Terry & Taylor Palmer: Building To Last

Terry Palmer was 10 years old when he and his 9-year-old brother, Taylor were hired by their dad to clean the Mining Supply Store in Blanding. This early work ethnic and training eventually motivated both boys to begin their own building companies. Terry’s company, Palmer Builders, began in 1976 and Taylor began his business in Blanding in 1973 when he moved back from Idaho. His specialty was cabinets. During the Uranium boom in San Juan County (late 40’s -50’s) the Shumways and other miners needed mining supplies and Van Palmer ran the Mining Supply Store in Blanding. Terry recalled, “Taylor and I moved so many things in and out of that building. We used a conveyor belt and marked boxes with different colors of tape to keep orders straight. We’d load and unload boxes of dynamite boxes which gave us headaches.” (See Mining issues: Blue Mt. Shadows 25-27).

Terry and Taylor and their siblings also painted propane tanks, hauled lots of rocks and cleaned the Patio every day it was open. “At the Patio we worked as a family and I gained confidence; many of my friends worked there as well,“ Terry recalled. “I liked working with mom and dad. Even though Dad was thorough, he had good rapport with all of us. He was a good employer.” Earning his accounting degree from BYU in the early 70’s, Terry’s business training as well as his construction skills kept him employed all his life. His first project was building another “Patio” in Springville when he was single. It was there he met his wife Camie in the early 80’s. He and his family then moved back to Blanding and he started Palmer Builders. The company’s first project was buying the land where the old CCC camp was and building 15 homes there.

First time owners were able to secure low interest loans through Farmers Home in San Juan County and as a result Palmer Builders had plenty of work. Most of the starter homes were 1100 sq. foot/ 3 bedroom. “Farmers Loan wouldn’t finance larger homes.” They also built Sandy and Boyd Laws’ home and homes for Doris and Dennis Guymon south of town. Tony Turk’s home was the last one built.

Cul de sac where first homes were built

Because cement is the backbone of most homes, Terry had set up his own batch plant, as there were no reliable cement businesses in the county at that time. They first mixed cement by laundromat, then moved the process up to the end of reservoir road. Nicky and Jeff Black worked for them during those years. “We poured lots of cement and had to finish it ourselves. Most of the homes had basements, so It was a learning experience!” Palmers even poured cement for Hurst Builders as they were also doing commercial projects at the same time in Blanding,” Terry explained.” Sometimes we’d pour 5-6 loads for Scott Hurst. He was really a good man.” Unfortunately, Farm Home Loans dried up and this forced changes in their building business. Taylor served a mission to Scotland and returned to Blanding in 1970, then started school at BYU where he met Jenice. That summer he transferred to a trade tech school in Provo earned his contractor’s license. They were married June ‘71 then moved back to Blanding where he started working with Jim Slavens as well as his father, making and installing cabinets. His specialty was kitchen cabinets, vanities, and staircases.

In 1980 Terry began working for other construction business. For over 20 years, he worked doing multi-million-dollar commercial projects in southern Utah. His accounting degree from BYU played an important part in his success completing high-quality projects. Cedar City was their next destination and the Palmers moved to Cedar City and opened a paint store. Terry eventually was hired as an accountant estimator for Blackburn and Assoc. in the mid-80’s working on commercial buildings, the college, church, and state buildings.

During that same time, Taylor and Jenice moved to Sweet, Idaho near Boise 1979-86 where his carpentry skills were put to work. They eventually moved back to Blanding and built a shop on Reservoir Road (where Shawn and Stephanie Jack live now) and lived there until about 1990. Then he built the large TaylorMade shop in 2004 on North Hwy where he worked with his sons: Quinn, Josh and Jared. In later years grandsons came to work and learned the carpentry skills needed for commercial work.  Those skills continue today.  They have expanded the business to also include headstones;  utilizing all kinds of stone, and a wide variety of choices for personalized tributes. 

