Vearl Manwill

Portrait of Vearl Manwill.

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Though the entrance to Timpanogos Cave was lost after initial discovery in 1913, rumors of the mysterious cave abounded, fueled by an article appearing in the American Fork Citizen. Vearl Manwill became intrigued, having spent much of his childhood in American Fork Canyon. Manwill contacted Martin Hansen for any advice he could offer about finding the lost cave. Hansen advised Manwill to search along the same elevation Hansen Cave.

Manwill and a small group set out to visit Hansen Cave and search for the lost cave entrance on August 14, 1921. They explored Hansen Cave, finding some damage to the formations. Then they split up to find the mystery cave. Manwill stopped to rest and noticed what he referred to as "artificial masonry" and kicked at it. The rocks fell into a hole, and he dug at it and soon realized he had discovered the lost cave entrance! Gathering the group, they all explored as far back as "Father Time's Jewel Box" creating human ladders and bridges to do so. After exploring the cave with his group, they formed the Payson Alpine Club that evening around the campfire, resolving to protect the cave. Manwill was voted president of the group, and his sister Elon Manwill, the secretary.

 

The Payson Alpine Club inside Timpanogos Cave. Members included: Vearl Manwill, Elon Manwill, Dr. and Mrs. Pfouts, George Martin, Florence Fairbanks, Dr. and Mrs. A. N. Early, Wells Calderwood, and Pearl Taylor.

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