the western mining and - castle country brochure new address.pdf · big john statue at the helper...

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Historic Helper Highlights Some of the featured stops in Historic Helper, Utah are: • Balance Rock: Look to the north of Main Street to see this geological feature as it stands out among the mountains. • “Big John”: A high-gloss, black metal, iconic statue that stands over 20 feet tall and commemorates the roots of this historical coal mining community. • The convenient Amtrak Depot, in the center of town is convenient if you plan to visit by train. • Western Mining and Railroad Museum: See antique items and more in theme rooms featuring the life as early immigrants in Helper. • Helper Train Mosaic: Located next to the museum, this local art piece was created by famous artists and children alike. • Gigliotti Pond: An easily accesible fishing pond, per- fect for families needing a break from the road. • Spring Canyon: See the remains and ruins of the very coal camps that were the foundation for Helper and the surrounding areas. DAVID JOHNSON Historic HELPER , UTAH Gateway to Utah’s Castle Country 751 East 100 North, Ste. 2100 Price, Utah 84501 435-636-3701 www.castlecountry.com Helper’s Rich History Helper was first settled in 1881 by Teancum Pratt and his plural wives. He then settled into what he described as “a lonely wilderness” where he sought to escape the “hunt- ers, trappers and bachelors and raveheads” in the area of his previous farm along Gordon Creek. The railroad was coming and less than six months after he filed for his homestead, he sold parts of his family’s property to the DR&G railroad. Soon, a railyard was born. Helper’s name arrived with the railyard and its neces- sity of “helper” steam engines. These engines were at- tached to the trains traveling to Northern Utah, “helping” the trains with the steep grades found in Price Canyon. At that time trains needed steam. Steam required coal, and mining coal required men. Soon immigrants arrived in Helper by the hundreds, searching for the “American dream.” Italians, Greeks, Yugoslavians, Japanese, Slove- nians and Chinese flooded the area. Many labored in the mines throughout Helper and the surrounding areas but some soon left mining to create businesses. Photos of Helper from the early 1900s show Greek coffeehouses, Italian bakeries, Japanese restaurants, Jewish and Italian mercantile stores together with saloons, billiard parlors, and hotels of all ethnic origins. By 1920, 27 different lan- guages were spoken in Helper. The Western Mining and Railroad Museum A must see in Helper is The Western Mining and Railroad Museum. The stories of the mines and railroads and the immigrants who worked them is shown in the many exhib- its. Explore the basement mine, stand where Butch Cas- sidy stood when he robbed the Castlegate payroll, shop the company store and be awed at life in the coal camps. Housed in the old Helper Hotel, the Museum provides a trip back in time to the beginnings of Helper and the hard- working people who formed its character. Also, make sure to stop by the mining equipment and museum yard to see the amazing machines used in the coal mines today. You will also see train cars and the Helper Train Mosaic. e Helper Train Mosaic e Western Mining & Railroad Museum Helper’s Main Street circa 1920s 294 South Main Street Helper, Utah 84526 435-472-3009 www.wmrrm.org Call or visit our website for dates and hours of operation. Train with Balance Rock Funded in Part By: Historic Main Street Helper circa 1930’s Young Coal Miner

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Page 1: The Western Mining and - Castle Country Brochure New Address.pdf · BIG JOHN STATUE AT THE HELPER AUDITORIUM •• Helper City Pool (411 Spruce St.) • The Rio Theatre • Western

Historic Helper Highlights Some of the featured stops in Historic Helper, Utah are:

• Balance Rock: Look to the north of Main Street to see this geological feature as it stands out among the mountains.

• “Big John”: A high-gloss, black metal, iconic statue that stands over 20 feet tall and commemorates the roots of this historical coal mining community.

• The convenient Amtrak Depot, in the center of town is convenient if you plan to visit by train.

• Western Mining and Railroad Museum: See antique items and more in theme rooms featuring the life as early immigrants in Helper.

• Helper Train Mosaic: Located next to the museum, this local art piece was created by famous artists and children alike.

• Gigliotti Pond: An easily accesible fishing pond, per-fect for families needing a break from the road.

• Spring Canyon: See the remains and ruins of the very coal camps that were the foundation for Helper and the surrounding areas.

DAV

ID J

OH

NSO

N

HistoricHELPER, UTAH

Gateway to Utah’s Castle Country

751 East 100 North, Ste. 2100Price, Utah 84501

435-636-3701www.castlecountry.com

Helper’s Rich HistoryHelper was first settled in 1881 by Teancum Pratt and his plural wives. He then settled into what he described as “a lonely wilderness” where he sought to escape the “hunt-ers, trappers and bachelors and rave heads” in the area of his previous farm along Gordon Creek. The railroad was coming and less than six months after he filed for his homestead, he sold parts of his family’s property to the DR&G railroad. Soon, a railyard was born.

Helper’s name arrived with the railyard and its neces-sity of “helper” steam engines. These engines were at-tached to the trains traveling to Northern Utah, “helping” the trains with the steep grades found in Price Canyon.

