24th of July Celebration (2025)

Riding in the parade

meet and greet outside the cabin

entertainment

activities

costumed characters

and don't forget the free sugar cookies and lemonade! Visiting the museum after the parade is a 24th of July tradition for many people. This year we had 377 visitors sign the guest book.

Annual Ogden Pioneer Days Devotional (2025)

Brad Wilcox was the guest speaker at the Ogden Tabernacle for the Ogden Pioneer Days Devotional held on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 6 pm. Brad Wilcox is a professor at Brigham Young University and currently serves as the First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a popular speaker and author. He is proud of his pioneer ancestors and grateful for their sacrifices. Our lovely DUP royalty were there along with the rodeo queens to celebrate our pioneer heritage.

DUP Royalty (2025)

Folks gathered on the lawn under the shady trees next to the DUP museum to hear the announcement of the 4 queens:

Mary Christine Schauer Cornelsen Mary Christine Schauer Cornelsen was born to Maurice Lyle Schauer and Neoma Florine Sanders in Palo Alto, California. Moses Martin Sanders, Mary's pioneer ancestor, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after being a Baptist minister in Georgia, USA. Moses and his family knew members of the church and the Prophet Joseph Smith. Moses helped in building the Kirtland Temple. Moses had a horse, a beautiful black stallion of high spirit, named "Joe Duncan" -after the Governor of the State of Illinois. Moses' wife was afraid of Joe and none of the family could handle him when Moses was away. The Prophet Joseph heard about the problem Joe caused in the Sanders family and went to see Moses and talked with him about Joe. Moses listened to the Prophet and was promised that if Moses would give Joe to the Prophet, Joe would not hurt him or be a problem. Moses did give Joe to Joseph Smith and was blessed by the Prophet, so that Moses would never go without needs for his family then, or for generations to come. Mary is married to Gary Dean Cornelsen and has 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She has helped raise her daughter's 2 daughters and enjoys being involved with all of her grand and great grandchildren. Mary and Gary served as Bishop's Storehouse missionaries for 2 years, meeting and helping many members of the community with challenging circumstances. She provided food and other resources with a smile, and even played Mrs. Santa during the holidays! Mary has served as a Primary and youth Sunday School teacher, Relief Society secretary, ward librarian and temple worker. She has also served as a Relief Society Counselor at Avamere at Mountain Ridge Senior Living Center, and a ward preparedness leader. Sewing, hand embroidery, crocheting and crafting are some of Mary's hobbies. She also enjoys reading, gardening and shopping for antiques and clothes.

Norma Champneys Love Norma was born in Ogden, Utah to Thomas DeRay Champneys and Florence Hart Champneys. Jeffrey Dinsdale is Norma's pioneer ancestor. Jeffrey and his wife Alice Rushton joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England. Jeffrey Dinsdale crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1849 and worked in New Orleans and St. Louis to earn enough money to send for his family. His family arrived in 1849 and in 1852 the family crossed the plains to join the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. Moving to Kaysville, then to Ogden to buy property on lower 17th Street, Jeffry grew fruit and vegetables for the Ogden community and his family. Hard work, determination and endurance brought not only fruit and vegetables on many acres of land, but a tough and determined posterity. At the age of 2 years old, Norma met an old "stranger" in bib overalls at her grandma's house. He was Mather Issac Dinsdale, age 90, Norma's great grandpa. She sat on his lap, while he sang nursery songs-a tender reminder of the one year old daughter he had lost. Norma is a graduate of Ben Lomond High School . She earned a Batchelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. A teacher for 30 years in the Ogden and Weber School Districts, Norma received Teacher of the Year and Science Teacher of the Year for Northern Utah awards. Norma was married to LeMar Love. She has 3 children with 2 still living, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Time with them is the best! Norma served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She teaches Primary and attends the Ogden Temple. Norma joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers and is a member of Camp Sage, in the Weber South Company. She served as Camp Captain and is the Museum Moments specialist on the Company Board. Volunteering is important to Norma. From PTA when her children were in school and Boy Scouts of America, on the District level, to tutoring students and serving lunch at the Ogden Senior Center, she is engaged in helping others. Gardening, creative projects, friends and DUP are things that Norma enjoys!

