Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Snow Transportation and Removal. Kites and Winged Words ~ By Leland Stansfield

I shall now go back to when we children were made ready for the walk to school, but before we could do this, Herman Beck, with his snow plow would have to clear the way so we would have no trouble in walking that block.  (Leland lived just one block east of Hamilton School)  Sometimes our fellow playmates and neighbors would join us in the walk.

While I am about it, I might as well explain just what a snowplow is.  It is a wedge shaped wooden piece of wood, about four and one half feet wide at the rear end and it comes to a point of about five feet in length.  An iron ring is attached  to the front from which a horse can pull this odd looking contraption.  The weight of a man riding this plow is required to make a good trail.  The walkways are cleared in this manner all over the town in order to make it possible for people to get around and not have to wade through deep snow to get anywhere.

I know I have strayed somewhat from the subject of transportation and I intend to get back to it, but I just had to mention and tell about a few other thing that I thought were worth talking about.  I do hope some of the things I have written about will be interesting to the reader.

When school was out for the day, it was time for Mr. Barton to hitch up his horses again and transport the children.  H had brought them to school now he would see to it that they would be safely returned to their various homes.


The next day it began snowing heavily, and for two days more before it let up.  Mr. Barton was assured that he could use that bob sled throughout the rest of the winter and that he would not have to be going back to the use of wagon transportation.  The kids dearly loved to ride in the sleigh.

After finishing this article, I thought it would be nice to add a little something to it.  This is a short poem that I knew a long time ago, and it seemed appropriate to write it down at this time.

Boys flying kites haul in their winged birds

You can't do that way when you're flying words

Words unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead, but

God, Himself can't kill them once they're said.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Female Relief Society ~ September 3, 1877

Meeting held September 3rd, 1877

Opened with singing and prayer by Sister Peel.
Reports of donations and disbursements were read and also a letter of condolences to the family of President B. Young sent from the Sisters of Mt. Pleasant.

Sister Morrison addresssed the Sisters with a penful (sp) feeling for the loss of our beloved Pres. B. Young.  She said it was hard  trial and a great loss for the Latter Day Saints but the Lord gives and the Lord only takes what he gives and he finished his work upon the earth and was ready to go beyond the veil to dwell with the Gods.  Sister Morrison exhorted the Sisters to live so that we always may remember the good counsel and wise instruction that our beloved Prophet had given when he was amongst us.

Sister Peel also felt the great change and heavy loss of our dear Prophet and the same feeling was spoken of of every Sister that rose to speak.

Some business matter were arranged and a Sewingbee was selected of Mondy 24, September and meeting was closed with singing, "Let Those Who Would Be Saints Indeed" and prayer by Sister Morrison

MFC Morrison, Pres
K. Louise Hasler, Sec

Monday, May 27, 2013

Utah's First National Guard - Captain W.W. Woodring


1894-1897
Mustered April 14th, 1894 - - - Mustered out April 14th, 1897
Standing: Capt. W.W. Woodring, Axel Bjelke, Alfred Robinson, Fred Fechser, John T. Hansen, Carl Hastlar, Bent R. Hansen, Olaf Rosenlof, James B. Porter, J.M. Boyden, James Jorgensen, Ferdinand Ericksen, M.G. Rolf, D.C. Jensen, Thomas Braby,
Front Row: Ed Wall, John Lofgreen, Louis Lofgreen, Charlie Draper, J. C. Barton, Sam Chatterton, S. P. Christensen, John A. Matson, William E. Watson, George Thompson, Lennard Hansen, C.E. Hampshire, A.B. Williams

In Flanders Fields John McCrae, 1915.



In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. 



            Moina Michael replied with her own poem: 




                                         We cherish too, the Poppy red
                                That grows on fields where valor led,

                                 It seems to signal to the skies
                                  That blood of heroes never dies.




             Kathy:  "In Flanders Fields"  a great post.  And yes, we have a Mt
              Pleasanter buried there, Charles Rutishauser, KIA June 1944.  And by
                comparison, a trivia note,  three versions of the poem, page 152, my  book.
lee  (below)



Memorial Day 2011 ~ Mt. Pleasant Cemetery ~ Military Rites

Sunday, May 26, 2013

DOING YOUR BIT ~ Saga of the Sanpitch ~ 1985

Photo courtesy of Alice Hafen
World War II



World War I Years in Mt. Pleasant
Dorothy Jacobs Buchanan
Professional Division
Second Place Personal Recollections
Kaleidoscopic memories surge through my mind when I recall those busy years in Mt. Pleasant during
World War I. I am grateful that I retain mental pictures of another era that is significant in our historical world.

On a sunny day in August, 1914, Mama and I were preparing lunch at noon for my father who came
from his work downtown at that time0 However, he was a few minutes late that day, which was unusual;
but suddenly he hurried into the room and stated in excited tones, "We've just had word that Germany has
declared war on Russia. I'm afraid we're in for real trouble." And he was definitely right. Our lives changed
perceptibly. New patterns and problems engulfed us, as was true of the whole country. We were frequently
urged to direct our vigorous energy toward the War Effort. The Red Cross became activated, where many
women met to roll bandages and do necessary sewing and fashioning of medical supplies„ We were aware of how much the European Allied countries needed our help and we heard many sad stories of privations and casualties they were experiencing.

In school, we sewed many grey flannel petticoats and underwear suits for needy Belgian children.
Every Monday morning we bought a twenty-five cent Thrift Stamp and pasted in our small booklets until
we acquired $5.00 which we were supposed to save until we had enough to buy a $50.00 Liberty Bond.
School boys were directed to gather fruit pits, grind them up and burn them into charcoal which had
marvelous power of absorbing gases in the cannisters of soldiers' gas masks„ Another task that Mt. Pleasant
boys were assigned was to collect spokes from old wagon wheels, sand them well, then scrape them with
broken glass to make them very smooth, and finally, whittle them into knitting needles for the ladies to use0
For most women owned large knitting bags equipped with knitting needles, yarn, and items of clothing
that they were frequently knitting for soldiers. Thousands of socks, sweaters and scarves were sent overseas.
This gathered momentum after the United States entered the World War on April 6, 1917.
 We were all thrilled to know that General Pershing made the remark, "Lafayette, we are here!" when he landed the first troops in France.

Now, we had to redouble our helpful efforts„ Flour and wheat were badly needed by the troops and
Allies. We experimented using substitutes for white flour by using corn meal, oatmeal, graham flour and some
people even tried grinding up alfalfa leaves to mix with other ingredients to make a rather questionable type
of bread.

I have a letter which gives us an idea of the importance of wheat and the action that was taken to
acquire it. The letter came to my father who was Bishop of the L.D.S. North Ward, and is as follows:

UNITED STATES FOOD ADMINISTRATION
Kansas City, MO
May 28, 1918
Bishop of the Mt. Pleasant North Ward

Dear Sir:
I wish to express unto you my appreciation for your promptness in replying to the letter sent you by the
Presiding Bishopric and General Board regarding the sale of wheat owned by the Relief Society of your ward.

There has never been a time when wheat was so valuable. The crying need of the hour is food. The manner in which the Relief Societies responded to the call is indeed highly commendable.You can be assured that the wheat will be used in the manufacture of flour for the Government to be used for our soldier hoys or our associates in the war.

