Lehi, Utah, boasts a rich history, and at the heart of its community spirit is Pioneer Party, a business with roots stretching back over a century. What began as the Lehi Drug Store in 1917 has evolved into a beloved local institution, reflecting the changing times and the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of Lehi. The story of Pioneer Party is a testament to family legacy, community service, and the power of adaptation in the face of changing consumer needs, all anchored in the heart of Lehi.
The physical location of Pioneer Party also carries its own history. Originally the site of the Garff Hall, also known as the Lehi Opera House, the building was razed in 1962 by Abe Ekins, a local pharmacist. Ekins, a forward-thinking entrepreneur, envisioned a modern facility to house his pharmacy and other businesses, commissioning local builder Melvin Anderson for the project. This new building became the foundation for the future of Lehi Drug and eventually Pioneer Party, demonstrating a commitment to progress while serving the Lehi community.
Abe Ekins was more than just a pharmacist; he was a pillar of the Lehi community. Having taken over the Lehi Drug Store from his father-in-law, Gerald Taylor, in 1917, Abe dedicated over thirty-four years to providing essential services and friendly interactions. Known affectionately as “Honest Abe,” he embodied the trustworthy and personable nature of a local business owner. This dedication to service was passed down to his son, Dale G. Ekins, who continued the family tradition before eventually selling the business to his daughter, Emily Ekins Ames. This fourth-generation transition highlights the deep family roots and commitment to Lehi that define Pioneer Party’s history.
The Lehi Drug Store, under both Abe and Dale Ekins, was more than just a place to fill prescriptions. It was a community hub, a place where friendly banter and personal connections were as much a part of the experience as healthcare. By 1989, The Lehi Drug Store had grown to become the largest independently owned drugstore in northern Utah County, a testament to its importance and the community’s support. This success was built on a foundation of personal service and adapting to the needs of Lehi residents.
Recognizing changing consumer preferences, Dale Ekins, along with his wife Karen and their daughters, identified an opportunity to expand their offerings. They noticed Lehi shoppers enjoyed giving small gifts and cards to friends and family. This insight led to a significant transformation in 1995. Dale sold the pharmacy to K-Mart, and Lehi Drug was reborn as Pioneer Party and Copy. This strategic shift marked a new chapter, focusing on celebration and personal connection through gifts and party supplies.
The transition to Pioneer Party proved to be incredibly successful. The unique gift bags and creative, often humorous, sayings resonated deeply with Lehi residents. As word spread, a website was launched to cater to growing demand, and the business experienced explosive growth. Emily Ames recounted, “We sometimes had more than 1500 orders a week to create and ship,” illustrating the widespread appeal and operational scale Pioneer Party achieved. This growth was fueled by the creativity and hard work of the women on staff, whose innovative ideas were crucial to Pioneer Party’s unique product offerings.
The decision to pass the business to the next generation was a carefully considered one. After two years of deliberation, weighing options from selling to outside parties to liquidating, Emily and her husband, Dan Ames, stepped forward to continue the family legacy. Dan, a BYU professor, brought fresh perspectives and a passion for Lehi’s history, while Emily, having grown up in the business, understood its heart and soul. Sarah Barnhurst, another of Dale’s daughters, also remained with Pioneer Party, ensuring the continuation of the fun and creative spirit in their gift offerings.
Emily and Dan Ames are not only committed to maintaining the Pioneer Party legacy but also to enhancing it. Their vision includes a dedicated section within the store to celebrate the unique history of Lehi. Emily envisions a space filled with “original Lehi memorabilia” where visitors and residents alike can connect with the town’s intriguing past. Adding to the customer experience, they plan to introduce a counter serving fountain drinks and bulk candies, reminiscent of old-fashioned soda fountains and candy stores, further enhancing the nostalgic and community-focused atmosphere.
Dan Ames, with his background as a civil engineer, is particularly excited about the building itself. Discovering what he calls a “treasure trove of 70 years of ancient technology” in the basement, he sees the building as a physical embodiment of Lehi’s history. Having embraced Lehi as his new home, Dan is enthusiastic about creating a space where people can experience and appreciate the town’s heritage. Emily also plans to expand the store’s printing capabilities, continuing to serve local builders and businesses, highlighting the diverse services Pioneer Party offers to the community.
While acknowledging the ongoing challenge of parking in historic downtown Lehi, Dale Ekins expresses hope that the city will find solutions to improve accessibility for visitors. Looking towards his retirement, Dale is eager to travel with his wife Karen and continue his community service through Meals on Wheels and the Lehi Rotary Club. He remains connected to Pioneer Party as an advisor and takes pride in seeing his granddaughter Anna representing the fifth generation involved in the family business, ensuring the Ekins-Ames legacy in Lehi continues for years to come. The story of Pioneer Party Lehi is more than just a business narrative; it is a story of a family deeply intertwined with the history and heart of Lehi, Utah, dedicated to community, celebration, and enduring legacy.
