Caryl's Cozy Cottage: Holiday Pictures and stories at Peteetneet

Inside Peteetneet School- Family Picture's 2010

Our Family Nov. 2010

by Laryn Brown

JoAnna V.

Julia D.

I've grown up with Historical Peteetneet within reach. I attended this school K-5th. We moved three times while I attended this school, but we were always just a block away. Oh how the memories flood my mind. I have spent many hours on the play ground from swinging as high as anyone could get. I have a strong recollection of my father carrying me home after falling off a swing that I was standing on. I got knocked out cold. I didn't know how my father would react as he walked home but at this moment I remember my father just being very concerned for me and not mad.

Sledding on our "home made" fiberglass sleds down the enormous hill was a necessity like food was for nurtishment. Hours and hours were spent until we couldn't feel our toes and fingers. Also the the slide. Us kids kept our hold on the slide that Laryn built close until they finally took it out.

The Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center was named after the Ute Indian Chief, Peteetneet, who lived near the creek that runs through what is now called Payson. Although he died on December 23, 1861, the Peteetneet School, which was erected in 1901, was named in his honor.

This building is an historical landmark in Payson. The Victorian style building served as an elementary school until 1988. At that time, it was abandoned by Nebo School District. The property was then returned to Payson City and they wanted to demolish the beautiful, old building.

Larry Brown (my dad) and Dr. Gordon Taylor led a group of citizens and formed People Preserving Peteetneet to save the historical building from the wrecker's ball. It was the concerned citizens group who took a stand to preserve this beautiful edifice.(http://www.peteetneetmuseum.org/history.htm)

One of my fondest thoughts was racing around the grounds on field day while principle Spencer cheered me to the finish line. That was a beginning for my love of running which continued through high school which I lettered in. Also Mr. Bill Berry my 4th grade teacher--how did I make it through. I'm still not sure. I so had rough times, but I looked up to this man. I still love ceramics from creating art in his class. Oh I can't forget Mrs. Hansen, 2nd grade, my favorite teacher as I knew that I meant something, I was worth while and just plain cared for me. Oh how I wish that we could stand and recite the pledge and sing a song every morning as an elementary class. The other memories flow for later......