Thanking you very much for your cooperation in the matter, I am,
United States Food Administration
Agent, D. F. Piazzek

Then there was THE PLEDGE, which was a big hurdle for us children„ Our principal came into our
school room one day with a paper in hand and made a short but fervent speech about the pressing need
for everyone to save sugar, after which he read a pledge that he felt all patriotic children should sign and
passed it around the room. The pledge stated that each one of us would abstain from eating candy for a six week period. I was a choco-holic and loved candy in any form  Could my patriotism go that far? After the class, one of the boys approached me and announced that he didn't think that I could possibly keep that
pledge. The next day he brought me a box of those thrilling Pink Lady Chocolates to my home and told me that if I could keep the pledge the box would be mine at the end of the six weeks. I knew he was enjoying tempting me, but I decided I'd accept his offer by giving the box to my mother and instructing her to hide it until the time was up.  Of course she collaborated, and I passed Poker Pete's candy shop with averted face.
But how I did enjoy those Pink Lady delights! (I even treated the donor to some.)

Young men of certain ages were required to register their names and important information, and they
were given an oblong metal badge to wear showing that they had conformed. Men were drafted, others
enlisted, but when a group of soldiers left to go into training for war, many townspeople assembled at the
depot and gave them a rousing sendoff, though I remember seeing tears shed.

Organizations prepared boxes of goodies to send to the boys overseas. I have a postal card picturing a
street scene in Paris, from where it was mailed on February 26, 1918. It was addressed to the North Ward
Y.L.M.I.A. and bore the following message: "I wish to thank you for the box you sent me some time ago. It was a real treat. Best wishes. P. C. Jensen.'

Musically, it has been said that World War I was a "singing war" in the United States„ Phonographs
of various types were becoming popular around that time. Tin Pan Alley was purchasing patriotic songs in
great numbers, and sheet music was constantly rolling off the presses. We knew the words of most of the
songs and sang them in school, at parties, in the streets on moonlit evenings while we strolled along--in fact,
almost everywhere„ "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" and "Over There" were two great favorites; also "Just a
Baby's Prayer at Twilight." I could produce a giant list. It was special fun to hear and sing some humorous
songs such as "Will Dey Let Me Use Mah Razor in de War," and "How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The
Farm?" I often think of one line which has always impressed me as being distressingly true: "I don't know what this war's about; but, by gosh, I'll soon find out."

BYU President George H. Brimhall composed a beautiful patriotic song entitled "Old Glory," which our
school class usually sang in our morning opening exercises„ It was a favorite. President Heber J. Grant taught himself to sing just one patriotic song that had great appeal, called"The Flag Without a Stain." He proudly sang it on many occasions, usually by request.

We had numerous bond rallies" where people pledged to buy as many bonds as possible., We'd often
have leading people from other cities give urgent pleas for help At times we would have a band play and
always patriotic songs. I'd like to give a few lines from one song, which I think are apropos:

What are you going to do for Uncle Sammy?
What are you going to do to help the boys?
When you're far away from home, fighting o'er the foam,
The least that you can do is buy a Liberty Bond or two.

We had new words and phrases emerge as an outgrowth of the war, some of which are still in use
today. Such words as "camouflage, "Ace," "slacker," to name a few. One phrase stands out because of its
frequent use and strong appeal-- "Doing your bit." A "bit" adds up to a great amount if consistently given.
On that sunny day of November 11, 1918, my brother and I were enjoying a moment of inertia by
lying on our stomachs on the warm earth at the beet dump between Moroni and Mt. Pleasant where we
weighed beets. Suddenly, a cacaphony of sound exploded around us. A long procession of cars hurtled by
bearing dozens of people shouting, singing, honking. We heard the strains of "It's Over Over There."
On the back of the last car, tall, red painted letters spelled out the word PEACE!!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Andrew Madsen's Journal Part IV

History of Andrew Madsen and the Early Settling of Sanpete County

Andrew Madsen Sr.
The following is an account written by Andrew Madsen concerning the settling of Sanpete Valley, the Indian Wars, Rattlesnakes in Manti, and Grasshopper Invasion.
David R. Gunderson  reproduced the original journal printed for private distribution several years ago and is currently working on a new edition to be published sometime in the future.

Mt. Pleasant as the name implies, is a city situated on a pleasant elevation in the north end of Sanpete County about one hundred miles south of Salt Lake City.  The site was selected by the early pioneers of Sanpete County as the most delightful and commending location for a rapid growing commercial and metropolitan city and its rapid growth and development fully demonstrate that the locators were not deceived.


After the Utah Pioneers had secured homes in Salt Lake Valley and were preparing to convert the desert into fruitful fields, a company of about fifty families from Salt Lake City and Centerville was organized and started late in the fall of 1849 for Sanpete Valley.

Among the original pioneers were the following ment, Seth Taft; Charles Shumway; D.B. Huntington; Barney Ward; John Lowry Sr.; Titus Billings; G. W. Bradley; Albert Petty; O.S. Cox; Albert Smith; Jesreel Shoemaker; Cyremus H. Taylor; Azariah Smith; Abraham Washburn; John D. Chase; Isaac Chase; Sylvester Hewlett; Wm. Potter; Gardner Potter; James Brown; Joseph Allen; Madison D. Hamilton; Wm. Richie; Harrison Fugate; Sylvester Wilcox; Gad Yale; J.Carter; Isaac Behunnin; Wm. Mendenhall; Edwin Whiting; Wm. Tubbs; John  Hart; John Baker; John Elmer; John Butterfield; Amos Gustin; John Cable; and W.K. Smith.

The pioneers cleared roads, built bridges and succeeded in passing through Salt Creek Canyon without a great deal of hardship.  They continued to move on southward in quest of a suitable location until the present site, Manti, was reached; thus being selected the frontier town of central and southern Utah.

The first camp was pitched on the stream now known as City Creek on the evening of November 22nd, 1849.  A few days later snow began falling and continued until the ground was covered to a depth of three feet.  The colony then changed quarters to the south side of Temple Hill where thy built dugouts which were occupied by some, while others remained in their wagons, on the hillside.

The Indians camped around the colony greedily devouring the dead animals which had died for want of food.  Th following Spring when the snow began melting and the days became warm, the peaceful colony were one day interrupted and startled by a continuous hissing and rattling of rattlesnakes which were found to exist almost everywhere throughout the homes of the settlers in boxes, cupboards, beds, etc.  A vigorous fight was at once inaugurated and hundreds were slaughtered in one night.

Of the two hundred and forty head of cattle brought in by the colonists less than one half were alive in the Spring, owing to the heavy winter.

The colonists were fortunate in having a fair supply of seed for planting.  The soil proved productive and crops began growing early, thereby giving some green vegetables for food within a short time after planting.  Ditches were made and water was easily taken out of the creek.  The crops grew and homes were erected until the settlers soon became comfortably situated.

