HAT MAKING IN PIONEER DAYS

HAT MAKING IN PIONEER DAYS

The art of hat making in pioneer days meant a great deal to the industrious women then as do other modern arts at this time.  Pioneer women were as eager to look their best and enjoy a change of style, as well as apparel, as are the women of our age, and although materials were not easily obtained, ways and means were contrived to possess those which could be procured.

These materials which consisted of straw for summer headgear for men, women and children and most any kind of soft cloth such as velvet, felt, silk, or wool goods was necessary for winter hats.

Trimmings for the smart summer hat were mostly all made from straw, braided into fancy lace and various shape and sized ornaments.

Chicken feathers dyed in many hues formed the popular winter hat trimmings.

Much painstaking and tedious labor was required in the making of straw hats in particular.

First the straw was gathered from the grain stocks, then trimmed down to uniform length, each straw opened down one side, spread out and scraped with the back of a small scissors.  A cot was always used on the thumb, during this process, to prevent that member from being injured.  Next the straw was placed in a straw splitter which would divide it into  from five to seven strips or strands.  Seven strands were used in braiding the braids then sewed, washed, bleached, starched or sugared for stiffening and then blocked for both men's and ladies' hats.  These strands were used in the making of straw lace and trimmings.

Winter hats were made by placing two or three layers of the selected material tightly over a block, made for this purpose for crowns, then covered with paste made from starch, and set aside to dry.  When dry the form was removed from the block; edges trimmed neatly, and wired to desired shape.  Brims were made by the same process.  

Lastly, these shapes were covered with velvet, silk or whatever was at hand and trimmed to suit the designers' fancy with the home made accessories.  

Those engaged in these activities were:  Miss Marie Jacobsen, Mrs. Ida C. Larsen, Mrs. M.F.C. Morrison.

Mrs. Louise Aldrich did much in the straw line making and teaching the girls to braid the straw and make the trimming.  I, Mrs. Wilhelmina H. M. Ericksen was one of the girls that took the training so I know and can tell of these activities in the early seventies.  (1870's)  

(written by Wilhelmina H. M. Ericksen)

HAT MAKING IN PIONEER DAYS

HAT MAKING IN PIONEER DAYS

The art of hat making in pioneer days meant a great deal to the industrious women then as do other modern arts at this time.  Pioneer women were as eager to look their best and enjoy a change of style, as well as apparel, as are the women of our age, and although materials were not easily obtained, ways and means were contrived to possess those which could be procured.

These materials which consisted of straw for summer headgear for men, women and children and most any kind of soft cloth such as velvet, felt, silk, or wool goods was necessary for winter hats.

Trimmings for the smart summer hat were mostly all made from straw, braided into fancy lace and various shape and sized ornaments.

Chicken feathers dyed in many hues formed the popular winter hat trimmings.

Much painstaking and tedious labor was required in the making of straw hats in particular.

First the straw was gathered from the grain stocks, then trimmed down to uniform length, each straw opened down one side, spread out and scraped with the back of a small scissors.  A cot was always used on the thumb, during this process, to prevent that member from being injured.  Next the straw was placed in a straw splitter which would divide it into  from five to seven strips or strands.  Seven strands were used in braiding the braids then sewed, washed, bleached, starched or sugared for stiffening and then blocked for both men's and ladies' hats.  These strands were used in the making of straw lace and trimmings.

Winter hats were made by placing two or three layers of the selected material tightly over a block, made for this purpose for crowns, then covered with paste made from starch, and set aside to dry.  When dry the form was removed from the block; edges trimmed neatly, and wired to desired shape.  Brims were made by the same process.  

Lastly, these shapes were covered with velvet, silk or whatever was at hand and trimmed to suit the designers' fancy with the home made accessories.  

Those engaged in these activities were:  Miss Marie Jacobsen, Mrs. Ida C. Larsen, Mrs. M.F.C. Morrison.

Mrs. Louise Aldrich did much in the straw line making and teaching the girls to braid the straw and make the trimming.  I, Mrs. Wilhelmina H. M. Ericksen was one of the girls that took the training so I know and can tell of these activities in the early seventies.  (1870's)  

(written by Wilhelmina H. M. Ericksen)

HATMAKING IN EARLY PIONEER DAYS

  

HATMAKING IN EARLY PIONEER DAYS

By Wilhelmina H.M. Ericksen 1928 (Book of Mt. Pleasant)

A Becoming Hat adds much to the appearance of a lady and emphasizes her good grooming. This fact was realized in pioneer days, even as it is at the present, but there are many difficulties to be overcome at that time in the art of millinery, which present-day hat makers know nothing about.

Many materials, available now (1928), were unknown at that time. In fact, straw for the summer hats and old velvet, silk, felt or wool goods for the winter bonnets, with trimmings of the same material or dyed chicken feathers and homemade flowers, were about the limit of their millinery supplies.

A millinery shop, in those days, was not just a place where ladies, young and old (could try) on hats which had been manufactured in some distant city, (or) until they found the most becoming one and bought it. It was not a shop where they could go and select a becoming hat shape; and order it trimmed according to (their own) fancy. The pioneer milliner gathered her raw materials and proceeded with much painstaking and tedious labor to manufacture both hat shapes and trimmings.

Mt. Pleasant pioneer milliners were Mrs. Marie Jacobsen, Mrs. Ida C. Larsen, and Mrs. M.F.C. Morrison. In the early (1870’s), Mrs. Louise Aldrich did much of the straw making and taught a number of young women the art of braiding the straw and making the trimmings.

Those seen in this picture are left to right:

Ella Candland, Johanna M. Hafen, Mina Bjelke, Bertie M. Eatinger, and Tina Nelson

 

HATMAKING IN EARLY PIONEER DAYS

Those seen in this picture are left to right:
Ella Candland, Johanna M. Hafen, Mina Bjelke, Bertie M. Eatinger, and Tina Nelson


By Wilhelmina H.M. Ericksen 1928 (Book of Mt. Pleasant)

A Becoming Hat adds much to the appearance of a lady, and emphasizes her good grooming. This fact was realized in pioneer days, even as it is at the present, but there are many difficulties to be overcome at that time in the art of millinery, which present day hat makers know nothing about.

Many materials, available now (1928), were unknown at that time. In fact, straw for the summer hats and old velvet, silk, felt or wool goods for the winter bonnets, with trimmings of the same material or dyed chicken feathers and home-made flowers were about the limit of their millinery supplies.

A millinery shop, in those days, was not just a place where ladies, young and old (could try) on hats which had been manufactured in some distant city, (or) until they found the most becoming one and bought it. It was not a shop where they could go and select a becoming hat shape; and order it trimmed according to (their own) fancy. The pioneer milliner gathered her raw materials and proceeded with much painstaking and tedious labor to manufacture both hat shapes and trimmings.

Mt. Pleasant pioneer milliners were Mrs. Marie Jacobsen, Mrs. Ida C. Larsen, and Mrs. M.F.C. Morrison. In the early (1870’s), Mrs. Louise Aldrich did much of the straw making and taught a number of young women the art of braiding the straw and making the trimmings.

While their efforts produced hats rather crude when compared with the finished bonnets of today, yet they developed a great deal of skill and artistry along this line and completely satisfied the desires of themselves and their less gifted sisters for attractive head adornment.

Obituary for Sally Pearl Rosenlof Faux

 

Surrounded by her loving family and following a long battle with cancer, Sally Pearl Rosenlof Faux, age 78, passed away peacefully September 29, 2017 returning to her loving Heavenly Father.

