by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

On Saturday, July 20 the Camp Geyser Daughters of Utah Pioneers held a dedication ceremony for the historic Fremont school bell, which represents the sacrifice, resilience, and preservation the early pioneers of Fremont represented.

“It is so special to dedicate this pioneer treasure,” said Lauralee Williams, Wayne Company President, Camp Captain DUP. “This has been four years in the making to certify and gain this monument.”

Steve Taylor, local historian, spoke on the significance of the bell and the question that was finally answered, where had the bell gone?

He explained that it was by accident the bell was returned to Fremont, as Pamela Brodie, became the executive of the estate for Dean Brimhall, her brother. Brodie had contacted a ranger at nearby Capitol Reef National Park and was referred to Taylor.

“When I spoke with Brodie I knew that the bell had to of been the Fremont school bell,” said Taylor. “There was no other bell.”

After a lengthy journey, the bell was returned to Taylor who then gave the bell to the local DUP chapter.

“I remember in the old school house, the rope came down through the ceiling and as the children walked by we each had to ring the bell,” said Taylor, “As you can imagine, there was a constant ringing coming from the school house.”

Local residents Linda Blackburn and Cora Mae Taylor sang two of Cora Mae’s original songs, “Red, while, blue and green” and “Dirt” to honor the Fremont area. A local ensemble sang “The Handcart song” from the DUP songbook. Then remarks were shared by ISDUP marker chair, Marguerite Mower.

A special thanks was given to those who were apart of the bell marker construction crew including Bob Flugrad, Jegg Oyler, Ricky Norman, Ron Perkins, Vance Warner, Dawn Pannier, and Alan Pannier.

International board members, Isabell Stringham, Mariana Taylor, and Mary Shumway of the DUP attended the event and participated in the dedication.