Two of the most well-known pioneer structures in Capitol Reef National Park have been renovated by a team from Bryce Canyon National Park that specializes in repairing historical buildings.
The 93-year-old Fruita Schoolhouse got a new cedar-shingle roof. Mud mortar and a bentonite clay roof of the Behunin Cabin were repaired.Capitol Reef Superintendent Marty Ott said the Bryce Canyon Historical Preservation Team has also restored the Bryce Canyon Lodge, the Bryce Canyon General Store and tourist cabins, and a blacksmith shop and bunkhouse at Pipe Spring National Monument. The group was organized in 1986.
Most of the historical structures at Capitol Reef relate to the settlement of the Fremont River Valley in the 1880s. Mormon pioneers established communities of Junction (later renamed Fruita), Aldrich, Caineville, Elephant, Blue Valley, Clifton and Hanks-ville.
Some of the early town sites were within the original boundaries of the Capitol Reef National Monument and the expanded boundaries when it later became a national park.
Ott said the Fruita school was used until 1940 and also served as a community center and church. In 1966, it was restored and refurnished with authentic school desks of the period when it was in use. It was then named to the National Register of Historic Places.
The small Behunin cabin was built by Elijah Cutler Behunin along the banks of the Fremont River when he attempted to farm in the area. It was constructed of sandstone blocks, with a roof of boards and bentonite clay. Heavy flooding forced the early settler to abandon his venture.
The structure was previously restored by the Wayne County Lions Club as a community service project.