May 2026 | Vol. 22 Iss. 5
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Taylorsville
Memorial Day See Local reconnects with group to soothe her soul this holiday Page 8 Inside...
Wilson, Schmilson
Principal creates elaborate April Fools’ prank for his students Page 27
Born during the height of World War II, Behunin Tree is still going strong in Taylorsville By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com The founder of this venerable business is credited with “inventing” one of our most iconic holiday traditions: the Temple Square light display.
H
ave you ever seen a 1943 Lincoln head penny? They’re gray instead of brown, because they’re made of steel rather than copper. These are the only coins ever minted in the United States that can be picked up with a magnet. How about a 1943 American-made automobile – ever seen one of those? No, you haven’t. Henry Ford and his competitors received Uncle Sam orders to construct tanks and other war apparatus that year, instead. It seems that pivotal year in the history of our entire planet must have been a challenging, topsy-turvy time to launch a brand-new business. But that’s exactly what J. Leland Behunin did. And now, 83 years later, his daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and great-grandson are continuing to operate Taylorsville-based Behunin Tree. “My grandpa was pretty well retired by
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at least two of her grandkids, Korissa – and a third Ben. “I grew up in Colorado and met Ben (Sr.) when we were students at BYU,” Pauline Behunin explains. “He was already focused on learning about plant physiology and tree diseases. We married in 1967, moved into our first home in this area in 1972 and built the house I still live in now, in 1977.” The oldest of five siblings, Ben Jr. graduated from Taylorsville High in 1987. His wife, Julianna, is a 1988 THS graduate. “I had known Julianna since third grade at Vista Elementary, after her family moved to Utah from Nebraska; but we did not date in high school,” he explained. “We reconnected years later, after we had each served Church missions. We were married in 1998.” Their marriage came just a few years after Korissa Behunin, her father Ben, cousin Ben and grandmother Pauline (L-R) represent three a couple of life-changing things happened to of the four generations that have operated Behunin Tree for some 83 years. (behunintree.com) Ben Jr., which drew him back into a tree trimming career he had loathed. the time I was born in 1969,” Ben Behunin the truck with me to jobs until six weeks before “As soon as I was out of elementary said. “But I worked the business side-by-side he passed.” school, my dad didn’t force me to work for the with my dad (Ben Sr.) for well over 30 years. Ben’s mother, Pauline, now owns Behu- company – but he did say I had to earn my own Dad was in his 80s when he passed away just nin Tree with her son. Pauline’s daughter MiContinued page 5 three years ago. He continued to ride along in chelle is one of their employees, along with
Salty A’s
CAR SHOW AT THE MUSEUM SEE THE CARS AT THE TAYLORSVILLE-BENNION HERITAGE CENTER
But donations to the museum gratefully accepted
Refreshments will be served. Pictures can be taken with the cars.