The Charm of a Barn.

If a barn could speak, what secrets and stories would it reveal?  Surely it would tell of the birthing of a calf or foal; the death of a long milked cow or well ridden mare.  Amongst the hay bales the trails of rodents hunted by cats; or lovers having a roll around.  Musings of a daydreamer, perhaps, but there is something about a barn that has rustic charm and brings about wonder.

The basic definition (FreeDictionary.com) of a barn is, “A large building for sheltering livestock, storing hay or other agricultural products, or housing equipment used for operating a farm. 2. A large shed for the housing of vehicles, such as railroad cars.”  Actually there are various sites giving either less or more of a definition, but to store or shelter is the main focus of a barn’s existence.  While some think, “this is nothing more than a utility building”, for others, like the Amish and Old Order Mennonite, the barn is not just an important feature of farming, but of overall life on the farm.  A “barn raising” is a huge deal in the community; families come by horse and buggy; the men to build the structure while the women prepare the feast to be enjoyed later on, and a bit of gossiping too.  It is the “community center” for parties, dances, wedding receptions, basically all social gatherings.

 

Back in 1997, the Smithsonian Institute developed a nationwide tour, “Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon”; visiting four rural sites in designated states, one of which was Utah; Wellsville, Heber City, Monticello (July/August 1998) and Ephraim.  The focus: who, what, where, why, where and how of an American icon…The Barn.  Featured in the Monticello site was the early 1900s built barn which became the Frontier Museum.  Originally a storage facility for the L.H. Redd Hardware/Mercantile, it was moved to its present location on Main Street (purchased by the City of Monticello) due to the tireless effort of the Monticello Foundation, headed by San Juan Record’s Bill Boyle.

 

 
 

Main Street between 200 and 300 South - given to Ginger Tracy by Joyce Martin; San Juan County Historical Commission.

 

Barn seen to the left of the Post Office.

Missy Votel of Durango’s Cross Currants wrote, “First order of business was to move the barn….back corner of lot, away from street, to front and center…put on rollers and moved approximately 60 yards.” The barn was of simple design, one entry way, one window, nothing to truly write home and brag about; but it was historic and needed to be preserved.  Temporary shingles were put on to keep out the elements; built on were an entry way and small storage room; eye pleasing features of faux barn doors and hayloft pulley were added.  Inside electricity and plumbing needed to be installed; the second floor (hayloft) could only be accessed via ladder (donations and grants needed to install an elevator, and not achieved as yet). 

 

 

 

 

Herringbone Pattern in Wood Planking

In 1998, plans by the City included a Visitors Center which was built in 2008 and is attached to the museum; 2013 saw the creation of the Big 4 Tractor Building which houses, of course, the Big 4 Tractor.  The field next to this building was, more than likely, for the Community Center proposed in 1998; however, that is now located at the Hideout Golf Course.  The field is used during Pioneer Day weekend activities for the Mud Tractor Pull; a huge attraction for locals and visitors alike.

 

 The first curator, and largest donor, to the Frontier Museum was Nell Dalton; after her death, her daughter, Ginger Tracy, became curator.  With her help, I was able to amass photographs, newspaper articles and information about the barn.  The museum is an eclectic collection representing Monticello and San Juan County’s Native Americans, the Pioneers and their descendants.  Framed black and white photographs, historical documents, memoirs; kitchen gadgets that make many a visitor state, “I remember my grandmother using that!”  The Hyland Hotel (National Register of Historic Places – July 28, 1994) is a featured exhibit, as well as Marie Ogden’s “new age cult”, The Home of Truth which has been written about by BYU Professor, Joel Campbell, and Emma Kemp, an instructor at California Institute of the Arts and Otis College BFA Fine Art of Arts. 

 
At one time, the City’s “museum” was located in the San Juan County building; artifacts stored in the cellar.  This was all transferred to the Frontier Museum once it had been established.  The second floor is closed off and contains all those artifacts not designated for display…yet.  Plans are in the works for a “rotation” system, and new donations, whether monetary or artifacts, are always welcomed!

Monticello Diorama depicting 1888 to 1911

  


Main Street Quilt created for 100th Anniversary of Monticello's Founding.

 Whether a local who walks by, or a visitor driving in for a rest stop, come on into the Frontier Museum and have a look about.  You never know what you’ll find.

Monticello Welcome Center/Frontier Museum/Big 4 Tractor Building
216 South Main Street
PO Box 182
Monticello, Utah, 84535

(435) 587-3401

Mary Cokenour

WANTED! Visitors, Tourists, Golfers, Adventurers to Monticello, Utah.

Spring is here and the weather is prime for visiting Southeastern Utah!  Not sure where to go and stay or what to see and do; here's a hint...begin your adventure in Monticello, Utah.  This "little city" may have that small hometown look and feel, but it is the focal point of grand and great adventures.  Being the crossroads of Route 191 and Route 491 makes it the epicenter for reaching the Four Corners of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.


