CHAPTER 5
THE GROWTH OF SUMMIT COUNTY'S TOWNS V^/oalville became the center—practically, if not geographically—of a web of small rural settlements that sprang up along the Weber River valley and into the Kamas Valley. Although empty farmlands and rangelands separated the towns, this was a functioning network, which existed through relationships among families, neighbors, and businesses. Through this network, settlers exchanged services, resources, and goods, and shared in the task of settling the county. Of first i m p o r t a n c e in the establishment of S u m m i t C o u n t y towns was finding a good location. Even t h o u g h the towns were formed out of religious motivation, economics played the major role in the selection the townsites. Ideally, a new settlement area would have several essential characteristics, including a good supply of water, large tracts of fertile land, a favorable climate, and relatively level terrain. Useful natural resources close at hand were also important: timber for fuel, lumber, and furniture; coal for fuel; lime for mortar and plaster; stone for building; clay for pottery, adobe, and brick; and iron for industrial manufacturing. Few towns had all of 52