About July 1st, of this year, Indian Chief Walker and a band of seven hundred warriors of the Sanpitch Indians with their squaws and papooses returned from a successful foraging expedition against the Shoshones and camped in a semi circle around the Colonists, remaining during the year.  They proudly exhibited their trophies of war, held frequent scalp dances and forced the squaws and children prisoners to dance with the scalp of their kindred attached to poles being significant of humbleness.  While thus being amused Indian Chief Walker and his leading men would tatalize the Colonists and threaten to treat them in a similar manner.  These fiendish actions would be kept up all night long, while occasionally a wild shriek or yell would burst forth from out of their camps.  The small Colony of Pioneers would lie in their beds not knowing whether or not their lives would be spared from the hands of the blood thirsty Indians until morning

President Brigham Young visited the Colony in August and christened the town Manti (in honor of one of the noted cities mentioned in the Book of Mormon).  The County he named Sanpete afte the Indian tribe then inhabiting this section, the chief of whom was Sanpitch.

A School house was erected of logs under the direction of Isaac Morley, Jessee w. Fox, and Mrs. Mary Whiting was installed as the pioneer teachers and the children were furnished the best opportunities of obtaining an education that the colonists could afforf.

A small grist mill was erected at the mouth of the Canyon by Phines W. Cook.  The only mill used previous to this was a large coffee grinder, which was passed from house to house as needed.

An act of Congress organizing Utah Territory was approved September 9th, 1850 and Brigham Young was appointed Governor.  A provisional form of government was instituted and Isaac Morley and Charles Shumway represented Sanpete County in the firs Legislative Assembly.  The Legislature met in Salt Lake City and passed an Act incorporating Manti which was approved February 5th, 1851.  Sanpete County was organized by authority of an act of the territorial legislature passed February 3rd, 1852 and Manti was made the County Seat.

In 1853 a Company of Veterans inaugurated under the direction of Madison D. Hambleton proceeded to move northward for the purpose of establishing a new colony and located on the stream just below where Mt. Pleasant is now situated.  The stream was named Hamilton (now Pleasant Creek) and the settlement was named Hamilton, giving honor to the name of their leader.  Early in March they built a sawmill at the mouth of the canyon and at once commenced cutting timber and sawing lumber for the purpose of building houses.  Work was at once commenced in clearing land, sowing and planting crops, building homes and they soon began to prosper.

During the summer the Indians were seen skirmishing about in a sulky, sullen manner, showing a spirit of dissatisfaction and the great Indian Chief Walker, continually gave indications of a desire to stir up trouble between the colonist and the redskins, notwithstanding his treacherous pleadings for white neighbors to settle among them and teach them the principals of a peaceful and happy government.  This bloodthirsty chieftan's purpose was only for more victims to slaughter.

An aged, diplomatic chief, named sowiatt, pleaded with his people to let the white men build homes and dwell with them in peace and his counsel generally prevailed, because he was reliable old Chief and desired peace, while Walker was very treacherous and could not even be trusted by his own tribe.  Walker desired the scalp of Charles Shumway and at last determined to make an effort to get someone to torture so that he could frighten his pale faced friends.

One day in the early summer, while most of the able-bodied men were at Hamilton assisting M.D. Hamilton, or in Salt Lake City after supplies, Walker and a band of painted redskins entered Manti and demanded the body of Shumway and others  against whom they had imaginary grievances, that they might be tortured and put to death.  This demand was not granted and an attack was threatened.

The old men and  women, also boys who were remaining at home, determined to resist the savages at once making preparations for battle, but the leader Sowiatt conquered and hostility ceased.  This vexed and humiliated Walker so much that he abandoned his tribe and went into the mountains alone, hoping that his actions would draw the warriors' affection from the Sowiatt to him.

July 18th, Alex Keel was killed at Payson, Utah by Arropine, a prominent Indian Leader.  This act caused the breaking out of the noted Walker Indian War and on July 19th, a band of blood-thirsty Indians fired upon guards at the Hambleton sawmill at the mouth of the canyon, but were forced back.

During the night a raid was made by the Indians upon the cattle that were corraled at Hambleton trying to frighten them away, but they were fired upon by the guards and tow of the Indians were killed.  The other Indians made their retreat, carrying with them their dead comrades and leaving behind them a gun and blanket which was covered with blood.  The following morning the veterans with their families, cattle and  provisions made a retreat to Spring Town for safety, where James Allred and about fifteen families had settled and built a fort in 1852.

While the settlers were rushing to Spring Town for shelter, their wagons, lumber and sawmill at the mouth of the canyon were burned and destroyed by the raging Indians.

The following day raids were made upon the herds of Manti and several horses and cattle were stolen and driven into the mountains.  A similar attack was made  on the range near Neph and Wm. Jolley was wounded by Indians at Springville.  The colonists became alarmed and at once organized for a defence of their homes and families.

A company of fifty militia men under Capt. P. W. Conover were sent out from Provo to assist the settlers at Hambleton, who were very few in proportion to the savages.

The troops met the savages on July 23rd, at Hambleton's Mill and engaged in a fierce bloody battle resulting in the death of six warriors and a complete routing of the Indians, who fled to the mountains.

By the aid of the militia, the settlers of Hambleton harvested their crops and returned to Spring Town, but the Indians were on the alert and did not wait long to recruit from the previous engagement.  One Sunday, Spring Town was attacked and all the horses and cattle were rounded up and started for the mountains; the the herders were fired upon and fled to the fort for protection, while the Indians rode away, yelling and waving their red blankets in defiance.  A posse was at once organized and soon on the trail of the Indians for the purpose of rescuing their cattle and horses.  When they neared the herd, some of the Indians broke back towards the Fort as if to attack their wives and children and thus the posse were compelled to return and protect their homes and families.  When they neared the Fort, the Indians fled to the mountains, joining those of their tribe who were rushing on with the cattle.  Two of the herding ponies escaped from being stolen by the Indians and returned to the Fort, thereby giving the settlers the means of communication with Manti, the only point from which relief could be expected.

A messenger was dispatched immediately and by riding west across the valley, then south, succeeded in evading the vigilant Indian scouts.  The express Messenger reached Manti at about three o'clock in the afternoon, making one of the quickest trips ever recorded.

When the news reached Manti, drums were sounded and their cattle was at once rounded up and sentries posted at all prominent points while hasy preparation was made for sending relief to Spring Town.

Twelve yoke of oxen and wagons, accompanied by teamsters and twelve mounted guards left as quickly as possible, arriving at Srping Town at daylight the following morning.  The colonists were taken to Manti and given quarters in a fort which had been erected that year.  The entire population of Sanpete at this time numberd only 765 men, women and children, who remained and fortified themselves in the Fort at Manti until the Spring of 1854.

Guards were kept at the little mill at the mouth of the canyon to prevent an attack from Indians until sufficient flour could be ground for the winter supply, but on October first, both Miller and Guard, John E. Warner, and Wm, Mills were killed by Indians who made their escape, leaving the mill undisturbed.  The indians, however, returned later and burned the mill, claiming that it was done in retaliation for the shooting of five Indians, who were convicted of stealing cattle and ordered executed by Major Higgins.

