Pioneer Village at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah, offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich pioneer heritage. Originally established in Salt Lake City, the village has evolved over decades, becoming a beloved attraction for those interested in Utah’s history. This article explores the fascinating journey of Pioneer Village, from its humble beginnings to its current location at Lagoon.
The Salt Lake City Origins of Pioneer Village
The story of Pioneer Village begins in Salt Lake City in 1948. Horace A. and Ethel Sorensen, driven by a passion for preserving history, founded Pioneer Village at 2998 S. 2150 East (Connor Street). The Sorensens, who were also in the furniture business and antique collectors, amassed a significant collection of historical artifacts, including coaches, wagons, and antique furniture. They transformed a former roundhouse, previously used for American Saddle-bred Horses, into a small museum, opening its doors on October 24, 1948.
As their collection grew, so did their vision. In 1954, they expanded the museum by remodeling a large barn on their five-acre property. Interestingly, the construction of the Wanship Dam played a role in the village’s early growth. As the town of Rockport was set to be submerged by the dam’s reservoir, Sorensen relocated several buildings from Rockport to his site, adding to the authenticity of his pioneer village. These relocated structures, combined with other historic buildings, helped create a comprehensive representation of pioneer-era shops and life.
In 1956, the Sorensens generously deeded the entire Pioneer Village collection and property to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers (SUP). This transfer marked a new chapter for the village, entrusting its preservation to a historical society dedicated to honoring Utah’s pioneers.
However, maintaining such an extensive collection proved challenging. Despite charging admission (75 cents for adults and 25 cents for children in the early 1970s), Pioneer Village faced a significant annual deficit, reaching as high as $5,000. The Sons of Utah Pioneers began considering selling the village as early as 1969, engaging in discussions with both the Utah State Department of Recreation and Lagoon Corporation.
By the spring of 1975, a decision was made. The Sons of Utah Pioneers agreed to sell the entire pioneer collection to Lagoon Corporation for $275,000. Lagoon also undertook the responsibility of covering all moving expenses, signaling a significant investment in preserving this piece of Utah’s history. Lagoon’s interest was driven by a vision to make Pioneer Village a major bicentennial project, leading to its relocation and reopening in Farmington in 1976.
Pioneer Village Finds a New Home at Lagoon
Lagoon Amusement Park provided a fresh start for Pioneer Village. In 1975, the acquisition by Lagoon set the stage for a significant expansion and revitalization of the historical exhibit. The move to Lagoon was completed in time for the nation’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976, transforming Pioneer Village into a key attraction within the popular amusement park.
One notable event during the relocation was the transportation of the former Union Pacific Kaysville depot. On a Tuesday afternoon, December 10, 1975, the depot was moved from its Salt Lake City location to Lagoon, causing a minor traffic disruption as it journeyed to its new home. This depot became a prominent feature of Pioneer Village at Lagoon, housing a museum dedicated to railroad history and lore.
Lagoon’s Pioneer Village also became home to a collection of narrow-gauge railroad equipment donated in 1953 to the original Salt Lake City location by the Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad. This included a D&RGW boxcar (number 3576), a gondola (number 1051), and an eight-wheel caboose (number 0573). These historic railcars were displayed near the Kaysville depot, further enhancing the pioneer-era atmosphere. While there were hopes to add D&RGW locomotive 223 to the collection, it unfortunately did not come to fruition.
The Narrow Gauge Equipment’s Journey to Ogden and Beyond
Pioneer Village at Lagoon continued to operate for over a decade, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience pioneer life. However, in 1989, Lagoon decided to expand its offerings with a new water park, “Lagoon-A-Beach.” This expansion required the removal of Pioneer Village’s narrow-gauge railroad equipment and small steam railroad.
Tragically, the story of the narrow-gauge equipment took a devastating turn in March 2006. While stored in Ogden, a fire in an adjacent building spread, engulfing the storage location. The three historic railcars were destroyed in the blaze, a sad loss for railroad history enthusiasts and a poignant end to their journey from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad to Pioneer Village Lagoon and finally to Ogden.
Despite the loss of the railroad equipment, Pioneer Village Lagoon remains a significant and enduring attraction. It stands as a testament to the vision of Horace and Ethel Sorensen and Lagoon’s commitment to preserving Utah’s pioneer heritage for generations to come. Visitors to Lagoon Amusement Park can still explore Pioneer Village and immerse themselves in the sights and experiences of Utah’s past.
