American Fork in Utah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
First Free Public School
The Territorial Legislature, February, 1866, authorized the levy of a tax for the support of schools within each district, pursuant to this act, Mayor Leonard E. Harrington called a meeting and the majority of citizens of American Fork approved the plan. School opened in November, 1867 with Jos. B. Forbes, E.A. Henroid, Editha Anderson and Elizabeth G. Griffith, teachers. Wm. Greenwood, Wm. Paxman, James W. Preston, trustees. American Fork thereby became Torch Bearer of the present free school system.
“When upon Life’s Path We Tread”, sang twenty-five lusty young voices as morning school bells called the students to order. Those lyrics to the tune “Hark, Listen to the Trumpeters”, from the old Sunday School Song Book, were favorites of that school class.
“When upon life’s path we thread, we come to many a place, where if not careful we will fall and sink into disgrace.
So, my children one and all, please mind your parents dear and teacher, as you go through life then you’ll have not to fear.”
Through life’s journey
“When the pioneers moved to the west, with courage strong they met the test. They pushed their handcarts all day long as they pushed they sang this song.”
For some must push and some must pull as we go marching up the hill; so merrily on our way we go until we reach the valley-o”
Erected 1939 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 47.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1866.
Location. 40° 22.598′ N, 111° 47.798′ W. Marker is in American Fork, Utah, in Utah County. Marker is on East Main Street west of South 100 East, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: American Fork UT 84003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Wall at American Fork (within shouting distance of this marker); The Historic City Hall Bell (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Fork City Hall (about 500 feet away); Bank of American Fork (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of American Fork (about 600 feet away); Harrington Elementary School (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial Building (about 800 feet away); The American Fork 2nd Ward Meeting House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in American Fork.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 12, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.