Joyce Julander Larsson Joyce was born to parents, Odell and Ora Julander in Ames, Iowa. Joyce is the proud great great granddaughter of Anson Perry Winsor. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints in 1842. He was a bodyguard for Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, and came west with the saints in 1845. He miraculously cured his wife of Cholera on the plains, when many were dying of the disease. Brigham Young promised Anson that if he lived the commandments, his flour bin would never be empty. He shared his flour with others, and when it looked like there wasn't enough for another day-there always was. He built and managed Pipe Spring, called Winsor Castle, in Fredonia, Arizona, which is now a national monument. Married to Gary P. Larsson, Joyce is the mother of 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. The family gathers for Sunday dinner once a month. Joyce and Gary taught their family values and responsibility. They lived in 4 different states TOY and enjoy traveling together. Joyce joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2000. She is a member of Camp Sarah Jane Taylor in the Weber North West Company. She has been the Camp Captain, Camp Outreach Leader, Camp and Company Secretary and Company President. As a valued teacher, Joyce has taught Primary, youth, Gospel Doctrine and Genealogy classes. She has also served as YW president and Stake Relief Society President. Joyce has served her community on the Beautification Committee, Float Committee and the History and Heritage Committee. She has received the Governor's Heritage Award. Joyce values being involved with wonderful friends. Her hobbies include gardening-she is a Master Gardener, reading and writing-especially poetry. Joyce is interested in space and enjoys pictures from the Webb telescope! She enjoys time spent at the family cabin in Cache County and their mountain property in Monroe.

Janet Elizabeth Piepgrass Janet Elizabeth Piepgrass was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Eugene Duerden Piepgrass and Virginia Jennie Thomson. Richard Duerden and Sarah Ann Starkey are Janet's pioneer ancestors and came to Utah in 1868 in the last covered wagon group. Richard and Sarah were from Lancashire, England and were the parents of 9 children, 3 babies who died shortly after birth. They eventually settled in Woods Cross (later Bountiful}.They owned the first store, the first telephone and the first safe, from the Duerden's store, in the area. The residents in the area had such high regard for the Duerden's, they would often store their cash in the store safe. Janet is the Duerden's great granddaughter. Her father, Eugene Duerden Piepgrass, remembered his grandparents and loved them deeply. Janet is a widow, with no children. She has 4 sisters and 1 adopted grandson and lives with 1 sister, a niece and a great-nephew. They are all remarkably close and have lots of fun adventures. Their favorite activity--going out to lunch! Janet joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Kent, Washington in 2007. She has served as the Camp 1st Vice Captain, Camp Historian and Company Historian. Janet is an active participant in organizations representing U.S. Military Veterans. She is a member of the Golden Spike Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion, and the Cold War Victory Foundation. She is also active in Animal Rescue.

DUP Queens with their Company Presidents:

Joyce Larsson is from Weber North West Company with Debbie Hohosh as President

Norma Love is from Weber South Company with Marti Clayson as President

Mary Cornelsen is from Weber Far South Company with Shanna Tobin as President

Janet Piepgrass is from Weber Roy Company with Paula Eddington as President.

At the conclusion of the event, assorted cookies and water bottles were served for refreshments.

Announcing DUP Royalty (2024)

Marti Clayson, DUP Museum President, welcomes everyone under the shady trees on the lawn next to the museum to hear the announcement of this year's Royalty.

Jolene Thomas, President of the Weber Far South West Company announces their queen:

 Marilyn Briem Blakeley

Marilyn Briem Blakeley was born in 1934, in Ogden, Utah. She is a daughter of Leland Jesse Briem and Edity Ivy Gidney. In 1953, Marilyn married LuJean "Luke" Blakeley. She is the mother of 2 children and has 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, whom she loves dearly!

Education is important to Marilyn. She graduated from Weber State University at age 58. At age 74, Marilyn graduated from Utah State University with a master's degree. She celebrated her academic success by skydiving into the Ogden High School Football Stadium, at age 74!

