Local History
Explore all episodes, stories, people, and quotes related to local history.
Episodes (46)
From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
with Brent Knudson
Artisan baker Brent Knudson discusses his midlife career pivot and the rediscovery of his deep ancestral roots in Lehi, Utah, through the founding of a family-run focaccia bakery.
How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
with Becky White
Lifelong Lehi educator Becky White reflects on thirty years of building community through classrooms, mascots, and the enduring power of student-led service.
Inside Lehi’s Community Theater: How Local Arts Come to Life
with Kurt Elison
Kurt Elison shares the profound impact of community arts in Lehi, tracing his journey from a 'theater rat' to preserving the city's creative spirit.
From Rodeo Concessions to Youth Sports: How Service Shapes a City
with Dave Nerdin, Rhonda Nerdin
Dave and Rhonda Nerdin recount forty years of community-building in Lehi, exploring how rodeo concessions and youth sports serve as the glue that binds a rapidly growing city together.
How One Family’s Farming Legacy Continues to Shape Lehi
with Nathan Bushman
Nathan Bushman explores the evolution of Lehi from a rural farming settlement to a booming tech hub, tracing his family's deep agricultural roots to his career in education and administration.
Building a Family Legacy: The Story of Rogers Automotive
with Gary Rogers
The story of Gary Rogers and Rogers Automotive, a 30-year fixture on State Street that embodies the evolution of craftsmanship and the enduring strength of a multi-generational family trade.
How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story
with Mike Willes
A portrait of Mike Willes, a lifelong Lehi resident who transformed personal health struggles into a luminous community legacy through elaborate holiday displays.
The Heart of Lehi: Stories of Education, Autism Support & Community History
with John Jay Harris
A deep exploration of John Jay Harris's 36-year legacy in special education and his roots in the iconic Purple Pig Pizza family, reflecting on the evolution of community and compassion in Lehi.
How FFA Changes Lives: Real Stories from 40+ Years in Ag Education
with Buddy Deimler
A profound exploration of how agricultural education serves as a crucible for character, work ethic, and technological innovation in the heart of Lehi.
The Hidden Work Behind Lehi’s Biggest Events: Pageants, Parades & Roundup Week with Kate Daly
with Kate Daly
A lifelong resident's reflection on the invisible labor and ancestral threads that weave Lehi's community traditions together amidst rapid urban growth.
Donna Barnes: A Lifetime of Dedication to Lehi | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast
with Donna Barnes
Lifelong resident Donna Barnes traces Lehi's evolution from a small farming village of 4,500 to a modern educational hub, offering a masterclass in community stewardship.
How Lehi Brings People Together | City Events Manager Melanie Busath
with Melanie Busath
City Events Manager Melanie Busath explores how community events serve as the connective tissue of Lehi, fostering a sense of belonging amidst rapid urban growth and modernization.
Costco, City Growth & Community Leadership | Ken Greenwood’s Lehi Legacy
with Ken Greenwood
Former Mayor Ken Greenwood reflects on Lehi’s transformation from a ghost-town Main Street and agrarian roots to a burgeoning city, exploring the resilience required to build a community.
Kay Christofferson Interview | From Civil Engineering to the Utah Legislature
with Kay Christofferson
A lifelong Lehi resident and descendant of the city's founder shares a narrative of stewardship, from paving the roads of Utah Valley to drafting the laws that govern its growth.
Why Local Journalism Still Matters | Roots and Branches of Lehi with Sally Francom
with Sally Francom
Sally Francom explores the enduring legacy of the Lehi Free Press, the evolution of local news, and the vital role of truth-telling in a growing town.
Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson
with Jared Peterson
A seventh-generation Lehi resident explores the delicate balance between honoring ancestral legacies and steering a rapidly growing city toward a sustainable future.
Connecting Lehi: A Conversation with Chris Condie | Roots and Branches of Lehi
with Chris Condie
City Council Member Chris Condie reflects on his journey from Michigan to Lehi, sharing a vision of local government as a neighborhood service and the importance of civic foresight.
Preserving Lehi’s Story: Heather Newall & the Historical Marker Pins
with Heather Newall
Heather Newall discusses the delicate balance of managing Lehi's rapid urbanization while fostering community identity through innovative historical preservation.
Exploring The Lehi Literacy Center with Heather Tucker
with Heather Tucker
Director Heather Tucker explores the transformative power of literacy and the enduring legacy of a community-built sanctuary for learning in Lehi.
🏫 Rooted in Learning: Skyridge’s John Wallwork on Schools, Students & Success
with John Wallwork
A reflection on the evolution of leadership and community connection through the eyes of John Wallwork, highlighting the shifts in modern education and the power of empathy.
