This cache was inspired by my discovery of the original share
certificate book of the Fountain Green Ladies Co-Operative
Mercantile Institution. The President of the Co-Op was my Great
Great Great Grandmother Polly Ann (Guyman) Johnson. In total there
were 66 share certificates issued to various people in the
community. Some only buying one share for $5 each and others owning
several shares. The first 5 shares were purchased by Polly Ann on
Dec 8th 1884. The last certificate issued was for 1 share on Dec
6th 1886 to Niels E Mikkelsen.
Polly Ann with her husband owned and operated the first Fountain
Green Hotel. From her Hotel she could see a prominent mountain peak
to the east and dreamed of having a home built on it’s summit. That
peak is now called Polly’s Peak. Near the top is another geocache
that I placed with my Dad, you should also visit it to have a great
view of Sanpete valley.
Polly Ann was the first Relief Society President of Fountain
Green and served in that calling for 31 years. Her husband was also
the first Bishop of the Fountain Green Ward for over 23 years.
I placed this cache on the property of my Great Great
Grandmother’s home, Julia Oldroyd, the daughter of Polly Ann. This
home was then passed down to my Grandmother Laurelda (Oldroyd)
Despain then my father. I now own the family homestead and proud to
be able to continue the tradition. In my youth I spend countless
days playing in this yard. Collecting eggs and helping my
grandfather milk the cows and feed the pigs. The Fountain Green
creek that crosses under the road in front of the house was always
full of rainbow trout. During the summer my brothers, cousins and I
would catch fish by the dozens. At the back of the house there was
always a large vegetable garden. The field is where I learned how
to drive, first on an old Tote Goat and then the tractor. This is
where we always had Thanksgiving Dinner and was the staging ground
for the deer and pheasant hunt. A lot of great memories and a hope
that this property stays in the family for many more
generations.
BONUS: The first 20 finders can take
ONE laminated miniature share certificate from the cache. Please
only one per team or family.
Enjoy and have fun in the town that Brigham Young stayed in many
times while travelling to the Manti Temple.