Sally was born April 10, 1939 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, to Harold and Revia Rosenlof. She was the second of five children. She was raised in Mt. Pleasant where she attended North Sanpete High School, class of 1957. While in high school she was a cheerleader her sophomore and junior years. She was the FFA queen in 1956 and the first attendant to Miss Mt. Pleasant in 1957. She met Dan Clair Faux her sophomore year and they were married June 1, 1957, two weeks after her graduation.

Sally and Dan have three children, Steven, Freddi Ann and Julie Ann. Sally was a wonderful mother. She worked for Oscar Meyer for 5 years and then for Safeway for 14 years as a meat wrapper. After she retired from Safeway, she went to work for American Greeting Cards for another 14 years. Sally had many hobbies which included sewing, needle point and refinishing furniture. Sally loved collecting porcelain dolls and making clothes for them.

Sally was a beautiful seamstress and made many clothes for her children, grandchildren and herself including her Junior Prom dress and wedding dress. She enjoyed quilting and making quilts for family members and grandchildren when they were born. She would sew pajamas every year for Christmas for years. Sally was a member of a pinochle club for over 40 years and would get together once a month to play cards. She also enjoyed attending the Red Hat Ladies association and going to senior citizens with her husband for many years. Sally loved to support her grandchildren and attended and watched many events including clogging, baseball games all around the state, and school programs and piano recitals for her great- grandchildren.

Sally was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed visiting teaching to many sisters over the years. She was always one that went above and beyond the call to help a sister in need. She enjoyed taking meals to neighbors that were ill or just because she wanted to.

She is survived by her husband, Dan Clair Faux; children: Steven C Faux, Freddi Ann (Mark) Johnson and Julie Ann (Justin) Bliss; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Vance and Dixie Lewis and brother, Roger Rosenlof. Sally is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Revia Rosenlof; brother, Travis Rosenlof and her in-laws, Ford and Ila Faux.

Her family would like to give a special thank you to the Encompass Hospice Nurses, Nancy Trappnell and Darla Simmons, for all their help and kindness. Thank you to our family members, her sweet cousins, and the wonderful neighbors and friends that helped Sally so much.

John and Jane Tidwell ~ A history written by Lettie Phipps Peterson, granddaughter

also see: 

John Harvey Tidwell - by Lettie Phipps Peterson, his grandaughter

also see: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=823365018368490611#editor/target=post;postID=7031944315332392674;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=43;src=postname

Contributed By erlenddeanpeterson1 · Jun 1, 2013, 10:07 PM ·0 Comments

John Harvey Tidwell [John Tidwell] was born January 14, 1807 in Shelby, Kentucky. Jane Smith was born June 5, 1812 in Clark County, Indiana. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois where the Saints were at that time. After the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith they came to Utah, arriving in Salt Lake City June 18, 1852. There a baby girl, Emma Jane, was born and died. After about four or five months they moved to Pleasant Grove, staying there until 1859. While there their 12th child was born, Emeline Mariah on June 29, 1855. Emma did not die, she is my fourth great grandmother. (Kathy Hafen) June 9, 1859 they moved to Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Sanpete County when Emeline was 4 years old. They lived in the old Fort during the Indian trouble. After peace was established the people moved out of the Fort. Each family was allotted a quarter of a city block to have as their home. John built a two room adobe house on his place, which is on the corner of 2nd South and State Street, where John K. Madsen lived for many years, and where Grant Johansen now lives (1962). It was here they lived the rest of their lives. He later added two more rooms built of lumber with a large fireplace in the living room. This was the only way they had of heating their home except with a small cook stove in the kitchen. Grandmother did most of her cooking in the fireplace--baking bread on the red-hot coals in a large iron Dutch oven, boiling water and making soup in a large iron pot hung on heavy iron brackets over the fire. I was just a small child but I can remember the blue checkered tablecloth on the table, and how good the hot bread would smell and how good it would taste spread with butter and honey! Grandmother would churn butter and sell it for 10 cents a pound and also sell eggs for 10 cents a dozen. Grandfather engaged in farming and cattle raising--owning land west and south of Mt. Pleasant. He had several beautiful horses which were sometimes used in the parade on the fourth of July by his son, John (or Jack as he was called). They planted most of their lot in fruit trees and how well I remember the good times we children had sliding down the straw stacks and eating apples, sleeping in the large front room and waking up in the morning to the bright fire in the big fireplace B and Uncle Jack sitting by the fire! The Tidwell boys were called "Minute Men" for when there was trouble with the Indians they had to be ready to go at a "minute's" notice. Jefferson Tidwell beat the drums to call the men together when there was trouble with the Indians. John (Jack) Tidwell, Jr. was the Pony Express Man, carrying the mail and other news to the surrounding towns. Jack had a pony that could scent the Indians when close by. His pony saved his life one time when he was carrying the mail to Spring City. The horse would not go across the big Cedar Creek at the regular crossing, so Jack let him go down-stream and crossed at another place. After crossing, Jack could see Indians at the other crossing. Had he crossed there, the Indians would have killed him. John Harvey Tidwell was Captain over a group of Saints who crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. He was the first Sunday School Superintendent in Mt. Pleasant. He had a lot of faith in the gospel and had the gift of healing and through his faith and administrations, many people were helped and made well. Mrs. Willie Winkler's mother told me that she had been healed under his administration and my father was also. The book, "Mt. Pleasant" stated, An elderly Englishman by the name of Lee (father of Brig Lee) was working at a shingle mill. In some way he got his arm in the machinery and it was crushed. He was taken to his home and John Tidwell was called. There were no doctors in Mt. Pleasant at that time. Mr. Lee was placed on a table and four men held him while John Tidwell performed the operation of amputating the arm, which took 40 minutes. The only operating tools available were a knife and a meat saw. Brother Lee recovered and lived many years after that incident occurred. John Tidwell was good at making tubs and churns and pails out of wood, bound with wooden hoops which were used by the Pioneers. Jane Smith Tidwell was in the first dramatic company organized in Mt. Pleasant. They played for some years both in the Fort and after the new meeting house was built outside of the Fort--wheat was accepted as cash for tickets. John and Jane Smith Tidwell had their endowment in the Nauvoo Temple, but hey had to have it done over again in the Salt Lake City Endowment House. John Harvey died on January 14, 1887. John Harvey left all of his property, land, cattle and horses to his youngest son, John (Jack) if he would take care of his mother the rest of her life. This he did and never married. He was considered quite well to do at that time (This is John Harvey) as he owned land west of town and east of father's home. (the Jerome Zebriskle and Arthur Averett place). I know nothing about Jane Smith Tidwell's early life. I can just barely remember her, and I remember that once she walked out to my father and mother's place on the farm. She was at her husband's side in all he did. She died on May 20, 1893 and buried in Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. I have a hat of hers and some dishes that she brought with her across the plains.

Orson Hyde ~ Pioneer of the Month ~ January 2014

Even though Orson Hyde was not an original pioneer to Mt. Pleasant, he certainly had a big influence over how things were handled here.   On page 30 of Hilda's History of Mt. Pleasant it shows that in 1858 he was actually the one who escorted  James R.Ivie Sr. and James Allred   to the office of Brigham Young to petition President Young to let settlers in Fort Ephraim move further north to what is now known as Pleasant Creek to settle. 

Sometime after 1860, Orson Hyde  was appointed President over Sanpete Stake and had moved his family from Salt Lake City to Spring Town.  Elder Hyde was one of those who made the allotments of ground and later helped settle water disputes.   He was a key figure in almost all decisions made and reported back to President Brigham Young as he did when the famous Black Hawk Treaty was signed in 1872.

