The early snows have begun to fall in the mountains and for many, thoughts turn to days gone by and holiday traditions. One such tradition in northeastern Utah is the Holiday Open House at the Jarvie Ranch.

The Jarvie Ranch, a National Historic Site operated by the Bureau of Land Management. is the site of a nineteenth-century trading post. John Jarvie, an immigrant from Scotland, ran the trading post until his death in 1909. During the summer months, visitors from all over the world tour the historic site, but in December, the ranch takes on a special charm.

Each year, the ranch is decorated in great detail by volunteers and staff as a historical re-creation of Christmas in the 1880's. Weeks ahead of time, the preparation begins. Evergreen boughs are cut and made into numerous wreaths and yards of garland. Red bows and greens adorn the grounds, and each of the buildings develops a character all its own.

The Jarvie store is extra special. Lit only with the glow of kerosene lamps, it is filled with goods that would have been available during the 1800's at Christmas. Fruit and nuts to fill a stocking, a wooden toy, or even a bolt of fabric to make that special present to go under the tree.
In the building where John Jarvie and his bride Nellie spent their first Christmas, the table is set for Christmas dinner. The tree in the corner of the room is decorated with handmade ornaments and small white candles typical of the time period. Over the rope bed hang two wool stockings, one for John and one for Nellie. The small room looks like the newlyweds just left it.

Out in front of the store sits a large pine tree that visitors decorate for wildlife each year. Ornaments are treats made from seeds, fruits and berries. Down at the river is a big crackling fire where people sing carols. A team of horses and a wagon wait patiently to take the next group of visitors for a ride across the frozen fields along the river.

The unique aspect of this event is that over the last seven years it has become an unofficial gathering for volunteers and groups who have worked with the Vernal Field Office throughout the year. The Vernal Junior High Escape Club works on a variety of projects all year and comes back each winter to help cut boughs. Last year, they researched and presented a program on holiday traditions from around the world.

A local bluegrass band comprised of a number of BLM volunteers comes out each year and plays music of the season around a wood cookstove where hot spiced cider is warming. Volunteers who serve as docents at the ranch in the summer return to help with the many workshops and programs offered each day in December. Visitors learn to make wreaths and natural decorations and the children always leave with a gift they've made at one of the workshops.

One couple, Chuck and Nedra Schillie, have volunteered at the ranch for the last five summers. Last year, they made a two-day trek from Illinois to attend the winter celebration. Even for the "local" volunteers, it is a two-hour drive to the ranch from any of the surrounding towns. Donations from the visitors and the local cooperative association cover most of the costs. One year, an employee from the Vernal office and his family made and donated all the cookies for the event.

Early each morning, the work begins with lighting the fires that will warm the pans of hot cider. Final touches on the buildings and grounds are made in preparation for the hundreds of visitors. At the end of each day, everyone is tired and maybe a little cold, but the best part of all is the last horse-drawn ride of the day volunteers riding in a wagon across the fields, the sun setting on the mountains, and the faint sound of friends laughing and singing.

Happy Holidays From the Jarvie Ranch!

This year's Holiday Open House will be held Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like more information about this event or would like to volunteer at the Jarvie Ranch, you can contact the Bureau of Land Management's Vernal Field Office at (435)781-4400 or call the ranch directly at (435)885-3307. You may also wish to visit the BLM Vernal webpage at http://www.blm.gov/utah/vernal.

Bureau of Land Management Volunteer Feature

Bureau of Land Management
Volunteer Feature