The Pioneer Post Volume III Issue 3 Marriott-Slaterville City Newsletter March 2001 1195 West 400 North, MSC, UT 84404 (627-1919, Fax 627-1880) Message from the Mayor At the beginning of this year I decided to sign up for the 'Citizens Academy' sponsored by the Weber County Sheriffs Department. Over a 12 week period the academy covers a different subject relating to law enforcement. Last week's subject was gang awareness. The things I learned about gang violence were frightening. If we think that gang problems only exist in the inter-city areas, then we are sadly mistaken. I was surprised to discover that currently the most violent gangs in the area are located right here in our western county vicinity. Youth join gangs for a sense of belonging and comradery. Youth in gangs esteem fellow gang members who have the longest criminal record and who are the most ruthless. I do not have any school age children, however, I feel that gang awareness is very important for every resident to learn about. This is because I have grandchildren and neighbor children that I care deeply for. If I know the warning signs indicating a teenager I know is becoming involved in a gang, then I am in a better position to take preventative measures. Prevention prevents victimization. Therefore, I have asked city staff and the Youth Council to schedule a gang awareness class for our community later this year. I would encourage you to attend this class and learn what I learned about gang awareness. Sincerely, Keith H. Butler Mayor How are we to be Remembered? Will Mayor Keith Butler be remembered in history as the "parent" of a wayward and wandering duck? Did you know that John Broom who built the beautiful Broom Hotel (now Ben Lomond Hotel) on the corner of Washington Boulevard and 25th Street was the same Broom for whom Broom's Bench in the historical Marriott community was named? Or do you even know where Broom's Bench was? Did you know that Basil Spiers of Plain City (descendants living in our community), in connection with Mr. Broom, founded Ogden State Bank, where many stalwarts from Marriott and Slaterville deposited their hard-earned savings? Do you know where Richard Slater, of Mormon Battalion fame, built a fine brick home, which still stands? Each day a tapestry of history is being woven in our community. Sometimes the colors are bright and happy; sometimes dull, gray and sad. These threads are our individual lives in the present, but tomorrow it will be our history. Pages of the past have been gleaned from the journals and writings of those who lived here before, but much is unknown. Like the legendary Slaterville Cemetery near 2000 West and Pioneer Road. I would like to add to our knowledge. Do you have any history, story, or pictures concerning our community history or those who have or do live here? If you are willing to share, please leave a copy in my box at the City Office. My goal is to accumulate a wealth of information about us, Marriott-Slaterville City, to develop our own historical library for our knowledge today and for our posterity. Sincerely, Elna Lucas City Historian 179