One year, we found out about the family night the marching band puts on, because of some high schoolers in our neighborhood. Anyone in the community can come and watch the band play their first official full run-through of their show for the year.

It was fun to actually get to see what we had heard so much about. It was also great to get out and see so many fellow American Fork citizens there to support the band. We went to the family show with our small family for several years and enjoyed seeing what the kids were working on and seeing people we knew. It has now become even more fun and personal for us to go, as we have some of our own kids in the marching band.

It’s fun to look back at our time learning about and being part of the American Fork marching band.

#15

#14

Just last night, when we took a summer evening drive, State Street was pretty quiet at 10 p.m.

It’s incredibly charming to be out and about and hear the bells ringing from the Presbyterian Church on the hour.

When the city’s Christmas decorations appear on Main Street, with “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings” at either end of downtown, my family calls it Bedford Falls, after It’s a Wonderful Life. Other cities might have jazzier, more elaborate Christmas decorations (as Pottersville might), but I hope the city never stops resembling Bedford Falls.

With these and countless other delights to enjoy, we’re not going anywhere. Our only plan is to move just down the hill someday, to the cemetery.

Oh, and remember the Brown’s Arabians barn? A Brown grandson lives around the corner from me. I’ve come full circle. I’m home.

#13

When I first moved into the neighborhood, that view was of a dramatic mountain range and gorgeous sunsets. The view in winter was best, less greenery to get in the way. I would stand there on the sidewalk and enjoy this for a few moments at a time.

As a few years went by, lights began popping up down in the bowl-like area, as houses and people moved in. Each visit to the vacant lot view at night was met with more and more lights. Now it almost looks like a gigantic glowing jewelry box.

I don’t intend to comment on the pluses and minuses of city growth. But watching the cities (not only American Fork but also Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain) grow by this metric has been memorable.

#12

Every so often, I’ll drive by the Starbucks on 500 East or see the words “banana split” on a random menu and remember a change that was rather monumental—at least to my youthful eyes. They tore down Parker’s Drive-In.

I can’t often distinguish between good, better, and best ice cream brands, but no ice cream creation in the world could compare to my memory of Parker’s banana splits. They were always way too big for my small stomach, with a one-to-one ratio of whipped cream and everything else, and by some miracle just the right ripeness for a banana every single time.

We didn’t go to Parker’s very often. In fact, I don’t ever remember going as a family. It was always a special one-on-one celebratory treat. I distinctly remember going once for a birthday, or a few parent-daughter dates, and twice for finishing the Book of Mormon. (Once for that funky 90s picture version, and once for the “complete and unabridged,” if you will.)

When they tore it down, I cried. They don’t offer banana splits on too many menus anymore, but when they do, I feel obligated to buy one in honor of Parker’s memory.

#11

The first two memories happen to be about the American Fork High School bands. The next eight range from rock climbing to the library to watching Lawrence Welk in color to getting a new baby brother.

Please consider sharing this e-mail with friends and family with ties to American Fork.

1. When I Finally Understood the Band

By David Rodeback

(I’ve omitted personal names only because this memory is about the group, not individuals.)

I was at the American Fork Cemetery in October 2002, when the American Fork High School Marching Band played at the graveside service of one of its members. When the band finished, the drum major turned slowly to the boy’s parents and, with perfect solemnity and dignity, rendered a flawless, exquisitely slow salute. That memory has never faded.

I had lived in American Fork only four years; I was only beginning to appreciate the marching band’s place at the heart of the community.

In October 2009 one of the band’s buses left the freeway south of Pocatello. In that moment, a teacher’s quick action probably saved others’ lives, but at the expense of her own. Not 72 hours later, the community turned out in force at Lavell Edwards Stadium to support the band in its next competition. It was a beautiful, poignant evening—and the people sitting behind me were the parents of the drum major from that scene in 2002.

I was learning.

In 2014 I was recruited as the writer for a feature-length documentary film about the band’s 2013 season. We initially decided not to mention the 2009 tragedy; we didn’t want to exploit it. But as we interviewed band students, we kept hearing the same story: what they experienced at the stadium that night in 2009 convinced them that they had to be part of the band when they were older.

