WHITINGHAM, Vt. — In this quiet village in the remote hills of southern Vermont, where nearly 200 years ago Brigham Young was born, Church members and townspeople gathered together July 24 to commemorate Pioneer Day on the anniversary of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

The second president of the Church lived here the first three years of his life before his family moved on to New York in search of a better life.

Sponsored by the Hinsdale, N.H., Branch, of which Whitingham is a part, and supported by the Whitingham Historical Society, the celebration probably was the first time that Pioneer Day had been celebrated at the birthplace of the Brigham Young. At least, it was the first time the branch had sponsored such a celebration in Whitingham.

Some 175 people, many in pioneer dress, gathered on the "Commons," located at the top of Town Hill in the shadow of a large granite monument, dedicated in 1950 by President George Albert Smith in honor of President Young, who was born here June 1, 1801. Town Hill was where the original settlement of Whitingham was started in 1770, but because of inclement weather at the top of the hill, the town was relocated to a lower site. Today, Town Hill is a quiet residential area with about a half dozen homes.

The celebration included food and a number of pioneer games, including hoop toss, button strings, pulling sticks, log sawing, three-legged races and a potato-peeling contest. In addition, a quilt was tied and homemade jams and jellies were put on display.

William O'Hara, in charge of physical arrangements, set up displays about President Young and the westward trek, provided by the Church Public Affairs Department. Missionaries from the Massachusetts Boston Mission explained the displays to townspeople and answered questions about the Church.

Near the conclusion of the activities, Whitingham resident Reginald Maynard spoke of the history and folklore of the area and where Brigham Young's house was most likely located. A reader's theater about pioneer experiences was then held with Marlin and Beth Dearden as the principle readers. Branch Pres. Mark Dohert, Julie Rohm and Jeneen Garbe presented musical selections, as did a branch Primary choir, directed by Cheryl January. Colleen Matthews led the gathering in singing the hymns, "Come, Come, Ye Saints," and "Come Follow Me."

Many Church members from other wards and branches in the Springfield Massachusetts Stake participated in the celebration. Stake Pres. Guy Beacom, and his wife, Marti, attended. She is a direct descendant of Brigham Young.

Elaine Maynard, one of the local townspeople who attended, said: "We thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a great success. Everything was so tastefully done and people had such a good time." Stella Stevens, president of the Whitingham Historical Society, added: "It was fun to watch the kids having so much fun. You could not have asked for a better day, warm but with a cool breeze."

Plans for the celebration began last fall when branch member Carol Nelson made contacts with the historical society concerning family history research. This led to talks with town selectmen about the possibility of having a pioneer celebration at the "Commons." They gave their consent. Relief Society Pres. Julianne Rohm was selected as chairman of the event.

From the beginning, efforts were made to involve the community. The historical society has featured a museum exhibit about Brigham Young, his life and accomplishments. Pres. Stevens gave her support and 125 invitations were sent to members of the society and others in the community to participate in the commemoration.

Even though this may have been the first Pioneer Day commemoration in Whitingham, plans are already being talked about for a celebration next year.