Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch

Preserving Lehi’s Traditions | Jean Hatch on Miss Lehi, Community Arts, and Growing Up in Old Lehi | Roots and Branches of Lehi What was Lehi like before the rapid growth — when dirt roads, canyon picnics, and small-town traditions shaped everyday life? In this episode of Roots and Branches of Lehi, host Ryan Harding sits down with lifelong resident Jean Hatch to reflect on growing up in what many remember as “Old Lehi.” Jean shares vivid memories of a tight-knit farming town — playing at Vet’s Park, attending local theaters, and participating in neighborhood traditions like ward “round-the-block” parades that later influenced the beloved Lehi Roundup miniature parade. Jean also recounts her family’s deep roots in the community, including early fundraising efforts that helped establish what would become the Hutchings Museum. Her lifelong dedication to community service extended into decades of involvement with the Miss Lehi Pageant, where she helped mentor young women and champion scholarships, service platforms, and personal development. The conversation includes unforgettable moments from her daughter’s year as Miss Lehi 2001, including a trip to Miss America during the events of 9/11, and the powerful experiences that shaped that journey. Jean also reflects on nearly two decades of leadership with the Lehi Arts Council, where she helped expand theater productions, youth programs, and arts education throughout the community. Through her work, the arts became a space for creativity, connection, and belonging for generations of Lehi residents. Full of stories, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections, Jean’s perspective reminds us how community traditions are built — and why preserving them matters as Lehi continues to grow. 📌 Enjoy stories from the people who helped shape Lehi? Subscribe for more Roots and Branches of Lehi conversations celebrating local history, service, and community. 🏡 Brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage — helping families go from renting to rooted.  ⏱ Key Moments in This Episode • 00:00 – Podcast Welcome • 00:37 – Meet Jean Hatch • 00:55 – Growing Up in Old Lehi • 01:38 – Small-Town Memories • 03:35 – Treneman Lane Family Roots • 04:12 – The Origins of Hutchings Museum • 06:34 – Old Lehi Traditions • 07:58 – Miniature Parade Beginnings • 09:57 – The Start of Miss Lehi • 12:29 – Why the Miss Lehi Pageant Matters • 16:23 – Coaching Contestants Today • 17:56 – Traveling to Miss America During 9/11 • 24:50 – A Visit to the Las Vegas Temple • 25:29 – From Miss Lehi to Miss Utah • 26:11 – Joining the Lehi Arts Council • 27:55 – Building Community Arts Programs • 29:04 – Life Behind the Scenes in Theater • 30:28 – Why Community Arts Matter • 32:30 – Memorable Stage Stories • 37:34 – Holiday Music Traditions • 40:19 – Reflections on Lehi’s Growth • 43:59 – Advice for the Next Generation • 47:57 – March of Dimes Work • 50:01 – Family Shoutouts • 52:13 – Closing Thoughts  👣 Related Topics: Lehi Utah History • Miss Lehi Pageant • Hutchings Museum • Community Theater • Lehi Arts Council • Small Town Traditions • Civic Service • Local Heritage • Roots and Branches of Lehi 🎧 Listen to More Roots & Branches of Lehi Apple: https://apple.co/40J53Ln Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BC8a3YpULFYMSRgtfqF7v YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlz4rzd_rsGZcR4Kscsck4ez_bWSLCuwM  🏠 Ready to go from renting to rooted? ✔️ Want to know the value of your home? → https://workharding.hifello.com/lp/6888f21970143a6397c98ea4 ✔️ Curious how much home you can afford? → https://workharding.com/affordability-calculator.php ✔️ Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz → https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/survey/aAl6tzfvetiS329QNypM  #RootsAndBranches #LehiUtah #LehiHistory #MissLehi #LehiArtsCouncil #CommunityStories #WorkHardMortgage #FromRentingToRooted #UtahCommunities