We interviewed dozens of students, some parents and staff, and a mayor who teared up when he talked about the band. Finally, I fully appreciated the band’s honored place in the community—and I learned something else: Year after year, those extraordinary youth live up to their place in our hearts. They deserve it.

2. Journey of the AFHS Bands

By John Miller

When I accepted the invitation to be the American Fork H.S. Band director, following Don Peterson, I was excited but also a bit scared. The students and community welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly knew that my family was in the right place. It took a few years to finally place first in the state marching band competitions by scoring higher than Mountain Crest, which had been winning first place for many years. It was an amazing experience for our band, and I knew that we needed to keep improving every year because suddenly, American Fork was the target of every band in Utah. The Concert band is the core of any great band program, and both the Concert and Jazz Bands improved each year, consistently earning Superior ratings at all festivals.

As the marching band grew to 260, we slowly developed a staff of educators and former students who provided much-needed individual instruction. The band booster organization grew rapidly, and the parents, both moms and dads, were becoming part of a great team working to help us achieve our goals. At our first appearance at the Bands of America Grand Nationals, we were shocked to actually make the finals. Soon after that, we were invited to perform in the Pasadena Rose Parade, and years later, we made our second appearance. The Macy’s Day Parade in New York City was another terrific experience for our band, and again we repeated it a few years later. When we were invited to represent Utah at President Bush’s second Inauguration Parade, it was an incredible experience.

Our parents, students, administration, and community have always supported us in our quest for excellence, and after 30 years of teaching at AFHS, I am still proud to say I am a Caveman!

3. When Our Son Became Seriously Ill

By Mary Gurr

Our family has lived in American Fork now for 26 years and we love our community! We have seen and felt the goodness of its people from the very beginning and have appreciated great support for the arts and families in particular here.

After living in American Fork for several years our son experienced a serious illness. It kept him out of school and away from church for months. After this initial hospitalization, he continued to have periodic bouts of illness that would affect his school attendance. We found ourselves working with kind, compassionate, understanding teachers and administrators who adapted their requirements to allow our son to prove he had a grasp of the concepts they were teaching. He had great success as a student despite his health challenges and many absences.

Ultimately, our son’s illness led to yet another serious stay in the hospital. We saw our community rally around our family in incredible ways. We felt strengthened and encouraged by their prayers and fasting, visits to the hospital, and offers of childcare and casseroles, among many other things. We had two different people arrive the same evening with 2 different meals. We were amazed!

When our son passed away as a result of that illness, we continued to see the outpouring of love and goodness from neighbors and school community members. The prayers continued, visits and food and open, grieving, loving hearts increased. We were the recipients of gifts from people we hardly knew, including people from the schools our children attended. We felt the support of our whole American Fork community!

4. “I Hit the Neighbor’s Car”

By Casandria Crane

A few months after we moved to American Fork, my oldest son got his driver’s license. One early morning, he set off for American Fork High School. About ten minutes later, he burst back through the front door, visibly shaken.

“I hit the neighbor’s car!” he said. Before we could fully process what had happened, he was rushing back out the door. The neighbor whose car he had hit was kindly giving him a ride to school.

Later that day, we connected with the neighbor, took care of the car repairs, and felt grateful that our son’s first accident happened just a block away.

This moment remains one of my fondest memories of raising a family here, especially teenagers. My son caused an accident, and the adult involved chose to help him. The neighbor, who could have been upset, instead offered support by giving him a ride.

Over time, I witnessed this kindness repeatedly as my children grew more independent. Whether through marching band, jobs, dance, or church, people in our community looked out for them. Each of my kids faced car trouble or accidents at some point, and each time, they found helpful adults to lend a hand. These experiences taught me what a gift it is to be a part of this supportive community.

5. Second Chances in American Fork

By Kerstin Daynes

At the beginning of 2025, I was asked to leave a job in a nearby city. I loved that job. I loved serving my community. I loved connecting people to resources every day. When I was asked to leave, I was devastated. But guess what? Six weeks later, I was lucky to secure a job at the American Fork Library. In this new city, in this new job, I found a unique place of belonging. And this place of belonging became a place of healing, growth, and community.