Prior to moving to Spring Town in 1860, he was married to Charlotte Staunton Quindlan Johnson as his third wife,   She did not like living in a polygamous marriage and so Elder Hyde asked President Young for a legal separation, but they were never divorced.  Charlotte  was a beloved early school teacher here in Mt. Pleasant.

The school children lovingly called her "Auntie Hyde".    

go to: http://mtpleasantpioneerofthemonth.blogspot.com/2008/12/charlotte-staunton-quindlan-johnson.html

Stone marker at the Orson Hyde Memorial Garden in Jerusalem 

Orson Hyde, 1805-1878

Autobiography (1805-1842) in The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864):742-44, 760-61, 774-76, 790-92.
HISTORY OF ORSON HYDE "I, Orson Hyde, son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe, was born in Oxford, New Haven County and state of Connecticut, January 8, 1805. At the age of seven years, my mother, a pious and godly woman, according to the light that then was, and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died soon after being delivered of a son, named Ami. Having given birth to eight sons and three daughters in the following order, according to my best recollection: Abijah, Harry, Laura, Nathan, Sally, Asahel, Horatio, Maria, Charles, Orson and Ami.
My father, a boot and shoemaker by trade, was a very talented man; quick, athletic, and naturally witty and cheerful. He was kind and affectionate, except when under the influence of strong drink (a habit to which he was somewhat addicted). After the death of my mother, my father enlisted into the army of the United States, and was in the campaign in Canada, under General Brown,--was in most of the battles fought there, several times slightly wounded,--was on the frontier along the line, and etc., in the war with Britain in 1812 and 1813. Some four or five years after, in attempting to swim a river in Derby, Connecticut, he was taken with the cramp and drowned.
After the death of my mother, the family was scattered abroad, and took their chances in life under no special protector or guide, save that of a kind Providence who ever watches, with care, over the lonely orphan and hears the plaintive cry of the young sparrows, bereft of their parent mother.
At this early age, I was placed in the care of a gentleman by the name of Nathan Wheeler, or rather, fell into his hands, residing in Derby in the same county. This was a very good family, but quite penurious. With Mr. Wheeler I continued until I was eighteen years of age, and would have continued longer; but from the consideration that suitable encouragement was not offered to me for education, and etc., I concluded that my services from seven to eighteen years of age, would abundantly repay Mr. Wheeler for his care and expense in rearing me up to that time.
In the meantime Mr. Wheeler removed and came to the Western Reserve in Ohio, having failed in business in Derby. He first visited the Western Reserve by himself, purchased a farm in Kirtland, and sent for me and his nephew, Nathan Wooster, to come out the next spring. Accordingly, Mr. Wooster and myself started early the next season (I then being fourteen years of age). This was a hard trip for a youngster to perform on foot, with knapsack upon the back, containing clothes, bread, cheese, and dried beef for the journey, and obliged to keep up with a strong man, travelling from 30 to 38 miles per day, until we had performed the entire distance of 600 miles.
Mr. W. [Wheeler] then sent to the east for the balance of his family, who came on the next season in the care of Captain Isaac Morley, a resident of Kirtland, where they arrived in safety. The farm being a new one, and heavily timbered, it was the hardest kind of labor to prepare it for cultivation. This being done, and Mr. Wheeler being again in easy circumstances, I concluded to strike out for myself, having had comparatively no chance for mental or literary improvement, and no very flattering prospects held out to me that I should be able to enjoy such opportunity at any future time, should I continue longer with Mr. W. [Wheeler], consequently, at the age of 18 years, in the face of the remonstrances of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, I made my first debut into the world with the following outfit: one suit of homemade woollen clothes (butternut colored,) two red flannel shirts, also homemade, two pairs of socks, one pair of coarse shoes on the feet, one old hat and six and a quarter cents in clean cash.
With this outfit and capital stock in trade, on the 8th day of January, 1823, I went forth from my old home to carve out my fortune and destiny under my own guidance, for ought I then knew. My first strike was to hire out for six months to Grandison Newel, at 6 dollars per month, to work in a small iron foundry. There I learned to mold clock bells, and irons, sleigh shoes and various other articles. My wages for this term of service, were carefully saved, together with some perquisites, and compensation for extra labor, which in the aggregate, amounted to enough to buy me a good suit of clothes, boots, hat, and etc. This being accomplished, I began to straighten up a little. I then hired for six months more to Mr. Orrin Holmes of Chagrin (now Willoughby) to card wool, and being a raw hand at the business, I could not get very high wages. The machines were in Kirtland.
I next went into the store of Gilbert and Whitney in Kirtland to serve as clerk, where I continued for a year or two, then hired two carding machines to run for one year, the same where I was engaged a year or two before. The proprietors being well acquainted with me took my own obligation for the rent without security. The carding season came on, and the machines (two in number under the same roof) being put in good running order, operations began. A new machine having been placed on the same stream, a few miles above, I feared that my business would be cut short. But unfortunately for the proprietors of the new mill, their dam broke way in a freshet, and they were unable to repair it during the carding season, which gave to me almost the entire carding of the country. During this season I paid my hired help, and also my rent, and cleared about 600 dollars in cash. This I thought was doing very well for a boy. When winter came on, I went into Gilbert and Whitney's store again, under moderate wages, and continued there until the spring. Then in 1827, business being rather slack in the store, I went to work for the same parties, making pot and pearl ashes. This season there was a Methodist camp meeting about six miles distant from Kirtland, which I attended, and became a convert to that faith. I enjoyed myself as well as the light and knowledge I then had would allow me. I believe that God had mercy and compassion upon me, and that if I had died at that time, I should have received all the happiness and glory that I could appreciate or enjoy. The revival that began at that camp meeting spread much in Kirtland. A class was formed there, and I was appointed class leader.
About this time some vague reports came in the newspapers that a "golden bible" had been dug out of a rock in the state of New York. It was treated, however, as a hoax. But on reading the report, I remarked as follows--"Who knows but that this `golden bible' may break up all our religion, and change its whole features and bearing?" Nothing more was heard of it for a long time in that section.
Not long after this, the Campbellite doctrine began to be preached in Mentor and in Kirtland. Elder S. [Sidney] Rigdon was its chief advocate there. Being forcibly struck with the doctrine of immersion or baptism for the remission of sins, and many other important items of doctrine which were advocated by this new sect, and which were passed over by the Methodists as not essential, I left the Methodists and became a convert to this new faith.
Feeling that one day I might be called to advocate it, and feeling my great deficiency in learning, I resolved to go to school. Accordingly, I took up my abode in Mentor, in the house of Elder Sidney Rigdon, and began the study of English grammar under his tuition. Elder Rigdon took unwearied pains and care to instruct me in this elementary science."
"After spending several months in this way, studying day and night, I went two quarters to the Burton Academy and placed myself under the tuition of the preceptor, Reuben Hitchcock, Esq. (since judge of the court). Here I reviewed grammar, geography, arithmetic and rhetoric; then returned to Mentor and spent one season with a young man by the name of Matthew J. Clapp, at his father's house, where the public library was kept. Here I read history and various other works, scientific and literary; and in the fall of the year was ordained an elder in this new church, and went on a mission with Elder Rigdon to Elyria, Loraine County, and also to Florence in Huron County. There we baptized a great number of people into the new faith, organized several branches of the Church, and returned again to Mentor. This I think was in the fall of 1829.
Early in the spring of 1830, I returned to Elyria and Florence, and became the pastor of the churches raised up the fall previous. During the fall and winter of 1830, I also taught school in Florence. During this fall, Samuel H. Smith, Zibar [Ziba?] Peterson, F. [Frederick] G. Williams and Peter Whitmer came along through that section, preaching the `golden bible' or `Mormonism,' I encountered them; but perceiving that they were mostly illiterate men, and at the same time observing some examples of superior wisdom and truth in their teaching, I resolved to read the famed `golden bible,' as it was called.