At that time trains needed steam. Steam required coal, and mining coal required men. Soon immigrants arrived in Helper by the hundreds, searching for the “American dream.” Italians, Greeks, Yugoslavians, Japanese, Slove-nians and Chinese flooded the area. Many labored in the mines throughout Helper and the surrounding areas but some soon left mining to create businesses. Photos of Helper from the early 1900s show Greek coffeehouses, Italian bakeries, Japanese restaurants, Jewish and Italian mercantile stores together with saloons, billiard parlors, and hotels of all ethnic origins. By 1920, 27 different lan-guages were spoken in Helper.

The Western Mining and Railroad Museum

A must see in Helper is The Western Mining and Railroad Museum. The stories of the mines and railroads and the immigrants who worked them is shown in the many exhib-its. Explore the basement mine, stand where Butch Cas-sidy stood when he robbed the Castlegate payroll, shop the company store and be awed at life in the coal camps. Housed in the old Helper Hotel, the Museum provides a trip back in time to the beginnings of Helper and the hard-working people who formed its character. Also, make sure to stop by the mining equipment and museum yard to see the amazing machines used in the coal mines today. You will also see train cars and the Helper Train Mosaic.

The Helper Train Mosaic

The Western Mining & Railroad Museum

Helper’s Main Street circa 1920s

294 South Main StreetHelper, Utah 84526

435-472-3009www.wmrrm.org

Call or visit our website for dates and hours of operation.

Train with Balance Rock

Funded in Part By:

Historic Main Street

Helper circa 1930’s

Young Coal Miner

Page 2: The Western Mining and - Castle Country Brochure New Address.pdf · BIG JOHN STATUE AT THE HELPER AUDITORIUM •• Helper City Pool (411 Spruce St.) • The Rio Theatre • Western

Historic Main StreetNo visit to Helper would be complete without a stop by the Historical District, which includes Main Street. Here, local restaurants, coffee shops, an tique stores, art gal-leries, and unique buildings all contribute to its charm and character.

The Helper Parkway and Spring Canyon Trail

One block off Main Street, you can stroll the Helper Parkway and take the family for a picnic at the pavilion and a volleyball game.

If you want to explore the surrounding mountain areas, the Spring Canyon Trail is ideal. Located in the west part of town, the trail follows the abandoned railroad line that served the old coal camps. The Ke-nilworth-Helper Railroad Trail is on the opposite side of town. Following the abandoned railroad line between Helper and the small mining town of Kenilworth, it is suitable for walking, biking or ATVing. The trail begins at the foot of the mountains in North Helper. You can find information and maps at the Western Mining and Railroad Museum or the Office of Tourism in Price. You can also visit www.castlecountry.com for trails maps and additional information.

The Helper Outlaw Car Show & Cruise

In June, experience the Helper Outlaw Car Show & Cruise and see a wide variety of custom cars. This event is held annually at the city park which is conveniantly located next to a pool and ballpark. See Firebirds, Mus-tangs, Corvettes, Chevelles and more, all on display in one place highlighting America’s passion for the auto-mobile.

The Helper Arts and Music Festival

On the third weekend in August, The Helper Arts and Music Festival arrives on Main Street with over 65 booths in the arts and crafts marketplace. Some of the best art in the Intermountain West is on display. Visit local artists’ studios and see how Helper inspires them.

Mining Town Ruins

HELPER TRAIN

MOSAIC

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PARK

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• Public Parking

• Public Toilet

HILL

MAIN ST. PARK

PARK

WAY

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BIG JOHN STATUE AT

THE HELPER AUDITORIUM

• Helper City Pool (411 Spruce St.)• The Rio Theatre• Western Mining & Railroad Museum• Gigliotti Pond AMTRAK/UNION

PACIFIC DEPOT

6

139

244

EXIT 232

SPRING CANYON

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COUNTRY CLUB

N. MARTIN

DIRECTIONS FROM NORTH:Take I-15 South to Exit 257B US–6 East to Price. Travel about 70 miles over Soldier Summit until Helper Exit 232.

DIRECTIONS FROM SOUTH:Take I-15 North to I-70 East, Exit 91 to US-10 N. Drive about 60 miles to US-6, continue to Helper Exit 232.

HELPER CITY PARK

& POOL

UIN

TAH

ST.

CANYON ST.

SOUTHTO I-70

NORTH TO I-15

Historic Main Street

HELPER HISTORICAL

DISTRICT

Balance Rock

“Big John”

6

Attend plays, musical theatre and dance revues and hear live music from a variety of bands. Sample mouthwater-ing food and icy beverages in the spacious food court. A 5K run and car show coincide with the festival.

Utah’s Christmas Town FestivalEvery December, Helper transforms into a dazzling holiday extravaganza. Beginning before Thanksgiving, the town is lit up with Christmas lights and during this time many events are offered. There is a craft fair, chili dinners, silent auctions and visits with Santa, to name a few. In years past, the Helper Electric Light Parade has spanned two nights in a row followed by a fireworks show.

Christmas Town FestivalHelper Arts & Music Festival

Outlaw Car Show

Spring Canyon

DIRECTIONS FROM EAST:From I-70 take Exit 157 US–6 W / US–191 N toward Price until Helper Exit 232.