A History of Wasatch County

Acknowledments

Acknowledgments W* hen the Utah State Historical Society hired me as a preser­vation intern during the summer of 1977, my initial assignment was to research the buddings in Heber City and Wasatch County. I barely knew where Wasatch County was before I was hired, but for six months Heber became my home. I worked long hours photograph­ing buildings, searching titles, and reading past issues of the Wasatch Wave. I lived with Ruth Witt, who became my historical consultant, booster club, and nurse. Years later when Kent Powell asked me if I would be wdling to write this centennial history of Wasatch County, I thought of Ruth. A citizen of Wasatch County by marriage, Ruth had adopted the area as her home wholeheartedly. She loved the land, the buildings, and the people. Because of her great devotion to the area and her support of my work, I have dedicated this volume to her. I sometimes tease Kent that I agreed to write this history because Ruth haunted me. Actually, I was delighted to be able to do something with all my research on Wasatch County. I never finished my work in Heber City because I was transferred to Salt Lake City. For nearly twenty years ACKNOWLEDGMENTS my research notes gathered dust. I started to write a book several times, but I never felt that I had enough material to complete a study. Receiving the contract for this history adowed me to complete my research and finady bring my study of Wasatch County to a close. There are almost too many people to thank, but I don't want to just list their names because each person provided special support. Kent Powed and Craig Fuller from the Historical Society listened to my concerns and complaints and gave me encouragement. When I was deciding if I really wanted to take the contract to write the his­tory, Danny Jorgensen, a sociologist and friend from Florida, traveled through Heber and Round vadeys with me. His enthusiasm about the area was contagious. The staff at the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young Univeristy assisted in the research. Rebecca Vorimo was not only a research assistant but also a friend and "Mother Confessor." I am especiady thankful for Rebecca's hard work in read­ing the Wasatch County census. Then she and her husband, Pasi Vorimo, developed the charts that are included in this volume. Kris Nelson went beyond her job description as a secretary. She not only read the manuscript several times but listened to ad my joys and complaints. Widiam A. "Bert" Wdson, the Redd Center director, encouraged the project and told me that it was valuable. Other employees, such as transcriber Rachel Nathan, helped in processing Rebecca's oral histories. I received valuable assistance from archives throughout the state of Utah. I enjoyed working with the staff at the Brigham Young University Library, the University of Utah Special Collections, the Utah State Historical Society, and the Utah State University Special Collections. I am especially indebted to my friends at the LDS Church Archives. Ron Watt and Mike Landon helped me locate records and discover information that I might have overlooked. Other archives which are not used as frequently also provided assis­tance. Bernice Mooney graciously opened the Catholic archives in Salt Lake City. I visited the Heber City office of the Uinta National Forest and received assistance from the staff there and from members of the Provo office. The staff at the Bureau of Reclamation office in Provo gave me the opportunity to look through their files. These ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi helped me understand the construction of Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir. Wasatch County residents-past and present-have also helped with the project. The Wasatch County Commissioners made sure that the Redd Center was paid. I spent several days reading the Wasatch County School Board minutes in the school district office. The staff provided excellent working conditions. People in the Wasatch County courthouse and the Heber City offices also helped me find material. I am especiady grateful for Bob Mathis's assistance. When I worked in Heber back in 1977, Bob had just started working for the county. He provided me with office space and discussions about historic preservation. When I returned to write this history, I interviewed him about his experiences watching the county grow and change. I enjoy discussing history with Bob. Finally Jerry Springer, Kenneth O. Kohler, and Barbara and Guy S. McDonald, Wasatch County residents, agreed to read the manuscript. Springer helped me understand the mining history better. Kohler explained the on-going research on Native American history. The McDonalds pointed out some embarrassing errors and gave valuable insights on Wasatch County history since 1940, especiady aviation history. Friends and famdy have also supported this project. Janet Embry, my sister, friend, and critic, agreed to edit the manuscript as my Christmas present one year. My father, Bertis L. Embry, who spent years developing irrigation projects throughout the world tried to explain water law to me. Ron Shook agreed to celebrate almost every completed task. And countless other friends listened to Wasatch County stories. In other words, this history has consumed much of my time and thoughts for several years. County residents frequently asked me how my study would be different from How Beautiful Upon the Mountains. I worked very hard to explain how events in Wasatch County related to Utah and United States history. I also developed theories that tied the events together. I think I came up with some workable ideas that I hope will help Wasatch County citizens and others understand the area. But as with any study, these are my ideas. While others have helped and encouraged me, I am responsible for the final project.