City Cemetery.

The Town Board discussed the possibility of bringing culinary water to Plain City.

In January, 1954, the Oath of Office was taken by the following elected officers:

President of the Town Board . . . Lee Olsen

Trustees . . . . . . . Merrill Jenkins
Blair Simpson
Holdover Trustees . . Frank Hadley
Elvin H. ~law, Town Clerk

Town Board meetings were now held at President Lee Olsen’s home and at the L.D.S. Church.

Gordon Thompson was serving on the Mosquito Abatement District.

Plain City voted to have supervised control of the town dump. Victor Lund, Ezra Richardson, Elwin Taylor, Verl Stokes, and later Carston Illum have been employed as supervisors. Plain City signed an application for culinary water. Lights were installed on the town square for night games and recreation. A dedication ceremony was held and President Lee Olsen threw the switch for the first time on July 2, 1954.

On November 7, 1954, the new L.D.S. Church was dedicated. In 1955, public restroom were constructed on the north side of the recreation hall. On October 25, 1955, the new addition to the Plain City School was dedicated. A motion was made that the Town Board assist the Lions’ Club in building a water tower.
On January 2, 1956, Elvin H. Maw, Town Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to the following elected trustees:
Trustees . . . . . . . Floyd A. Palmer Elvin Maw
Holdover Trustees . . Merrill Jenkins
Blair Simpson

The Town Board sponsors and assists the Plain City “Dairy Days” show each year. Floyd A. Palmer was assigned to serve on the Board of Trustees in the Bona Vista Water District. Theron Palmer was Superintendent of Bona Vista.

The Town Board assisted the Lions Club and the Plain City Ward in building a bowery and fireplace south of the Town Square in 1957. This was completed in 1958.
Property was purchased from Llewellyn Hipwell, located west of the Lions Clubhouse for the purpose of building a Town Hall.
In January, 1958, Town Clerk, Elvin H. Maw, administered the Oath of Office to the following elected officials:

President of the Town Board . . . Lee Olsen

Trustees . . . . . . . . Kent Jenkins
Glen Charlton
Holdover Trustees . . . Floyd A. Palmer
Elvin H. Maw, Town Clerk

The Board signed an ordinance with Bona Vista Water District and construction of a culinary water system was begun. Surface wells and pitcher pumps would soon be a memory. The above information was taken from:

1. A book “A Historical Study of Plain City” by Fern Olsen Taylor.

2. Ogden Standard Examiner news clippings.

3. Research by Clara Olsen.

In 1958, Lee Carver contracted the building of the 20′ x 44′ Town Hall. In May, the new municipal building was completed to serve the Town of Plain City, under the direction of President Lee Olsen, Trustees: Floyd A. Palmer, Glen Charlton, Kent Jenkins, Elvin H. Maw, Town Clerk.

Zoning ordinances were passed.

Work on the Willard Bay was underway.

On March 17, 1959, Plain City celebrated its Centennial year. It was observed with a week of outstanding events. We wore pioneer clothing, walked to church and enjoyed many programs as we honored our pioneer ancestors. One special feature was the presentation of a pageant written by a Plain City native, Mrs. Gwendolyn Jenkins Griffin, called “Sand In Their Shoes.” A large cast of characters, choir, and band members participated. The play was directed by Lawrence Jenkins. Wheatly and Fern Taylor were program chairmen.

A large water tower storage tank is now an important new part of the scenery in the Plain City area.

In May, 1959, letters were sent to all residents of Plain City, informing them that they were required to obtain building permits. Walter Moyes was assigned to be the building inspector.

On January 2, 1959, Theron Palmer reported that the water was turned into the Plain City water lines.

In 196D, two newly elected Trustees took Office:

Trustees . . . . . . . . Keith Blanch
Dee Cook
Holdover Trustees. . . . Kent Jenkins
Glen Charlton, Town Clerk

The Plain City Ward was divided June 12.

The Plain City Town Board is now working with Mountain Fuel Supply Company to have natural gas piped into the town. The project is to be completed in 1961.

Plain City board members are organizing a “zoning Board.”
A Plain City Improvement Council for community development was organized with executive committee members as follows:
Mayor, Lee Olsen Merrill Jenkins
Rulon Chugg Carl Taylor
Lyman Cook Clair Folkman
Mrs.Rosella Maw

In 1961, it was decided that the 40yearold Recreation Hall would be renovated. Many hours were spent by dedicated men and women on this project.

