Volunteers strike a chord for West Jordan History

 The West Jordan Historical Society and Museum wishes to express a hearty ‘thank you’ to volunteers from the West Jordan community who answered the call for help. The volunteers helped in the removal and storage of the antique pipe organ that was located in the old LDS church building next to city hall on Redwood Road. The building was scheduled for demolition during the first week in June to make way for the new West Jordan fire station, so we didn’t have much time to get it out before the building was to be torn down. 

 Through the efforts of the West Jordan Historical Museum, permission was given by the City of West Jordan to remove the organ. A business card had been found stapled to the power and relay board in the back of the wall that listed David Poll as the builder of the organ and who serviced it. A call was made to David who referred us to his brother Ron Poll, of Ronald H. Poll & Associates Organ Builders. Ron met with the WJHS at the old church building and it was decided that the organ could be removed and stored safely until it found a new home. Graciously, Ron volunteered his time to oversee the removal and packing of the pipes and other parts of the organ so they would not be damaged. It was estimated by Ron that it could be done in two nights with the help of volunteers. After asking for volunteers in the May issue of the West Jordan Journal and many phone calls, it was decided that evenings of the 27^th and the 28^th of May would be the best time to take the organ apart.

 At 6:30 PM, on the night of May 27^th, 15 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and under the direction of organ builder Ron Poll, the work began. First night volunteers included: David Greer, Max McKee, Ron and David Poll, Matt and Bonnie Fernandez, Jolene Matheson, Jean Polson, Sandy and Stacey Newton, Judy Scelli, Nola Duncan, Bob, Linda and Robbie Dalley. At that time we were successful in removing all the metal and wooden pipes from the small, hot belfry. Most of the pipes were wrapped, boxed and identified as they were being removed. The organ console and pedal assembly were also lifted off the podium and placed out of the way. 

 The following evening, several more volunteers came at the right time when we needed them the most, to remove all the other heavy items in the belfry. Those additional volunteers included Rob Bennet, Councilmen Lyle Summers, Greg Simonsen, Bruce Allred and Randon Miller. The second night was by far the most demanding on the collective strength of the volunteers. The bellows, the blower, the pipe stands and other heavy items were muscled down. In the mean time the rest of the metal pipes were wrapped and boxed. We had planned on at least three days to remove the organ and we managed to do it in two days thanks to the help of those named above. On Friday, Tony Cottle, facilities supervisor of West Jordan City and his crew moved the organ to a safe storage area. 

 On Saturday, the 31^st of May, the following volunteers moved the organ up a stairway to a secured room. Because so many people helped, we were able to complete the task in about an hour. Those volunteers included: Allan, Lisa, Carrie, Chris and Kami Cook, Dave Newton, Rob Bennett, Bonnie Fernandez, Bob, Bryan and Nola Duncan, Councilmen Stuart Richardson, James, Mat and Stephanie Dinger, Greg Simonson, Bob, Linda and Melissa Dalley. 

 Many people might ask as to why we took the time and effort to save this organ. There are a couple of reasons. One reason was because of its historical value to West Jordan. The second reason is that we hope to one day have a West Jordan Arts building where the organ can be installed and used by the community for plays other musical events. Again our many thanks and accolades to the citizens of West Jordan who answered the call for help.

 We recently completed the service porch portion of the museum and have moved in all of our displays. We are still looking for some old laundry items to help fill out the display of what a 1930-1940 laundry area would have looked like. We could use some old laundry soap boxes, bleach bottles, clothes pins, clothes pin holder, bottles of bluing and other items used to wash clothes. We would also like to have some old West Jordan family pictures of people doing laundry to hang up.

 Our dairy barn is almost completed so we will be able to display the dairy heritage of West Jordan and the rest of the Salt Lake Valley. We are looking for dairy items and equipment unique to West Jordan to display. This would be a great way to honor your family’s dairy past by donating items to be displayed.

 We recently had some concrete pads poured at the museum. Scheduled to be moved onto those pads, which will be covered, include our old Curtis Coal truck and a fire engine that has been donated by the West Jordan City fire department.  The concrete pad, next to the barn, is where our old wooden water tank will be placed and restored.  We also had a small shed moved next to the garage at the museum. After its renovation, it will hold our tools to keep up the property.  We could use Eagle projects or donated labor and cash donations to complete these projects. Oh, by the way, if you happen to have an original farm windmill lying around and don’t know what to do with it, please let us know.  

 Again we thank the many volunteers and friends of the West Jordan Historical Museum and Society and invite those who are interested in being part of our museum board and serve on committees to help to preserve our West Jordan heritage, or donate items for display, please call Linda Dalley at 255-3116 or 941-0189.  We will be announcing our opening day very soon.