Accordingly, I procured the book and read a portion of it, but came to the conclusion that it was all a fiction. I preached several times against the `Mormon' doctrine or rather against the `Mormon' bible. On one occasion, the people of Ridgeville, near Elyria, sent for me to preach against the `Mormon' bible. I complied with the request, and preached against it. The people congratulated me much, thinking that `Mormonism' was completely floored. But I, for the first time, thought that the `Mormon' bible might be the truth of heaven; and fully resolved before leaving the house, that I would never preach against it anymore until I knew more about it, being pretty strongly convicted in my own mind that I was doing wrong. I closed up my school and my preaching in that section, and resolved to go to Kirtland on a visit to my old friends. Elder S. [Sidney] Rigdon, Gilbert and Whitney, and many others of my former friends had embraced the `Mormon' faith. I ventured to tell a few of my confidential friends in Florence my real object in visiting Kirtland. The Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jun., had removed to that place. My object was to get away from the prejudices of the people, and to place myself in a position where I could examine the subject without embarrassment.
Accordingly, in the summer of 1831, I went to Kirtland, and under cover of clerkship in the old store of Whitney and Gilbert, I examined `Mormonism.' Read the `Mormon' bible carefully through, attended meetings of the `Mormons' and others, heard the arguments pro and con., but was careful to say nothing. I prayed much unto the Lord for light and knowledge, for wisdom and spirit to guide me in my examinations and investigations. Often heard the Prophet talk in public and in private upon the subject of the new religion; also heard what the opposition had to say. Listened also to many foolish tales about the Prophet--too foolish to have a place in this narrative. I marked carefully the spirit that attended the opposition, and also the spirit that attended the `Mormons' and their friends; and after about three months of careful and prayerful investigation, reflection and meditation, I came to the conclusion that the `Mormons' had more light and a better spirit than their opponents. I concluded that I could not be the loser by joining the `Mormons,' and as an honest man, conscientiously bound to walk in the best and clearest light I saw, I resolved to be baptized into the new religion. Hence, I attended the Saints' meeting in Kirtland, Sunday, October 30, 1831, and offered myself a candidate for baptism, which was administered to me by the hands of Elder Sidney Rigdon; was confirmed and ordained an elder in the Church on the same day under the hands of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and Sidney Rigdon. Not until about three days after did I receive any internal evidence of the special approbation of Heaven of the course I had taken. When one evening behind the counter, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me in so powerful a manner, that I felt like waiting upon no one, and withdrew in private to enjoy the feast alone. This, to me, was a precious season, long to be remembered. I felt that all my old friends (not of the `Mormons') would believe me, and with a warm and affectionate heart, I soon went out among them, and began to talk and testify to them what the Lord had done for me; but the cold indifference with which they received me, and the pity they expressed for my delusion, soon convinced me that it was not wise to give that which is holy unto dogs, neither to cast pearls before swine."
"A few days after this, I attended a conference in the town of Orange, at which I was ordained a high priest under the hands of Joseph Smith, and appointed on a mission to Elyria and Florence in connection with Brother Hyrum Smith. In these places we were the means of converting and baptizing many of my old Campbellite friends, raised up and organized two or three branches of the Church, laid hands on several sick persons and healed them by prayer and faith. After confirming the Churches and bearing a faithful testimony to them and to all people, in the midst of much opposition, we returned again to Kirtland. I found Brother Hyrum a pleasant and an agreeable companion, a wise counsellor, a father and a guide.
Soon after our return to Kirtland, I was sent on another mission, in company with Brother Samuel H. Smith, a younger brother of the Prophet, who was a man slow of speech and unlearned, yet a man of good faith and extreme integrity. We journeyed early in the spring of 1832, eastward together, without `purse or scrip,' going from house to house, teaching and preaching in families, and also in the public congregations of the people. Wherever we were received and enter- tained, we left our blessing; and wherever we were rejected, we washed our feet in private against those who rejected us, and bore testimony of it unto our Father in Heaven, and went on our way rejoicing, according to the commandment.
When in Westfield, New York, we preached to a crowded audience. I was speaker. After the discourse, a gentleman rose up and requested that a brief history of Joseph Smith be given to the people previous to his finding the plates. I remarked that I was not acquainted with the early history of Joseph Smith, and consequently was unable to comply with the request, but observed that his younger brother was present who might, if he felt disposed, favor them with an account of the early life of his brother.
Samuel arose and said, that as it was the early history of his own brother that they required, it might be thought that, in consequence of his near kin, his statements might not be free from partiality, and respectfully declined the task.
The gentleman who first made the request then stated that he had been acquainted with Joseph Smith from his boyhood. It was then observed that he was a suitable person to give his history. Accordingly he began to do so. He soon came to where he said Joseph did some mean act and ran away. Another gentleman in the congregation, knowing that the speaker had recently run away from his former place of abode for his mean acts and come there, here interrupted the speaker by asking him how long it was after Joseph ran away till he started? This question so discomfited the speaker that he sat down amid the hisses and uproar of the multitude. So, but little of the history of Joseph Smith was given at that meeting.
From this place we hastened on to Spafford where there was a small branch of the Church; and by our ministry added 14 members. We then hastened on to Boston, Massachusetts, preaching and teaching by the way and baptizing some. We raised up a branch in Boston of some 25 or 30 members. Preached also in Lynn and baptized a few, who were attached to the Boston Branch. Also raised up a branch of some thirty in Bradford, Massachusetts.
Then proceeded on to Saco, in Maine, where we preached several times. From thence proceeded to Farmington where we raised up a branch of about 20 in number. Returned by way of Bradford and Lowel; called on my sister, Mrs. North. Although separated from her for 25 years she received me very coolly on account of my religion. I told her that the Lord had had particular respect for her--had not sent her this message by a stranger--a man whom she knew not, and consequently one in whom, she had no confidence; but has taken your own mother's son--dandled upon the same knee, nursed at the same breast and like Joseph in Egypt, separated from his kinsfolk and compelled to make friends among strangers. This brother comes to you with this message in the name of the Lord. She replied: `If the Lord had sent you I should think he would have prepared my heart to receive your message, which he has not done.'
This answer filled my heart with sorrow for her unbelief. Indeed, I could hardly restrain my feelings on the occasion; still I did, and replied to my sister by the following interrogatives: `Laura, do you think that God sent his Son with a message to the Jews?' `Yes;' was the reply. `Did he, or did he not, prepare their hearts to receive it?' She was silent; and with a heart ready to burst with grief, I turned away from my sister, being confident that her heart was fully set to reject my message, and bade her adieu, resolving to be slow to call upon anymore of my relatives that I might be exempted from the duty of washing my feet against my own kindred in case of being rejected, leaving them to be warned and dealt with by strangers.
Mr. North, her husband, a very good man in the estimation of his acquaintances, loving popular religion and money also, gave me to understand that I was welcome at his house on account of relationship, but that he did not care to entertain my colleague, Brother Samuel H. Smith. Oh, thought I, that you were worthy before God to entertain him! I cared not for his invitation, as I thought more of Samuel than of anyone in his house, and stayed only long enough to discharge my duty, and never again voluntarily returned.
From Lowel we returned to Boston; and from thence we went to Providence, Rhode Island, and there baptized some ten or fifteen persons amid most violent opposition. We had to flee in the night, sleep under the fence and under an apple tree. Went back to Boston and then started for home, where we arrived late in December.
