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Stevens Nelson thinks the huddled group of buildings surrounded by a tired chain-link fence in Provo's North Park could look like the city did 150 years ago.
"This is the kind of thing they might well have seen," Nelson said. Provo was settled in 1849 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nelson, a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers, wants to preserve the heritage and history of Provo by revamping the small pioneer village at the park, at 500 North and 500 West. The area is currently home to about six historic buildings, including a school, a barn, a bell (which he said was originally used by the Provo fire department) and an ox lift, which is a rectangular set of boards and pulleys that was used to shoe oxen. Nelson would like to clean up and expand the area, start more regular tours and demonstrations and add a new fence. "The one we've got now looks really crappy. Besides that, it's already lost its security," Nelson said, referring to the fence. Earl Williams the assistant parks and recreation director for senior and historical services, said he has asked that the money for a new fence -- estimated between $15,000 and $25,000 -- be added to the city's capital improvement budget. The request is pending approval in the city's next budget process. Nelson is passionate about the project because he thinks it is important to preserve the city's heritage. "I don't believe we know ourselves unless we know where we come from," Nelson said. Williams said the project has value because people enjoy seeing historical sites. The village can also be used better as a center for Independence Day and Pioneer Day activities. "We're really excited to see something happen," Williams said. Nelson inherited the project after one chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers died off and merged with his chapter. Last January, the SUP started a task force to get the village up and running again. Rick Mathews, co-chairman of the task force, said he was simply looking for volunteers to lead tours during the summer when Nelson got involved and started making bigger plans. Nelson is the other co-chairman of the task force. "He got in there and got enthused about the village," Mathews said. Nelson is even learning to be a blacksmith. In the corner of the barn at the village, there is a blacksmith's bellows and tools. They are in disrepair, but Nelson is working to repair the bellows and learning all he can. He is learning the trade from a man in Salt Lake and plans to take a short class in the winter. "That probably has not been used for 10 years," Mathews said. Nelson said there is still a lot of work to be done. Scouts and service groups are needed to clean and help preserve the buildings so the village can be used to host demonstrations and events later this summer. The Sons of Utah pioneers are planning to open the village to visitors during the evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Right now, tours are given by appointment only. "We want to do some impressive things," Nelson said. "We're going to turn this village around." People interested in helping with the project may contact Nelson at 375-9299.
• Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at
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"We want to do some impressive things. We're going to turn this village around." Stevens Nelson Sons of Utah Pioneers |