Marilyn joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2004. She is a member of Camp Sunbonnet in the Weber Far South West Company, where she has served as the Parliamentarian and Lesson Leader.

Marilyn has volunteered assisting elementary school students with their reading skills. She also hosts an annual Pirate Party for neighborhood children. She has served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, teacher in Primary and Young Women's classes, Meetinghouse Librarian, and Ogden Temple Receptionist. Marilyn has used her writing skills to write and direct a Roadshow - a short, humorous play, starring the residents of Harrison Regent Senior Living. Marilyn was responsible for three scenes in the "Walk with Christ" presentation.

Marilyn Briem Blakeley's pioneer ancestor is George Gidney, who was born and raised in Sharrington, Norfolk, England. When he was 22 years old, he and his father immigrated to America. George crossed the plains in 1860 with the Daniel Robinson Handcart Company. President Brigham Young assigned him to assist in building the new settlement of Brigham City, Utah. He became a great and generous landowner. He had two wives - Elizabeth Sarll, the mother of 9 children, and Emma Rand, the mother of 6. George Gidney died of pneumonia at age 66, in 1905.

Trudy Pehrson, President of the Weber North Company, announces their queen: 

Heather Marie Bartholomew Neilson

Heather was born two and a half months early on February 14, 1972, in Napa, California to John and Debra Bartholomew. Her parents moved a lot with work opportunities, including Salt Lake City; Lewiston, Utah; Roswell, New Mexico; Harwood, Texas; Kearney, Missouri; Weston, Idaho; Logan, Utah, and Ogden. Heather and her husband Paul have lived in Pleasant View for 28 years.

Heather graduated from Logan High School and attended Utah State University with a major in Interior Design. She started photography in 1995 and has not put the camera down since! Heather enjoys getting out in Nature and meeting new people by taking their photos.

Heather and Paul Neilson were sealed in the Logan Temple in 1992. They have four children, two girls and two boys. She has loved being a stay-at-home Mom, with a side hobby business!

Heather joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 20089 and is a member of Camp Evergreen in Weber North Company. She has served as a Camp Captain, vice-captain, historian, and on the Company board as a vice-captain and social media expert. She feels that there is a new younger generation interested in pioneer history and is excited about the future of DUP!

Heather volunteered on the Weber County Holiday Festival planning committee for the entire 5 years that it ran and has wonderful memories from serving as their photographer. She is the legal guardian for her brother who has autism and assists her autistic nephew.

Heather has been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life. She has served in various positions in the Primary, Relief Society and Young Women's organizations. She has also served as a Cub Scout leader and loved supporting her four children who worked summers at Scout Camp.

James Henry Rollins, Heather's pioneer ancestor, was born in Lima, New York in 1816. When James was a boy, his father, John Porter Rollins, died in a shipwreck on Lake Erie while transporting cattle. His mother, Keziah Van Benthusysen Rollins, took James and his two sisters to Ohio to live with her brother and his wife. Her brother, Sydney Gilbert, was the co-owner of the Whitney store. James began working at the store at an early age and was asked to be a clerk as a teen. He was always willing to serve when needed and learned new skills, such as stonecutting for the Nauvoo Temple. His first wife was Eveline Chrissy Walker and they had 10 children. His second wife was Hannah Hulme and they had 13 children. In 1847 James was asked to stay in Council Bluffs and raise crops for pioneers leaving the next seasons. He came to the Salt Lake Valley in 1848 with the Willard Richards Company. James was appointed to settle in San Bernardino and served as the District Attorney. He later returned to Utah, settling in Minersville in Southern Utah, where he was called to be the Bishop of the Lower Beaver Ward. James was elected to the Utah Territorial House of Representatives in 1867. Later in his life he moved to Lyman, Wyoming to be close to family and died there in 1899.

Joyce Schmitt, President of the Weber North East Company, announces their queen:

Catherine Joan Eskelsen Anderson

Catherine Eskelsen Anderson was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1958, the daughter of Virginia Elizabeth Bird and Richard Morrison Eskelsen. Three other children - sister Kim and brothers Todd and Dan - were also born into the family.