This was one of the most arduous and toilsome missions ever performed in the Church. To travel two thousand miles on foot, teaching from house to house, and from city to city, without purse or scrip, often sleeping in schoolhouses after preaching--in barns, in sheds, by the wayside, under trees, and etc., was something of a task. When one would be teaching in private families, the other would frequently be nodding in his chair, weary with toil, fatigue and want of sleep. We were often rejected in the afterpart of the day, compelling us to travel in the evening, and sometimes till people were gone to bed, leaving us to lodge where we could. We would sometimes travel until midnight or until nearly daylight before we could find a barn or shed in which we dare to lie down; must be away before discovered least suspicion rest upon us. Would often lie down under trees and sleep in daytime to make up loss.
In the spring of 1833, I, in company with Hyrum Smith, went on a mission to Elk Creek township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, where we labored several weeks, and baptized a number of persons into a branch of the Church, previously raised up there by the ministry of John F. Boynton and others. We also preached considerably in North East Township, Ohio, and in other places while passing to and fro, baptizing some few by the way. Returned to Kirtland in the summer."
"During this same summer I was appointed to go up to Jackson County, Missouri, in company with Elder John Gould, with special instructions to the Saints there from the Prophet Joseph in Kirtland. We started on foot with our valises on our backs, a distance of about one thousand miles. We travelled about forty miles per day through a sickly fever and ague country, swimming rivers, and pushing our clothes over on a log or raft before us. We arrived in Jackson County about the beginning of the Saints' troubles there. We delivered our letters and documents, and were sometimes surrounded by the mob, who threatened to wring our heads off from our shoulders. Several little skirmishes took place while there, and some few were killed and wounded.
Times began to be warm, and expulsion seemed inevitable. The Saints began to flee over the river to Clay County, and we, having done all we could, took a steamer for St. Louis on our return home. We arrived home in Kirtland in the month of November 1833.
In the winter and spring of 1834, I took another mission to Pennsylvania, Elk Creek, in company with Elder Orson Pratt, to preach the gospel and to call a company to go up that summer to Missouri. We went as far east as Genesee, New York.
In the month of May, the company started from Kirtland for Missouri. I went round by Florence to collect some money due me there, for the benefit of the camp. I obtained between one and two hundred dollars, met the camp near Dayton, and turned in myself and my money to strengthen the camp.
On our way up on the north side of the Missouri River, when nearly opposite Jefferson City, the place of residence of Governor Daniel Dunklin, governor of the state, I, with Brother Parley P. Pratt, was deputed to go and see him, and ascertain if he could not do something towards reinstating our people upon their lands and take some steps to punish our persecutors. But he referred us to the courts of the respective counties in which our aggrievances [grievances] originated, and said that he entertained no doubt but that these courts, that had full jurisdiction, would do us ample justice in the case. He knew better. He knew that both magistrates, constables, judges and sheriffs were engaged in the mob, and were sworn to destroy us. He well knew that to refer us to these courts for justice, was like referring us to a band of thieves to sue for the recovery of stolen property. The courts would do nothing--the governor would not if he could, and the President of the United States, at the head of all political power, could not correct one error in any branch below him, neither redress us in any way. Heaven blot out such a government from the records and family of nations. We were compelled to return with the same knowledge and comfort that we had before--God with us, and everybody else against us.
Returned from Missouri the same summer.
On the 4th day of September following, I was married, in Kirtland, to Miss Marinda N. Johnson, daughter of John and Elsa Johnson, by Elder Sidney Rigdon.
This winter the Twelve Apostles were chosen, and I, being one of that number, was appointed, with the entire quorum, to take a mission through the states, and hold conferences in all the churches. In the spring of 1835, the Twelve started, and went through to the states of Vermont and New Hampshire, preaching and baptizing, holding conferences and strengthening the churches, regulating and putting them in order. Returned to Kirtland in September of the same year.
In the spring of 1836, I took a mission to the state of New York, in company with several others of the Apostles. I labored in the vicinity of Rochester. Fell in with Joseph and Hyrum at Buffalo, on their way to Canada, and took dinner with them at a hotel. I next proceeded to Canada to join Elder Parley P. Pratt, who had previously gone there, and had called for help. Elder Pratt and myself labored in company for a season.
At one meeting a learned Presbyterian priest came in just at the close, and bade us a challenge for debate. We, at first, declined, saying that we had all the labor we could attend to without debate. But nothing would answer the priest but debate. We then said, debate it should be. Accordingly, time and place were agreed upon, and also the terms and conditions. Before the debate came off, Elder Pratt was called home as a witness in a case at law, and left me to meet the champion alone. The time arrived, and about one acre of people assembled in a grove, wagons arranged for pulpits opposite each other, and presently the priest came with some less than a mule-load of books, pamphlets and newspapers, containing all the slang of an unbelieving world. The meeting was duly opened by prayer. All things being ready, the battle began by a volley of grape and canister from my battery, which was returned with vigor and determined zeal. Alternate cannonading, half hour each, continued until dinner was announced. An armistice was proclaimed, and the parties enjoyed a good dinner with their respective friends.
After two hours, the forces were again drawn up in battle array. The enemy's fire soon became less and less spirited, until, at length, under a well directed and murderous fire from the long `eighteens' with which Zion's fortress is ever mounted--to wit: the Spirit of God--the enemy raised his hand to heaven and exclaimed, with affected contempt, `Abominable! I have heard enough of such stuff.' I immediately rejoined, `Gentlemen and ladies, I should consider it highly dishonorable to continue to beat my antagonist after he has cried enough,' so I waived the subject. The priest did not appear to think half so much of his scurrilous books, pamphlets and newspapers, when he was gathering them up to take away, as when he brought them upon the stand. Their virtue fled like chaff before the wind. About forty persons were baptized into the Church in that place (Scarborough) immediately after the debate. Jenkins was the name of the priest. It is highly probably that he has never since challenged a `Mormon' preacher for debate.
When Elder Pratt returned to Canada, my wife came with him, and joined me in that country. We continued to labor in Markham, Scarborough and Toronto during the season, and returned to Kirtland in the fall, after raising up several branches of the Church. Engaged this winter in reading Hebrew.
Spring of 1837, went on a mission to England, in company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Goodson, Isaac Russel, John Snider and Joseph Fielding. Labored in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and baptized about fifteen hundred souls by our united labors, and returned again to Kirtland, May 21, 1838. This summer I removed with my family to Far West, in Missouri, where I was taken sick, soon after my arrival, with bilious fever, and did not fully recover until the spring of 1839.
Few men pass through life without leaving some traces which they would gladly obliterate. Happy is he whose life is free from stain and blemish.
In the month of October, 1838, with me it was a day of affliction and darkness. I sinned against God and my brethren; I acted foolishly. I will not allude to any causes for so doing save one, which was, that I did not possess the light of the Holy Ghost. I lost not my standing in the Church, however; yet, not because I was worthy to retain it, but because God and his servants were merciful. Everlasting thanks to God, and may his servants ever find mercy. Brothers Hyrum Smith and H. [Heber] C. Kimball, men of noted kindness of heart, spake to me words of encouragement and comfort in the hour of my greatest sorrow. But Hyrum is gone! Peace to his ashes and blessings upon his posterity. Heber lives, and may he and his posterity live to tread upon the necks of the enemies of God. I seek pardon of all whom I have offended, and also of my God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I located with the Saints in Commerce, since Nauvoo. Here I took the ague, which lasted me for months, and which came well nigh killing me and also my family. At the April conference in 1840, reduced to a mere skeleton, I was appointed, in company with Elder John E. Page, to go on a mission to Jerusalem, and started--gone nearly three years. Performed the mission, but Elder Page did not. Returned to Nauvoo latter part of December, 1842, the particulars of which, and my subsequent history, are contained in the general records of the Church."