From EMT to Fire Chief: Jeremy Craft’s Story of Service in Lehi
with Jeremy Craft
A profound exploration of Fire Chief Jeremy Craft’s transition from a Montana mountainside to leading Lehi’s fire department through an era of unprecedented growth and service-oriented leadership.
Protecting and Connecting: Chief Darren Paul on Policing in Lehi
with Chief Darren Paul
Chief Darren Paul reflects on three decades of growth in Lehi, tracing the evolution from a twelve-officer department to a modern force rooted in community kinship.
Generations of Elegance: The Legacy of Lehi's Bridal Center with Julie Rafiner
with Julie Rafiner
A deep exploration of Lehi's longest-running bridal shop, detailing a family legacy of craftsmanship, community connection, and the evolving tapestry of Main Street life.
Exploring Lehi's Rich Rodeo Tradition with Mike Southwick
with Mike Southwick
Lifelong Lehi resident Mike Southwick reflects on fifty years of service and the enduring cultural importance of the Lehi Roundup Rodeo.
From Vietnam to Lehi: Quinn Allred's Journey of Service and Community
with Quinn Allred
Vietnam veteran Quinn Allred shares a powerful narrative on the transition from high-stakes military intelligence to a lifetime of quiet, dedicated community leadership in Lehi.
From General Store to History: The Broadbent Tale
with Rebecca Broadbent, Betty Broadbent
A poignant reflection on 135 years of the Broadbent Store, tracing a family's journey from a Mormon pioneer dugout to a community cornerstone in Lehi.
Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey
with Charlene Freestone
Charlene Freestone reflects on the proactive creation of community in Lehi and her evolution from a lonely new resident to a guardian of child safety.
Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack
with Steven Mack Boyack
Steven Mack Boyack discusses the evolution of Lehi’s digital town square and the vital importance of neighborly connection in times of crisis.
Ephraim Hanks' Descendant: Phil Hanks Shares His Journey
with Phil Hanks
Phil Hanks, grandson of pioneer scout Ephraim Hanks, reflects on ninety-two years of global service, the resilience of the Depression era, and the spiritual threads that bind generations in Lehi.
Exploring Lehi’s Heart with Educator Doug Webb | Roots and Branches of Lehi
with Doug Webb
Lifelong Lehi resident and veteran educator Doug Webb explores the profound evolution of his hometown, from its agricultural roots to the complex digital challenges of modern education.
Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage
with Lara Bangeter
Lara Bangerter shares how preserving the quiet, everyday stories of Lehi's residents fosters a sense of belonging and resilience in a rapidly growing city.
From Military Brat to City Leader: Paige Albrecht's Story
with Paige Albrecht
A lifelong wanderer finds a permanent home in Lehi, transforming initial civic frustration into a decade-long commitment to public service and community preservation.
Inside Lehi's Evolution: Mayor Mark Johnson's Insights
with Mayor Mark Johnson
Mayor Mark Johnson reflects on Lehi’s metamorphosis from a rural crossroads into Utah’s economic heart, emphasizing the delicate balance between rapid progress and the preservation of community character.
The Biggest Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make! Interview with Jeff Demke
with Jeff Demke
Real estate professional Jeff Demke discusses the psychological hurdles of first-time buying and how new construction is reshaping the path to homeownership.
Land Developing and Home Building In Utah
with Andrew Tuttle, Scot Hazard
Seasoned experts Andrew Tuttle and Scot Hazard explore the complexities of Utah's housing shortage and the shifting reality of the modern homebuilding journey.
Episode 9: How This Realtor Sold Over 200 Million Dollars Of Real Estate
with Boo Maddox
Boo Maddox shares his journey from mortgage lending to selling 350+ homes, highlighting the ‘cost of waiting’ and the power of personal branding.
What is Title? With Mark Schroeppel
with Mark Schroeppel
Mark Schroeppel of Utah First Title demystifies title insurance, explaining how it protects homeowners from the hidden 'ghosts' of a property's past.
Why You Should Use A Realtor...Especially In This Market!
with Joe Willis
Realtor Joe Willis and his team discuss navigating the 2022 housing frenzy and why professional guidance is vital for first-time buyers and investors.
From Paintbrushes to Pioneer Parades: Keith & Suzanne Pulham
with Keith Pulham, Suzanne Pulham
A lifelong partnership forged in the heart of Lehi, Keith and Suzanne Pulham reflect on the enduring power of family labor, community traditions, and the sacred art of showing up.
A Life of Learning: The Educational Journey of Principal Tim Brantley
with Tim Brantley
Tim Brantley reflects on a forty-year career in education, tracing the shift from rigid systems to a student-centered approach rooted in character and community connection.
Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and the Future of Film with Jordan Harmon
with Jordan Harmon
Jordan Harmon discusses the journey of Angel Studios, from its legal battles with Disney to a community-powered movement that redefined values-based entertainment.
