The Woman Behind the Counter and the Community: Lucy Rawson Harman
Lucy Rawson Harman (1906–1987)
A Steady Light in the Harmon Legacy
Lucy Rawson Harman was born in 1906 in Oregon and raised in the close-knit community of Farmington, Utah. A woman of quiet strength and steady devotion, Lucy would go on to become the heart of a large and beloved neighborhood family, a trusted local business owner, and a guiding presence in her faith community.
In 1926, Lucy married Leonard Harman, the son of Charles and Annie Bolton Harmon. The young couple built their life together on hard work, shared values, and a deep commitment to their family. They were blessed with six children, each of whom would go on to achieve in music, sports, and education—testaments to the encouragement and example they received at home.
Lucy was the driving force behind Harman Clothing and Bookstore, a locally cherished business that served families for years. The store—located at 4219 W 3500 S and a second address to be added—offered more than goods; it offered community. Lucy’s welcoming presence and strong work ethic made the store a hub of warmth and reliability.
Her husband Leonard began to lose his eyesight as a child after an injury, and by 1945 he was completely blind. But that didn’t stop him. Leonard purchased a 14-acre farm with the dream of one day subdividing it for family homes. At the age of 57, with no vision and only the help of his young children, Leonard began building a home—doing nearly all the work himself: framing, plumbing, electrical, sheetrock, doors, and finish work.
Through all of this, Lucy was not only his companion but his teammate. She kept the family farm, household and business running, raised their children with grit and grace, and never allowed hardship to define their family. A devoted member of the LDS Church, Lucy served as a Relief Society president and genealogy instructor, offering compassion, leadership, and wisdom to those around her.
Lucy Rawson Harman passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and service. Her story, and the story of the Harman family, is one of perseverance, quiet courage, and lasting community impact. She was more than a wife and mother—she was the anchor of a remarkable legacy.
Her son James Leonard Harman (JLeonard Harman) went on to become a favorite architect not only in Granger, but throughout Utah and the Western states.
Lucy was a widow for nearly 25 years, continuing to work diligently in the Granger Bookstore and Harman Clothing Store. Her dedication kept the businesses running strong and served as a steady example of resilience and determination.