TWENTY FOURTH OF JULY by Talula Nelson

The twenty fourth of July was always a gala day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant.


At sunrise, the flag was raised on the historic liberty pole.  It was worth rising early to see the men thread the rope through the pulleys and see the flag ascend smoothly and surely to the top of the high pole.  We would recall how a lumberman, Niels Rolfson, had brought this long straight tree down from the mountains.  What a piece of engineering to guide it safely down the steep slopes and deep canyons! At times it would have to be raised by hand almost perpendicularly to make the quick u-turns and miss the trees that lined the road.  The team of horses had to be held at tight rein to ensure the slow movement.  When it finally arrived at the  corner of State and Main it was  raised by block and tackle and secured in its upright position by pegs and props.  An iron band was placed around it to fasten the pegs.  Pulley were then fastened to the  top and bottom to raise the flag.


At ten o'clock in the morning the grand parade would begin.  The streets had been lined for hours with people waiting for the wonderful display of floats, beautiful girls and horses.  Someone would shout, "Here they come," and we would all rush to the edge of the sidewalk, and sure enough, Uncle Sam, tall and stately in his red, white, and blue could be seen prancing down the street.  For years Elija McClelaham led the parade with a high stove-pipe hat, which added to his height.  His long legs were made to look longer  in the red and  white striped pants.  The blue coat with large brass buttons was crowned with a silk star-studded hat of blue, with white stars and a red and white striped brim.  He carried a cane, which added to his hig-stepping, as he kept time with the drum or band which followed.


The beautiful Goddess of Liberty, her special white float drawn by six white horses, well-groomed and decorated with white pompoms, came into view.  The float, a hayrack done in white bunting, carried a beautiful young lady dressed in white with a crown of gold, and her two lovely attendants.  The majestic title, Miss Liberty, completed the breath taking pageant.

The 13 original states were represented by 13 lovely ladies all dressed in white carrying a torch to signify our beginning as a nation.  Their float was appropriately decorated and drawn by a team of grey horses which were decorated with torches to match.


Miss Mt. Pleasant brought many "oos and aws" as her lovely float, drawn by four horses, made its way into view.  She was attended by several lovely girls with banners across their shoulders.  All were proud to represent their beautiful city.


Miss Sanpete brought a good laugh as she came riding on a donkey decorated in carrots.  Carrots were all over, hanging on the bridle and saddle.  Her crown was carrots, and a great corsage of carrots completed her dress.


Following Miss Sanpete came the other 28 counties, represented by 28 young ladies, all riding horses, their county banners across their shoulders.


Utah's best crop, a hayraack loaded with primary children, was exciting for the childdren and parents alike.  Scenes from the bible were displayed by other church organizations.  The Gleaners were well portrayed by three women bent over among sheaves of corn and wheat.  Jacob's well and Moses in the bullrushes was cause for much hand-clapping as the wagons bearing these precious messages moved on.


Indians added a great deal of color as their waagons came along.  Their bright shawls and black braids could be seen among them and willows near a three-pole wikiup.


The Gold Dust Twins clowned along beside the parade.  Old Dutch Cleanser came in her red and yellow dress, stepping the full width of her wide skirt and carrying her stick to fight dirt.


Following came a long line of covered wagons drawn by oxen.  Their wagons were loaded with children poking their heads out from under the cover; Mother and Dad were seated in the spring seat, a small child between them.  Outside were boxes of chickens fastened to their wagon.  Others led a cow, and small pigs could be seen in their boxes.  Calves and colts ran to and fro beside their mothers.

Azel Peel always had a team of cows trained to pull his wagon,  Charley Peterson ("Shoemaker" as he was called to distinguish him from others by the same name) hitched a cow and horse together, much to the delight of the viewers.


Indians would attack in mock battle.  They would come out of nowhere, shouting, yelling and riding wild into  the covered wagons.


Nephi Gunderson, dressed as an Indian with war paint and feathers, rushed up to a wagon where his fiance, Marie Hansen, was riding; grabbed her; at least tried to get her.  He found a nineteen year old girl quite a handful.  She cooperated and rode off with the Indians among much laughing and screaming by the crowds.


After the parade a meeting was held in the chapel.  This was a very special meeting, where so many stories of Pioneer experiences were told.  "Come, Come Ye Saints" and "the Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning" were sung by the audience.  "Utah, We Love Thee" was always a special solo.  The band played the "Star Spangled Banner", and we all stood while they played.  Then the closing prayer was offered.


The park where the old fort stood came alive after the program.  Here many brought picnic lunches, and a pleasant hour was spent visiting.  Finally, the Bishop came with a bag of coins, and the time had come for the races.  What fun! Foot races, sack races, tugs of war, and climbing the greased pole!  A young pig was greased and turned loose for anyone who cared to chase him.  The one who caught and held on to him earned the pig.  The park became a ball ground for the men while the women and children retired to the social hall for a children's dance.  Later in the evening, after the chores were done and the children put to bed, the married folks went to the social hall, where they danced and ate till the wee hours of the morning.


Occasionally, the twenty-fourth was celebrated in the mountains.  This was a day long to be remembered.  After the flag-raising and gun powder was set off in Wilson's Blacksmith Shop, the wagons started to roll toward the mountains to Derfee's Meadows.  There, on this beautiful smooth meadow the wagons formed a circle similar to the pioneers as they crossed the plains.  After the horses were taken into the trees, fed , and taken  care of, fires were started in the hole prepared for Dutch ovens.  The mothers were well prepared with spring chickens, young carrots, green peas and new potatoes, which were soon stewing under the watchful care of the men folk.  Sourdough biscuits were baked, and the picnic was ready.  Gooseberry and rhubarb pies were in abundance.  Many preferred another scone dripping with fresh butter and honey.  Good food, coupled with fresh mountain air made enormous appetites.


Balls and nipkats made their appearance in the circle made by the wagons.  Horseshoe games challenged the men.  A fiddle played and some danced on the rough terrain.  When the ladies got tired of sitting on the wagon tongues, they took hikes through the beautiful forest.  They gathered wild flowers and berries.  Reference was made that on just such a celebration, Brigham Young was informed of Johnson's Army was approaching.  All too soon the sun was sinking, the daylight turning to twilight.  Wagons started the long drive back to town. No headlights were needed as the faithful teams followed the rock road home.  After chores, the dance hall was filled, and the tired people danced till morning.


Yes, the Twenty-Fourth of July was a special day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant.  Much time and effort were put into making it a day fit to honor the pioneers, who made this land choice above all others.

