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Trappers Village Continues to Grow - Wild Plum gift shop added
The Ogden Valley News, June 15, 2003

Dine . . . Shop . . . Relax . . .

You are formally invited; saddle your horse, grab your hat, and come enjoy one of the west's best kept secrets--a place where history both past and present come together for a experience like no other. Trappers Village, located in Huntsville, Utah, contains the outlines of an area rich in history. Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Ogden Valley, Huntsville was once a gathering place for Shoshone Indians, mountain men, and pioneers.

Trapper's Village invites you to explore the latest addition to the village-the Wild Plum, a quaint gift shop, offering unique gifts, home decorations, and collectibles. Located in the historic "Jolly Boy" gambling house, the Wild Plum gets its name from the wild fruit that was once used as a food source by many American tribes. The Dakota also used the plums' stones for gaming pieces.

The store is now open Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Grand Opening will be held June 17. An Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 5:00 p.m. that evening.

After shopping at the Wild Plum, stop by the Yukon Grille to re-fuel after a long hard day of boating, biking, or . . . just relaxing.

The Rendezvous Lodge is ideal for receptions, corporate functions, and parties.

Trappers Village recently acquired the historic Woods Market and have renovated for the opening of the Wild Plum. The store, established in 1897, is being included as part of the growing Trapper's Village. Owners Jeff and Bonnie Hyde state that their goal is to revitalize a once bustling town, without taking away its small town charm. Trappers Village surrounds Huntsville's historic town square where one can find Huntsville's oldest home, along with the town's first ever post office, and doctor's office.

Ben F. Wood, his wife Olivia Felt Wood, and their family ran the home business of Ben's Meat Market and Grocery in Huntsville. Ben had a meat wagon that he would take all over the Valley, selling his meat from the wagon. He used ice cut from the second river in the winter in what was called Winter's Grove. Winter's Grove was located where Jefferson Hunt camp ground now exists. The ice was packed and saved for use during the warm months of the year.

It is said that Ben Wood, prior owner of Woods Market, was an affable, gregarious person whose fun personality attracted many people to him. He was an excellent storyteller, an attribute that he passed on to his sons. He played the violin and was an accomplished actor for many plays that were produced in the Valley for the entertainment of the whole community. His son Sterling B. Wood was a lifelong resident of the Valley, and mayor of the mountain community for 12 years.

These two were key pioneers of the Valley, having been descended from one of the first settlers who came with Jefferson Hunt, who was sent by the LDS prophet Brigham Young. Their descendents still live in Huntsville today.

According to Jeff and Bonnie Hyde of Bonnie & Hyde Inc., they are restoring and developing Trappers Village into a property that will enhance and compliment the historic town. "It is our goal to create a peaceful experience that includes dining and shopping while, embracing a quiet mountain atmosphere. A place that gives people a feeling of 'Those were the days,' a place where people vow to return to time and again."

For more information, visit www.trappersvillage.com or call 540-9553.

Note: Information on Woods Market taken from the archives, history, and documents from the Sterling Wood family and Loris Allen.