Taylormade Business on East Highway

Terry’s most challenging project was constructing the Fire station in Emery County for the Water Conservancy District in St. George. They had to float the equipment and supplies on pontoons. A previous company lost a whole caterpillar once in the process. Another major challenge was a project for St. George on the west Bluff. They had to dynamite the rock out first, then drillers inserted heat pump coils into the ground. The pumps worked like a refrigerator but in reverse. They also built 1 motel in St. George, doing their work at night because of the heat.

Besides extreme heat, St. George had other building challenges. The soil often had blue clay in it and which had to be removed. (It was much like the kalachi clay which caused problems for the Blanding Stake Center.) A vein of clay swells when damp and will break the foundation. They put 18-foot columns into the ground to make sure it would be stable.

From 2005-06 Palmer Construction built Marriott Motels and the large Best Western Motel in Bryce Canyon -- the biggest one in their chain. They also built a large barn for entertainment at Ruby’s Inn. “We worked there for about a year and they were great to work for,” Terry stated.

“Velocity Construction was the biggest construction company in in southern Utah and I was a partner for in the company,” he explained. Velocity also did the DFCN State Construction projects as well as building projects for Dixie and USU, motels and other office buildings.

Terry worked with Velocity and a large crew of men for 7 years. “We completed about 40 projects.” However, when financing dropped in 2008, construction was dramatically affected. The company subcontracted work out to six superintendents who subcontracted the work and at that time he retired and his family moved back to Utah Valley (Mapleton) in 2010. Though he still works part time as an estimator in Orem for Broderick and Henderson. At age 75 he hasn’t slowed down much and built a home for their daughter and recently renovated an apartment for Karly and Scott Jeppson in Blanding

Taylor Palmer’s family worked many years doing commercial work for county schools, hospitals and other large businesses in the county putting in cabinets. They also did the mammoth job of building cabinets and doing finishing work for Allen and Cathy Lund who built a huge lodge and homes in Long Canyon.

Original Cabin built by William and Zimira Palmer in Long Canyon

The Palmers did the trim work, cabinets, staircases, furniture, cabinets, beds etc. for the Lund's. Janice researched and drew the art used in the homes. The property was originally settled and farmed by William Zimira Palmer and his wife Rebecca Stevens. Their original home is still standing in Long Canyon as a tribute to their hard work and contribution to San Juan County. Taylor and Janice also worked together building their own home which includes her “inspiration loft” where she writes and studies and can see forever in all four directions! It is where she does her scripture study and writing. Their home is very unique and personalized. A great sadness occurred in July 2019 when Taylor died of cancer. Fortunately, all 3 of their sons had the skills to keep Taylormade successful and serving the Four Corners area. They and their families continue to keep quality carpentry and construction alive in Blanding and San Juan County.

Tony Wojcik, SJH Art Instructor & Artist Inspired Hundreds of San Juan High Students

Tony with Troi Whitethorne one of his former students

   Teaching art and creating art are two different realms of achievement and retired SJHS art teacher, Tony Wojcik not only had those skills, but taught hundreds of students (and even teachers) how to develop those skills as they learned the 3 P’s: pottery, painting, and photography.

    Back in the days before technology and cell phones, taking photos for the school paper, The Rattler, was a very complicated process. The film had to be developed, then imaged onto photo paper that had to go through several liquid processes (water baths).  It was Tony who taught us how to do this.   He was always very patient and explained the “why” and “how” of each step.  

    He also introduced the concept of how the two hemispheres of the brain work and how both sides can be part of the creative process.  The book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” explained this concept and it was very useful to me personally while teaching a diverse student body who had a wide variety of skills but had differences in hemispheric strengths of the brain.

     Tony grew up in Clearing, a suburb of Chicago. He has lots of family there and grew up enjoying ethnic foods. He and his wife Leslie met while both were serving in the US Airforce (65-69) and they were married in 1969.  Tony went to Mesa State College in Grand Junction, then to BYU (1971-74) where his serious study of art began. They soon learned that an art major is a very expensive field (because of all the required art supplies)!  He worked a year in Grove, Okla then they went back to BYU where he earned his Masters degree.  

