Hyrum Library

Hyrum City was settled by Mormon Pioneers in 1860. Named for the brother of Joseph Smith, Hyrum was built at a time when local leaders envisioned a neighboring city in the area now known as "College Ward" which would be called "Joseph." For many years, Hyrum's population remained stable at 1,700 people. Then, following a growth spurt in the early 1970's, Hyrum leveled off at 3,900. Over the next decade-and-a half, the population inched upward until a flurry of building in the mid-1990's, caused by an influx of people from outside the valley, boosted the present population to approximately 6,300 as reflected in the 2000 census. Hyrum, surrounded by farms and countryside, remains a rural community in nature. Its chief employer is E.A. Miller, Inc., a meat packing plant with approximately 1,200 employees. People list the rural atmosphere high among the chief reasons why they locate in Hyrum. Quiet neighborhoods with a blending of country living mixed with urban convenience make Hyrum an ideal community in many ways. Those who do not work at Miller Packing, South Cache Market, West Point Dairy, or in any one of the city's 150 other businesses, find employment with Cache County School District, Utah State University, or commute to Thiokol, Autoliv, or nearby Logan for work. Hyrum offers ample land zoned for commercial or industrial uses. The Blacksmith Fork Industrial Park, a 79-acre site east of the city, is home to a number of businesses, including Mountain Fiber Insulation, Spectrum Steel, and others. Growth brings new life to a community and Hyrum features many businesses, including a grocery store, two convenience stores, a pharmacy, two fast food restaurants, two pizza restaurants, a sandwich shop, a tanning salon and beauty parlor, an autobody repair and tire shop, and several other retail stores and shops new to the area or recently relocated in new facilities. Hyrum City offers many recreational opportunities through its own parks and facilities as well as the famous state-owned and operated Hardware Ranch elk preserve and Hyrum State Park with boating and camping facilities adjacent to Hyrum Dam. This state park draws people from a wide area for fishing, swimming, and other water sports and activities. Blacksmith Fork River provides some of the best fishing in the state and the canyon includes four Forest Service campgrounds in addition to city camping areas up Left Hand, at the CCC Camp, and near the hydroelectric plant. The hydroelectric generator, located 11 miles up Blacksmith Fork Canyon, forms the foundation of the city's municipal electric utility. It also offers recreational opportunities in park facilities located on the river by the plant, including AJ's Park, an improved campground, the picnic/playground area, and the lodge. Other public buildings and facilities heavily used include Elite Hall, with one of Utah's few remaining spring-loaded dance floors, the Civic Center, with its attractive multi-purpose room, and the city's rodeo arena located on the East Park complex. The Senior Citizen Center provides weekday activities (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for seniors from Hyrum and surrounding communities. The Library, currently located in the basement of the Civic Center, is in the process of fundraising to build a new library facility across from the current location. Hyrum City is widely known for its annual 4th of July celebration complete with fireworks, rodeo, and parade. Hyrum's Star Spangled Week provides old-fashioned fun and entertainment for people of all ages. With an elevation of 4,750 feet above sea level, Hyrum's climate is mild enough to grow a wide variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other crops. The average annual high temperature is 59.4o and the average annual low temperature is 31.0o , with average rainfall of 18.23 inches and average annual snowfall of 50.9 inches. Medical, dental and chiropractic services are available in Hyrum and the community provides a wide range of municipal services including culinary and secondary water, wastewater collection and treatment, electricity, fire protection, emergency medical technicians, parks and recreation programs, library and other cultural opportunities. Law enforcement, building inspection, and solid waste collection are provided through contract with Cache County. Community leaders have provided for continued, orderly growth, both commercial and residential, through a comprehensive general plan and appropriate, logical zoning.