Embedded Files
The public response to our Spikes2Utah campaign has been overwhelmingly positive! Below are links to news stories about our campaign, as well as personal messages from individuals like you who are passionate about Utah history! If you would like to comment on our campaign and possibly be featured here, please send your messages to spikes2utah@gmail.com.
In our classroom, we have the following quote posted outside our door:
"It is not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Teddy Roosevelt
We believe in 'daring greatly' and aiming for our greatest potential! We know that getting the Golden Spike from Stanford University is a tough sell. But it's an even tougher sell if we never try!
Spikes2Utah in the Media
Spikes2Utah in the Media
The Spikes2Utah campaign has gotten lots of attention in the media, including national attention from NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition and Scholastic News! Here are some links to that media coverage:
NBC's Nightly News: Kids Edition (also linked on Home page of this site)
Scholastic News magazine for kids (also linked on Home page of this site)
KSL Channel 5's story on YouTube
Utah Civic Learning Collaborative blog post
Granite Schools District's blog post
ABC4 Utah's reports and stories on YouTube
Radio spot on Cumulus Media and Broadway Media stations
Radio interviews on B98.7, KBER 101, and KBULL 93.3
West Valley City Journal article
Granite School District's Mini Documentary on Spikes2Utah
Radio interview on X96
2nd West Valley City Journal article
Fox13's News Story about Spikes2Utah's one-year anniversary
Public Feedback
Public Feedback
"I saw the story on Fox about you and your class’s efforts to bring the Spikes home to Utah. I’ve always wondered why they haven’t come back to Utah. I commend you and your class for the effort. Kudos. I wish you luck.
On a side note, when I visited Durango, Colorado’s train museum, they had the original Bell off of one of our steam engines. Not so proudly displayed I’d say. I wish I could remember which engine. I always believed a historical item should find it’s way home. When you and your class succeed with the spikes, perhaps you can go after the bell.
Thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Dale B."
Ogden, Utah
"I am writing you in response to your students' wonderful journey in the transcontinental railroad. I am a volunteer fireman/steam engine maintenance man on the Jupiter. I would love to join your crusade in bringing all four spikes to the place in history where they brought a nation and it's people to where we stand today. I am passionate about it also. I have already reached out to the people who are the masterminds and intellects of the spike; I am just the muscle. We are here for you, let me know how I can help you.
Your friend,
Jon C."
"I saw by happenstance the NBC program about all of your efforts to return or achieve the loaning of the Golden Spike back to Utah. I commend all of you on your efforts, and I hope that you are successful.
I am a local historian, and I constantly try to get people to understand about history and the stories of the land and the people who came before us. Many railroad presidents from the late 1800's lived in the city where I live now so I was particularly interested in the story about the Golden Spike. I researched a little to see if any of them were connected to the Transcontinental Railroad [and] so far, no connection has been found.
... It turns out that a replica spike was made by some local New Jersey men. The High Iron Company was a train excursion company, and had a replica of the spike made in 1969 for an excursion west. I am not sure what happened to it, but I thought you might be interested in knowing that a replica was made.
... The replica was returned to the east. The man who formed the High Iron Company lives in upstate New York, and I will see if I can find out where the replica is now located.
All of you are doing an awesome job, and thank you for raising awareness about the Golden Spike.
Sincerely,
Nancy P."
New Jersey
"I had some friends who were inspired and digitized your logo. Feel free to use it if you want:
I really like the hand drawn version ... but figured more art to move the cause along.
DeVaughn S."
"My name is Everen Brown. I am a big fan of the Golden Spike and the Transcontinental Railroad – as well as Apollo 11!
I have seen the news coverage on your Spike2Utah program and think it is an incredible cause, as I too have thought – why isn’t the spike in Utah? I applaud Mr. Pendleton’s program to bring it back. It teaches the students so much about civic action and all of the principles that our country was founded on, many of which still exist today. If you don’t get involved – then nothing happens! No matter the outcome, the students win an important lesson. And just maybe – the spike miracle happens! With so many museums repatriating art to original countries and owners, it makes sense that this could happen. Even if they gave it on a multi-year loan, it would be better than sitting in an empty case.
I collect Apollo 11 memorabilia and was intrigued by your school’s name. I have a hobbyist interest in Apollo 11 and created a replica flag (updated to a smaller size) that I offer to other collectors and enthusiasts on ebay – along with replica plaques that were left on the moon. It is more for the fun of it and to help share the importance of the moon mission. I was 9 years old back in 1969 when I learned about the Golden Spike and that was also the year that man landed on the moon. I was at Promontory Point in 1969 to celebrate and back again in 2019 – 50 years later for the 150th celebration.
In honor of these two tremendous historical events – on the eve of May 10 – I would like to donate one of these Apollo 11 replica flags and plaque to your school – in recognition of the Spikes2Utah program!
Hopefully you have a place in the school to display this historic replica. See photo below. The pole is about 6 feet high. It also comes with the base. Please let me know if this works and the flag is my gift to the school. I am dedicating it to the kids of the Spikes2Utah program!
Everen T. Brown
Everen T. Brown Advertising"
Salt Lake City, Utah
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