   Mr. Wojcik’s art classes were a great reprieve from the pressure of English, Math and Social Studies classes.  In the 80’s and 90’s teachers were expected to get all students up to an acceptable standard of achievement as determined by tests. In art, however, there was a wide range of “acceptability” as well as varied art mediums: pottery, oil painting, watercolor, and photography.   Autumn Wilcox recalled, “He was very relatable to students, a good teacher, and joked around with us making everyone feel comfortable and accepted.”

Large lion pot made by Robert Wilcox
in Mr. Wojcik's class.

     He taught hundreds of students at San Juan High over a span of 30 years.  He also taught for the college for 5 summers with the Upward Bound program.  They not only learned the basics of art, but also went to art museums in various places seeing the “real deal.”  Tony continues to make pottery and sells his wares at both the Monticello and Blanding Tree for All. He has his own kiln and potter's wheel and keeps his skills top notch.   

   Several of Tony’s students now make their livelihood by painting and/or making pottery.  Surviving financially as an artist is not an easy accomplishment and the term “starving artist” is common; however, two of his students Gil Scott and Troi Whitethorne are exceptions.  Perhaps there are more.

    Gil Scott, a successful San Juan County artist, recalled, “In Blanding they used to have a summer program where we’d have a summer job and then attend summer school. I always remember Mr. Wojcik saying, ‘You could be painting in an air-conditioned room!’ -- Hinting that I could be doing artwork!  He also had art magazines and art books in his class room for us to look at. He’d catch us flipping through the pages looking at the art and he would mention that the photos ‘don’t capture half of the painting-- until you see them on the wall.’   “In my travels and being able to actually look at masterpieces, I now have a small understanding of what he meant and how artists move the paint, use composition, lights and darks. the mediums make sense.  A photo of a painting doesn’t do justice to the real deal!”

    Troi Whitethorne, another successful San Juan County artist, started taking classes from Tony in 1990 at SJHS, his Jr. year. “We worked in several mediums: clay, paint, and pencil sketching.  Mr. Wojcik taught us basic art composition, dimensions, color wheel and mixing colors, shadows and balance.  In addition, we learned everything about making pottery: mixing, firing pottery, painting etc.” Tony touched on all aspects of art and Troi took 3 years of classes from him. “He was very friendly and willing to help.  He went out of his way taking extra time to helping us get better. He gave us tips on composition, balance, and perspective.  Since then, I’ve just kept honing my skills. Dexter Hatathalie is another artist who was in his class.” Troi added, “I still continue to paint and just recently went to Scottsdale and to Albuquerque to sell my art.”  However, art is not the only thing on Troi’s mind.  He is also working on a college degree in criminal justice. He is finishing up associate degree and is headed eventually to a law degree. So sometimes “even artists” need a backup plan!

Palmer Businesses: The Backbone of Early Blanding

 

Front:  LaVan and Clyda Palmer
Left to Right: Dave, Becky, Steve, Susan, Sandy, Taylor and Terry

    Clyda Palmer recently celebrated her 95th birthday and her large and talented family joined with her in recalling nearly a century of memories and accomplishments.  Her far-sighted husband LaVan (who passed away in 2013) and their four talented sons and three daughters have been directly involved in building dozens of homes and businesses in Blanding, most of which are still standing and operational today.                                                                                 Her husband Van was a visionary, who had a gift for seeing a need and then figuring out ways to find a solution. His parents were Joe and Hilda Palmer, who grew up in the Mexican colonies and were farmers and they taught their son a lot about work! Van first worked as a mechanic for Edway Redd in Monticello in the 1950’s. It was there that Van and his son Steve both learned about managing and operating a car dealership. 

   The first family business Van initiated was the UTOCO gas station, which he leased from Paul Black where the four-way stop is today.  Thus began Palmer Gas.  This first full service Gas Station was at Center and Main in Blanding on the southwest corner. The Elk Ridge Cafe is to the south and to the right is a mechanics shop. Burnhard and Lela Palmer Black owned cafe on the southwest corner of Center and Main and Paul Black had the service station. 