First building you need to make your way to is the Monticello Frontier Museum/Welcome Center which is quickly becoming the premier information center of San Juan County; clean restrooms; free informational brochures, booklets, local phone books and maps; an assortment of books, maps, postcards, puzzles, toys, apparel for sale; a diorama of Monticello spanning 1888 to 1911; the museum allowing the viewer to see a history of San Juan County's pioneers and Native American cultures; fine examples of horse drawn farm implements adorn the outside of the building.  The newest edition is the "Big 4 Tractor" museum which houses the famous tractor, and will include photos and implements associated with tractors.   The "Community Ambassadors" who staff the Center live locally, so are a great resource when it comes to planning out your stay.  Their philosophy is, "We don't just give you vacation ideas, we send you on an Adventure!"; whether planning out a day trip, or several days, they can map out travel loops to maximize your total experience.

Need gas, snacks, cold drinks; there are three gasoline/convenience stores within the town: Shell, Maverik and Conoco.  The Conoco station encompasses a Subway and also offers hot, freshly made pizza.  The Shell station encompasses a Taco Time and Chesters Fried Chicken ; while Maverik offers its own line of hot food products.

Hold on now, what about a freshly made boxed lunch to take out on that hiking, driving or climbing adventure; the Peacetree Cafe offers smoothies, wraps, salads and sandwiches while PJ's Cafe does the more traditional hot sandwiches, burgers and fries.  Looking for a sit down place, again the Peacetree and PJ's offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, but if you're looking for comfort food that makes you go "Ahhhh" and makes you feel warm all over, then head on over to the R & F Restaurant, (435) 587-2400.   K & A Chuckwagon will be reopening soon (June 2014) to offer its authentic chuckwagon style dinners.  Looking for a steakhouse (serving dinner only, beginning at 5pm), Line Camp Steakhouse, (435) 587-2351 (9 miles north on Peters Hill), is your go-to place and offers seafood dishes also.   Line Camp is also the location for the Runnin' Iron Inn and offers sites for RVs and camping.


Line Camp Steakhouse and Runnin' Iron Inn

What kind of stores can offer amenities to travelers?  Blue Mountain Foods is the local market and while the selection may be limited, they do have the best bakery in the area.  If you have special dietary needs or are looking for a much larger selection in variety, then City Market in Moab, Utah or Cortez, Colorado (a Walmart also) is your best bet.  Before going, make sure to plan out your trip to Kane Creek Overlook, Flat Pass/Steel Bender, Canyonlands National Park (all in San Juan County) if heading to Moab.  Colorado way, get details on the Hovenweep National Monument and Lowry Pueblo Ruins loop; visit the Anasazi Heritage Museum; or make the pilgrimage to Mesa Verde.

San Juan Pharmacy offers all types of health and beauty aids, plus a selection of gifts and souvenirs; while you're there, say hello to the pharmacist, and Mayor of Monticello, Tim Young.  The Merchantile has household items, and sells fabrics for all you quilters that cannot resist buying up new fat squares or yards; a Family Dollar just had their grand opening on Center Street; Napa Auto is on Main Street for your automotive needs.  Looking for Native American crafts or unusual gifts, try out the Abajo Trading Post or the new Monticello Artisan Co-Op.  Are you in need of auto repair, oil change, or just want to make sure your vehicle is in good shape?  Call Steve at Draper's Towing and Repair, (435) 587-2788; if he isn't able to help you out, he won't hesitate to direct you to another auto service in the town that can.   Needing cash fast?  Wells Fargo and Zions Bank have ATMs; while you might not want to travel with a lot of cash, most businesses take Visa and Mastercard (American Express and Discover not so much).

Monticello has an assortment of hotels, motels, a bed and breakfast (Grist Mill Inn), National Forest campgrounds, RV parks and campsites.  To find the best place suited to your desires, check out reviews on TripAdvisor.com or Yelp.com; what better way than to hear what fellow travelers have to recommend?  Still not sure, once again, call or go to the best source in town, the Welcome Center!






Did you know that, besides the typical cattle ranches, Monticello has an alpaca ranch?  The Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, Dorothy Pipkin-Padilla (Owner), Phone: (435) 419-0750, Email: dpalpaca9@yahoo.com  Alpaca items are for sale, especially the "pooh" for all you gardeners; tour group coordinators, call Dorothy and see about arranging a tour of the ranch.








Golfers, are you looking for a paradise full of green lawn and holes-in-one; the Hideout Golf Course is your siren's song.

Lastly, looking to buy or rent a home here in Monticello; contact Robert Hatch at Lex Realty, (435) 587-1044, Email: roberthatch@frontiernet.net to help find that perfect location for your needs. 

Remember, a stay in Southeastern Utah begins in Monticello, Utah...who knows, you might love it so much, you'll be buying a home through Lex Realty.

Mary Cokenour

Marie Ogden and her Home of Truth.

Gates to Marie's Place; the Inner Portal
 

After moving to Monticello in 2009, Roy and I took many a ride around the area we were now calling home.   Going along Route 211, three miles from the junction of Route 191, we came across, what we thought to be, an old western homestead. 