Behind the Coach's Whistle: Andy Hadfield's Story as Lehi HS Football Head Coach
with Andy Hadfield
Coach Andy Hadfield reflects on his journey from assistant to head coach, exploring how the gridiron serves as a crucible for building character and community in Lehi.
Preserving Lehi's History: Using FamilySearch to Connect Stories to Real People
with Lee Anderson
Community archivist Lee Anderson explores the transformative power of storytelling in Lehi, Utah, revealing how personal ancestry provides the resilience needed to face modern trials.
Mayor Paul Binns on Service, Growth, and Community Involvement
with Paul Binns
Mayor Paul Binns reflects on the transition from business owner to public servant, emphasizing the quiet power of municipal service and the necessity of human connection in local governance.
Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch
with Jean Hatch
Lifelong resident Jean Hatch shares intimate memories of Lehi’s transformation from a dusty farming town to a vibrant hub of arts and community pageantry.
Brent Everett on Environmental Cleanup, Civic Duty, and Teaching
with Brent Everett
Brent Everett reflects on a life of stewardship, from his career in environmental remediation to his decade of service on the Lehi Planning Commission.
Stories (5)
Charlene Freestone
The Natural Parenting Boutique on Lehi Main Street
Charlene opened a natural parenting boutique — Boot Baby Boutique — in the old Lehi Hotel near the train tracks on Lehi Main Street. The shop sold cloth diapers and baby carriers, but its heart was parent education and community space. She rented from a midwife in a building that also housed a gem shop and wedding dress rentals. The business later moved up to Sandy but represented a season where business and belonging overlapped.
From a Private Home to the Hutchings Museum
Jean recounts the early days of the Hutchings Museum, which originally existed inside the private residence of John Hutchings. She remembers visiting as a grade-school student, touring through his house to see his vast collection of rocks, minerals, and arrowheads found in local caves and canyons. To build a dedicated museum building, the community organized salmon bakes and fundraising events. Jean recalls her own small contribution: drawing posters in class to encourage donations, though she was corrected by a teacher for referring to the collection as 'stuff' rather than a significant historical archive.
Life Lesson
A single person's passion, when supported by a community, can become a permanent legacy for an entire city.
Community Significance
The museum represents Lehi’s commitment to its geological and archaeological past.
From Episode
Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch
with Jean Hatch
The Wilford Brimley Handshake
Gary recounts the unique way he acquired his business location. The building on State Street was owned by the wife of actor Wilford Brimley. Gary's father-in-law had done utility work on Brimley's ranch and knew him well. Despite being offered a rental agreement, Gary insisted on buying the building, wanting to own the land to prevent future price hikes. This decision, facilitated by local reputation and a connection to a community icon, secured the long-term future of Rogers Automotive.
Life Lesson
Ownership is the only way to truly control your future; never be content to rent your success.
Community Significance
Shows how personal networking and reputation are the 'currency' of a small town.
From Episode
Building a Family Legacy: The Story of Rogers Automotive
with Gary Rogers
Quotes (5)
"If you want to know what Lehi was like back then, go walk the streets of Goan today."
Jean Hatch
1:53
Why It Matters
It provides a visceral, physical comparison for how much the town has transformed from a rural farming community to a major city.
Community Relevance
Helps current residents visualize the 'Old Lehi' by looking at contemporary small-town Utah.
"I was the principal at Lehigh Junior High when it was the furthest west... and then uh here at Lehigh High School for the last two years."
Tim Brantley
1:06
Why It Matters
Establishes Tim's deep history with the educational landscape of Lehi across several decades.
Community Relevance
Maps the growth of Lehi's school system from its more rural past to its current density.
"That was the thing that kind of kickstarted that I was going to be growing a community here in Lehigh and that it would it would always circulate around parents."
Charlene Freestone
3:45
Why It Matters
Marks the transition from a personal need for connection to a public mission of service and organization.
Community Relevance
Illustrates how local grassroots efforts, like baby-wearing groups, form the 'branches' of Lehi’s social fabric.
"She made sure that all of the Vietnam vet... from Lehi... she would send them copies of the Lehi Free Press to let them know what was going on back home."
Quinn Allred
17:12
Why It Matters
Highlights the crucial role of local journalism and community outreach in maintaining morale for soldiers.
Community Relevance
Honors Betty Fowler and the Lehi Free Press as institutions of community connection.
Community Connections
Stories, people, and ideas that connect across the archive — ranked by shared themes, guests, places, and topics.
Related Episodes
(4)From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
Brent Knudson
How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
Becky White
Inside Lehi’s Community Theater: How Local Arts Come to Life
Kurt Elison
From Rodeo Concessions to Youth Sports: How Service Shapes a City
Dave and Rhonda Nerdin