Colorful story: Stained-glass window tells the history of Fort Douglas

Fort Douglas, perched on Salt Lake's east bench, has a colorful history.

The story has been told many times of how the first troops were sent to guard the mail route — but also to keep an eye on the Mormons; how Fort Douglas went on to play an important role in Utah's economic, military, political and social history.

But perhaps the history of Fort Douglas has never been told more colorfully than in a new stained-glass window that will become a feature of a visitor's center that is part of the Fort Douglas Museum's exciting, new expansion project.

The project, which is expected to take about five years, "depending on the success of fundraising and contributions," says Fort Douglas Museum Director Robert S. Voyles, will add exhibit space, upgrade utilities and services and help create an "immersive and educational experience for visitors."

The stained-glass window, which is now on display, will eventually be part of the entrance to the visitor's center, says Voyles, and thus one of the first things visitors to the museum will see. "It's a wonderful explication of an army fort, done with a lot of respect for the history and the people who have served here."

The window is a gift of longtime museum supporters Gil and Thelma Iker, with additional support from Zeke Dumke Jr. and the Katherine and Ezekiel P. Dumke Foundation, and Spence Eccles and the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation.

The window was made by the Ikers' daughters, Kristen Gerde, of Hood River, Ore., and Karen Mannix, of Talkeetna, Alaska. Both grew up in Salt Lake City and are now well-known stained-glass artists in the Northwest. Gerde has done commission work for both public and private buildings, including several pieces for the National Park Service. Mannix has also done several major projects for Alaska's public schools.

Iker came up with the idea for the window, says Voyles. "He's served on our association board and numerous committees. He has a long history of involvement here."

Iker first came to Utah when his "dad was stationed at Fort Douglas," he says. "I fell in love with the place." Originally from Michigan, Iker served in the military during the Korean conflict. "Then I came back here with the G.I. Bill to go to school. My mother never forgave me; she was all set for me to go to Michigan. But I graduated from the U. and married into a good Mormon family, and I've been here ever since."

The idea behind the stained-glass window, he says, "was, number one, to brag on my girls. I've been dazzled by them since they were munchkins. Now, I'm entranced by their talents.

"But I also wanted to make a unique contribution to the museum. I think this window will set the stage for the total experience here."