    In the 1950’s, the Navajo people on the reservation were still using wood to cook with.  There was definite a need for something better! Van and his crew visited every hogan on the reservation offering them a lifestyle change via propane gas. He loved the Native American people and made many friends in the process.  Often the purchase involved bartering with animals, baskets, or jewelry. 

    The Palmer Propane UTOCO went as far as Tuba City and Window Rock.  Often the delivery trucks would drop into a sandy wash, which took lots of work and logs to get out. 
To remedy the problem, employees started carrying logs with them!  Despite the rural reservation challenges, the propane business grew.

    Because of the extensive network that Van had established with the propane business, he and Keith Redd joined forces and created Abajo Petroleum. They eventually had thousands of propane tanks which stretched from Green River to Cortez and across the reservation.  He also put in a propane bulk plant in Blanding and then one in Monticello, Cortez and other places on the reservation.  He had 50-60 people working for him.  

 

    Every summer Clyda and Van's children and their friends would repaint the tanks white with a red lid. “He was a master at keeping us kids busy,” emphasized Steve. The Palmer home burned in the 1960’s, which was devastating, but LaVan and his sons were able to rebuild around the original home and it is still standing today. He also credits his father with good business savvy.  “Dad was good at finding a hole in the market and would fill that niche,– whether it was food, propane, cars, homes, or other things!" stated Steve.  

    During the San Juan County uranium boom in the 70's, mining supplies were needed locally and Van built a mining supply business where Ben Black’s mechanic shop was on the north highway.  They also put in a big bulk plant for propane storage behind the cabinet shop on the north end of Blanding.

 

Mining Supply business

    Next came the Patio redo – Blanding’s 70-year-old fast food “go to”!  The Patio became a MAJOR family affair for the whole Van Palmer family for the next 15 years!  Steve Palmer recalled, “Every one of us had to help and it was a lot of work!  Nine months of the year it was open and when it was closed, "Dad would remodel it!  Dad did all the work himself; however, in the process he taught all the family how to do building, wiring, plumbing, etc.”    
    

     In 1976, Palmers sold The Patio to Steve and Stan Bronson, then it was sold to Clyde and Carl Hunt, then to Clay and Cole Conway, then to Brian Bayles and now the Arthurs own it.

    Floyd Nielson and Marvin Lyman originally built The Patio in 1965, as the A&W Root Beer Café with Nancy and Cleal Bradford as the initial managers. It was a cafe with walk-in service and no drive up window. Cleal remodeled the building with a drive-by window and added patios outside. It was a successful operation. They bought the business from Floyd Nielson.

    The Bradfords loved A&W Root Beer but did not want a franchise.  With the covered patios outside, they came up with the name Patio as there were patios on three sides of the site. 
They eventually sold The Patio to Francis and Denise Lyman who ran it for 4-5 years, then they sold it to Van Palmer.   Van also built the laundromat behind Patio in the late 1960’s and it is still running today.

    Another need Van identified was the dilemma that Native Americans on the reservation faced when buying vehicles. During the 1950s and 1960s Redd Motor Company was the largest employer in San Juan County. That was before the federal government employment moved to first place. Redd's was a full service dealer for Chevrolet, Buick and Oldsmobile cars, equipped with a first class mechanic shop and also a body and fender shop. 

The photo was taken in the 1970s after the business was beginning its decline. The first owner was
Charles Redd of LaSal, Utah. Later it was owned by Edway Redd, a cousin, and then his daughter
Arita Redd Sparks and her husband Bob Sparks. It was located about 465 East Center in Monticello, Utah.

   Car dealers were reticent to finance the sale of vehicles to them, so that became Van’s next big challenge.  He decided to orchestrate the loans himself and co-signed for every vehicle sold!   Each contract was set up individually.  He was adamant about paying the loan back on time, so that was when he sold his profitable propane business to Suburban Propane so he could do that.

