Ernest J. Sondregger’s legacy: Building homes, businesses, and churches

Ernest J. Sondregger’s legacy of building homes, businesses, and churches began in 1949 when he received his Utah Contractor’s license # 105 and constructed their family’s first home. His wife Vernetta was a diligent photographer and recorder of their experiences; thus a well-documented history of his building and business projects exists. In 1950 his company built Devere Halls’ home, Southwest Gas, and Dr. Matheson’s Home and office in Monticello; in 1951 homes were built for Sarah Barton, Dale Kinnamon, and the Kay Johnson home in Blanding. In 1952 the Edway Redd home was built as well as a business facility for Eddie Saul. Fletch Bronson’s home was built in 1953, as was The Navajo Trail Motel built in Mexican Hat. They also built Tom Jones’ home and the Monticello Seminary that same year. In 1954 Sondreggers built homes for Lisle Adams and Grant Bronson as well as The Dairy Queen in Monticello. The Mexican Hat Motel was built in 1955 as well as the Walton Apartments, the Harris Shumway home in Blanding, and the Marvin Lyman Motel in Blanding.

Most of those well-built homes are still lived in today, including the Ruth Redd and Kenny Shumway homes which were built in 1956. That same year Sondreggers built the State Road Shed as well as a home for R.J. Fellmeth. The following year, homes were built for Dr. Goon and George Walton and The Hess Motel office was completed in 1957 as well as 3 teacher houses in Blanding (which are still in use today). The Bowen Motel addition was finished in 1960. Joe Cooper and Wm Walton’s homes were built in 1961. The Moab Seminary building was completed in 1962. A home for Helen Knight was built in Moab in 1968 as well as the Moab Elementary School. That same year a brick triplex was also built in Blanding on 3rd west, which continues to be used and the Bowen Motel addition was finished.

Several big projects were next on the Sondregger horizon: the auditorium at San Juan High was built in 1964. Young’s Machine Office was built in 1966 and the library and cafeteria at San Juan High completed in 1966-67. An addition to the San Juan Hospital in Monticello was built in 1968. An article published in the San Juan Record May 9, 1968 states: “The new wing at San Juan Hospital is beautiful and practical in every sense and is a real addition to an already excellent facility for the citizens of San Juan County. It has a total of 36 beds and employs 40 people which includes part time help along with four registered nurses, 14 aids, in addition to kitchen and laundry workers and technicians. There are two isolation rooms and two semi-private rooms.”

The Sondreggers finally built their own family home and moved in August 11, 1969. As with all the homes and business built, it too was constructed to last. In 1970 Sondreggers built the Monticello Elementary School, as well as homes for Calvin Perkins, Bryce Redd, John Baker, Don Palmer, Jerry Holliday, and the Blanding Clinic In 1971. The Mexican Hat Chapel was also completed as well as a home in Blanding for his daughter Relva and husband Bob Bowring. In 1972 the company built a home for Harold Allen and an apartment building for Bough Bayles, near the Blanding post office. Kigalia I was also completed by Sondregger’s in 1973 which provided needed apartments in Blanding. In 1974 they completed a split-level home for Richard Colman as well as a home for Kevin Ramsay. 1975 ushered in more homes: Gary Adair, Karl Barton and Joe Davis had homes built and an office was completed for Dr. Goon. The Gateway Motel was built in 1978 as well as the Donald Bayles home in Blanding. In Monticello they built the Phillips 66 station, as well as the AEC dropdown dam in 1974. Mule Canyon Ruins exhibit was completed in 1975.