Have you been to the American Fork Library? The art that welcomes you as you walk through the doors . . . It is breathtaking and inspiring. The stained glass in the two story rotunda . . . It allows beautiful natural light to sparkle into the space. The shelves upon shelves of books and movies and games . . . They open a world of learning and excitement. The calendar of events . . . It is filled with opportunities to expand the mind and to try out new hobbies. But, more than all of that, the director and the rest of the staff have curated a place of safety, a place of inclusion, a place of open-mindedness, a place of expanding possibilities, and a place of second chances.

I found a second chance at the American Fork Library. It was a second chance to find a job that I love. A second chance to connect with people every day. A second chance to find confidence in what I have to offer. A second chance to add value to my life. A second chance to serve a wonderful community.

6. Becoming a Big Brother

By Wesley G.

When I woke up on Mother’s Day morning, my parents said my baby sister would be born that day. She was due in a week, and Mom’s babies never came early, but her water had broken at 3 a.m. She wasn’t having contractions yet, which they said was weird for a fourth baby, so she didn’t need to go to the hospital right away.

We had a nice, relaxed Mother’s Day morning with her before she went to the hospital. My two older sisters and I had put together a scavenger hunt, so we were glad she got to do it with us and get her gifts before my uncle came to take us to his house in Springville for the day, where I got to play with four of my cousins.

My grandparents hopped in their car as soon as Grandma woke up. They live in Arizona, so they got to our house after my uncle put us in bed there. He went back to his house right after they got there to take care of us.

They let us sleep in, even though it was a school day. Then we went straight to American Fork Hospital to meet my new baby sister!

She was so tiny and cute! My oldest sister got to hold her first, but then I held her with my grandma’s help. I was a little afraid I would drop her, but I didn’t. I instantly loved her even though I had really wanted a brother instead.

I am grateful I get to be her big brother. When she came into my life it just felt so much brighter. Now she smiles at me all the time, tickles me, and gives snuggles! She makes me feel very special and loved!

7. American Fork Forever

By LKF

I was born in American Fork in 1958. I have lived here on the same block almost all of my 68 years. American Fork has changed and evolved. It has been fun to be a part of the changes. I have many fond memories of growing up and raising my own family here.

I remember my grandmother buying one of the very first color television sets. We all went to her home to watch Lawrence Welk in color. I now live in that very home.

My grandfather is George F. Shelley. Yes, the George F. Shelley that wrote the history of American Fork. He helped to provide the land to the Alpine School District to build Shelley Elementary. I remember being in the very first third grade class to attend the brand new school. I was so proud to be one of the first classes to attend this new school. To this very day many of George F. Shelley’s posterity still attend Shelley Elementary School.

My third grade teachers were Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Peterson. My best friend and I met at Shelley Elementary, and when we graduated from college in Elementary Education and married we became teachers. Guess what our married names are? Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Peterson, what a coincidence.

I spent 15 years teaching at Greenwood Elementary. So many great memories. American Fork is my home and my heart will always reside here.

8. Learning to Climb

By Mariah

I moved to American Fork when I was ten years old. Coming from California, I remember being immediately captivated by this small town. I had never truly experienced the beauty of the mountains before. My first trip up American Fork Canyon left me speechless. I was mystified by the towering trees, the dense foliage, and the soothing sound of the river. I don’t think I had ever experienced such genuine peace until then.

My love for American Fork Canyon grew with every visit. I have memories of hiking to Timpanogos Cave, camping by the river, gathering around summer campfires with friends, and simply escaping the chaos of everyday life.

As I grew older, I made new friends—rock climbers. They were some of the coolest people I had ever met, and they generously taught me how to climb. They took me up my favorite canyon and quite literally showed me the ropes. My very first rock climb was at Hard Rock in American Fork Canyon, and the experience was transformational. That day deepened my appreciation for the canyon even more.

We are incredibly lucky to call American Fork Canyon our own.

9. Fond Spirits

By CN

Writing this memory was hard, as it is inextricably tied to someone I lost. This special memory sticks out in my mind like soft lantern light at night. It is of an autumn farmers’ market with my mother, who has since passed. We wandered Robinson Park together, admiring the fresh produce, quilts, and some handcrafted Halloween decor. While my mom purchased apples, my eyes wandered to a booth not far from us with Halloween decor.