Catherine graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City. She then went on to graduate from Utah State University with a degree in Home Economics and Consumer Education. Catherine taught in Utah schools in the Wayne, Uintah, Box Elder, Weber, and Ogden City School Districts. She taught Home Economics, Special Education, and English as a Second Language, retiring from Ogden High School in 2013. She then went on to teach another year at the Utah Military Academy. 

Catherine married Vic Harold Anderson in Ogden, Utah. They are the parents of Emily Catherine, Sarah Vee, and Kyle. Vic passed away in 2018. The family shared summers at Lake Powell, skiing, camping, and snowmobiling at Yellowstone National Park. Catherine saw 44 states in the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, riding on the back of Vic's motorcycle! Two sons-in-law and four granddaughters have been added to the family. Family continues to be the most important part of Catherine's life.

Catherine is a member of Camp Segio Lily, Weber Noerth East Company, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She has been the 2nd Vice President, historian, lesson leader, and outreach coordinator in her Camp.

Catherine volunteers as a Weber Master Gardener and a blood platelet donor.

Catherine has served as the Relief Society President of her ward for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a Sunday school teacher, in the Young Women's Presidency, and a Temple Work and Family History Specialist.

Annora Coleman Boden, Catherine's ancestor, was born at Pontypool, South Wales in 1828. She was the daughter of James and Mary Coleman. When her father died, leaving her mother with five small children, and living in poor circumstances, Annora went to work early in her life. As a young girl, she worked in a confectionary store, where people made their own candy. Annora learned to make candy as she worked. Annora married James Boden, eventually becoming the mother of eleven children. James and Annora came to Utah in 1868, traveling by ox teams and wagons. A baby boy was born while crossing the plains. He lived for twelve days and was buried on the plains. Husband James became ill as they crossed the plains, becoming worse as they traveled. He died the day after they reached Salt Lake City. Annora joined other family members already living in Brigham City, earning money for her children by making candy and doing any other work that she could get. When her daughters got old enough to help, Anora operated a hotel in Brigham City. Well-known for her hospitality, Annora died in 1899.

Linda Fulmer, President of the Weber West Company, announces their queen:

LaDee Everton Eastland Jensen

LaDee Everton Eastland Jensen, a daughter of Walter Cecil Everton and Arda Roberts Everton, was born in Brigham City in 1939. LaDee lived in Brigham City until her marriage to Howard Fred Eastland in 1960. Howard and LaDee adopted three children: Russ, Ron, and Lisa. After living in Washington state, California, and several places in Utah, the family settled in Roy, Utah. In 1989 their youngest son, Ron, died serving an LDS mission in LaPaz, Bolivia. Later Howard and LaDee divorced.

LaDee worked as a secretary at the University of Washington for 3 years and Weber State University for 22 years. She retired in 2005. Go Wildcats!

LaDee has served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as ward and stake Relief Society President and various other callings in the Primary and Young Women's organizations. After retiring, LaDee served a full-time LDS mission as a senior sister in Santa Rosa, California. Upon returning home, LaDee met her sweetheart Gale Richard Jensen. They married in 2008. Gale and LaDee enjoyed serving in the Church together as hosts at the LDS Conference Center for 6 years and traveling. Gale died in December 2023. Combined, Gale and LaDee have a wonderful family of 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

LaDee enjoys taking piano lessons, baking bread to take to people, and recently organized a Cousin Reunion!

LaDee joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2000 and is a member of Camp Honey Bee, Weber West Company. She has served as the company President, Camp Captain, and several other positions.

Gwen (Winnifred) Lloyd Roberts Evans, LaDee’s ancestor, was born in 1823 in LLanbrothanshire, North Wales to John Lloyd and Catherine Evans Lloyd. She came to the United States with her 1st husband- Daniel Roberts and 4 small children in 1850. Her husband and 1 child died of cholera and were buried on the bank of the Mississippi River. Gwen did not know the language or anyone, but with her remaining 3 children she traveled to and spent the winter of 1851 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Going from there to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the spring Gwen fitted out an ox team and wagon and crossed the plains to the Utah Territory. As they came into the valley, they were met by some Welsh friends with melons and other supplies. When Gwen got to Salt Lake City, a man asked her to marry him. When she refused, he made her pay for the supplies he had given her. In 1853 she married Captain David R. Evans at Brigham City, Utah. He died in 1861 leaving Gwen with a family of 8 children. Four years later the two youngest children died and were buried in the same grave. Gwen moved to Malad, Idaho in 1871 and lived there the rest of her life. Gwen died in 1909 in Malad, Idaho at age 86 and was buried in Brigham City, Utah.

