Farr West, Utah
Encyclopedia
Farr West is a city in Weber County
, Utah
, United States
. The population was 3,094 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden
–Clearfield
, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 5.8 square miles (15.1 km²), all of it land.
Farr West is bordered by Plain City
to the west, Willard
to the north, Pleasant View
to the north east, Harrisville
to the east, and Marriott-Slaterville
to the south.
, who had served as presiding bishop of Weber County, and who was the son-in-law of Abraham Hoagland
.
The earliest settlers engaged in agriculture for their livelihood, and it received a great boost when the sugar beet industry was introduced in 1898. In 1923 further benefits were available to farmers when the Utah Packing Corporation installed a pea viner to help process field-grown peas.
Early settlers had to be quite self-sufficient. They primarily raised hay and grain and kept a few farm animals for work and for food. As the population grew, some farmers furnished milk and butter to customers in the city. Later, farmers branched into dairy or poultry operations to augment family income; a few raised cash crops like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Since World War II, most of the local small farms have gone out of business and only a few large farms specializing in dairy or beef production remain in operation. In the early 1990s, only one farm raised garden fruits and vegetables on a commercial basis. Irrigation for farming is still obtained through the western Irrigation Company Canal, constructed in 1858 and enlarged in 1884. The Willard Bay Canal, constructed through Farr West in 1965, may in time serve part of the community.
Education has always assumed a vital role in community life. The first frame school building in western Harrisville was built in 1872. It was replaced in 1880 with a new red brick schoolhouse. In 1914 a yellow brick school building was erected in the center of town. Through the consolidation of area schools, this building was taken out of service in 1938. In 1941 the Walquist Elementary School began serving the public and in 1950 was converted to a junior high school. The new Farr West Elementary School began operation in the northwestern part of the community in 1983.
The first LDS church building was completed in 1891, serving as the center of church and community activities for fifty-three years until it was destroyed by fire in 1944. Other LDS chapels were constructed in 1926 and in 1981.
The growth of services in the community has significantly affected life in Farr West. In 1900 the first post office was established in Farr West. Rural free mail delivery began in 1905. Also in 1905, phone service was brought into the community. Electricity was made available on 29 May 1916. The Farr West Sewer Improvement District was established on 4 January 1968. Natural gas was brought into the community in August 1958. Bona Vista Water Improvement District provided culinary water in 1958; Pine View Water Systems brought a secondary water system to the area in 1982.
The earliest business in Farr West was built in 1862. It was called the Prairie House, and was a tavern that primarily served travelers who were on their way to the gold mines in Montana. In 1869 the Union Pacific Railroad laid a line through the eastern part of Farr West, a line later called the Ogden Shoreline. In 1874 William Rawson opened the first general merchandise store in the town. For many years, new businesses remained in operation only a relatively short time. Only in recent years have more permanent business activities become established. At the end of 1992 the city had issued licenses to sixty-one business, which range in size from the large Smith and Edwards variety store to small businesses operating from home sites.
Road improvements have had a significant impact on community development. The earliest unimproved roads were dusty in dry weather and filled with ruts and difficult to traverse in bad weather. Applying gravel to the roads improved their condition markedly, but asphalt and concrete were not used in local roads until around 1930 (the year West Harrisville Road was paved).
Farr West residents have exhibited intense interest in controlling the various influences on community growth. Before incorporating, the community elected a town planning committee in 1962, and then elected a town committee in 1972. These groups worked with the Weber County Planning Commission to effect a desirable growth pattern in the community. However, town residents became increasingly fearful that they would lose the ability to effectively convey their desires to the county planners. The concern eventually led to incorporation of Farr West City in 1980. Becoming the twelfth city in Weber County, it began formal operation on 1 January 1981. Jimmie Papageorge was elected as the first mayor. City officials operated out of their homes until city offices were constructed. The first meeting was held in the new town hall on 4 November 1982.
of 2000, there were 3,094 people, 1,034 households, and 822 families residing in the city. The population density
was 530.0 people per square mile (204.6/km²). There were 1,088 housing units at an average density of 186.4 per square mile (71.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.09% White, 0.23% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.87% from other races
, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.78% of the population.
There were 1,034 households out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.46.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,618, and the median income for a family was $48,276. Males had a median income of $43,094 versus $25,871 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,411. About 2.0% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.
Weber County, Utah
Weber County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah, occupying a stretch of the Wasatch Front, part of the eastern shores of Great Salt Lake, and much of the rugged Wasatch Mountains. As of the 2000 census, the population was 196,533, an increase of 24.1% over its population in 1990. By...
, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 3,094 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden
Ogden, Utah
Ogden is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. Ogden serves as the county seat of Weber County. The population was 82,825 according to the 2010 Census. The city served as a major railway hub through much of its history, and still handles a great deal of freight rail traffic which makes it a...
–Clearfield
Clearfield, Utah
Clearfield is a city in Davis County, Utah, United States. The population was 25,974 at the 2000 census. The city grew drastically during the 1940s, with the formation of Hill Air Force Base, and in the 1950s with the nation-wide increase in suburb and "bedroom" community populations and has been...
, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area
Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan area
The Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in north central Utah, anchored by the cities of Ogden and Clearfield...
.
Geography
Farr West is located at 41°17′35"N 112°1′35"W (41.293143, -112.026489).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 5.8 square miles (15.1 km²), all of it land.
