Name/Title
The Dancing CalvesDescription
Taxidermy mount of conjoined twin calves, otherwise known as the "Dancing Calves."Context
The Dancing Calves are a beloved attraction by all at the Frehner Museum of Natural History. While it is unclear as to when the Dancing Calves were acquired by the museum, it is apparent that their presence on campus has been memorable for both faculty, staff, alumni, and current students.
After their birth and subsequent death in Spring 1949, the conjoined twins were mounted by Salt Lake taxidermist C.J. Sanders and acquired by Cedar City residents West and Gail Seegmiller. The Seegmillers had a case built for the calves and displayed them at their restaurant, the Desert Pearl Cafe, which once stood where the Family Dollar (as of 2025) currently sits at 1045 N and Main St on the north end of Cedar City.
[Transcription of Birth Certificate Document]
THE DANCING CALVES
"THE DANCING CALVES" -- born by natural delivery with considerable assistance from S.T. Nelson of Cedar City, Utah, on Mothers' Day, May 8, 1949, to a crossbred cow owned by Willard Lund of Paragonah, Utah. The "Father Bull" is unknown but must have been an outstanding Hereford. The Double Calf was alive and healthy but died during birth. This calf, or calves, joined together from the beginning of the neck thru the belly, with two complete, almost perfect body frames, had but one system of vital organs. Each of the two normal heads had a food channel to the one stomach and a breathing channel, or windpipe, to the one set of lungs. The two briskets, or breasts, shared on each side by these calves, contained the one set of lungs on one side and the one heart on the other side. Branching off from the one stomach and digestive system were two channels of elimination. This calf weighed approximately 85 pounds at birth. The over-all measurements as it stands mounted, are -- 42 1/2 inches high, 20 inches from tail to tail and 18 inches from side to side including the front legs. The "Mother Cow" LIVED and was sold as a "Fat Cow" in July, 1949.
This calf was stuffed by Mr. C.J. Sanders, taxidermist, 2631 South State Street, Salt Lake City 5, Utah, who states that it is the most unusual monstrosity he has ever worked with.
Dr. A.C. Johnson, of Cedar City, Utah, states that this is the best specimen of monstrosity in animal life that he has ever seen or heard of in his 47 years of practice as a veterinarian.
"THE DANCING CALVES" are now owned by West and Gail Seegmiller and are on display at their Desert Pearl Cafe, 999 North Main Street, Cedar City, Utah.
The undersigned hereby witness that they saw this calf in the flesh soon after birth and know it to be authentic.
NAME, BUSINESS OR PROFESSION, ADDRESS
Dr. A.C. Johnson, Dr. Veterinary Science, Cedar City, Utah
Dr. T. Donald Bell, Professor Animal Husbandry, BAC Cedar City, Utah
Willard H. Lund, Farmer (Owner of the Cow), Paragonah, Utah
Dr. R.G. Williams, Medical Doctor, Cedar City, Utah
Dr. J.S. Prestwich, Medical Doctor, Cedar City, Utah
Dr. A.L. Graff, Medical Doctor, Cedar City, Utah
S.T. Nelson, Artificial Insemination Technician, Cedar City, Utah
James Hoyle, Jr., Insurance Underwriter, Cedar City, Utah
[END]Created By
emilygee1@suumail.netCreate Date
May 15, 2024Updated By
kelliemeyer@suu.eduUpdate Date
January 13, 2026