 

There are several wood frame buildings and a tall set of wooden pillars with a sign indicating that this was "Marie's Place".   Before you reach this part, on the opposite side of the road, are buildings on the range, obviously old and abandoned; also a rock foundation of what, at first, looks like Indian ruins.  Going back into town, we began asking around for information on this location.  Basically, anyone under the age of 50 had no idea of what we were referring to or where.  Residents over 50 were a different story altogether; the consensus was that this was a "cowboy town" complete with saloon and brothel that was abandoned once the Mormon population began to increase in number.  Not condoning alcohol and prostitution, the residents of this "town" were eventually driven out.

I went to the local library to see if there was any history of that "town" in writings or photos, but was told there were none.  Getting busy with settling in the home, going to work and taking care of our little family of four legged children; I forgot about "Marie's Place".  Now this is a whole new year of new adventures, this travel blog for one, and my quest for information on "Marie's Place" has resumed.  To the Internet I went and oh what a story I found; not too many sources of information, but pretty consistent in content.  This was no "cowboy town", but a "spiritual community", also known as a "cult"; The Home of Truth.



Born May 31, 1883, originally from Newark, New Jersey, Marie Ogden became highly interested in spiritualism and the metaphysical after the death of her husband in 1929.  Personally, I wonder how much of this was influenced by Houdini's (death 1926) history, since he spent so much of his life attempting to prove there was an afterlife, and contacting his deceased mother.  Marie formed the "School of Truth" in Idaho, but had a falling out with her mentor over differing political views; giving credence to the ideal that church and state should stay separated.  Learning that there was cheap land for sale in San Juan County, Utah; she and many of her followers snapped up parcels of land in Dry Valley (15 miles north of Monticello) in 1933.  Dirt cheap was no joke, since the land was so dry and infertile; no crops could be cultivated there and it is still the same way to this day.  Cattle roam this range land, lazing on the hard ground, or nibbling away at any weed brave enough to try and grow.

The group's membership reached about 100 people, believing that Marie's ears heard God's words, or more exactly, that he wrote his instructions and doctrines to her via her typewriter.  Made perfect sense since she was the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary, or so she claimed.  She also claimed that the second coming of Christ would occur at Church Rock, and that the location of Home of Truth was to be God's Kingdom on Earth.  Marie was a shrewd woman as well; she handled all the community's financial business, purchased the San Juan Record, became its editor and wrote about her metaphysical ideals for all the county to read.  However, around 1937, her own members began to wonder about all the strange goings on, and probably Marie's sanity.  She kept a female member's dead body claiming that the woman would come to life again; she was arrested for not having a death certificate, but later released due to the body "disappearing".  Two stories on that, one is that the body was cremated after the local sheriff started to investigate; the other is that the mummified body is still buried on the property somewhere.  The members eventually left, Marie supported herself by teaching piano lessons and finally passed away in 1975 at the San Juan Nursing Home in Blanding, Utah.  Her personal items were sold at auction; many ended up being donated to the Frontier Museum which is located at the Monticello Welcome Center.










Enough about Marie Ogden and more about the makeup of all the buildings still standing on the property. By the way, the property is now privately owned and maintained; but no word if it will ever be opened up to the public as an attraction. Seems a waste to let this little piece of history of the Southwest, and San Juan County, just break up into dust and blow away.

Home of Truth was made up of three sections;  Outer Portal, Middle Portal and the Inner Portal.



The Outer Portal was made up of a dormitory for visitors and non-members of the group; also utility and storage buildings.

That rock foundation I thought were Indian ruins; that is actually the unfinished temple located in the Middle Portal.



Unfinished Temple; the Middle Portal

The Inner Portal inside the gated and fenced area was the location of member dormitories, root cellar, meeting place, outhouses and Marie's home.  During the 1970s, while Marie was in the nursing home, the property was left abandoned and used as shelter by anyone passing through.  It was burnt to the ground by some of these trespassers, but it was said that her home was more lavish with a porch, several bedrooms and an underground two car garage.

 Well there you have it, the little that is known about Marie Ogden and her "Home of Truth".  In San Juan County, there is such a huge effort made to preserve, conserve and draw attention to Native American cultures and the Mormon pioneers.  The "Home of Truth" community is also a piece of the County's history, of the settling of this area of the Southwest, and should receive just as much effort.

Mary Cokenour

Update:  July 2015

The 16' x 24' cave that can be seen inside Church Rock was contracted out by landowner, Claud Young.  It was dynamited out in the 1940s, so the rancher could store feed and salt licks for his cattle.  Claud Young was owner of this property during the time that Marie Ogden and her group resided in Dry Valley.  While some like to believe in the theory that Home of Truth members chiseled out the cave by hand to begin creating a church inside; this believe is based on hearsay, not facts.

There is another story about the Mormon pioneers creating the cave, but this happens to be another legend, and that is all; no truth to it.