In the decade
of the 1890s, farming in Riverton underwent a transformation, shifting
from simple farms supplying family needs to commercial farming. This
paralleled a similar development in Utah agriculture. Although the farmer
normally still owned his land, he specialized in what he grew or raised
and used his cash profits to buy most of the things he needed. The local
agricultural economy was severely tested during two extended periods
of drought--one at the turn of the century and another in the early
1930s. Crops that were grown by commercial farmers in Riverton included
alfalfa, sugar beets, tomatoes, and wheat. The livestock industry in
Riverton was represented by sheep, dairy cows, and poultry. Commercial
production and marketing of these agricultural and livestock products
was accomplished through the establishment of various businesses, including
an alfalfa feed mill, a canning factory, an egg-processing plant, and
a dairy cooperative.
A central business
district developed which was centered at the intersection of Redwood
Road and "Herriman Road" (12,600 South). On the northeast corner of
this intersection, a two-story commercial building was constructed by
sheepman/developer Daniel Densley in 1893. Several businesses were accommodated
on the first level of this building and the upper floor was used for
dances, plays, and large community gatherings. Another sizable business
was a retail store built by Thomas P. Page about the turn of the century.
It was regarded for many years as the largest concern of its kind in
the county outside Salt Lake City. The Page-Pixton (later Page-Hansen)
store sold everything from building materials, coal, and dry goods to
groceries, grain, and housewares. The Jordan Valley Bank was started
in 1905 as a community bank. This bank was a casualty of the Great Depression,
and many people suffered financially when it closed its doors. For a
time, the town also housed many automobile dealerships.
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