The Plain City Town Board considered purchasing property from Bernard Poulsen for a park. It was voted down.

The population of Plain City now is near 1,500. (Standard Examiner)

The 1962 elected officials for this term were:

President of the Town Board . . . Lee Olsen

Trustees . . . . . . . Kent Jenkins
Glen Charlton
Holdover Trustees . . Keith Blanch
Dee Cook

The Town Board approved an ordinance governing subdivisions. The board is stressing enforcement of building permits.

In January, 1964, Trustees were elected to the Board:
Trustees . . . . . . . Keith Blanch
Dee Cook
Holdover Trustees. . . Kent Jenkins
Glen Charlton

Cherrill Knight became the City Recorder.

In 1965, George Fisher was hired as the Plain City Chief of Police, Later, Howard Zeigler was hired as a deputy.

In 1966, the following men were elected and took office in January:

President of the Town Board . . . Keith Blanch

Trustees . . . . . . . Kent Jenkins
Vernal Moyes
Holdover Trustee . . . Dee Cook

Rulon Chugg was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Keith Blanch.

The Town Board is supporting the Summer Recreation Program, and Junior Posse activities.

George Weatherston was the first Justice of the Peace in Plain City. He resigned in 1966, and Keith Daley was appointed to that office.

On June 3, 1967, Plain City received a proclamation signed by Governor Rampton:

“wherein Governor Rampton did declare Plain City a City of the Third Class.”

The former title of “President of the Town Board” will now be changed to “Mayor”. Keith Blanch was the first to be officially called ‘Mayor of Plain City.”

The title of “Trustees” will be changed to “Councilmen”. There will now be five councilmen instead of four.

In April, 1967, the recently renovated recreation hall was destroyed by fire.

In 1968, three new councilmen were elected and installed. The Oath of Office was administered by Keith Daley:

Councilmen-Elect . . . . . . Rulon Chugg, James E. Brown, and Lynn P. Folkman
Holdover Councilmen. . Kent Jenkins and Vernal Moyes

In November, 1968, Plain City approved the “Sewer Bond Issue” by a 228 to 69 vote. Plans for the project are underway with work to be completed in 1969.
Mayor Keith Blanch became the manager of the Plain City-Farr West Sewer System.

“Mans First Trip To The Moon” July, 1969.

In January, 1970, the following officials took the Oath of Office:
Mayor . . . . . . . . Keith Blanch

Councilmen . . . . . Kent Jenkins
Melvin Cottle
Vernal Moyes

Holdover Councilmen . Lynn Folkman
Rulon Chugg ~

Cherrill Knight resigned her position as City Recorder and Lucille White took her place.

Plain City annexed 57 acres of land bordering on the South of the town to become “Pioneer Village.”

A railroad line was constructed along the north side of Plain City extending to Little Mountain where the Great Salt Lake Minerals and Chemical Corporation is located.
On November 27, 1971, the new Bank of Utah was dedicated in Plain City.
Two newcomers and one incumbent won elections in 1972. Keith Daley administered the Oath of Office to:
Councilmen . . . . . .Darwin Taylor
Wayne Cottle
Lynn Folkman

Holdover Councilmen. .Vernal Moyes
Kent Jenkins

On October 23, 1973, the council asked for bids and plans for new restrooms to be constructed west of the concession stand on the Town Square. They accepted the bid of Verl Rawson for $5,000.00.

In January 1974, Keith Daley, Justice of the Peace, administered the Oath of Office to the following who were elected in November, 1973:

Mayor . . . . . . . . . Lee Olsen

Councilmen . . . . . . David Thomas
William VanHulten

Holdover Councilmen . . Wayne Cottle
Darwin Taylor
Lynn P. Folkman

In 1974 Kelly Hipwell was hired as full-time
“Public Works Director” for Plain City. Walter Johnson and Elbert Moyes have served as Public Works’ employees. Carston Illum is presently “Plain City Public Works” employee.

Lucille White resigned and Diane Taylor became the City Recorder.

Plain City endorsed the Mass Transit Proposition.

The new Weber High School was dedicated March 28, 1974 in Pleasant View. Plain City students attend Weber High School and Wahlquist Junior High School.

England Builder’s Lumber Company was heavily damaged by fire on April 6, 1975.

The Lions building was restored by the Plain City Lion’s Club. The building was formerly the Episcopal Church built in 1877.

Residents of Plain City were asked to post “House Numbers”.

Ground breaking was held for the new “Pioneer Park” racetrack in the northeast part of Plain City, in 1975.

“The Bicentennial Year” 1976 three new councilmen were elected:

Councilmen . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph A. Taylor
Delmar L. Tanner
Dr. Carl R. Saunders
Holdover Councilmen . . . . . . David Thomas
William VanHulten

In July, 1976, the assessed valuation of Plain City was $2,862,521.00.

New subdivision ordinances have been formed.

The property of Bernard Poulsen was purchased for a park. The 20 acres will be developed for posse drills and future recreation.

The Utah Transit Bus Service was initiated in Plain City in 1977.

The population in March of 1976, was approximately 2,300.

Those now serving on the Plain City Planning Commission are:
Boyd Parke, Chairman
Frank Hadley
Paul Knight
Darwin Taylor
Farrell gingham

Those now serving on the Plain City Board of Adjustments:

Orlo Maw, Chairman Lee Painter
Garry Skeen Farrell gingham
Archie Hunt

The above information beginning in 1959, was taken from the Ogden Standard Examiner newspaper articles and the Plain City Council minutes.

The town of Plain City was incorporated, approved and effective January 13, 1944. Dean A. Baker worked many long hours helping to organize the Town Board when Plain City was incorporated and served as Plain City’s first mayor, January 13, 1944. .

During World War II (with the help of scouts) Dean gathered scrap iron from all over the surrounding area, hauled it to Plain City and piled it in the town square, to help in the war effort. According to a letter he has from the Governor of Utah, Plain City collected more iron than any other community in the State of Utah. When the iron was sold, the money was used to help finance the incorporation of the town and to build a monument (located in the center of town) honoring all the Plain City men and women who served in the armed services.

Dean Baker helped organize the first Plain City cemetery District in the State of Utah, July 19, 1945.

The Plain City Lion’s Club was chartered May 11, 1948 with 65 charter members. Dean Baker was chosen for their charter president. The history of the Plain City Lion”s Club is an inspiring one of unselfish service to the community.

Some years ago, Dean was asked (in an interview concerning the Lion’s International) how he felt about his Lion’s Club activities? His answer was, I.. I’ve enjoyed everything I have ever done in the Lion’s Club and was always well paid in the satisfaction that comes from doing something for others. But the Lion’s have done more for me than I ever did for them. when I was seriously ill and recovering at home after some major surgery, the Plain City Lion’s came down to my place and harvested over 20 acres of corn for me. They showed up here with over 20 trucks, tractors and corn choppers, harvested my crop, hauled it to the pits and put it away. Then they all went home and harvested their own crops. But mine was the first crop harvested. You ask me what I think of the Lion’s Club? Mister, I love ’em.” and great big tears rolled unashamed lythe guy really meant it. The Lion’s Club has done this for many other people. The Lion’s Club is the largest service club in the world.
Some years ago Dean Baker acquired the old Episcopalian Church building (built in 1878) in Plain City. He offered this building to the Lion’s Club for a club house. In order for the club to finance the purchase (which would return only his investment in the property) he deeded the property to the club and allowed them to sell two-thirds of it. This raised part of the funds and the club put on queen contests and other promotions to raise the balance. Dean organized and helped with these promotions until the money was raised.

The Lion’s have completely remodeled the building several times. They now have a beautiful clubhouse, which they have turned over to the Town Board for use as a Civic Center available to all.

Dean Baker was an Air Raid Warden in Plain City and went to meetings every week. Just about the whole time of the war. Meetings were held at the City and County building in Ogden.

Dean was chairman of the first Potato Day Queen Contest Celebration, which was held for many years thereafter. At this celebration there were well over one hundred horses. They held horse shows, children’s races and parades The celebration committee gave away horses and saddles and other prizes and still made $1,000 or more for the town. This was one of the biggest events of the year and everyone participated. There were wrestling matches. Flag raising ceremonies to start the day off. Later in the day, Dean held a Rodeo in his pasture just west of the town square by his barn. Many of the young boys and girls riding calves. Horse races were also held. Everyone had a great day.
Upper right hand picture: The old Singleton Home, and is presently owned by a daughter, Art and Florence Singleton Simpson.

Merlin England hauled milk for many, many years. People would ride into town and home with Merl England in those days.