Earnie Sondregger’s community spirit and skills did not go unappreciated. In a letter to the editor Mike Young wrote. “Dear Mr. Sondregger: In behalf of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank you sincerely for your assistance in our effort to install a sidewalk between the two schools in Monticello. Without the use of your equipment, which you so generously donated, and without the assistance of your experienced employees, our job would have been much more difficult. We especially appreciate the efforts of your son, Paul, Mr. Verl Bell, Mr. Gaylen Schaugaard and Mr. Elmo Redd. We want you to know that your generosity and assistance was most valuable and enabled us to construct a very professionally done sidewalk. Sincerely, Mike Young, President, Monticello Chamber of Commerce.“

The Blanding Clinic was completed and officially opened in January 1984. Present for the ribbon cutting were Rayburn Jack, Ernest Sonderegger, Cleal Bradford, Bob Low and Dr. James Redd. For the first time in Blanding, a doctor, nurse, and x-ray technician were available 24 hours a day. Mayor Cleal Bradford stated at that time: “A nation can be measured by how it treats its aged, sick and those unable to care for themselves. Guen Smith, who served on the Health Care Services Board recalled: “As recently as 25 years ago, the Navajo people were not given health services. I’m happy today to know that this new facility is for all people.” Sondregger was also associated with Interstate Homes for 11 years. He stated in 1990: “These modular units were of high quality, thus were able to capture 90% of the business in San Juan.” They provided his company with units for homes, apartments and motels for over 40 families.

Along with running his company, he also served as Mayor of Monticello receiving 429 of 500 votes in 1987. For Monticello’s Centennial the following year, Sondregger instigated construction of a Welcome sign and events throughout the year. Some events included Winterfest, snow sculpture competition, 24th of July parade and activities and articles in the San Juan Record “100 years under the Horsehead.” Danny Walker and Merri Allyson Redd were winners of the Centennial logo and theme contest. In August of 1988 Mayor Sondregger pitched the first horseshow at the Utah State Championship tournament in Monticello. In more serious activities as Mayor, he worked with the U.S. Department of Energy to have them compensate the city on damage caused by trucks using Clay Hill Road in their cleanup of contaminated soil south of the old uranium processing mill.

In 1991 The Days Inn was built on the north end of Monticello. It featured a decorative stucco work, a drive-through covered entrance, 43 rooms and an indoor pool and hot tub. It is still one of the nicest motels in the county.

Blanding's Stained Glass Guru

Most people think of Mark Lyman as a skilled counselor and friend, but he also has many creative talents. He majored in Art at BYU and graduated in 1967. This led him to a skill that few people are patient enough to learn: Creating stained glass windows. He first encountered the majesty of stained glass in the Cologne Cathedral while living in Germany in the 60’s. "It was the first time I appreciated the practice of medieval people building stone cathedrals, soaring higher than seemingly possible, with stained glass windows placed along the walls high enough to cause you to look up, heavenward. The combination of stone, colored glass and incense in the air must have been a magical and humbling experience for Medieval people. as it is for us today." The combination of stone, colored glass and incense in the air must have been a magical and humbling experience for Medieval people. As it is for us today. Years later the Lymans took their family back to Cologne to see if they could recapture that magic. "It was still there and has been each time we’ve visited" That same experience and sense of awe can be found in cathedrals all around the world. The famous Rose window in the Notre Dame Cathedral survived the fire of 2019 and is again open to the public, as well as the lesser-known Saint-Chapelle, also in Paris. "We have experienced St. Paul’s and Westminster Cathedrals in London, Canterbury Cathedral, St. Albans in Copenhagen, Sulzberger Dom and Nurnberg Abbey in Salzburg, as well as many smaller, lesser-known cathedrals. St. Savior’s Church in Bar Harbor, Maine has the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. These are at eye level, and although marvelous, don’t seem to inspire the same sense of wonder. They feel more like an art museum. Being forced to look heavenward seems to be good for the soul." In many ways stained glass as an art form is similar to piecing a quilt, though not as easy to fix if you make a mistake. First the size is determined, then the pattern and color scheme is planned using the various colors of glass. Glass is usually purchased at art stores and then the artist determines a pattern and what colors to use. This is where the real artistry begins, as glass is cut into specific shapes, then tediously put back together into a visual masterpiece.

