The pink house on the corner of 68 South and 100 East in Price has been a sight that has become commonplace for many Carbon County residents. On Friday, however, the home was full of energy and excitement as a ribbon cutting was hosted as the Bryner Pioneer Museum opened its doors after 12 long years of preparation.
Hans Ulrich Bryner, a Mormon Pioneer who helped to settle the Price area in 1883, gave the plot of land to his son, Albert Alma Bryner, who built the house at the corner where it still stands, finishing it in 1892.
Albert contributed much to the area in the realms of politics and religion as he served as a Democratic representative from Price and was instrumental in the building of the city’s tabernacle.
After Albert moved to St. George in 1930 for his ailing health, the house changed names and functions for the community a number of times. The home served as an upholstery shop, two mortuaries, a living quarters and even a credit union.
It wasn’t until Sue Christensen, the current director of the museum, took notice of the facility that the house was restored to its former glory. Christensen, who would visit Price with her husband to visit family, would often drive past the home and think to herself of the potential the house offered. After becoming involved with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Christensen was able to take on the project of restoring and renovating the house into a museum.
“The very first thing we did was we replaced the roof,” she explained. “The roof was in really bad shape.”
From the roof to various other projects in and around the house, Christensen has been with the house for all 12 of the years needed to restore it to its former glory.
Help came from several different foundations as well as private donations to bring the house back from the dust and weeds of years gone by. Local contractor Charlie Jones reportedly helped with most of the interior renovations, whereas volunteers cleaned, painted and sewed the house back into shape.
“It was a great feeling,” Christensen stated in regards to Friday’s ribbon cutting. Of personal importance, Christensen was excited to see Bruce Bryner, a descendent of Hans Bryner, in attendance.
Wanting to have the museum completed in time for Bruce to view it, Christensen was elated when Bruce was able to attend and also celebrate his 92 birthday while at the ribbon cutting, as both were on July 22.
“That was the best part,” she said. “That he was here when we had the ribbon cutting.”
The museum, which offers attendees a chance to walk through the home observing period clothing, furnishings and appliances, is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the establishment being closed on Sundays and Mondays. Those interested may also call (435) 630-1969 for a private tour.