Halloween has always been my favorite. The weather is fair, the costumes are fun, and I always liked the idea of departed spirits still wandering among us. I only wish I had known then that my mom would be one within five years. She noticed my meandering gaze and smiled, asking if I wanted something while taking the vendor’s apples. I nodded shyly. She let me pick out anything that I wanted. I selected a green bottle with an aged label and cork that was filled with fake Frog Toes.

With bright grins, we wandered over to watch the band that had just set up. The music blasted through me, but the pizzazz it brought to the quiet night was thrilling! It was at this point that my mom turned to me and asked what I would like to eat. I mentioned I hadn’t tried Navajo tacos before, and we were always open to trying new things. We went over and watched them fry it and top it all by hand. It was one of the most delicious and fresh things I had ever eaten. That evening, I also tried Wassail for the first time. The delicious blend of spices and apple was absolutely fabulous. That night, listening to the music, on the bench, snuggled up to my mother, is one of my fondest memories.

10. The Book Brigade

By AnneMarie Hatch

When my little family moved to American Fork in 1993, I had no idea how much growth and change we would see here, nor how much I would come to love this city and community. Thirty-three years later and I’m still here!

The library was one of the first places we visited when we moved to American Fork. It was the old 1968 building—it had its drawbacks, but it was still a library. And when our community voted in 1997 to fund a new building, we were very excited. It did mean a temporary warehouse library for a couple of years (definitely not ideal), but we knew it would be worth it.

I remember hearing the library would bring the books to the new building with a “book brigade” of citizens and thought “Great idea for our family!”

On March 25, 2000 our family showed up--my late husband in his Boy Scout leader uniform and my oldest son in his Cub Scout uniform. We joined neighbors and friends in line and waited anxiously for books to come down the row. Our anticipation grew as more and more people showed up to help. One line turned into two, then three full lines between the temporary library and the brand-new building! Eventually over 1,500 people came to help. We began passing the books down the chain, stack by stack, person by person.

This unique way of connecting the community to the library has stuck with each of my family members through the years. Some have fonder memories than others of that day, but I will never forget the opportunity we had to be part of our library and American Fork community that day.

If you’re already subscribed, thank you! If you’re reading this online or someone forwarded it to you, subscribing is free and requires only your e-mail address. And if you have a fond memory of life or work in American Fork, please share it. —The Editor

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#10

Halloween has always been my favorite. The weather is fair, the costumes are fun, and I always liked the idea of departed spirits still wandering among us. I only wish I had known then that my mom would be one within five years. She noticed my meandering gaze and smiled, asking if I wanted something while taking the vendor’s apples. I nodded shyly. She let me pick out anything that I wanted. I selected a green bottle with an aged label and cork that was filled with fake Frog Toes.

With bright grins, we wandered over to watch the band that had just set up. The music blasted through me, but the pizzazz it brought to the quiet night was thrilling! It was at this point that my mom turned to me and asked what I would like to eat. I mentioned I hadn’t tried Navajo tacos before, and we were always open to trying new things. We went over and watched them fry it and top it all by hand. It was one of the most delicious and fresh things I had ever eaten. That evening, I also tried Wassail for the first time. The delicious blend of spices and apple was absolutely fabulous. That night, listening to the music, on the bench, snuggled up to my mother, is one of my fondest memories.

#9

#8

I remember my grandmother buying one of the very first color television sets. We all went to her home to watch Lawrence Welk in color. I now live in that very home.

My grandfather is George F. Shelley. Yes, the George F. Shelley that wrote the history of American Fork. He helped to provide the land to the Alpine School District to build Shelley Elementary. I remember being in the very first third grade class to attend the brand new school. I was so proud to be one of the first classes to attend this new school. To this very day many of George F. Shelley's posterity still attend Shelley Elementary School.

My third grade teachers were Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Peterson. My best friend and I met at Shelley Elementary, and when we graduated from college in Elementary Education and married we became teachers. Guess what our married names are? Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Peterson, what a coincidence.

I spent 15 years teaching at Greenwood Elementary. So many great memories. American Fork is my home and my heart will always reside here.

#7

They let us sleep in, even though it was a school day. Then we went straight to American Fork Hospital to meet my new baby sister!

