Cache County Highlights Lecturer Keeps Listeners Laughing

By Brooke Barker in the Hard News Café 

October 2, 2006 | "Imagine if that happened today. Channel 5 news would be here for sure to see the men dancing with each other up Logan Canyon, wearing pink and blue ribbons," exclaimed Kenneth Godfrey, describing the dances the men from the valley would have while working on the Logan LDS temple construction.

 

"There weren't many women working at the saw mill, and the men kept themselves entertained by having dances. Those wearing the blue ribbons got to lead, and pink had to follow.”

 

Every seat was packed Thursday evening [Sept 28] in the Merrill-Cazier Library's auditorium with friends, relatives and those just wanting to hear a good story about the quirks that helped shape Cache County. Godfrey kept the crowd laughing with historical stories he deemed among the 25 pivotal events in the county's history.

 

"They are not in any way to say the most important, some of the events I thought would be interesting to talk on this evening," said Godfrey as he opened his lecture. "So don't get all uptight if I don't mention your event, just write a book yourself and maybe someone will buy it -- maybe."

 

The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization that raises money for the Merrill-Cazier Library and seeks to further the appreciation of books throughout the community.

 

Godfrey, who sits on the Board of Directors for the organization, was recently involved with writing a city history section, the preface, "Cache Valley Before the Mormons," and "The Mormons Come to Cache Valley" portions of the new book, "A History of Cache County: Towns, Families, Commerce and Organizations."

 

Godfrey didn't quite manage to get through all 25 events, but came close, covering 20 great people, stories and places from the history of Cache County during the short lecture.

 

Some of the highlights included the death of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prophet Brigham Young, the coming of the railroad, water, inventions and farming.

 

Godfrey grew up in Cornish, which added to the insights and memories he shared, such as a fight that broke out between an LDS bishop and his counselor concerning water rights.

 

"Water was so important that when the canal was completed in Preston they had a grand parade following the water as it traveled down the canal," said Godfrey. "Once it actually reached Preston they let out a Hosannah shout, which was normally reserved for temple dedications."

 

Godfrey also mentioned important figures and famous men and women to come out of the area since it was first settled in 1855 with Elkhorn Ranch and in 1856 with Maughan's Fort, which later became Wellsville.

 

"We can't forget to mention the women of Smithfield who managed to ban liquor until they were out-voted," he said. Other important figures included Leora Thatcher, a Broadway performer; Lula Greene Richards, the first publisher of the LDS magazine "The Friend;" Anthon H. Lund, who passed legislation to set up Utah State Agricultural College and Experiment Station.

 

After the lecture, listeners could look at several books from Special Collections that highlighted Cache Valley's history and talk with Godfrey about their own memories of the once-small community. Those interested could also purchase copies of the book for $60, which includes more interesting stories Godfrey was unable to cover during his lecture. A portion of the book's profit will be going back to help fund library projects.