PICTURES TELL THE PAYSON STORY PAYSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PAYSON’S EARLY MUSICAL HERITAGE

 Pictured above: The Union Hall, located just north of the William Douglass Store, on today’s Main Street in Payson, Utah.

Music has been an important part of Payson history since its founding in October of 1850. Music seemed to sooth and uplift the souls of the first residents of the community. Wherever you found a group assembled, you could always hear the music that surrounded them. It did not matter if it was a church meeting or a dance, there was always music to found.

On July 1, 1869, Bishop John Fairbanks and his counselor Orrawell Simons organized one of the first bands in the community. The Payson Brass Band was led by William Clayson, Sr, who we recognize as of the most famous composers of his era. He became a guiding force in the musical organization of the community. The band held their practices in a school house built by James Reece on the southeast corner of today’s Utah Avenue and 300 East. They later practiced at the Tithing House that was located on the west side of today’s Main Street between 100 and 200 North.

Discover mementos from the BEEHIVE STATE HERE.

Find the rest of the story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.