Boyter, James, Shop

50 W. 200 North, Beaver, UT
Originally the building was used by James Boyter as his stone-cutting shop and this is one of the reasons this building is significant to historic Beaver. Also important are the structure's historic date and its stone construction materials. Mr. & Mrs. James Boyter sold their stone-cutting shop to their son Henry in 1929 and Henry continued to carve monuments there for a time.

James Boyter was a Scotsman who sometimes helped his older brother Alexander in the construction industry in Beaver. The Boyter Brothers worked similarly with the pink stone (tuff) and brick and the James Boyter House is one of the finest examples of their work.
James was a sculptor of considerable talent and earned a living carving headstones for the cemeteries in Beaver County. He made extensive use of white marble with faint blue veins that were imported from Newhouse, a mining town in Western Beaver County. This marble does not take a high polish, but Boyter's work is nonetheless marvelous. Each monument is unique, though he was fond of using a lamb as a symbol on top of many of his headstones. He gave life in stone to such things as lilies, a tree stump, rich fabrics, and braids and each headstone is a work of art in and of itself. He frequently signed his work, but his style of sculpting is instantly recognizable even without his signature.

His home from the outside is very similar to Thomas Frazer's work (Frazer was an earlier Scots mason who was quite active in Beaver). The differences lie in the treatment of the brickwork, the three dormer windows, the floor plan, and the chimney placements.

According to Deed Record Book Z-4, p. 455, Jane and James Boyter sold the property to their son Henry for $1000 on April 13, 1929.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The Sundance Film Festival, one of the largest independent film festivals in the world, takes place annually in Park City, Utah.
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.

The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.

In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.

Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Beaver County, Utah.

  • 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
  • 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
  • 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
  • 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
  • 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
  • 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
  • 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
  • 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
  • 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
  • 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir