The small town of Kamas, Utah, may seem like just another quaint community in the western United States, but for the Ure family, it holds generations of memories and history. As the author recounts a recent trip to the local grocery store, they bump into Dave Ure, a member of the Ure family who has been deeply involved in the community for years. From his father, Ed, who served on the irrigation company board, to Dave’s own political career in the County Commission and state Legislature, the Ure family has left a lasting impact on Summit County.
The author reminisces about their interactions with Dave and his brother Chris, highlighting the differences in their political views but the shared vision for the future of the East Side of the county. The Ure family’s decision to sell their ranch to the county and move to Missouri marks the end of an era for them, but also the beginning of a new chapter in a place where the land is fertile, the pastures are green, and the cattle thrive without the need for irrigation or water restrictions.
The contrast between the Ure family’s struggles with water rights and irrigation in Utah and the ease of ranching in Missouri is stark, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of agriculture in different regions. The author reflects on their own family’s history on their ranch, seeing the legacy of past generations in every fence line and repair technique. The emotional attachment to the land is palpable, making it difficult to imagine leaving a place that has been home for over a century.
As the Ure family embarks on a new adventure in Missouri, the author wishes them well and acknowledges the bittersweet nature of leaving behind a place with so much history and memories. The article also touches on a personal connection to a local landmark, Clyde Lake, and the author’s claim to its namesake, adding a touch of humor and personal history to the narrative.
Overall, the article weaves together personal anecdotes, local history, and reflections on the passage of time and change in a small town setting. Through the lens of the Ure family’s story, the reader gains insight into the complexities of rural life, family legacies, and the enduring ties to the land that shape communities for generations.
