Plain City Incorporation, Town Boards, and Mayors

Incorporation & 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
  • R. 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
• Town Clerk
  • Fred L. Singleton

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

• President of the Town Board
  • Elmer Carver
• Trustees
  • Floyd A. Palme
  • 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 neighboring property.

A granite monument was erected on the Church grounds 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 (4-year term), Lee Olsen (2-year term), Elvin H. Maw (2-year term), Dean Baker (2-year 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 for 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 on April 4, 1952.

On April 6, 1953, Rulon Chugg was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Lewis Vincenti, who passed away on 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
• Town Clerk
  • Elvin H. ~law

Town Board meetings were now held at President Lee Olsen's home and the LDS 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 LDS Church was dedicated. In 1955, public restrooms 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, to build 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
• Town Clerk
  • Elvin H. Maw

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:

• A book, "A Historical Study of Plain City," by Fern Olsen Taylor.
• Ogden Standard Examiner news clippings.
• 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
• Town Clerk
  • Glen Charlton

The Plain City Ward was divided on 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 40-year-old 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 is now 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 the 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.

"Man's 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 from 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.

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 a full-time

"Public Works Director" for Plain City. Walter Johnson and Elbert Moyes have served as Public Works employees. Carston Illum is presently "a 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 on 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 Lions Club. The building was formerly the Episcopal Church, built in 1877.

Residents of Plain City were asked to post "House Numbers".

Groundbreaking 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:

• Councilman
  • 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.

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:

• Chairman
  • Boyd Parke
  • 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 Lions Club was chartered May 11, 194, with 65 charter members. Dean Baker was chosen as their charter president. The history of the Plain City Lions Club is an inspiring one of unselfish service to the community.

Some years ago, Dean was asked (in an interview concerning the Lions International) how he felt about his Lions Club activities.is answer was, 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 Lions have done more for me than I ever did for them. I was seriously ill and recovering at home after some major surgery, and the Plain City Lions 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 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 unashamedly, e guant 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 Lions Club for a clubhouse. 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 fund, 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 Lions 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 are riding calves. Horse races were also held. Everyone had a great day.

Upper right-hand picture: The old Singleton Home, which 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.