CHAPTER 4
MATURATION OF COUNTY COMMUNITIES AND EARLY ECONOMIC EXPANSION I V i u s i c and drama have had deep roots in the Millard County. For example, an amateur dramatic association in Fillmore led by John Cooper, John Kelly, and Adelia Robison in the mid-1850s began a tradition of play production that extended well into the twentieth century. William Beeston arrived in town in the early 1860s and soon took charge of the Fillmore LDS Ward choir, a position he held for many years. G. Daniel Olson, a carpenter and furniture maker by trade and newly married to Delilah King, daughter of Thomas R. King, arrived in Fillmore in 1861 and organized the first orchestra. The Olsons taught school for a number of years. Eventually Olson and other family m e m b e r s formed the Dan Olson Family Band, which played throughout the territory. 1 Early settlers to Fillmore planted fruit and ornamental trees. By 1864 John Kelly reported being gratified "to behold so many fine orchards where, a few years ago, there was nothing but sage brush." The local ward record for 1864 noted that the community had raised a fine crop of peaches and "as fine looking apples and plums as one need wish to look upon." Apples found in the orchards of James 122