A few days previous to the killing of the Miller and the Guard, four ox teams loaded with grain started for Salt Lake City, being followed a few hours later by twelve horse teams hauling provisions, feed and a number of Saints enroute to the semi-annual Conference.  Arrangements were made for camping at Shumway Springs (now known as Duck Springs near Moroni) but the first teams kept going until they reached Uintah Springs (Now Fountain Green),

Before the rear team reached camp the Indians made an attack, killing all the drivers, Thomas Clark, Wm. E. Reed, Wm. Luke, and James Neilson driving away their oxen.  Having no use for the grain the savages cut open the sacks and scattered the wheat over the ground to complete their work of destruction and show their hatred for the white men.  The mangled bodies of those unfortunate freighters were picked up by the rear companhy and removed to Salt Creek (now Nephi) for interment.

Several Indians watched them from the  cover ofcedar and brushes on the mountain slopes, making frantic gestures of joy over their massacres.

A few days previous to this Capt. J. W. Gunnison a United States Topographical Engineer and a corps of seven men, including W. Potter of Manti, were killed by Indians while in camp on the Sevier River, near where the City of Gunnison is now situated.

During 1854, the Indians confined their depredations chiefly to southern Utah, but frequently invaded the herding grounds ofSanpete, stealing both cattle and horses and making good their escape.

On January 20th, 1855, Walker, the great Indian Chief died at Maddow Creek.  Arropine, who had begun the work of exterminating the white men became Chief of Walker'stribe and  made a treaty of peace.  Thus the Walker Indian War was ended.

On May 21st, 1855, A.N. Billings and a company of forty men were sent from Sanpete to settle the Elk Mountain country and make peace with the Indians.  They crossed the Grande River and erected the Mormon Fort, where Moab is now located.  In August some of the colonists returned to Manti and on September 3rd, the Indians made an attack, killing Wiseman Hunt, Edward Edwards, and Wm. Behunin and wounding Capt. A.N. Billings.  the colonists entered the Fort, which the Indians immediately surrrounded, giving notice of their intentions to kill all the inmates.

The next day some of the Chiefs interceded in behalf of the white men and the imprisoned colonists were permitted to return to their homes with the understanding that the settlement should be abandoned.  The request being complied with the colonists then returned to Manti.

In the Spring of 1854, R.N. Allred and R. W. Allred, together with fifteen families left the Manti Fort after remaining in the Fort over winter, where thy had stayed after being driven and forced away from Spring Town by the Indians the fall previous and located on Pine Creek seven miles north of Manti, the site afterwards being called Ephraim.  Isaac Behunnin had built a home on this creek as early as 1851, but had to return to Manti for protection from the Indians.  This settlement was really the first successful attempt towards forming a colony outside of Manti.  Several additions were made to their number during the fall of 1854 by families of Scandinavians from Salt Lake City.

The grasshoppers invade the farms in 1855 and 1856 and destroyed almost all crops, causing much hunger and starvation.  In December, 1857, a general jubilee prevailed through the colonies because of the abundant crops, which had been harvested, having overcome the two previous years of hardships.



To be continued ............

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Heritage Day at Spring City ~ May 25th


Osral Allred   posted this lovely painting, which he'll contribute to the 
Art Squared Auction at Heritage Day in Spring City May 25th

Monday, May 20, 2013

WANTED ~ YOU HAVE 'EM ~ WE WANT 'EM
















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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Mt. Pleasant Relief Society Sisters Letter to Mary Ann Young ~ August 1877


Mrs. Mary Ann  Young
    And  others of the family,
Beloved Sisters
     The painfull intelligence has reached us this afternoon of the decease of your beloved husband and father, and our much respected Pres. Brother Brigham.

He has run his race and finished his course and gained for himself an inheritance among the Gods.

Dear Sisters and children, we the sisters of  Mt. Pleasant do most deeply sympathise with you all under this your most trying bereavement.  And pray God our Heavenly Father that you may receive strength equal to the affliction you have been called upon to pass through.

Brother Brigham has closed his career with honor and dignity.  And like a shock of corn fully ripe has laid down to await a glorious resurrection. May we who are here behind try to adhere to counsels and teaching, strive to emulate his example.  And may our whole future be spent in meekness and humility that when our turn comes to pass behind the veil it may be said to us as to him, "Well done good and faithful servants, enter then into the joy of thy Lord".

Your Sisters in the Gospel
 MVC Morrison, Pres
Helena Madsen, couns.
Christiana Peel, couns.
Louisa K Hasler, Secty

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Our Friend and Contributor Judy Malkiewicz


I'm busy SCANNING SCANNING SCANNING genealogy files that my grandmother and mother left me. I've practically moved my entire office into my living room. I've made several contacts with relatives that I've never met and I'm send it all off to them. Learn more about Judy by clicking her links:

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

BURKE MCARTHUR HONORED BY UTAH PRESS ASSOCIATION ~ 1975


Newpapers of Sanpete County

Saga of the Sanpitch  1980
NEWSPAPERS OF SANPETE COUNTY
Eleanor P. Madsen
Ephraim, Utah
Professional Division
First Place Historical Essay
“When the last editorial is written
And the ink is smoothly dried;
When the papers have been folded
And addressed and wrapped and tied;
When these two who stood together,
Though days were dull or bright,
Will have closed the office door at last
For the long, eternal night;
May the thoughts and words and phrases
Of the things they dared to say
Be their unquestioned ‘press card’
In that land of endless day.” 1

This poem might well be a eulogy to all the editors of early Sanpete newspapers. We picture two
toiling together with laborious hand methods, the only available tools in those early days before the turn of
the century, when every letter was set separately, all the inking done by hand, and the press operated by hand
or foot power.

The old print shops are now forgotten as newer and faster methods have replaced the archaic one.
Even the Linotype is now becoming obsolete as more modern, electric machinery performs many tasks with
minimum effort for the editor and his staff.
Survey after survey has proven that no other medium is so thoroughly read or listened to as the
hometown paper. Indeed, since April 24, 1885, when the Home Sentinel, the first newspaper published in
Manti by James T. Jakeman, 2
residents have eagerly scanned local publications for personal and social items,
odd bits of national and state happenings, and other copyrighted material. Three items taken from the first
editions have a bit of humor for the reader today.
“Salt Lakers are having strawberries and cream and our Manti, more rain.”
Ft. Green Items: “The stores of this burg are paying 6 cents per dozen for eggs and 42 cents per bushel
for wheat.”

