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Date: March 27, 2008
Contact: Riley Mitchell, 435-425-3791 x110
Contact: Shirley Torgerson, 435-425-3791 x115

This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the Historic Gifford Farmhouse located in Capitol Reef National Park. On May 17th, the Capitol Reef Natural History Association, a non-profit group supporting historical, cultural, scientific, and interpretive and educational activities at Capitol Reef, will hold a Centennial Celebration to recognize the significance of early pioneer history to the region. The celebration will include a number of pioneer craft demonstrations, a pie and ice cream social, and an original play about the early residents of Fruita. All events will be free and open to the public.

As part of the park’s historic district of Fruita, the Gifford House depicts the typical Spartan nature of rural Utah farm homes of the early 1900’s. The house was initially constructed by Calvin Pendleton in 1908. He and his family occupied it for eight years. The second residents of the home, the Jorgen Jorgenson family, lived there from 1916 until 1928. Jorgenson sold the homestead to his son-in-law, Dewey Gifford in 1928. The Gifford family resided there for 41 years. Dewey and his wife, Nell, were the last private residents to live in what is now a national park.

Mark your calendars now and watch for future announcements regarding what is sure to be a fun and memorable time. For more information, call 425-3791 extension 115.