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History of the Swiss Peace Garden
The
first contribution of the Swiss people of Utah to the International
Peace Gardens consisted of a Swiss Chalet, a small creek and pond,
and a miniature resemblance of a mountain.
In response to a desire to improve the image
of Switzerland, an executive committee of five members was
organized. A master plan was developed, calling for the
beautification and expansion of the Swiss Garden, including the
construction of a replica, almost fifty feet high of Switzerland's
most famous mountain --- the Matterhorn. Other improvement consisted
of a new attractive model of a Swiss Chalet with granary, a
rustic bridge, rock gardens, a flag pole, a variety of shrubs,
trees, evergreens, plants and flowers, flanked on one side with a
young forest of quaking aspens and one the other side by a grove
 of
pines.
The Matterhorn was patterned after an original
painting, made especially for this purpose; followed by an eight (8)
foot model made of steel and cement. After that the construction of
the Matterhorn in the Peace Garden was undertaken. It consists of a
massive steel skeleton or frame which supports a complete layer of
metal lath and three layers of special plaster and cement. The first
plaster layer was applied by hand, the other two with gunite
machines.
The Chalet and the granary were built at a
committee member's home, and rocks for the beautiful rock gardens,
steps and walks were hauled from the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
The first estimates for the construction of the
Matterhorn amounted to 584.00$US for the steel frame, and 500.00$US
for the cement work. Before the job was completed, the cost of the
Matterhorn had skyrocketed to over ten times the original estimate,
not to mention the extensive rock work, the chalet, rustic bridge
and other projects.
The Swiss Peace Garden has been over four years
in the making. The first two years were spent in developing the
general layout and determining the feasibility of building a
Matterhorn. Actual construction of the Matterhorn commenced December
4, 1962, with the pouring of the footing. Work continued during the
winter, spring and summer of 1962-63. By June 15, 1963, the steel
frame was completed and the placing of the lath and plaster was
started. By October 1963, most of the Matterhorn was completed and
the scaffolding removed.
During 1964, some changes and additions had to be
made to the Matterhorn including the repairing of damage perpetrated
by vandals. However, the main effort was placed on planting and
relocating Mugho pines and other trees and shrubs, and landscaping
the area around the Matterhorn. This required over fifty tons of
rocks hauled from the canyons, and placing each rock in its proper
place. The original Chalet was relocated, and subsequently replaced
with a new one. An older bridge was replaced and a new rustic bridge
installed.
1965 has seen a continuation of the landscaping
effort, the planting of additional trees and shrubs, and the
building and installation of a granary near the chalet.
This project has been one of love and
determination. It would have been utterly impossible without the
generous response and support in cash and in labor of loyal and
staunch supporters. Since cash donations were limited, a big part of
the work had to be accomplished through voluntary labor. For over
two years, skilled technicians and other help have donated their
labor and worked Saturdays and Holidays with hardly a break and with
no remuneration.
The work has been under the direction of the
Executive Committee, consisting of five members; men of enthusiasm,
resourcefulness, and a willingness to work. Appreciation is extended
to all who have so generously assisted and contributed to this
worthy undertaking, both those listed and those not listed in this
program. May they find satisfaction in what has been accomplished
and may they feel richly repaid for their generous support. |