She was so tiny and cute! My oldest sister got to hold her first, but then I held her with my grandma's help. I was a little afraid I would drop her, but I didn't. I instantly loved her even though I had really wanted a brother instead.

I am grateful I get to be her big brother. When she came into my life it just felt so much brighter. Now she smiles at me all the time, tickles me, and gives snuggles! She makes me feel very special and loved!

#6

Have you been to the American Fork Library? The art that welcomes you as you walk through the doors . . . It is breathtaking and inspiring. The stained glass in the two story rotunda . . . It allows beautiful natural light to sparkle into the space. The shelves upon shelves of books and movies and games . . . They open a world of learning and excitement. The calendar of events . . . It is filled with opportunities to expand the mind and to try out new hobbies. But, more than all of that, the director and the rest of the staff have curated a place of safety, a place of inclusion, a place of open-mindedness, a place of expanding possibilities, and a place of second chances.

I found a second chance at the American Fork Library. It was a second chance to find a job that I love. A second chance to connect with people every day. A second chance to find confidence in what I have to offer. A second chance to add value to my life. A second chance to serve a wonderful community.

#5

“I hit the neighbor’s car!” he said. Before we could fully process what had happened, he was rushing back out the door. The neighbor whose car he had hit was kindly giving him a ride to school.

Later that day, we connected with the neighbor, took care of the car repairs, and felt grateful that our son's first accident happened just a block away.

This moment remains one of my fondest memories of raising a family here, especially teenagers. My son caused an accident, and the adult involved chose to help him. The neighbor, who could have been upset, instead offered support by giving him a ride.

Over time, I witnessed this kindness repeatedly as my children grew more independent. Whether through marching band, jobs, dance, or church, people in our community looked out for them. Each of my kids faced car trouble or accidents at some point, and each time, they found helpful adults to lend a hand. These experiences taught me what a gift it is to be a part of this supportive community.

#4

After living in American Fork for several years our son experienced a serious illness. It kept him out of school and away from church for months. After this initial hospitalization, he continued to have periodic bouts of illness that would affect his school attendance. We found ourselves working with kind, compassionate, understanding teachers and administrators who adapted their requirements to allow our son to prove he had a grasp of the concepts they were teaching. He had great success as a student despite his health challenges and many absences.

Ultimately, our son’s illness led to yet another serious stay in the hospital. We saw our community rally around our family in incredible ways. We felt strengthened and encouraged by their prayers and fasting, visits to the hospital, and offers of childcare and casseroles, among many other things. We had two different people arrive the same evening with 2 different meals. We were amazed!

When our son passed away as a result of that illness, we continued to see the outpouring of love and goodness from neighbors and school community members. The prayers continued, visits and food and open, grieving, loving hearts increased. We were the recipients of gifts from people we hardly knew, including people from the schools our children attended. We felt the support of our whole American Fork community!

#3

As the marching band grew to 260, we slowly developed a staff of educators and former students who provided much-needed individual instruction. The band booster organization grew rapidly, and the parents, both moms and dads, were becoming part of a great team working to help us achieve our goals. At our first appearance at the Bands of America Grand Nationals, we were shocked to actually make the finals. Soon after that, we were invited to perform in the Pasadena Rose Parade, and years later, we made our second appearance. The Macy’s Day Parade in New York City was another terrific experience for our band, and again we repeated it a few years later. When we were invited to represent Utah at President Bush’s second Inauguration Parade, it was an incredible experience.

Our parents, students, administration, and community have always supported us in our quest for excellence, and after 30 years of teaching at AFHS, I am still proud to say I am a Caveman!

#2

I was at the American Fork Cemetery in October 2002, when the American Fork High School Marching Band played at the graveside service of one of its members. When the band finished, the drum major turned slowly to the boy’s parents and, with perfect solemnity and dignity, rendered a flawless, exquisitely slow salute. That memory has never faded.

I had lived in American Fork only four years; I was only beginning to appreciate the marching band’s place at the heart of the community.

In October 2009 one of the band’s buses left the freeway south of Pocatello. In that moment, a teacher’s quick action probably saved others’ lives, but at the expense of her own. Not 72 hours later, the community turned out in force at Lavell Edwards Stadium to support the band in its next competition. It was a beautiful, poignant evening—and the people sitting behind me were the parents of the drum major from that scene in 2002.