    In the mid 1970’s, Van and Bert Palmer bought the Silver Saddle. Later the name was changed to the Elk Ridge and it was sold to Phil Acton. Van also bought the City Center Motel and renamed it The Pines.  Terry ran it a couple of years and maintained ownership, then sold the building to Norman Lyman, who started Radio Shack and rented out 12 rooms.
Later Steve Palmer and Van bought that building and rented it exclusively to college students with one room for a beauty salon for Sheri Stanley. They added kitchen units but eventually sold it back to Rex Nielson.  (Rex Nielson later demolished all the smaller businesses and built Canyon Country.)

      Steve Palmer next bought the Radio Shack franchise from Norman Lyman and moved it to the Hallmark Book Store (west of Patio).  Steve ran the Hallmark Bookstore for 27 years until 2008.  Clyda and Van were also an intergral part of that business.  She kept books and ordered supplies from both Hallmark and Deseret Book.  During that time, they contracted with the college in the late 1990’s to sell college textbooks and offered a mobile bookstore as well.  Eventually the bookstore was sold to Taylor Lyman.      

    Van was always on the move 24/7 looking for something to do.  He taught his family that success happens when people have a need, then work hard to make that goal happen. Both he and his wife exemplified that principle all their lives. 

Pictures from Blanding's Interesting Past

 In an effort to preserve more Blanding History,

  photos from past eras will be featured on this blog

Most of these photos were used in the 2005 Centennial Program created by Phil Mueller, Janet Wilcox and Winston Hurst.  Ada Rigby provided many of the photos. In the earlier years the 4th of July  was called Frontier Days with a parade, rodeo, and exhibits. If you recognize some of the "unnamed" people in any of the photos, please call 435-678-2911 or text me.

Bishopric of  2nd? Ward

Top: ?,  Richard Guymon, Aroe Brown, Dr. Clayton Parkinson,

Bottom: William Black, LaRay Alexander and Rex Harvey

Kathleen Bronson was one of these agile performers in the parade.

1971 Frontier's Day Parade

4th of July Royalty 1971: Georgia Bayles, Joyce Shore
Martina Thomas, Laurel Johnson Reed, and Kathy Young

Joyce Shore

                                

Benito Sanchez Family
In front of church and parsonage on 3rd West 100 So in Blanding

Photos from 1971 Issue of the San Juan Recor

Freda and Dave Guymon photos

Freda Guymon and baby 4th West and Center

More Guymon children

Dave Guymon holding Elaine Rowley Guymon

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Hurst Ancestor, Norma Dee Ryan, Retires as Pianist 

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San Juan High School Alumni & Teachers

                                

LaRay Alexander Interview

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Bill Redd Reinacts Patrict Henry's Speach for SJHS junior English Class

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Primary Classes in the 1950's (Karen Slavens Collection)

                                                   

                                                     Doris Guymon Teacher

Blond girl is Christian Nielson Haws

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San Juan High's New Building Burns (Same location as current District Office)

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Phyllis Jones' Scrap Book

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Relief Society Party Held in south chapel

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First Boy Scout Troup in Blanding

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Seth and Vivian Shumway Family:

 Back Row:  Kenny Shumway, Eugene, Glen, Deloy, and Merwin

Middle Row: Virginia Redd, Ila Johnson, Clea Johnson, IvaLou Perkins.

Front row: Joey Holliday, Vivian and Seth Shumway and dorothy Nielson.  

Burdette is pictured, photo may have been taken after his death in the mines

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Singing Mothers in South Chapel

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Bruce and Margaret Shumway at Cookout for Social Workers

1971

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1976 Photos

San Juan High's Illustrious Drama Club Headed by Lynnette Adams

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SJHS ACTIVITIES

Controversy over Medical Assistance

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Gary Shumway and his students From Cal State Fullerton

Conducted Hundreds of Interviews in San Juan county

Oliver Harris and Steve Lovell Initiated

The Shooting of Mr. "RottenGots and Mr. "Aints"

Professor Charles Peterson Comes to San Juan

and Presents Lectures on "Look To The Mountains

1976 Photos from San Juan Record

Dr. Gibbons Victim of Slow Payments by the State of Utah

  

 

 Steve Wilcox Water Witching for Corrine Roring north/east of Monticello