TWENTY FOURTH OF JULY

  TWENTY FOURTH OF JULY

Talula Nelson Mt. Pleasant, Utah  

The Twenty Fourth of July was always a gala day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant. At sunrise, the flag was raised on the historic liberty pole. It was worth rising early to see the men thread the rope through the pulleys and see the flag ascend smoothly and surely to the top of the high pole. We would recall how a lumberman, Niels Rolfson, had brought this long straight tree down from the mountains. What a piece of engineering to guide it safely down the steep slopes and deep canyons! At times it would have to be raised by hand almost perpendicularly to make the quick u-turns and miss the trees that lined the road. The team of horses had to be held at tight rein to ensure slow movement. When it finally arrived at the corner of State and Main it was raised by block and tackle and secured in its upright position by pegs and props. An iron band was placed around it to fasten the pegs. Pulleys were then fastened to the top and bottom to raise the flag. At ten o’clock in the morning, the grand parade would begin. The streets had been lined for hours with people waiting for the wonderful display of floats, beautiful girls, and horses. Someone would shout, “Here they come,” and we would all rush to the edge of the sidewalk, and sure enough, Uncle Sam, tall and stately in his red, white, and blue could be seen prancing down the street. For years Elija McClleham led the parade in his gorgeous costume. His six feet, seven inches was topped with a high stove-pipe hat, which added to his height. His long legs were made to look longer in the red and white striped pants. The blue coat with large brass buttons was crowned with a silk star-studded hat of blue, with white stars and a red and white striped brim. He carried a cane, which added to his high-stepping, as he kept time with the drum or band which followed. The beautiful Goddess of Liberty, her special white float drawn by six white horses, well-groomed and decorated with white pompoms, came into view. The float, a hayrack done in white bunting, carried a beautiful young lady dressed in white with a crown of gold, and her two lovely attendants. The majestic title, Miss Liberty, completed the breathtaking pageant. Miss Utah followed. Her float was decorated in red, white, and blue bunting. The word “Utah” on her crown, and the presence of her two attendants seated by her completed the gorgeous float drawn by four bay horses decorated in red pompoms. The 13 original states were represented by 13 lovely ladies all dressed in white and carrying a torch to signify our beginning as a nation. Their float was appropriately decorated and drawn by a team of gray horses, which were decorated with torches to match. Miss Mt. Pleasant brought many “oos” and “awes” as her lovely float, drawn by four horses, made its way into view. She was attended by several lovely girls with banners across their shoulders. All were proud to represent their beautiful city. Miss Sanpete brought a good laugh as she came riding on a donkey decorated in carrots. Carrots were all over, hanging on the bridle and saddle. Her crown was carrots, and a great corsage of carrots completed her dress. Following Miss Sanpete came the other 28 counties, represented by 28 young ladies, all riding horses, their county banners across their shoulders.

Utah’s best crop, a hayrack loaded with primary children, was exciting for the children and parents alike. Scenes from the bible were displayed by other church organizations. The Gleaners were well portrayed by three women bent over among sheaves of corn and wheat. Jacob’s well and Moses in the bulrushes was cause for much hand-clapping as the wagons bearing these precious messages moved on. Indians added a great deal of color as their wagons came along. Their bright shawls and black braids could be seen among the willows near a three-pole wiki-up. The Gold Dust Twins clowned along beside the parade. Old Dutch Cleanser came in her red and yellow dress, stepping the full width of her wide skirt and carrying her stick to fight dirt. Following, came a long line of covered wagons drawn by oxen. Their wagons were loaded with children poking their heads out from under the cover; Mother and Dad were seated in the spring seat, a small child between them. Outside were boxes of chickens fastened to their wagon. Others led a cow, and small pigs could be seen in their boxes. Calves and colts ran to and fro beside their mothers. Azel Peel always had a team of cows trained to pull his wagon. Charley Peterson (“Shoemaker,” as he was called, to distinguish him from others by the same name) hitched a cow and horse together, much to the delight of the viewers. Indians would attack in mock battle. They would come out of nowhere, shouting, yelling, and riding wild into the covered wagons. Nephi Gunderson, dressed as an Indian with war paint and feathers, rushed up to a wagon where his fiancée, Marie Hansen, was riding; grabbed her, at least tried to get her. He found a nineteen-year-old girl quite a handful. She cooperated and rode off with the Indians among much laughing and screaming by the crowd. After the parade, a meeting was held in the chapel. This was a very special meeting, where so many stories of pioneer experiences were told. “Come, Come Ye Saints” and “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning” were sung by the audience. “Utah, We Love Thee” was always a special solo. The band played the “Star-Spangled Banner”, and we all stood while they played. Then the closing prayer was offered. The park where the old fort stood was alive after the program. Here many brought picnic lunches, and a pleasant hour was spent visiting. Finally, the Bishop came with a bog of coins, and the time had come for the races. What fun! Foot races, sack races, tugs of war, and climbing the greased pole! A young pig was greased and turned loose for anyone who cared to chase him. The one who caught and held on to him earned the pig. 

The park became a ball ground for the men while the women and children retired to the social hall for a children’s dance. Later in the evening, after the chores were done and the children put to bed, the married folks went to the social hall, where they danced and ate till the wee hours of the morning. 

Occasionally, the twenty-fourth was celebrated in the mountains. This was a day long to be remembered. After the flag-raising and gun powder was set off in Wilson’s Blacksmith Shop, the wagons started to roll toward the mountains to Derfee’s Meadows. There, on this beautiful smooth meadow, the wagons formed a circle similar to the pioneers’ as they crossed the plains.

 After the horses were taken into the trees, fed, and taken care of, fires were started in the hole prepared for Dutch ovens. The mothers were well prepared with spring chickens, young carrots, green peas, and new potatoes, which were soon stewing under the watchful care of the men-folk. Sourdough biscuits were baked, and the picnic was ready. Gooseberry and rhubarb pies were in abundance. Many preferred another scone dripping with fresh butter and honey.

 Good food with fresh mountain air made enormous appetites. Balls and nipkats made their appearance in the circle made by the wagons. Horseshoe games challenged the men. A fiddle player and some danced on the rough terrain. When the ladies got tired of much we weighed each year was the highlight of the trip. We didn’t worry about our weight because Grandma’s hot graham bread was too good to resist. 

  They took hikes through the beautiful forest. They gathered wildflowers and berries. Reference was made that on just such a celebration Brigham Young was informed of Johnson’s Army approaching. All too soon the sun was sinking, the daylight turning to twilight. Wagons started the long drive back to town. No headlights were needed as the faithful teams followed the rock road home. After chores, the dance hall was filled, and the tired people danced till morning. Yes, the Twenty-Fourth of July was a special day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant. Much time and effort were put into making it a day fit to honor the pioneers, who made this land choice above all others. 

 

Utah's Pioneer Day ~~~ First Celebrated In 1849

  TWENTY-FOURTH OF JULY

Talula Nelson Mt. Pleasant, Utah  

The Twenty Fourth of July was always a gala day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant. 

At sunrise, the flag was raised on the historic liberty pole. 

It was worth rising early to see the men thread the rope through the pulleys and

 see the flag ascend smoothly and surely to the top of the high pole. 

We would recall how a lumberman, Niels Rolfson, had brought this long straight tree down from the mountains. 

 What a piece of engineering to guide it safely down the steep slopes and deep canyons! 

At times it would have to be raised by hand almost perpendicularly to make the quick u-turns and miss the trees that lined the road. 

The team of horses had to be held at tight reins to ensure slow movement. 

When it finally arrived at the corner of State and Main it was raised by block and tackle 

and secured in its upright position by pegs and props. 

An iron band was placed around it to fasten the pegs. Pulleys were then fastened to the top and bottom to raise the flag. 

At ten o’clock in the morning, the grand parade would begin. 

The streets had been lined for hours with people waiting for the wonderful display of floats, beautiful girls, and horses. 