“Wide brimmed hats are very fine as substitutes for umbrellas in the sun’ but people do say they are
out of place on the front seats of the theatre. He (she) whom the coat fits let him put it on.
Within five years two other local papers appeared. In June, 1890-, James T. Jakeman issued the County
Register in Ephraim 4, and in November, 1890, A.B. Williams and J.M. Boyden published the Mt. Pleasant
Pyramid. 5.in 1891 the Ephraim plant was purchased by M. F. Murray and Company. The name was changed to the Enterprise 6
by which it was known through the management of ten editors, Ward Stephensen, John
Christiansen, Fred Jorgensen, W.E. Thorpe, Oscar Neilsen, a. E. Britsch, Nephi Christensen, Curtis Mitchelson
and Roscoe C. Cox. 7 Mr. Cox began publication in 1925 and was editor and manager for 35 years, the longest
period for any of the publishers. 8

The plant was located first in a building at 30 East Center Street. It was
later moved to the basement of the Ephraim Bank building and then to 56 North Main (Roscoe Cox Home).
The Mt. Pleasant Pyramid was purchased from Mr. Williams and Mr. Boyden by Burke McArthur in
1911. Mr. McArthur bought the first Linotype machine in Sanpete County, and continued to make
improvements in the plant until it was modernized throughout. About this same time, he also purchased a
permanent home for the paper, the building which it now occupies. 9

“The price of the local paper was combined with the needs of those concerned in Sanpete; it was
printed in kind; in terms of so much hay, so many potatoes or so many cords of firewood.” 10 Rates of
subscription listed in the Mt. Pleasant Pyramid Friday morning December 29, 1912, were: one year - $1.50; six
months - $.75; three months - $.50.
Editorials played an important role in the early newspapers, serving to arouse interest and to motivate
the people to action on local issues. They also helped shape policies and form public opinion on vital matters,
proving that the ‘pen is mightier than the sword.”
Mt. pleasant also had a small newspaper called The Call, which was edited and published by Christian
N. Lund, Jr., in a plant on the south side of the street at about 270 West Main. Mr. Lund operated his plant
first in Salina, then in Mt. Pleasant for a total of about ten years before moving to Salt Lake City, where he
continued in the newspaper business with a paper entitled The Progressive Opinion, which maintained a
circulation in Sanpete County for many years.

The Home Sentinel in Manti with J. T. Jakeman, Manager, and Dan Harrington, Editor, was re-named
The Sentinel in 1890 when H. H. Felt leased it. On October 13, 1893, under lease to Joel Shomaker, the paper
acquired the title of the Manti Messenger, which has continued since that time. 11 Other publishers to the
year 1929 year were J. L. Ewing, Peter A. Poulson, M.A. Boyden and S. Peter Peterson. 12
An item from the January 26, 1894, issue of the Messenger gives an insight into law enforcement in the
city.

“Sleigh riding has been the order of the day for some time. Some of the boys were a little too fast to
be within the limits of the city ordinances last Sunday and as a result were fined on dollar each.”
A rival paper in Manti, the Sanpete Democrat, was first issued in June, 1898, 13 and in 1902 was known
as the Sanpete Free Press with L. A. Lauber, publisher. It sold for $1.00 per year. 14 A local item in the January
7, 1902, edition reads as follows: “The rabbit hunt on Monday between Manti and Ephraim resulted in favor of
Ephraim by a score of 186 to 155….”
In the south end of the county, the Gunnison Valley News recorded this item:
“The great event came when a man named Camp came with a press and started a local weekly, which
he called the Gunnison Gazette. It was housed in a little building that stood on the north side of Center street
next to the school lot. After a short while, in 1909, he sold it to Nephi Gledhill. It was an old Washington hand
press. It took the family to get the paper out. The children would go after school and set type. When the
bank building was finished it was moved into that basement.”1513
In 1919 the paper was transferred to Howard W. Cherry, who modernized its operations and changed
the name to Gunnison Valley News. Subscription rates were $2.00 a year and $1.00 for six months. 16

Many
issues of the paper that year carried items of soldiers returning from World War I. the paper for July 4, 1919,
gave a detailed announcement of a patriotic program followed by foot, auto and horse races, boxing, baseball
and dancing, saluting the soldiers with the greeting: “Welcome, Soldier boys, the town is yours. Let’er bust.”
Prior to the editions of the local papers in the various communities in the County, the readers of early
news were able to obtain the Daily Deseret Evening News, which began as a weekly journal in 1867. “It
contained a variety of material, including speeches, lectures on scientific subjects, messages from church
heads, legal notices, local news, messages from the settlements reporting their progress, etc. It was always
part of the settlement. It gave the people a sense of contact with the world, a basis for comparing their lives
with that of other settlers and made them feel part of a large and important body. Everybody read the
News.”17 In this News, September 22, 1883, there appeared “more than two columns of the full size
newspaper, the names of all the stake presidencies and ward bishops for all the organized stakes of the
church.”

The Salt Lake Weekly Herald (Tribune) also found ready circulation in Sanpete County, 18
In listing early day publications, the Snowdrift, with Roscoe C. Cox as its first editor, provided
happenings and literary contributions from students at the College as well as being a media for training and
developing of talents in the news field.

The local papers were a powerful force in uniting the thoughts and actions of the people in the
communities. In giving due credit to the editors and publishers of Sanpete newspapers in the 44 years from
1885 to 1929, we are aware that they put the good of the people before their personal gain. First and
foremost was their love of the work, hearts that felt and understood the pulse of the community, men who
dared crusade for a better world, sometimes unappreciated, sometimes misunderstood, but never ceasing
their efforts for the printed page until that final copy was edited. These hands that set the type, turned the
presses and folded the papers will not be forgotten. Their words will echo and re-echo from the yellowed,
brittle pages, reminding us of conflict, tragedy, of joy and faith and hope, of life, as it was in our Sanpete
towns through these years.
Sources: 1
Christie Lund Coles, “To Mother and Dad”, Newspaper clipping.
2
These Our Fathers, p. 36
3
Snow College Film Library, Home Sentinel, 1885.
4 W. H. Lever, History of Sanpete and Emery Counties, p. 287.
5
These Our Fathers, p. 103.
6 W. H. Lever, p. 287.
7
These Our Fathers, p. 86.
8
Armanda Cox, Personal information.
9
These Our Fathers, p. 103.
10 Albert Antrei, “The Salty Old Press of Sanpete County”, Enterprise, 1979.
11 Mt. Pleasant Pyramid, December 29, 1912.
12 Antrei.
13 Song of a Century, p. 123.
14 W. H. Lever.
15 Sone of a Century, p. 123.
14 W. H. Lever.
15 Snow College Film Library, Sanpete Free Press, January 7, 1902.14
16 These Our Fathers, pp. 156-157.
17 Snow College Film Library, Gunnison Valley News, May 2, 1919.
18 These Our Fathers, pp. 156-157.
LAND OWNERSHIP IN EARLY FAIRVIEW

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Song: Mount Pleasant City ~ Lyrics Adapted from C.C.A Christensen and Taken from History of Mount Pleasant ~ Musical Arrangement by Duane P. Hansen 2013


SOURCE OF SONG
I write songs as a hobby. One day I was looking at the Relic Hall Website (love it--what a treasure) and was reading some of the Saga of the Sanpitch items. I got motivated about this little tune (attached files for review). The words are adapted / modified from a song-poem by C.C.C Christensen found on Page 193 of The History of Mt. Pleasant by Ms. Hilda Madsen Longsdorf (I believe she is my relative through the Madsen line and my Grandmother Asenteth Swensen Carlson). The music is intended to be rising, stirring with a strong beat to capture the nature and character of our Mount Pleasant pioneers.

HONOR MY ANCESTORS
Another motivation was to honor my parents and ancestors. The understand the Carlson's, Beckstead's, Hansen's, and Poulsen's, Madsen's helped build and serve in the history of Mount Pleasant City.

