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.