A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

One hundred years ago today, new Utah Gov. George Henry Dern asked elected officials to use prudency as he gave his address before the start of that year’s legislative session.

Utah’s sixth governor, Dern took office on Jan. 5. On Jan 13, 1925, he spoke before both the Utah Senate and House of Representatives, as printed in the Deseret News that day:

“Economy in government was the keynote of the message delivered before the Sixteenth Legislature Tuesday by Gov. George H. Dern,” read the top story in the Deseret News that day.

“... With the state facing a continuation of the deficit, evil and with practically all avenues of additional revenue barred, Gov. Dern appealed to the lawmakers to restrict their governmental ideals to the ability of the state to pay.”

The Deseret News also printed Dern’s entire speech, along with some highlights for requests, similar to how Utah’s governing bodies function today.

Dern, a mining executive/inventor, served as Utah’s governor for two terms after defeating incumbent Republican Charles Mabey. He had served in the Utah Senate since 1914, and was credited with secured legislation requiring compulsory certification for all schoolteachers, regulations extending the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission and a new law expanding automobile regulation.

Per historical accounts, Dern also managed a revision of Utah’s tax laws in favor of middle- and lower-income groups. When he secured a better position for Utah in the revised Colorado River Compact, he became recognized as a major regional leader in the West. In 1929, Dern was elected chairman of the National Governors Conference.

Gov. George H. Dern is shown during his second term. Dern was governor of Utah from 1925 to 1933. | Deseret News archives

After stepping down, Dern became secretary of war under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming the first Utahn to fill a position in a presidential cabinet. When Dern, a 33rd degree Mason and a member of the Congregational Church, died in 1933, his funeral was held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square.

If Dern’s concerns 100 years ago sound familiar, it’s likely because Utah governors through the years have explored similar issues as each new year begins: financial stability while managing the state’s considerable natural resources.

For example, Gov. Calvin Rampton, in his State of the State talk 50 years ago today, said Utahns face “a challenge and an opportunity unprecedented since statehood“ in the development of fossil fuels and energy development. “Our challenge is that without proper preparation and planning, the effects on our state can be environmentally and socially disastrous.”

Here are some articles from Deseret News archives about Gov. Dern, other Utah governors through the years and the messages state leaders share as each new legislative session begins:

Utah governor proviles”

Scrapbook of the 20th Century: Former Gov. George Dern

How about Dern Air Force Base instead of Hill Air Force Base?

View Comments

When president calls, Utah leaders respond

Governors have a ball inaugurating

The front page of the Deseret News on Jan. 13, 1975, as Gov. Calvin Rampton delivers a State of the State address before both bodies of the Utah Legislature.

Rampton gentle but charming as he recalls a fascinating past

‘Stay weird, Utah,’ Cox says in State of the State address

Related
Deseret News timeline
We were there: See Deseret News front pages from 45 big moments in Utah, world history
Happy birthday, Deseret News! A look back at our first issue and others through the ages
Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.