The Story of Joseph and Margaret Elvina Wray

The exact date is not known when Joseph Wray and his wife Margaret Elvina arrived in this area, but it would be approximately in the late 1890's or early 1900's. They chose to make their home on land now known as Pole Heaven Ranch, which is owned by Lynn and Maxine Reeder.

Joseph and Elvina were a very special couple, with the gentle natures and cultural backgrounds. This was evident in the home they built and furnished,and in their well operated sawmill. Visitors to their home remembered that they were always treated in a gracious and hospitable manner.

The Wrays had two children while they lived on the ranch, Fay and Willow. A son Victor was born later. In 1911, when Fay was four years of age, the Wrays decided to leave their isolated ranch home and move back to their former home in Salt Lake City. Subsequently, they moved to Los Angeles, and it is there that the artistic talents of Fay were noticed. She climbed the stairway to stardom, and became a legend in the movie industry.

She never forgot her roots, and in 1967 attended Cardston's Diamond Jubilee and was welcomed back as an honoured guest to her childhood home.

The Blood Tribe made her an honourary Princess and gave her the name of "Little Bear". The "Fay Wray Fountain", located in the gardens of the municipal building in Cardston, was unveiled in her honour. On her visit to her childhood home on Pole Heaven Ranch, Fay was presented with a large stone which stood at the gate of their yard with the inscription "The Wray Land 1900" which was done by her father. This stone was taken to California and set up in the yard of her home there.

Old homestead of Joseph & Margaret Elvina Wray

Present day location where old homestead was.