I was learning.

In 2014 I was recruited as the writer for a feature-length documentary film about the band’s 2013 season. We initially decided not to mention the 2009 tragedy; we didn’t want to exploit it. But as we interviewed band students, we kept hearing the same story: what they experienced at the stadium that night in 2009 convinced them that they had to be part of the band when they were older.

We interviewed dozens of students, some parents and staff, and a mayor who teared up when he talked about the band. Finally, I fully appreciated the band’s honored place in the community—and I learned something else: Year after year, those extraordinary youth live up to their place in our hearts. They deserve it.

#1

1. Read the requirements and guidelines—but don’t be discouraged by them. Most of them are meant to be helpful. Some of them are just necessary fine print.

2. Keep the word count (200-300 words) in mind, but don’t worry about it too much at first.

3. Write your first draft. If it’s too short, try to add some relevant detail. No fluff, please! If it’s a little too long, don’t worry about that yet. If it’s far too long, consider what’s really essential and start trimming.

4. Even for professional writers, first drafts are a mess. No experienced writer expects otherwise. Don’t submit yours, and don’t fret over its flaws. Let it sit for a while—hours or days—and then come back to it with fresh eyes and revise.

5. Giving it some time also helps in another way: you may remember more details of the memory. When you do, write them down, so you won’t forget them before you sit down to revise again.

6. Don’t try to use big words or fancy rhetoric. Write in your own voice; it will be more effective. Imagine yourself sitting across the table at Burgers & Barley or Root’s Place, over the exquisite hamburger of your choice, telling your memory to a friend (but not talking with your mouth full). Other food and other fine American Fork eateries will serve equally well.

7. Genuine emotion is valuable. It’s okay to tell how you feel or felt, but rely mostly on the memory itself to convey emotion. Never try to manufacture emotion or manipulate the reader.

8. If you struggle with how to say something, ask yourself, “What am I trying to say?” Then say that.

9. When you think your draft is pretty good, have someone else read it. This isn’t easy, but writers do it all the time. For one thing, another person will detect things that are needed but missing—because they’re in your head but not the reader’s.

10. Pro tip: Late in your revision process, have some read your written memory aloud to you. Notice where they struggle with the words, or if you hear that something’s wrong or missing. Then polish your prose once more. (If this one sounds painful, yeah, it is. But it’s only 250 words, give or take, so the pain is only momentary.)

11. When it’s ready, submit it. The Google Form link is near the beginning of the requirements and guidelines post at the link in #1 above.

12. Please keep your own copy of the memory you submit.

13. If you have questions that aren’t answered here at the American Fork Memories Substack, contact the editor directly at afmemories@60eastpress.com.

14. There will be two walk-in workshops for writers of memories, where local writers will be on hand to coach you—or just to be an extra pair of eyes. Details are near the end of the instructions post.

15. Part of being a writer is cheering for other writers. Read others’ memories here, and click that “Like” button if you like them. Maybe even leave a brief, positive comment. On Substack you can also “restack” a post, which adds it to your feed either with or without your comment. Pro tip: if you select a passage before you click the restack button, it will be included as a pull quote in your post.

Please consider subscribing to the American Fork Memories Substack, if you haven’t already, to get digests of memories by e-mail, and so you can like and comment on others’ memories. It’s free, and unsubscribing is easy if you ever want to.

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Please read this entire post first, but here’s the Google Form where you can submit your memory when you’re ready: American Fork Memories submission

This is the only way to submit a memory to the project.

Requirements and Guidelines

The length (word count) of your memory should be 200-300 words. These are hard limits.

One memory per person. The Project will publish only one memory per person. If you submit a memory and it is not published within four weeks, please feel free to submit another.

We’re gathering good, positive memories. They don’t have to be all unicorns and rainbows; this example, a real memory by the editor, begins in a cemetery and mentions two tragic deaths. Use your judgment, and the editor will use his.

The memory you write should be your own—but exceptions are possible. If you want to submit someone else’s memory, consult with the editor in advance at afmemories@60eastpress.com.

The memory should be about living or working in American Fork. It should be as true as the limits of human memory allow.