YouTube Video at the following LinK:




Sunday, May 12, 2013

To Nourish and Strengthen Our Bodies ~ A Cookbook by Alice Peel Hafen








At the age of 92, Alice Peel Hafen (my sweet mother-in-law), wrote this cookbook as requested by family and friends who had enjoyed the many tasty dishes she had prepared over the years.  With the help of Marc Smith, a nephew she was able to put this collection together.  It not only contains her treasured recipes, but also a wealth of photos and memories she wished to share.  This blog has already shared some of these with you.   Here I will include the Introduction to her book, her personal history and a few of the pictures contained in the first few pages of  her book.  





More to come..........

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Lee R. Christensen at Schofield ~ 1988 ~ "My Last Summer At Scofield"

Lee, the out of shape office worker


   In the early 1930s, after losing his homestead in the Books Cliff area of Carbon County (he had not spent enough time there) and wanting to stay in the sheep business, however small, my father, L R Christensen needed grazing range to comply with the Taylor Grazing Act.  With his father J W Christensen of Fairview who also needed more range for his much bigger herd together they bought about six thousand acres in the Schofield area from Mt Pleasant interests that included the James Larsen family. 

  By the mid-1980s the acreage was owned by about fifteen of their heirs and operated as an informal family partnership  rented to a cattleman who ran about six hundred head of cattle there June to October.  It was the ideal place for a recently retired  out-of- shape office worker with cowboy fantasies to exercise those fantasies.  Here are some of the high lights of my last summer at Schofield. 



Schofield - 1988 The Last Summer
Sunday, July 31, 1988, 2:30 p.m.

Back on the property, getting ready for another August of riding, hiking, packing. Left Ellensburg
Thursday. Car camped at Farewell Bend State Park, Oregon. Swatted mosquitos
and talked with the ghosts of Oregon Trail travellers throughout the night. Next day, drove
to Anderson Campground, Twin Falls, Idaho. Spent evening with Barbara, Pat O’Marra,
and daughter Connie. Had not seen Connie since Juneau, 1965. She has since became a
very attractive woman, married, divorced, earned a masters in social work from UCLA,
worked as social worker in LA area. She has now returned to Kimberly/Twin Falls to
work, having tired of the southern California rat race. A very pleasant evening.

On the road early Saturday morning. Planning to make Schofield by mid-afternoon. Was
on schedule until pickup started misbehaving south of Salt Lake City. Pulled into a service
station, but before mechanic could look for problem, it disappeared, so drove on. By
Springville, the engine was dying every time I let up on the accelerator. To my surprise,
I found a garage open and in two hours for eighty dollars I had a new fuel pump and a
smooth running pickup. Decided to stay in Fairview rather than drive up the canyon in late
afternoon. Besides, I was tired, needed a shower, and the weather looked threatening.

Have been here a few hours. Have built a corral to protect the hay I hauled from Ellensburg.
Put up the wash stand. Done some policing of the campsite. Taken short nap. Left
to do is haul sheep wagon from Salt Lake. Build saddle rack. Just heard first loud crack of
thunder as the usual afternoon build-up begins. This may go on for 2-3 hours and, by early
evening, have blown through. We may or may not get some rain.

Wednesday, August 3, 1988
Back in camp. Left Monday for Salt Lake City. Visited with Elsie in Fairview, then on to
Provo where I overnighted. Spent evening visiting with June. Tuesday, drove to Salt Lake
City. Checked courthouse records. Ross and Eva were not married in Salt Lake County.
Checked with Register University of Utah. Was told to send proof of death for transcript,
also two dollars for transcript. Bought Tracy’s Amtrac ticket. She leaves Seattle August
16, arrives Provo August 17. Had visit and dinner with Dave and Susan, who are housesitting
Hal’s home. Talked Schofield.

Wednesday morning, hooked sheep wagon to pickup and was on highway by ten minutes
to seven. Was ahead of the commute traffic into the city; into Schofield by 10:00, after an
uneventful drive, much to my relief. I had expected a disaster pulling a sheep wagon

originally built to be pulled by horses; modernized by adding rubber tires, no tail lights, just
the farm implement triangle road permit, protruding chimney, bounce around stove. I was
fearful that my slow highway speed up Spanish Fork Canyon would cause a traffic jam, but
I was ahead of the traffic.

Was able, with help from steady, sturdy pickup, to locate wagon where it belonged in the
campground. I’m now ready for the summer, but will take a nap first and then see what I
can do about the mice in the wagon. Maybe I’ll challenge mice before nap.

1:00 p.m. - Mice nests cleaned out. Did not see any mice. They may know where to hide
as I attacked each nest. Took mattress and springs out to get a big nest that I suspected had
been built from mattress filler. To my surprise, mattress was intact. Nest must have come
from earlier mattress. The wagon is now fairly clean. Mice nest free at least. It needs
some repairs, which I’ll do over the summer. Needs a new stove or the top of the current
one welded. Will see what I can find in Mt. Pleasant or Fairview tomorrow.

5:45 p.m. - I’ve moved most of my gear into wagon - all but the food. I’ll know by morning
what the remaining mouse problem is. If they have nibbled away at the newspapers or
the leather equipment, I’ll move mouse edibles back into pickup. I’m much better organized
around wagon than a year ago. Even old dogs can learn new tricks. Have hooked
horse trailer to pickup. Ready to take off for Fairview/Mt. Pleasant for last minutes groceries,
beer, and horses. By tomorrow evening, I should be in full swing.

Thursday, August 4, 3:30 p.m.
Back in camp with horses. They did not load easy, but appear to be better stock than last
summer. The brown gelding has bad hobble sores on both front feet. I’ve salved them.
Have them tied to a tree getting them familiar with their new environment so they will not
take off for Indianole tonight. Have not yet decided if I will stake them tonight. Probably
should first night, away from the home corral.

Saw Elmer Fillis and Lyn Paulsen while in Mt. Pleasant. Both looked good. Elmer is the
fittest 64 year old I’ve seen in these parts. It is his winters in southern California; his summers
in Mt. Pleasant with plenty of tennis and golf that does it.

Pickup performed like an 87 model just off the assembly line on the Cottonwood Canyon
grade. That’s seven miles of 8% climb on a hot, hot day pulling a horse
trailer with two horses giving no help.


Finished buying my camp supplies and, for the most part, am completely moved in for my
second summer. Now to get the horses adjusted and me into the saddle.

To my surprise, Lamont only charged me $250.00 for the horses and tack. I had expected
to pay at least $400.00. There are still some bargains - I say - before I’ve ridden the horses.

7:15 p.m. - Have had supper - sheepherder potatoes, onions, and boiled eggs. I use the
water I’ve boiled the eggs in to do my dishes, which have been washed. Checked on the
horses. They are adjusting. I have them in a small barbed wire holding corral. So far,
I’ve been able to walk up to them. Have grained them, small amounts, two-three times,
so they’re familiar with their rider. There is very little grazing in the corral, so I’ve tossed
them some hay. They prefer the sparse grazing to the world famous Ellensburg Timothy.
My telling them that Kentucky Derby winner, Seattle Slew, ran on Ellensburg Timothy did
not impress them. Will check them one more time before I crawl into the old sleeping bag.