Someone would shout, “Here they come,” and we would all rush to the edge of the sidewalk, 

and sure enough, Uncle Sam, tall and stately in his red, white, and blue could be seen prancing down the street. 

For years Elija McClleham led the parade in his gorgeous costume. 

His six feet, seven inches was topped with a high stove-pipe hat, which added to his height. 

His long legs were made to look longer in the red and white striped pants. 

The blue coat with large brass buttons was crowned with a 

silk star-studded hat of blue, with white stars and a red and white striped brim. 

He carried a cane, which added to his high-stepping, as he kept time with the drum or band which followed. 

The beautiful Goddess of Liberty, her special white float drawn by six white horses,

 well-groomed and decorated with white pompoms, came into view. 

The float, a hayrack done in white bunting, carried a beautiful young 

lady dressed in white with a crown of gold, 

and her two lovely attendants. The majestic title, Miss Liberty, 

completed the breathtaking pageant. 

Miss Utah followed. Her float 

was decorated in red, white, and blue bunting. 

The word “Utah” on her crown, and the presence of her two attendants 

seated by her completed the gorgeous float drawn by four bay horses decorated in red pompoms. 

The 13 original states were represented by 13 lovely ladies all dressed in white

 and carrying a torch to signify our beginning as a nation. 

Their float was appropriately decorated and drawn by a team of gray horses, which were decorated with torches to match. 

Miss Mt. Pleasant brought many

 “oos” and “awes” as her lovely float, drawn by four horses, made its way into view. She was attended by several lovely girls with banners across their shoulders. 

All were proud to represent their beautiful city. Miss Sanpete 

brought a good laugh as she came riding on a donkey decorated in carrots. 

Carrots were all over, hanging on the bridle and saddle. Her crown was carrots, and a great corsage of carrots completed her dress. 

Following Miss Sanpete came the other 28 counties, represented by 28 young ladies, all riding horses, their county banners across their shoulders.

Utah’s best crop, a hayrack loaded with primary children, was exciting for the children and parents alike. 

Scenes from the bible were displayed by other church organizations. 

The Gleaners were well portrayed by three women bent over among sheaves of corn and wheat. Jacob’s well and Moses in the bulrushes was cause for much hand-clapping as the wagons bearing these precious messages moved on. 

Indians added a great deal of color as their wagons came along. Their bright shawls and black braids could be seen among the willows near a three-pole wiki-up. 

The Gold Dust Twins clowned along beside the parade. Old Dutch Cleanser came in her red and yellow dress, stepping the full width of her wide skirt and carrying her stick to fight dirt. Following, came a long line of covered wagons drawn by oxen. Their wagons were loaded with children poking their heads out from under the cover; 

Mother and Dad were seated in the spring seat, a small child between them. Outside were boxes of chickens fastened to their wagon. 

Others led a cow, and small pigs could be seen in their boxes. Calves and colts ran to and fro beside their mothers. Azel Peel always had a team of cows trained to pull his wagon. 

Charley Peterson (“Shoemaker,” as he was called, to distinguish him from others by the same name) hitched a cow and horse together, 

much to the delight of the viewers. Indians would attack in mock battle. 

They would come out of nowhere, shouting, yelling, and riding wild into the covered wagons. 

Nephi Gunderson, dressed as an Indian with war paint and feathers, rushed up to a wagon where his fiancée, Marie Hansen, was riding; grabbed her, at least tried to get her. 

He found a nineteen-year-old girl quite a handful. She cooperated and rode off with the Indians among much laughing and screaming by the crowd. 

After the parade, a meeting was held in the chapel. This was a very special meeting, where so many stories of pioneer experiences were told. “Come, Come Ye Saints” and “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning” were sung by the audience.

 “Utah, We Love Thee” was always a special solo. The band played the “Star-Spangled Banner”, and we all stood while they played. 

Then the closing prayer was offered. The park where the old fort stood was alive after the program. Here many brought picnic lunches, and a pleasant hour was spent visiting.

 Finally, the Bishop came with a bag of coins, and the time had come for the races. What fun! Foot races, sack races, tugs of war, and climbing the greased pole! 

A young pig was greased and turned loose for anyone who cared to chase him. The one who caught and held on to him earned the pig. 

The park became a ball ground for the men while the women and children retired to the social hall for a children’s dance. 

Later in the evening, after the chores were done and the children put to bed, the married folks went to the social hall, where they danced and ate till the wee hours of the morning. 

Occasionally, the twenty-fourth was celebrated in the mountains. 

This was a day long to be remembered. After the flag-raising and gun powder was set off in Wilson’s Blacksmith Shop, 

the wagons started to roll toward the mountains to Derfee’s Meadows. There, on this beautiful smooth meadow, the wagons formed a circle similar to the pioneers’ as they crossed the plains.

 After the horses were taken into the trees, fed, and taken care of, fires were started in the hole prepared for Dutch ovens.

 The mothers were well prepared with spring chickens, young carrots, green peas, and new potatoes, which were soon stewing under the watchful care of the menfolk. Sourdough biscuits were baked, and the picnic was ready. Gooseberry and rhubarb pies were in abundance. Many preferred another scone dripping with fresh butter and honey.

 Good food with fresh mountain air made enormous appetites. 

Balls and nipkats made their appearance in the circle made by the wagons. Horseshoe games challenged the men. 

A fiddle player and some danced on the rough terrain. When the ladies got tired of much we weighed each year was the highlight of the trip. We didn’t worry about our weight because Grandma’s hot graham bread was too good to resist. 

  They took hikes through the beautiful forest. They gathered wildflowers and berries. 

Reference was made that on just such a celebration Brigham Young was informed of Johnson’s Army approaching. 

All too soon the sun was sinking, the daylight turning to twilight. Wagons started the long drive back to town. 

No headlights were needed as the faithful teams followed the rock road home. After chores, the dance hall was filled, and the tired people danced till morning.

 Yes, the Twenty-Fourth of July was a special day in the early history of Mt. Pleasant.

 Much time and effort were put into making it a day fit to honor the pioneers, who made this land choice above all others. 

 

 

taken from wikipedia

Tabernacle organ photo by 

Charles Roscoe Savage  (1832–1909) Photo of Eagle Gate    Charles Roscoe Savage  (1832–1909)

Pioneer Day 

The first Pioneer Day was celebrated in 1849, with Mormons in Salt Lake City marching in wards, or congregational groups, around Temple Square in a show of patriotism. Many other towns in Utah had their own celebrations. Steven Olson notes that Pioneer Day celebrations reenact an idealized culture, providing a window into Mormon culture. Celebrations in the latter half of the 19th century emphasized how Mormons were a free, blessed, and chosen people. Floats and decorations celebrated agricultural bounties that Mormons saw as God blessing their settlement. Mormon leaders were escorted from their homes to the celebrations, where they participated as speakers. Parades separated participants by age and gender and celebrated traditional gender roles. Dances and sports competitions were common..

 

In Utah where Pioneer Day is an official holiday, the day is celebrated with fireworks and historical reenactments. However, outside of Utah, observance depends on local members; often a congregation will have pioneer-themed talks but no festivities.^[23] Dutch Mormons tend not to celebrate it, but in Germany, Pioneer Day is popular among Mormons.^[2]

Other customs[ ]

In the mid-20th century, several performance art traditions helped revive folk arts. Church-wide folk-dancing festivals taught folk dancing to Mormon youth in the 1970s. Roadshows allowed members to exercise their creative talents on a smaller scale.^[24]

In some missions, it is common to burn clothing to mark special missionary anniversaries, such as a tie after six months of service and a shirt after one year.^[2]