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Show THEIR GOVERNMN by Laura W. Cerrone I. Clrv Since Midvale's incorporation and change of name in 1909, the mayors and city officers have been a powerful force in the shape and direction of local affairs. Providing excellent water and keeping abreast with city services and police protection through growth and change has taken the creative energy of many dedicated people. They built a single-story brick home, which later was enlarged to a two-story, ten-room house at 59 W. Center. This home was razed in 1972 for construction of the Villa Capri apartment complex. Joseph B. Wright's early employment was at the old Midvale smelter and smelter power plant. His next job was foreman of the Utah Mattress Manufacturing Company, located west of the Jordan River on the north side of the highway and immediately west of the old, Jordan Flour Mill, now known asDick's Diesel Repair. MAYOR HYRUM GOFF Hyrum Goff was elected the first mayor of Midvale in June, 1909 and served until December, 1911. (See section on pioneers for personal history.) Councilmen were: Patrick E. Sullivan, John M. Wat son, George A. Jenkins, Holland E. Benedict, Henry P. Miller, Roderick H. McDonald, R. L. Booth, J. Green and Joseph B. Wright. The records show the first meeting of the new mayor and councilmen was held at Jenkins Barber Shop near Mter the mattress company went out -of business, Joseph joined his brother-in-law, John Dunn, to form the Dunn and Contractors with a It is interesting to note that in April of 1896, at ap proximately 345 East Center Street, a grove of two hun dred forty-nine trees, including flowering catalpas, was planted all around a proposed chapel site. As a result, this beautiful park area became the local spot for all early day celebrations for all Mdivale citizens. (Mid vale's original school grounds were east of the Church's grove). In 1912, Joseph B. Wright became the second mayor of Midvale City, serving until 1915. The members of the city council were: George A. Jenkins, Howard E. Phelps, W. B. McGinnis, John A. Aylett, J. A. Alcorn, H. P. Miller, Andrew Larson, Mose E. Garff and Ray L. 51N. Main. newly incorporated area, the levy a tax because the revenue from the saloon licenses was $10,500 and adequate for city needs. Times haven't changed much since then, city of ficials had problems with dogs running loose. A petition from eleven citizens complained about a vicious dog running "at large." Council also approved the nine o'clock whiste blown by the Smelter company be recognized as the curfew signal. "His was probably the largest funeral ever held in Midvale at that time. The combined choirs of Midvale, Union and Sandy under the direction of John Dunn furn ished music. Vocal solors were sung by lone Poulsen and Bernard Anderson. The speakers were: Neils Lind, invocation; Presidents F. M. Lyman and Seymour B. Young; Bishop Orrin P. Miller, James Jensen, Albert Glover, Willard C. Burgon, Bishop Gordon S. Bills, At torney H. A. Smith, President Wm. D. Kuhre, Bishop Joseph Wright and Daniel Bateman." With 14 saloons in the governing body did Wright Builders and lumber yard at 45 E. Center. not have to Booth. He city councilman from 1918 through 1921. rough-and-ready male popUlation, he also had himself deputized as an officer to aid the police force during the night hours. His 1905 diary records the early civic development of Bingham Junction (Midvale) and its citizens: Inducement was made upon E.. Bate "February 4 was a Because of Midvale's - to assume the responsibility of engaging himself in setting up the town cemetery and building a roadway into the cemetery area. On Saturday, Nels Lind and my self paid Christian Amudsen $25 for roadway. A meeting of the Citizens Committee February 20 of the 27th School District was held at the Joseph B. Wright home. The committee discussed the advisability of incor porating the town of East Jordan (Bingham Junction) as man .. - Laura W. Cerrone a city. March 20 Mass meeting was called by the local com mittee to motivate incorporation of Bingham Junction (Midvale). The meeting was held in the East Jordan Ward Chapel. Mayor Stratton of Murray spoke on the benefits and urged us to incorporate the city. Nels Lind, chairman, gave a report of our labors. Most of the people in attendance favored incorporation. Two soreheads were not in favor. I will try to get them to be more neigh borly and sensible. - MAYOR JOSEPH BR'IGHAM WRIGHT Joseph B. Wright was born May 17,1861, at Lichfield, Staffordshire England. In 1883, he and his wife, Annie White Dunn, migrated to America with a group of con . verts. Arriving in Salt Lake City they lived with his sister, Wright Spry, until they moved to Bingham Junc- The Sarah sisted tion. 99 family of Joseph B. of nine and Annie Dunn children: Mary Wright con (Mrs Clarence |