Friday, August 5, 11:45 a.m.
I have just washed my hands from my morning ground brushing activities. Was in the
saddle on Old Geld leading Paint the packhorse by 9:30. Fifty yards down the trail, he
dumped me. It was so fast, so sudden, so unexpected, I don’t really know what happened.
He bucked once, maybe twice, maybe three times, then I’m on the ground slightly stunned,
completely shocked, without my glasses. The horses trotting down the trail. Recovered,
caught the horses and started looking for my glasses. Took me forty minutes to find them.

Remounted after tying Paint and rode Old Geld for twenty minutes alone. He is a mount
I must stay alert on. Returned, picked up Paint and rode around, keeping a very tight and
short hold on my pack mare. It is likely the bucking episode was caused by letting the lead
rope get under Geld’s tail. Anyway, no broken bones. I don’t even feel bruised.

Had a great deal of leather work to do. Pack saddle is new, but all straps had to be adjusted.
Stirrups were too long and had been wired set, so had to get out wire cutters, leather
punch, adjust, and rewire. I’m learning to do these jobs, which any packer or rider should
be able to do. After being thrown from my horse, I’m starting to think that the setting up,
the getting ready for, and the equipment repair are as interesting and as much fun as the riding.

Put the horses in the big pasture. Will see how that goes. Will ride again, later this afternoon




7:35 p.m. - I guess I’m through for the day. Did not get back in the saddle, but elected to
drive to Price. I had forgotten how different and interesting the rock formations are for the
15-20 miles before Price. The canyon was steeper than I remembered.

Price was hot and you have to wonder why a town. Got the supplies I needed, but mostly
looked around and came home. My worries about catching the horses in the big pasture
were groundless. The Paint comes right up to me. Old Geld follows.

Bought a small plate of sheet steel to cover draft hole on stove. Have now put good steel
over broken or missing stove covers, so fire should burn and heat, maybe bake as good as
new.
Saturday, August 6, 4:20 p.m.
Back from today’s auto travel. Headed out for Skyline Endurance Ride about 8:30. Arrived
Lake Canyon about 10:00. Saw first six or seven 25 milers finish. First two were
father and son, Ward Arabians, to whom I had mailed photographs from last year’s ride.
Chatted with them about their ride. Talked with Mrs. Reynolds. She and her husband manage
the ride.

Then, under threatening sky, headed down Huntington Canyon. Did not find anyone squatting
on the Valentine Gulch property, but did not walk up into gulch because of heavy rain.
Drove on down the canyon to Huntington, admiring the interesting rock forms and bristol
cone trees.

From Huntington on to Price. Still more interesting land forms. Ate lunch in Price. Bought
insoles for boots - overlooked yesterday - and home. It is an interesting loop with contrasting
geological features from Schofield, Skyline, Huntington, Price. Tracy may want to
travel it.

Saturday, August 6
5:10 P.M. - Grained the horses. They were a good quarter mile away, but came when I
called. That is, the Paint came and Old Sour Geld followed.
Took a few minutes to find the answer to an important question. Do my homemade pack
boxes fit the canvas panniers? The answer—No. Lamont’s panniers are not standard-don’t
even appear to be square. More homemade than my boxes.
The boxes  are good for mouse proofing my food. Will work out something else for packing.


Sunday August 7-8:30 A.M.
Have grained the horses, prepared and eaten breakfast, done the dishes, made my bed,
cleaned the wagon and I’m ready for the day’s activities. Will take a short walk, round up
the horses and get ready for a couple hours riding.

Rained some last night—even a gentle rain is noisy on the tin roof of the wagon. There was
no lightening or thunder (they go together)—just a sneak up on me in the middle of the
night rain. Could use some every night.

1:00 P.M. - Lunch finished. Boots cleaned, toenails cut and planning afternoon activities.
Was in the saddle at 9:45. Headed out and wary. Kept old Paint close so no loose rope to
get under Geld’s tail. Rode to reservoir and back. Two hours. Let Paint follow off rope
home. No real incidents but Geld occasionally wants to head home and gets balky, rears.
An alert rider can stay with him, get him under control and he’s fine for the next 20-25
minutes.

2:30 P.M. - Just back from a 2.8 mile lunch hike. I thought I left the place very clean last
fall but the beer can throwers have been back. Will clean it up again.

7:45 P.M. - Dinner and dinner dishes done. Was a quickie chili with beans and Vienna sausages.
Earlier I had planned a more elaborate meal but am back late and tired from a two
and a half hour search for “Rogers Gate” over on the lower Lost 40. Did not find gate and
I wonder if we could get onto our property up his 80-foot corridor. Will take more inspecting.
Will ride over to campground and inspect rather than hike from here. By the time I
hike to the campground, tramp around, walk up and down hills on a hot afternoon I’ve had
it. And that is how I feel tonight. Must yet go see if the horses want water. They do not like
the muddy water the cattle drink.

Monday August 8.
1:55 P.M. - In camp. Horses watered and groomed as Tracy would want. Washed-up and
ready for lunch. Had 3 hours plus ride up to top and back. Good work out for Geld and
Paint followed beautifully. Bottom sore but I’m trying to get in shape.

Tuesday August 9
10:10 A.M. - In camp for morning break. Not riding today. Will dedicate this one to picking
up all the big junk in the camp area—like mattress springs, burned out wagon or car seats

and assorted small stuff. Will throw into pick-up and take to Schofield dumpster or if
moved, all the way to Mt. Pleasant dump. With the big stuff out of the way can clean up the
little stuff over the summer. Dave would like this area for a family campground. If that is
his idea with my time and inclinations to pick-up—learned in military—I’ll turn this area
into a park. Mother Nature has given us a beautiful place to start.

Brant came by last evening and had soup with me. Examined my map of area—and I don’t
have fences in some of the places he says there are fences. The differences all involve LR/
Eva’s property. I’ll ride the total area before I complain to Hal.

Mary Jane’s idea of giving our land to Audubon Society for the Eva Parke Bird refuge
makes more sense every day.

8:00 P.M. - Back from second trip to Schofield. First one to take PU full of junk—successful—
big help. Second trip to make two telephone calls-to Sally-all is well eastern front and
to Robyn—all is well Ellensburg front. While in Schofield had hamburger dinner.

Spent good part of morning with Brant. He took me up on top. Pointed out where water
holes were. Then up Starvation canyon again pointing out water holes. Pointed out the RR
grade where the RR had crossed our acreage headed for Schofield. It was a meaningful
orientation to the property for me. I had some boundaries clearly screwed up. I’m not very
lay-of-the-land talented. Certainly no Fremont the Pathfinder.

Wednesday, August 10
1:20 P.M. How easy it is to lose track. I had to go back to yesterday to make certain it was
Wednesday. Finished lunch—awaiting Dave, who is due today. Had a 2-1/2 hour ride trouble
on one stretch. It is a 200-yard shady lane and 2-3 deer had crossed it just ahead
of us. Old Geld was very obstinate and refused to go. Turned, reared, stood solid so I lead
him. After that things went well. Will have to ride him back and forth in there a number of
times. I’m occupied with the horses, getting them, saddling, riding, unsaddling, grooming
and returning them to pasture via water hole from 9:00 to 1:00 on a day like today. A full
morning.

