In the late 1800s the historic Ephraim Co-op building was built to serve residents of the area with merchandise from the Salt Lake City based ZCMI Company. Just south of the co-op is the Old Granary Art Center. It was originally built for the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to feed the hungry.

Both buildings are part of Ephraim Square, located at about 90 North Main in Ephraim. Visitors are welcomed year-round at both buildings. The Co-op is a successful gift and craft store, while the granary serves as an art gallery. A number of events are taking place at both this summer.

Scandinavian Days

May 24-25

Friday, May 24, Scandinavian Days begins and during the festival, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the annual quilt show is held upstairs in the Ephraim Co-op, 96 North Main. Free admission, be sure to vote for a favorite.

Lots of Scandinavian items will be for sale in the Co-op including, flags, Viking hats, collector’s items, flower headbands, aebleskiver pans, ornaments, Danish peppernuts, Swedish Bratzlies, the co-op’s famous fudge and Lingonberry Jam, which can be hard to find.

On Saturday, May 25, the quilt show continues in the Co-op from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be a taster’s table, with lots of items to sample. On the Ephraim Square grounds outside the Co-op, explorers will find the Olde Crafter’s Village and art for kids.

There will be various traditional artisans demonstrating trades such as a blacksmith, wood worker, Swedish rug weaving and doll carving. In addition, artists will demonstrate bobbin lace, tatting, crocheting, knitting and yarn spinning.

Crafters are expected to include a Nordic sock maker and the Icelandic Association of Utah. Anyone who wants to learn about a craft or have some fun are welcome. Crafters may charge a small fee for items the children can make in the Olde Crafter’s Village. Crafter’ items will also be available for purchase.

For more information about the Ephraim Co-op, visit www.facebook.com/ephraimcoop.

The Old Granary Art Center, 86 North Main, will have a huge tent with lots of children’s art activities to keep them busy. The art center also is an art gallery and will be open for viewing of their latest exhibits. For more information about Granary Arts, visit www.granaryarts.org or call (435) 283-3456.

Co-op 30th

Anniversary, June

The Ephraim Co-Op Mercantile Association is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and will be featuring special exhibits of stories, pictures or any other special memories during June.

Over the years, many events have been held in the building including weddings, receptions, birthdays, reunions and other special occasions. Drop by to see the displays from the past. Anyone who has a special memory to share is encouraged to contact Gloria Winter at (435) 851-2105, or call the Co-op at (435) 283-6654, or bring them into the store, 96 North Main.

Craft Fair

June is also Craft Fair month and will feature the craft work of over 85 crafters in the building from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday, June 11-15; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday June 17; and 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday, June 18-22.

Christmas in July

During the month of July many hand crafted items in the Ephraim Co-op are tagged with special discount prices. It’s a great time to get a head start on gifts for future events, including Christmas.

Nativity Festival

Begin the Christmas celebration at Ephraim Co-op’s seventh annual Nativity Festival to be held Friday-Monday, Dec. 6-9, in the upstairs ballroom, 96 North Main Street. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 6-7; then 4-8 p.m., Dec. 8-9.

The celebration will feature a collection of traditional and non-tradition Nativities from all around the world. For more information, contact Phyllis Thompson (435) 851-4937 or Dale Rae (435) 340-1559.

Santa Lucia Celebration

The Third Annual Scandinavian celebration of Saint Lucia with special music, program and an authentic Scandinavian Smorgasbord Dinner will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., in the Ephraim Co-Op Ballroom, 96 North Main.

Tickets available at the co-op or call (435) 283-6654 between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ephraimcoop.

Saint Lucia, whose name Lucia refers to “light”, is celebrated on Saint Lucy’s Day, also called the Feast of Saint Lucy. It is a Christian feast day normally celebrated during Advent.

History

The Ephraim Co-op building and the Old Granary Art Center were constructed of Oolite stone between 1871 and 1874. They are a rare example of Greek revival architecture with a King Post Truss roof.

The original co-op provided many items in the area for the first time, including store-bought shoes and lace. The building also housed the first post office, a dance hall, and the upstairs housed the Sanpete Stake Academy from 1888 to 1904, which later became Snow College. It has been the center for many town meetings and educational activities over the years.