Riverdale Past
Riverdale is situated in south central Weber County. It was once called "Stringtown" due to the early homes being strung along a single road and the Weber River. It was also known as "Jack Thompson's Settlement" and "Union" before the name of Riverdale was given to the town
The first settlers in the community were James Graham, his sons George and Robert, and other members of the family. They farmed in the area as early as 1850. Elisha Lane located nearby, as did William Farley, and Rufus Allen. Other early settlers of Riverdale included Adam Fife, Alexander Patterson, Warren C. Child, Thomas Slater, Richard Woolsey, John Child, John C. Thompson, William Stimpson, Myron Barber Child, and George Ritter
In 1853, Daniel Burch built a grist mill on the east side of the Weber River. Later he added a saw mill to rip logs and saw lumber for homes. The river bottoms were covered with cottonwood timber which supplied the lumber. In 1858, Apostle John Taylor of the L.D.S. Church, purchased the mill and made improvements, including the establishment of a carding machine. Richard Dye and Edward Stratton took charge of the grist mill and carding machin.
Other early industries included a blacksmith shop built in about 1860. Matches were manufactured by Hugh Findlay. He packaged them in pasteboard boxes of 200 and sold them for 25 cents a box. Milk was hauled in from the Morgan area and was processed at the Creamery. Settlers also enjoyed the convenience of a canning factory.
The pioneer settlers dug a canal taking water out of the Weber River near the eastern bend for the purpose of irrigating the bottom land. They raised hay, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and sugar beets.
John Child was the first postmaster. Mail came once a week. Hugh Findlay was the first teacher in the log school house in 1858. The school house was located at about what is presently 1000 West 4400 South. In 1862, a larger log building was constructed, and then replaced by a rock school house in 1865. It served until 1900.
The population of Riverdale in 1878 was 211.
The Town of Riverdale was incorporated March 4, 1946 with Mondell Bennett serving as the first President of the Town Board. Alexander Carlsen and Frank Warner subsequently served as President also. Riverdale became a third class city on July 7, 1956. Edwin G. Anderson, the presiding President, became the first man to officially have the title of Mayor. He was also the first elected mayor. Other mayors have included Gail Sanders, Keith N. Oram, L. Leon Poulsen, and Ben A. Jones.
Through proper planning and the dedicated services of many people, Riverdale City now enjoys the benefits of street lights, traffic lights, sewer and water systems, two fine parks, and 24 hour a day fire and police protection for citizens and businesses.
i be at the river sound like a good area. i be using garrett master hunter cx plus.
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