There is a unique range of materials involved in making stained-glass. The palette consists of colored glass, copper foil, and solder (which holds the creation together). As with other art forms, first the creator plans the design on how the various colors and shapes will fit together in a predetermined space. Next the shapes are traced onto the colored glass using. The glass has to be clean and dry on both sides and then is scored with a sharp tool specifically used for glass, so it breaks precisely as planned. Straight lines are cut first, then the curved ones. All the edges require sanding (with fine sand paper) so they snuggly fit, like puzzle pieces. This is followed by melting copper foil which is moldable and will bend on both sides around the glass. The final step is soldering every piece together with an 80 watt soldering iron, using flux so that both sides stay in place. The foil is like wire and comes in various colors depending on the artist's preferences. Even a small stained glass piece 14X 20 inches may take as long as a week or more to create. Mark has made a dozen or more 4X8X6 pieces and several larger 20X20 stained glass panels. As with all art forms there may be disasters along the way, but the final outcome is still worth it! It is not an simple skill to learn. If you're looking for a quick and easy imitation, you can just paint on glass, which is evidently what was done on the large glass window in the old south chapel.

Veterans Memorial To Be Built in Blanding

For decades, soldiers from San Juan County dedicated their time and often their lives to the cause of freedom. From WWI to more current conflicts, hundreds of local soldiers have served in order that the freedoms we cherish are preserved. American Legion Post #97 Commander Tony Wojcik and Andy Mikesell Adjunct are currently working to build a permanent veterans outdoor memorial near the visitors center on Center Street. This will honor veterans who have served in all branches of the military. Families of soldiers past and present and county residents are asked to join in this effort.

Even though an archival tribute to veterans is located on the north side of the Visitors Center, it is locked because of vandalism in the past and can only be accessed by visitor center staff. It contains details such as: family connection, birth and deaths of older generations of soldiers. However, the American Legion determined to build a memorial so that people can participate more directly, as well as reminding visitors of all who have served. The local American Legion Post #97 was started after WWII vets returned in 1948. Blanding always celebrated with farewell socials when soldiers left and returned. The history of many of these soldiers and their letters home are included in issue 20 of Blue Mountain Shadows.

A series of fortunate events prepared the way for this current project. Many will remember the old rodeo grounds northeast of Blanding. It included 40 acres of land, a rodeo arena as well as a racetrack. When Monticello built a better rodeo and fairgrounds, the Blanding rodeo property was abandoned and any materials left were either stolen or damaged. After 50 years the acreage was officially turned over by the BLM to the American Legion Post #97. After much deliberation it was decided to sell the land to Sondregger Construction who wanted to purchase it for gravel production. That sale provided the needed funding for the Veterans Memorial Project. The vision for the project came about after Wojcik started brainstorming to find a way to honor all branches of the military. He presented his ideas to the Blanding City Council who were supportive of the project and impressed by the amount of money available that could be used for it. The city agreed to provide the land, pay for the relocation of electricity and water and landscaping, as well as some financial assistance as needed. After meeting with the City Council, it was decided to put it near the Visitors Center.

Allison Ipson put together the artist’s concept for the memorial which will include six 8 ft. pillars with 10-inch bronze plaques with each military branch’s service motto on both sides. These will represent the Army, Navy, Marines, Airforce, Coast Guard and Space Force. In the center of the pillars will be a large kiva with a ladder and openings east and west with a large flagpole coming out of the center of the kiva. It will include the 4 traditional colors of the Navajo tribe: black= north, blue= south, yellow= west and white= east. The wall around the memorial will be 18 inches high with stone veneer.

When visitors arrive, they will first see a metal plaque: “What is a Veteran? Veterans are people who at one point in their lives wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including their life. That is honor.” The Gold Star Wall in the memorial will honor 29 individuals who lost their lives in battle (KIA). Their names will be etched into black polished granite. The memorial also includes the clock put in by Harold Lyman, a Korean War veteran.

Local families can purchase a paver to honor those in their family who have served in the military, but anyone can purchase pavers to be engraved at a cost of $360 (which is tax deductible as this is a nonprofit project.) Dedication of the memorial will be (hopefully) on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2025. Contact Tony Wojcik at 435-459-2249 for more information. To order a paver, go to the city of Blanding web site, scroll down main page to Veterans Memorial, click on link to order and follow the instructions.

