By Maegan Butterfield
The Emery County Historical Society enjoyed Saturday afternoon visiting local towns Castle Dale and Orangeville to view vintage cars, tractors and the new pioneer monument in Orangeville Cemetery.
Members met at the Museum of the San Rafael in Castle Dale where they were instructed on how the day would go. The first stop was the home of Elwin and Juanita Rasmussen of Castle Dale where people were in awe and amazement of four different Ford model cars, including a Ford Model T. The favorite seemed to be an old white convertible car owned by the Rasmussens that came from Florida. Mr. Rasmussen let the people look around and get inside the cars while he told his history of how his cars came to be.
The society made their way to Orangeville second, to the home of Pat Jones. He owns a 1946 John Deer Tractor also known as a “popper” because of the sound the engine makes when turned on. Jones gave the society a good idea of what the tractor sounded like when he turned on the engine for the tour. He also is the owner of an old Ford car, two more old tractors, including a small 1948 Gibson, and an old fashioned yellow Honda Express bicycle.
Jones then took the group to Orangeville Cemetery to tell the story of how the new monument came to be. He explained it took seven different Eagle Scout projects to complete the whole monument. It includes a pavilion with benches and cemetery records inside for people to view when needed. Behind the pavilion are two stones dedicated to the pioneer families and the other a brief history of the Orangeville pioneer settlement. Four more stones are located on the monument that are dedicated to the Orangeville veterans.
The Emery County Historical Society ended its fun day by gathering together for a BBQ lunch and to enjoy each other’s company.
