Downtown Is Open For Business

 

Asphalt torn and sidewalks missing, yet shops remain open during the Payson Downtown renovation. Parking is available along side streets and behind the buildings. Access by foot is possible. Support these small businesses if you are able. Let’s keep them open. 

The Cloth Shoppe and Rex Drugs are pictured in this undated photograph (top). An advertising page (below) published in The Payson Chronicle mapped out downtown shops in 1973.

Past, present, and future: We want your Downtown Payson story.

Write your story, then submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5. Many will be considered for publication in The Payson Chronicle newspaper. Photos are encouraged!

DOWNTOWN PAYSON STORIES

Tree of Life Studios: Yoga And Art Studios Operating In Historic Downtown

I still pinch myself every day when I think about how fortunate I am to be the trustee of a yoga and art studio on historic Main Street in this small, but ever-growing town of Payson, UT.

When I first opened Tree of Life Studios, at 92 South Main Street, two years ago, I knew I was taking a risk by choosing a location that was over 100 years old, but I was drawn to the charm and character that only an old building can offer. As I walk through the studio's creaky wooden floors, I can almost hear the whispers of the past, and I feel grateful to be a part of this historic downtown's story. 

We love being part of a historic downtown Main Street, especially as it transforms into a more vital part of the community. Of course, there have been challenges - from navigating the quirks of an old building to finding ways to make our space shine in a town where progress can be slow. 

The construction has definitely posed many challenges as well. Although the Payson city officials have said they support downtown business, there truly has been no support and very poor communication. I’d love more honest reporting on what is actually going on for downtown businesses. I only know of one business on Main Street who may have received any of the grant money allocated for this project. It was too hard to apply for and too expensive for most businesses to front all the money themselves and match the required amount. 

  

Aside from that, overall the rewards have been well worth it. We are doing everything we can to keep our doors open. Every day, I get to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together to practice yoga, create art, and connect with one another. And as I watch them leave, feeling more relaxed, inspired, and fulfilled, I'm reminded that my small business is not just a place to sell classes or art supplies - it's a hub for community and connection.

Nam Joti Kaur

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

Irene Whimpey Lamb

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Irene Whimpey Lamb, who left us on May 23, 2024, at the age of 86.

Irene was born on October 4, 1937, in Genola, UT, in a log cabin with a dirt floor to Blaine Lewis Whimpey and Lorena Smith. From an early age, she exhibited a remarkable strength of character and an unyielding spirit. She lost her father at a young age and was raised by her grandparents, Bert and Grace Smith. She married Douglas Lamb on December 13th, 1955, in the Manti Utah Temple. They were blessed with five children: Mark, Bonnie, Wade, Gwen, and Jim. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, unwavering support, and wry wit.

Throughout her life, Irene has been a pillar of strength and dedication to her family and the community. In 2022 Irene and Douglas were selected as the Grand Marshalls for the Onion Days Festivities. Irene was steadfast in her dedication and passion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in numerous callings, as well as a service mission with her husband Douglas at the LDS employment center. Irene’s spirit of service also included exceptional contributions to Mountain View Hospital as a volunteer Pink Lady for over 40 years while also serving a term as the president of the UAHAV. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Irene is survived by her husband, Douglas Lamb; Children: Mark Lamb (Texas), Bonnie Lamb (Payson), Wade (Becky) Lamb (Florida), Gwen (Scott) Spencer (Payson), Jim (Becky) Lamb (Florida); Sister: Vickie (Mike) Hillstead (California), Brother: John Willis (Colorado); Brothers-in-law: Lee Lamb (Payson) and Don Uder (Illinois); 21 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives with the same love and compassion she demonstrated every day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Lorena Whimpey, Stepfather Maynard Willis; in-laws Douglas and Theo Lamb; Grandparents Bert and Grace Smith; Brother Jim; Sisters Carma, Nancy, and Elaine; and Great-Grandchild Dylan Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 75 South 600 East in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the church. There will also be a visitation on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

Irene's presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WalkerMemorials.com.

In This Week's Edition

 

Downtown Payson has a rich history and hopeful future. The Payson Chronicle is collecting the community’s memories and wishes related to this district in a preservation project tentatively called “Downtown Payson Stories.”

Tell us your stories of Downtown Payson. We want to read generational tales about the old opera house, movie theaters, and cultural centers. And new venues for entertainment! Consider the civic and public spaces: the former city hall and police station, Payson City Library, and Memorial Park. We want to hear stories about the drugstores, diners, shops, salons, and lumber yards. Tell us about past and present domestic life in and close to Downtown Payson’s periphery. These are memories and thoughts that are meaningful to you.

The possibilities extend beyond the scope of the ideas mentioned above, so long as the stories tie in with the downtown district.

Compose your story and submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5. We invite you to share this invitation with friends, family, and strangers—Paysonians old and new.

Many will be considered for publication in The Payson Chronicle newspaper. Photos are encouraged. #paysonutah #utah #paysonpeople #downtown #funnygirl #huishtheatre #safewaydeals

FrontRunner South Public Information Meeting May 22 In Payson

PICTURED: UTA map highlighting planned FrontRunner South Extension, which ends in Payson City.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is planning to extend FrontRunner commuter rail service from Provo to Payson primarily along UTA-owned property with proposed stations in Springville, Spanish Fork, and Payson. FrontRunner South Public Information meetings are taking place in these cities, and on Wednesday, May 22, the occasion will be in Payson.

These efforts are building upon the South Valley Transit Study completed in 2022, which identified the FrontRunner extension as the Locally Preferred Alternative.

The current phase of the project includes environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and preliminary design for the proposed commuter rail extension. The environmental study will be prepared to evaluate both the benefits and impacts of the proposed project to identify a transit solution. Currently there is no funding or timeline for final design and construction.

Join the discussion May 22 at the Payson City Banquet Hall, 439 West Utah Avenue, from 5-7 PM.