The construction team includes: Jones and DeMille Engineers, Javen Ivins, Allison Ipson, (concept rendering) and Taylor Made Wooden Heritage. The project will use local artisans and companies. Lights will be provided by Northern Electric and will be on from dusk to dawn to illuminate the memorial.

Pups, People and Preparation: Wendy Ward-- Successful Dog Competitor and Breeder

Wendy Ward’s endeavors with her dogs, (AKC Kennel name: Blue House Cavaliers)is a lot like raising children; it requires teaching, training, cleaning, care and feeding, and coaching them as they work with and compete with others. Her focus and commitment to do this has led to great success in the winner’s circle at competitions as far away as Alaska and Alabama and as close as Arizona and Utah. Her next dog competition is May 16,17, and 18 in Farmington, New Mexico and visitors are invited to come. Other competitions are held in Colorado, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and all over the U.S. Wendy is quick to point out that her first attempts were awkward and unschooled. She has now progressed to awkward & totally trained (in her own words)!

There are all kinds of competitive dogs but Wendy’s preference is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She initially started with Yorkies, but they had to be taken to the vet often which was not cost effective. The Spaniels are cute, small in size, even tempered and outgoing. Unlike the Yorkies, they are large enough to not be confused with prairie dogs if they get out and run down the road. They are also very affectionate, gentle, and adaptable to children and families. The Wards’ four grandsons have informally temperament tested the cavaliers by sitting on them, pulling their ears, dragging them around and taking bones out of their mouth. These are patient, gentle dogs!

Best Christmas Story Started in Blanding

With the recent movie release of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (which comes to Blanding Dec 13-19) some may not know it has a strong Blanding connection which started in 1981, when Melissa Tatro was a teacher at Blanding Elementary. She loved working with students was very pro-active in enhancing student experiences. She contacted our PTA officers and let them know that Barbara Robinson was her aunt, and that she might be willing to come to Blanding to talkabout writing and her recent publishing success, Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Thus began San Juan’s love for the Herdman family and their Christmas antics!

~~ The Blanding PTA wrote a proposal to the Utah Council for the Humanities asking for financial help to pay for Mrs. Robinson to travel from Ohio and to conduct 3 days of workshops in the San Juan School District in April of 1982. She was a great presenter and walked us through the creation and writing process of the Christmas Pageant creation. Robinson wrote more than 40 short stories for newspapers and magazines, including McCall’s and Ladies’ Home Journal; however, her most popular work, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, however was her big runaway success. In the novel, the Herdmans (none of whom had ever heard the Bible’s Christmas story) offer their own wild and irreverent interpretation of the celebration, when they take over the annual holiday pageant one Sunday at church. Robinson went on to adapt the book for both the stage and for television in the 1980s, and it has sold more than 3.3 million copies in all editions.

~~ Since then, the “Pageant” has been performed in Blanding at least five times. When Emma Ward was 11, she was in the play. Emma recalled, “At that time I wore glasses, but Mrs. Adams didn’t want me to wear them, and I could hardly see where the edge of the stage was, I was so blind. I was always afraid I was going to fall off.” She went on to be SJHS senior & Sterling Scholar candidate in Drama. Robinson created two sequels starring the Herdmans, The Best School Year Ever (HarperCollins, 1994) and The Best Halloween Ever (HarperCollins, 2004). Though she enjoyed various styles of writing over the course of her career, she noted on her web site that she was “most happily an author of children’s books, because there’s no greater audience than boys and girls who read books and demand that those books be the most exciting, the most mysterious, the most touching, the funniest... the best.”

~~ Other books of Barbara Robinson are The Fattest Bear in the First Grade, Across from Indian Shore, My Brother Louis Measures Worms and other Louis stories, Temporary Times, Temporary Places and Trace through the Forest, My Brother Louis Measures Worms, Robinson was born and grew up in southern Ohio, in the river town of Portsmouth. She often credited her life in that small town as inspiring her writing, saying that it provided “great stuff to feed the imagination.” An avid reader and writer from an early age, Robinson followed her passion for both drama and writing when she attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1948 and passed awayJuly 9, 2013.