Submissions should be written by the submitter, not by AI. Use of AI tools to proofread, spell check, etc., is permitted. Please don’t submit your first draft.

Don’t disparage any named person, living or dead. This is partly for legal reasons and partly because we’re collecting positive memories.

Language and content should be appropriate for middle grade and teen readers. If it’s not, the editor will either reject your submission or lightly edit it for content.

Please write in English. This is an English-language publication, and the Guest Editor has to work in a language he knows.

You don’t have to be a gifted writer to submit. The editor may do some light editing before publication, for format, grammar, punctuation, etc.—without communication with you, unless the required edits include substantive changes to content.

No anonymous memories will be accepted. You must supply your full name when you submit the memory, but you’ll be invited to choose whether your name is displayed as a full name, a first name with last initial, initials only, etc.

Comments will be enabled by default, but only subscribers can comment or like a post. If you prefer comments not to be open for your memory, e-mail the Guest Editor at afmemories@60eastpress.com, either when you submit the memory or upon publication. Inappropriate comments will be deleted, and those commenters may be blocked from making further comments.

There will be no notice to the submitter of acceptance or rejection. Submitted memories will either be published (within 28 days) or not. If yours is not published, feel free to submit another.

Rights: As the writer of your memory, you retain all rights to the written text. However, by submitting a memory, you grant the City of American Fork the right to publish it, as submitted or with minor edits, at the American Fork Memories Substack and elsewhere, in electronic and print forms, and to quote it for promotional or other purposes. Through December 31, 2026, the City's right to publish your memory is exclusive; thereafter it will be non-exclusive.

Want Help Writing Your Memory?

We can’t help with the remembering, but if you’d like some help with the writing, the Project provides three kinds of opportunities:

• Read “Tips for Writing Your Memory.”

• Two walk-in workshops at the American Fork Library, staffed by local writers, including members of the Good AF Writers chapter of the League of Utah Writers (“AF” is for American Fork). Bring something to write with (or on) and either some notes or a draft of your memory.

  • Monday, June 29, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

  • Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

• The Guest Editor’s available time for helping individual writers is limited, but others may be available too. Feel free to inquire at afmemories@60east.com.

• If you’d like to help others with their writing, contact the editor at the same e-mail address.

Two Ways to Read Memories

You can read the memories here on the Web, at Substack. If you haven’t subscribed, you’ll be asked to, but you can decline and still visit the site:

• Visit this link: afmemories.substack.com

• Or this one: substack.com/@afmemories

Or use this QR code:

There’s also a Substack mobile app, for reading on your phone.

With a free subscription to this American Fork Memories Substack, you can also read digests of memories in your e-mail. All it requires is your e-mail address, which we won’t pass around or use to sell you anything, and it’s easy to unsubscribe if you ever want to. We won’t send an e-mail for each memory. We’ll gather them into digests and send them periodically.

Here’s the best reason to subscribe: so you can like your favorite memories, even leave appropriate comments if you wish.

Both joining Substack and subscribing to American Fork Memories are free of charge.

We Want Your American Fork Memory

We’re looking for good, positive memories, but they don’t have to be all unicorns and rainbows. The Guest Editor’s memory, “When I Finally Understood the Band,” has death in it, but it’s positive enough. Memories should be real, written by a human, and 200-300 words in length.

More information about writing and submitting your memory, including answers to many of your questions and a link to a Google Form for submitting your memory, is available in this post: Writing and Submitting Your Memory.

See also this helpful post: Tips for Writing Your Memory.

We’re collecting memories from May 1 to August 31, 2026. Our goal is 250 memories, but we may not stop there.

The City’s Guest Editor for this project is David Rodeback, a 28-year resident of American Fork. David is currently the League of Utah Writers’ Writer of the Year and has published two award-winning collections of short fiction and a novel through his press imprint, 60 East Press. He wrote and associate-produced two feature-length documentary films about the American Fork High School Marching Band (in 2014 and 2025) and has won four Telly Awards for writing and acting in commercial video.

Contact the editor at afmemories@60eastpress.com—but don’t submit your memory by e-mail. Use the Google Form (see above).

Here’s another opportunity to subscribe. Thanks for reading American Fork Memories!

Subscribe now