Dry Fork Canyon Flag Landmark
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Dry Fork Canyon Flag Landmark
If you look across the canyon from the parking area, you will see a huge American Flag flying atop a flagpole which is anchored to the crown of the picturesque sandstone cliffs. This is the story of “The Flagpole”.
The Old Flagpole
In April 1943, Uintah County Commissioners approved a lease with Morgan Merkley, turning Merkley Pasture in Dry Fork to the county as a recreational park. The lease was set into motion by members of the Vernal Lions’ Club. They desired that the area, located at the junction of Dry Fork and Ashley Creek, be used for outdoor recreation for both the public and the Lions’ Club. In his journal Chellus Caldwell, a member of the Lions’ Club, stated that the membership took upon themselves the responsibility of building fences, rest rooms, picnic tables, fireplaces, barbeque pits, swings, and ball diamonds.
It was Chellus Caldwell and his brother Ernest, grandsons of Mormon Battalion member Matthew Caldwell and natives to Dry Fork, who erected the original flagpole in Merkley Park. Chellus quotes,
“Ernest and I thought it would be a good idea to put a flagpole on top of the high rock directly west of the park. After getting permission from the Lions’ Club, completing the project turned out to be a difficult and hazardous experience. When we finally hoisted the flag and saw from the park how beautiful it was, we felt more than repaid for our efforts; the flag could be seen for miles around.”
As time went on, the lease was revoked, the park was retired, and the flag was taken down and forgotten. In his later years, Chellus Caldwell observed, “The pole can still be seen atop the high rock, but it has been years since a flag has flown there.”
The New Flagpole
In the spring of 1999, boy scouts in the Dry Fork area began a fund raiser which continues today. To show their patriotism, local residents donate money to the scouts in order to have an American flag placed on their property during specific patriotic holidays such as the Fourth of July and Veteran’s Day. That first year of the flag project, Doug Murphy, the current owner of Merkley Pasture, asked Boy Scout Ivan Merrell and his scout leader, Todd Merkley, to put his flag up on the old flagpole.
The two did so, yet from the canyon road the 3’ x 5’ flag could hardly be seen. Ivan’s parents, Lou Ann and Randy, then donated a larger (14’ x 21’) flag to mount on the flagpole. However that flag was too large for the existing pole.
As a result of this experience, Ivan Merrell decided to replace the flagpole as an Eagle Scout Project. He enlisted the help of his father Randy, Doug Murphy, and Kim Rinderknecht.
Because the task of reaching the original flagpole was difficult and dangerous, it was decided that the new flagpole should be relocated and that the flag should fly from the highest point. Work began on the next peak which stands eight feet higher and 50 feet northwest of the original flagpole.
Basin Rental of Vernal donated the use of a gas-powered jackhammer which Ivan carried up the steep trail on his back. It became apparent that it would be impossible to carry a 40-foot pipe up the winding route to the top of the peak, so Ivan contacted Jim Richard of Dynamic Aviation who donated an “airlift” to carry the pipe, cement, water, tools, and materials to the site. Work began on July 4, 2000. By the end of the day they had dug the hole in the sandstone, poured the cement, and installed two 15-foot pipes which would be the braces for the larger pole. On July 7th, when the cement had hardened, the 40-foot flagpole was raised and bolted into place.
I have always loved this flag since it started flying agian. I thought it would be a great place for a Cache. The Cache is located up the hill to the Southeast of the Parking area. Its about 375 feet over and about 100 feet up, from the information sign. From the Cache site there is a great view overlooking the canyon and the flag. If you bring kids with you please be careful. There is a large cliff nearby, so be aware as you are searching. Feel free to post pictures of you, with the flag in view.
There is a Travel Bug that started in Australia, for the first lucky cacher. Good Luck and Enjoy.
Congratz to BP on the FTF!
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