Farr West is bordered by Plain City
Plain City, Utah
Plain City is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. The population was 3,489 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
to the west, Willard
Willard, Utah
Willard is a city in Box Elder County, Utah, United States. The population was 1,772 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Willard is located at ....
to the north, Pleasant View
Pleasant View, Utah
Pleasant View is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. The population was 5,632 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area...
to the north east, Harrisville
Harrisville, Utah
Harrisville is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. The population was 3,645 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
to the east, and Marriott-Slaterville
Marriott-Slaterville, Utah
Marriott-Slaterville is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. The population was 1,425 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area...
to the south.
History
Farr West City is located on the north end of Weber County. It is bordered on the east by Pleasant View and by Harrisville, on the south by Slaterville, and on the west by Plain City, and was first settled by Mormon pioneers. In 1858 Joseph Taylor settled in the area that later became Farr West. In 1868 the area was included as a part of Harrisville when a precinct was organized. On 30 November 1890 western Harrisville was organized into a separate LDS ward and given the name Farr West in honor of Lorin Farr, former president of the Weber LDS stake, and Chauncey W. WestChauncey W. West
Chauncey Walker West was a Mormon pioneer and was a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah Territory. He was among the first Mormon missionaries to preach in Sri Lanka....
, who had served as presiding bishop of Weber County, and who was the son-in-law of Abraham Hoagland
Abraham Hoagland
Abraham Lucas Hoagland was an early Mormon leader, pioneer, and one of the founders of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.-Early life:...
.
The earliest settlers engaged in agriculture for their livelihood, and it received a great boost when the sugar beet industry was introduced in 1898. In 1923 further benefits were available to farmers when the Utah Packing Corporation installed a pea viner to help process field-grown peas.
Early settlers had to be quite self-sufficient. They primarily raised hay and grain and kept a few farm animals for work and for food. As the population grew, some farmers furnished milk and butter to customers in the city. Later, farmers branched into dairy or poultry operations to augment family income; a few raised cash crops like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Since World War II, most of the local small farms have gone out of business and only a few large farms specializing in dairy or beef production remain in operation. In the early 1990s, only one farm raised garden fruits and vegetables on a commercial basis. Irrigation for farming is still obtained through the western Irrigation Company Canal, constructed in 1858 and enlarged in 1884. The Willard Bay Canal, constructed through Farr West in 1965, may in time serve part of the community.
Education has always assumed a vital role in community life. The first frame school building in western Harrisville was built in 1872. It was replaced in 1880 with a new red brick schoolhouse. In 1914 a yellow brick school building was erected in the center of town. Through the consolidation of area schools, this building was taken out of service in 1938. In 1941 the Walquist Elementary School began serving the public and in 1950 was converted to a junior high school. The new Farr West Elementary School began operation in the northwestern part of the community in 1983.
The first LDS church building was completed in 1891, serving as the center of church and community activities for fifty-three years until it was destroyed by fire in 1944. Other LDS chapels were constructed in 1926 and in 1981.
The growth of services in the community has significantly affected life in Farr West. In 1900 the first post office was established in Farr West. Rural free mail delivery began in 1905. Also in 1905, phone service was brought into the community. Electricity was made available on 29 May 1916. The Farr West Sewer Improvement District was established on 4 January 1968. Natural gas was brought into the community in August 1958. Bona Vista Water Improvement District provided culinary water in 1958; Pine View Water Systems brought a secondary water system to the area in 1982.
The earliest business in Farr West was built in 1862. It was called the Prairie House, and was a tavern that primarily served travelers who were on their way to the gold mines in Montana. In 1869 the Union Pacific Railroad laid a line through the eastern part of Farr West, a line later called the Ogden Shoreline. In 1874 William Rawson opened the first general merchandise store in the town. For many years, new businesses remained in operation only a relatively short time. Only in recent years have more permanent business activities become established. At the end of 1992 the city had issued licenses to sixty-one business, which range in size from the large Smith and Edwards variety store to small businesses operating from home sites.
Road improvements have had a significant impact on community development. The earliest unimproved roads were dusty in dry weather and filled with ruts and difficult to traverse in bad weather. Applying gravel to the roads improved their condition markedly, but asphalt and concrete were not used in local roads until around 1930 (the year West Harrisville Road was paved).
Farr West residents have exhibited intense interest in controlling the various influences on community growth. Before incorporating, the community elected a town planning committee in 1962, and then elected a town committee in 1972. These groups worked with the Weber County Planning Commission to effect a desirable growth pattern in the community. However, town residents became increasingly fearful that they would lose the ability to effectively convey their desires to the county planners. The concern eventually led to incorporation of Farr West City in 1980. Becoming the twelfth city in Weber County, it began formal operation on 1 January 1981. Jimmie Papageorge was elected as the first mayor. City officials operated out of their homes until city offices were constructed. The first meeting was held in the new town hall on 4 November 1982.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,094 people, 1,034 households, and 822 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 530.0 people per square mile (204.6/km²). There were 1,088 housing units at an average density of 186.4 per square mile (71.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.09% White, 0.23% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.87% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.78% of the population.
There were 1,034 households out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.46.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,618, and the median income for a family was $48,276. Males had a median income of $43,094 versus $25,871 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,411. About 2.0% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.