From the Ogden Standard Examiner, Sunday, July 24, 1921.

Ogden Couple Recalls Vicissitudes of Life at Canyon Toll Gate [from 1866-1878]

Ogden canyon is now a famous scenic drive, and the road is wide and smooth, but within the memory of Ogden residents, brighter perhaps in the minds of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Wilson, 237 West Second street, are recollection of toll gate days, when travelers passing through the canyon were taxed for use of the road.

TOLL GATE CABIN.

Mrs. Wilson, who, in October of [1866], was Emma Dinsdale, eight-year-old daughter of James Dinsdale, toll gate keeper, lived for twelve years in the toll gate cabin and experienced pioneer life which was exceptionally severe even in times when hardships were by no means uncommon.

“Bill” Wilson, her husband, was a son of a woman whom Mr. Dinsdale married after his first wife had died.

“Her father took my mother, and I couldn’t see where it wasn’t perfectly all right for me to take his daughter,” Mr. Wilson said in explaining his courtship of early days.

But the toll gate. This gate, swing in heavy wooden framework, blocked the canyon road. The gate was not swung at any point along the present canyon boulevard. It was about a mile above the old woollen mills, the site of the present mattress factory, on the old canyon road.

An old dugway extended around the north side of the canyon and it was on the “canyon end” of this dugway that the toll gate stood. Toll charges were $1.00 for a loaded wagon, 50 cents for a wagon box, and 25 cents for a horseman. Few money transactions took place, toll usually being paid in grain, flour, or some other produce of this sort.

[Skipping accounts of Brigham Young passing through, and Emma Dinsdale’s father shooting a bear cub]

INDIANS TROUBLESOME

“Big Ute” and “Indian Jack,” two redskins who held settlers in awe, were often unwelcome visitors at the toll gate.  Accompanied by their hunting companions, the Indians would go to the upper reaches of the mountains for game.  An entire day was necessary, so great were these expeditions for the cavalcade of huntsmen, pack of horses, squaws, children, and dogs to pass.  No matter what time the Indians arrived, “Big Ute” and “Indian Jack” demanded hot water and sugar.  They would mix whiskey with this and depart without trouble.  Delay in furnishing the water and sugar caused complications which, while interesting, were extremely difficult to one’s peace of mind.