About March 22, 1852, James Allred, his son, James T.S. Allred, and others, left Manti to explore potential settlement areas in Sanpete. Deciding on an area where many springs and two mountain creeks could provide water, this became known as Canal and the Allred Settlement. As Indian attacks drove off their stock and harassed them during 1852 and 1853, they called for reinforcements from President Brigham Young who sent a large group of Danish immigrants to help. Continuing Indian problems called for an evacuation in December 1853 and all their efforts were burned to the ground in January 1854. Refugees fled to Manti's fort but crowded conditions forced them to seek other arrangements in the spring, and Fort Ephraim emerged as another Sanpete settlement.
By 1859 many of Fort Ephraim's founders yearned to return to the Allred Settlement/Little Denmark/Spring Town and received President Young's blessings to do so. By the 1860 Census a number of original families had returned and new settlers had joined them. Indian problems continued, however, until an 1872 treaty was signed. Elder Orson Hyde was the residing L.D.S. Church authority, Apostle and Stake President in Sanpete County, as well as Indian Agent. His rock home is located on our Main Street.
Spring Town was incorporated as Spring City in 1870. The name is derived from the many springs along Main Street, including the William Blain spring located in the center of Main Street and piped to the monument just a few yards west on 100 North where you may enjoy a cold, refreshing drink of water. There are also many soggy areas west of Main Street.
Growth began in earnest after the 1870 incorporation as a Co-op store, wagon shop, blacksmith shops, entertainment hall, meeting house, and many other enterprises were built by residents. By 1880, the population had reached 850, with more to come. The talented Danish population was of great help in the construction of homes and public buildings. Some years later, a city hall, four general stores, a meat market, a drug store, another amusement hall, a confectionary, a post office, a millinery shop, a hotel, and other businesses emerged; and by 1890 when the railroad appeared through the valley, there were many products to export. At the same time, importing goods and travel became much easier for those who lived here. Sanpete became known as the Granary of Utah.
Early pioneers had discovered red pine in their mountains, good clay for adobe bricks, and oolite limestone in several local deposits. Eventually, a brick factory was constructed, in addition to a shingle mill, sawmills and other operations to aid in the building of the town. Many local men became involved in building large sheep herds which were grazed in local mountain areas and provided employment.
The elementary school was constructed in 1899 through the efforts of a local man who mortgaged his sheep herd; the beautiful LDS chapel was completed by 1911, and dedicated in 1914. Richard C. Watkins was the architect for both buildings. A small Methodist Church was built for use as a school and church, as well as a home for the teachers, and Presbyterians dispatched teachers to increase the quality of education for the town's children. Many small schools were consolidated into one group when the large elementary school was completed.
After 1910, the population decreased due in to the lure of the big cities, as well as the decreasing amount of land available to spit up for large families. There were still many small businesses in town during those years, including a car dealership, small stores, service stations, car repair shops, a creamery, and so on. When automobiles and better roads became more prevalent, local stores suffered as people traveled further to purchase their goods. Passenger travel by train ceased after 1949, although the Sanpete Swift, as some nicknamed it, still made its presence known until the 1980's.
By 1970, Spring City was referred to as a semi-ghost town because of the boarded up houses, closed stores, and declining population. However, every cloud has its silver lining --the bypassing of Spring City by U.S. 89 in 1957 provided this silver lining. Older homes were not replaced by new ones, thus some of the beautiful, but aging architectural gems found here were not lost to future generations. The L.D.S. Chapel, although nearly torn down, was saved by a far-sighted and historically minded Bishop Osral Allred, and a beautiful addition was constructed in the mid 1970’s from the same oolite limestone as the original chapel. Gradually, young families, wanting to raise their children in a more rural atmosphere, appeared to either build a home, or restore one that was already available, and elementary school children were saved from being bussed to Mt Pleasant.
Since 1970, the population of Spring City has increased with older homes finally being restored or remodeled and several commercial buildings being used for various businesses. There have also been many new homes built both in and near the town. In 1984, after seeing the population increase, two L.D.S. wards were created from the long time single ward.
Currently we have two active Bed and Breakfasts, with another being planned. A number of well known artists have purchased and restored older homes. A new Art Gallery resides in the John Frantzen home, Michael R. Workman's art studio is located in the Osborne Merc, the Spring City Kitchen makes great hamburgers in the old Baxter Confectionary, the Gardners have added office space to the 1915 Lyceum Theater building, a Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum graces the 1893 City Hall, Joe Bennion shapes and sells his pottery inside Arthur Johnson's Meat Market, the old Bishop's storehouse is now a residence, the City Offices are currently housed in the 1917 Junior High School (later the elementary), and the old Baxter & Blain store building shelters several artists.
In addition to the artists and craftsmen, residents rub shoulders with a variety of new and old neighbors, including retired couples from many distant places; a few farmers; turkey plant, bank, store, and Snow College workers; many teachers, truck and bus drivers; and, many who have their own unique businesses.
Each year for more than 25 years Heritage Day has been held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with the main goal in mind of ‘old school’ restoration. Other restoration projects, such as saving suffering barns and offering a college Scholarship, have also been achieved by the Friends of Historic Spring City. An Antique Sale and Art Show and Sale have been added in recent years. Another celebration was added in September 2006 when the many artists who are interested in Spring City combined to present a tour of Artist's Studios and other art related events for children and adults. The 24th of July, Pioneer Day, is still part of the town’s celebrations.
Kaye Watson, 2007
