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CLARKSTON, Cache County — As the sun was rising, utility workers took down power and utility lines, clearing the path for a 16-ton building to be moved through town.
The tithing granary, that was used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints starting in 1899 and stored grain offered by church members as part of their tithing, was under threat of being torn down when the land it was on went up for sale about three years ago. After working to find it a new home, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, or DUP, finally got their moving day Saturday.
“It’s been a long time coming,” DUP member Jeaniel Butters Sauer said. “We’ve had our ups and downs and it seems like we’ve gone one step forward and two back every time, but it was meant to be.”
As the large, wooden building was towed through town, a small crowd gathered to watch and take pictures. The granary was in Marilyn Clark Godfrey’s family for decades. Her family ultimately donated it to the DUP.
“I was fascinated with the building, the structure of it, and the stories that went with the granary,” Godfrey said. “It has a lot of historical significance, and we’re glad to see it carried on.”
DUP members initially petitioned the town council to have the building put in town square. But with very little available space, the request was denied. Instead the granary now sits just a few blocks away, where it will eventually be renovated and turned into a museum.
“I think it’s marvelous,” DUP captain Elaine Goodey said. “History happens rarely in Clarkston and we’re happy to have it moved and have a new home.”
Goodey says Rocky Mountain Power, Comcast, and Centurylink all donated the labor of workers to get utility cables moved. She says Intermountain House and Structure Movers completed the move at cost.
“Everyone has helped, and it’s just been marvelous to have the support we’ve had,” Goodey said.