Our lovely ladies, the 2024 DUP Royalty

Posing by the museum:

Standing next to the Miles Goodyear's cabin:

Marilyn

Catherine

LaDee

Heather

At the conclusion of the crowning, refreshments were served: brownies and ice cream with water bottles on ice in the horse's watering trough!

DUP Queen was first Miss Rodeo Utah

OGDEN — When she was just a young teenager, Karen Neuenschwander Gall bought her first horse named Duchess with her hard-earned babysitting money.

“I began riding horses at the age of 5 with my best friend Connie Jones,” she said. “Her father was Earl Jones and he was a member of the posse. When he bought another horse, I just had to have the horse I had been riding, so I bought her with my babysitting money.”

In 1955, Gall entered the Miss Pioneer Days Sweetheart contest and won. Later that summer, she became the first Miss Rodeo Utah.

This year, Gall will once again be recognized Monday during the Ogden Pioneer Days Grande Parade after she and three other local women were named this year’s royalty by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and will take place along Washington Boulevard, running north between 31st and 20th streets.

“This is a really unique situation this year,” said Marti Clayson, president of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum. “All four of the ladies this year are incredible women. Karen’s story is very distinctive because she was the first Miss Rodeo Utah and it’s so neat to have her be a winner as a young contestant and now returning to the seat as an older winner.”

Gall will be joined by other royalty winners Gayla Lloyd Dye, Rose Mary Holley Breitweiser, and Rosemary Wangsgard Waite.

“Each of the ladies really sent detailed information this year about their pioneer heritage, even more so than their church or DUP involvement,” Clayson said. “They all have very strong connections to their pioneers and each story has something heartbreaking, something to be proud of and so much sacrifice.”

Gall is a descendant of Lorin Farr, who served as Ogden’s first mayor.

“I always thought that was kind of neat,” Gall said.

Gall was born in 1937 and grew up in North Ogden. She said she has always been an avid animal lover, always having dogs, cats, and her horse throughout her life.

Gall graduated from Ogden High School and Weber College, now Weber State University. She married Bert Gall and together they had two children. In 1999, she joined the DUP and is a member of Camp Purple Sage.

Breitweiser was born in Ogden in 1937. She graduated from WSU with a degree in education and taught for 10 years in North Ogden. She and her husband, Jim, have four children. She joined DUP in 1999 and is a member of Camp Mt. Ogden in the Weber South Company.

Waite was born in Ogden in 1939. She and her husband, Wallace, have four children. Because of her love for the arts, she has taught many dance classes and art lessons.

Dye was born in 1933 in Ogden. She was part of the Brigham Young University School of Nursing’s first graduating class. She and her husband, Rulon, are the parents of six children.

“We are really grateful Ogden Pioneer Days continue to recognize and be mindful of these women,” Clayson said. “They are all wonderful and we want them to know they are valued, treasured, and loved.”

Each royalty member’s bio can be found at ogdenpioneerdays.com.

Royalty Photos

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers is dedicated to perpetuating the names and achievements of those men, women, and children who founded Utah.

You can find stories and photos at Ogden Pioneer Days.

Gayla Lloyd Dye

Karen Neuenschwander Gall

Rose Mary Holley Breitweiser

Rosemary Wangsgard Waite

24th of July (2023)

The parade was on a Monday this year starting at 9:00 am. Our DUP royalty rode in a carriage near the front of the parade. Afterward, the public headed to the DUP museum for free lemonade and cookies. They could sit in the shade and listen to fiddlers play, dress up as pioneers, or participate in a stick pull.