Feb. 2023 | Vol. 9 Iss. 02
FREE
GARDNER VILLAGE REFLECTS ON LEGACY OF FOUNDER NANCY LONG By Isa Alcaraz | i.alcaraz@my.cityjournals.com
G
ardner Village founder Nancy Long passed away last November due to complications from a stroke, after battling muscular dystrophy for many years. Friends, family and locals who love Gardner Village gathered for an open-door celebration of life held at the Gathering Place on Jan. 15. Gardner Village has been around for close to 42 years, its 43rd birthday coming up in May of this year. The flour mill, built in 1857 and a staple of Gardner Village, was purchased by Nancy Long in 1979. Long was born in Massachusetts and moved to Utah as a young girl. Early friends and family of Long described her as “always an entrepreneur,” even since childhood. Fast forward to 1979, upon purchase of the flour mill, Long began renovations and eventually started Country Furniture and Gifts, a furniture store in the mill and the first shop ever featured at Gardner Village. Archibald’s Restaurant emerged in the same flour mill in 1990. Gardner Village acts as a true Utah historic hub. Many old builds were moved onto the property over time, then renovated and turned into local businesses. Long’s daughter, Angie Gerdes, who is also Gardner Village’s president and owner, reflected on the importance of the history and soul of the place. “Our vision is to preserve our history while
Small and Tall
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS
page 4
creating Utah’s favorite shopping and dining experience,” she said. “The mission is to provide people an escape from the ordinary, a chance to step back in time and experience raving fan service and exceptional quality.” But none of it could have happened without Long, who was there from the very beginning. “She started everything on a shoestring,” Gerdes said about her mother. “Very few people could have envisioned what she did. She worked tirelessly and with great passion to make this place what it has become.” Gardner Village has not only allowed for the past to live on in the present, it has also created a refreshing culture amongst employees that is not often seen in other businesses today. The place attracts creatives who are looking for something different, a nice change of pace from the madness of the modern day. “The people are wonderful. We attract customers and employees who are creative and want something unusual,” Gerdes said. “It is a cozy and charming area.” And it all drew from its founder. Long set the example for how the business should be run, from attitude to work ethic, traces of her legacy are rampant at Gardner Village today. Gerdes described her mother Nancy Long and her first husband, Joe. (Photos courtesy Angie Gerdes) Continued page 9
Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
page 6
Teacher health
page 13
Regions realigned
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190