6:15 P.M. Dave has just left-got here about 2:45; had 1-1/2 hours discussion with Ag man
from Price-I did not sit in on conversation. Since they adjourned we have sat in sheep
wagon-2 beers each and talked family, Schofield, etc. Good afternoon.


Thursday August 11
11:40 A.M. As they say in the Air Force, “It was smooth sailing until we hit Turbulence.”
One half hour out on the trail and up a steep slope Old Geld decided to get rough. I stuck
with him for 4-6 twisters and then I was rolling down the hill. Both horses took off—
haven’t seen them since (10:30 was F for Fly Hour). Have a skinned elbow, sore neck—
maybe a slight whiplash and sore right rib cage—maybe a broken rib or two.

First chore is to find horses. I’ll return the Geld overnight in Fairview to see how I feel in
the morning and if all is well come back here. If not we’ll have to make some decisions.
But first the horses.


1:15 P.M. Back in camp—horses up road a piece—tied up. I’ll have a light lunch—hook up
the trailer and return Old Geld. Will take both horses, but if I’m feeling OK tomorrow will
bring Paint back with hopefully a reliable mount. Right now, I’m a little sore all over. Like
maybe I’ve gone a quarter with the Chicago Bears.

The next crisis will be loading? A beautiful doe just strolled through the campsite.
Friday August 12

9:05 A.M. Parked here in front of Lamont’s while he brings up a substitute for Old (High
Hips) Geld. Got into Fairview last evening about 5 P.M. Took me about one hour to load
horses—a little patience—damn little, and some force. Spent night here in Fairview. Had
dinner at Stu’s with Ted Mower and his wife Goldie—then out to his Oak Creek home for
pleasant 2 hour visit.

Got up this morning and did my laundry. Now I’m ready to hit the saddle and trail. Some
pain to neck and right rib cage, otherwise sound as the American dollar.

1:20 P.M. - I appear to be back in business. Arrived back in camp about 11:30. Tied and
fed horses-had lunch. Moved excess gear back onto horse trailer, watered horses, grained
them for orientation purposes and am now ready to relax. Only thing missing appears to be
saddle water canteen. Probably where I unsaddled and tied horses yesterday afternoon.

New gelding appears to be much calmer and pleasant-Old Geld was very sour—had his
ears laid back most of the time—drove Paint away from the grain-threatened on and off
while they were grazing. A very unpleasant horse. He was certainly one you would suspect
as being a closet bucker—which he turned out to be.


Lamont was very apologetic for Geld’s actions and thinks I have one that will respect my
Senior Citizen status.

7:00 P.M. Have just finished dishes—sumptuous meal—canned string beans, potatoes,
boiled: chicken gravy with a can of chicken in it. Too full for dessert—which was to have
been canned apricots—maybe later.

Saturday August 13
10:15A.M. Just finished an extensive policing of immediate camp area. Have two bags for
dumpster. I find pieces of wire above every footstep. Will not ride today. Both neck and ribs
sorer than yesterday—probably because I did not keep them warm enough last night. Both
feel better after hour of walking and picking up.

Will go into Price today. Check out some activities for Tracy and me—maybe send a
postcard or two. Horses came for grain when I called. I think they will be catchable when
I’m ready to ride. New Geld could use a little weight, so 2 days rest won’t hurt him. Paint
getting fat.

6:00 P.M. I’m about to grain the horses, halter them and take them to water. I’ll be interested
in seeing if they drink as I’ve not watered them since noon yesterday. There is water
in the pasture—if they’re found it-and a good dew fall last night.

A frustrating day that ended with what I wanted to get done. Picked up the metal milk
boxes in Schofield—was given them. Went to Price—money machine would give me no
money. Computer said “unable to verify with your bank.” Went by to get water—sign said,
“non-potable.” Two strikes. Started researching the water problem. City officials had referred
me there for water last week. In the Museum—when I inquired about Visitors Center
I was asked what my problem was—being that the Center closed. I explained—a knowledgeable
gentleman (I hope) said if the water was coming out a faucet it was drinkable.
Price had only the one water system-and piped water drinkable.

So, on way to get water, tried bank again—and what do you know—got my money. Bought
some books—and two dishpans, which I’ll use for grain feeders, and came home. Did visit
both Helper Coal Museum and Price Museum. Both good.

6:40 P.M. Grained and watered Old Paint—didn’t drink much so either not thirsty or too
excited to drink because Old Geld not with us. He was too quick for me to get a rope on
him. Better luck in the morning. If I’m ready to ride. Now for the evening meal. What will
it be....


Sunday August 14
8:20 A.M. Waiting for the coffee to perk. Have been out and grained and caught Paint. She
is tied in what I call the stall area. Old Geld did not take his grain and I did not catch him. I
have a special problem here. Part of my summer challenge.

Neck and right rib cage still sore—spent a restful night.

11:20 A.M. As I’ve hinted at before—the challenge of living out here may be what all the
fun is about. And horses in the mountains represent a major challenge. I decided to lure Old
Geld into the smaller pasture/corral. The same corral I kept Brown Geld and Paint in the
first night I had them. The gates were not all they should be and in anticipation that I may
have a problem catching Old Geld I’ve spent the morning improving the gates. I think I’ve
got the gates so he won’t try and jump them. The fence is generally good.

After fixing the gates I put Paint in the corral and in came Old Geld (O.G.) I shut the gate
and I now have him in a corral—-still big about 75 yds. 50 yds-but by much smaller than
the 2 mile sq. pasture he has been in. About 5 P.M. I’ll go down and see if I can catch and
ride him. I’ll keep them there until I leave for Provo and Tracy. Feed them hay.

Have dead calf in pound—will try and drag it out this afternoon-or better yet let Brant do it
when he returns tomorrow.

1:35 P.M. I moved dead calf 50 yds beyond pound—Brant can probably tell what killed it.

7:15 - End of day. Cold Quik Chocolate drink for dinner as I had hamburger at Finn’s Inn,

4:00 P.M. Went up to Madsen Cove State Park to see if I could locate Rogers 80’ that we’re
trying to access to our property. Have a general idea-but general is not good enough here—
that 80’ could take in an impossible hill. I may ask a surveyor to locate it for me.

Did get in 25 min. riding on Old Geld. Took me a few minutes even in the small corral
to catch him. Paint goes wild when he is not near and for my short ride I tied her but she
skinned her shoulder trying to get loose. It’s one problem after another with horses. Good
chocolate drink—must drink it more often.

Monday August 15
8:50 A.M. - Off to a slow start. Haven’t had breakfast yet. Have lured the horses into the
corral so if I decide to ride they are available. We have a fully overcast sky and hopefully
will get a good rain. It has been hot and dry and I can notice the change in vegetation since
I’ve been here. Yesterday not a cloud in the sky. Today I hope rain.



Unlike last summer when there was a build up every afternoon with some rain with much
lightening and thunder. This summer has been peaceful and dry.

9:29- Started to rain hard enough that you can hear the pitter patter on the sheep wagon’s
tin roof—Hope it lasts all day. I would like the area green for Tracy. She is not used to a
dust bowl.

11:05 A.M. - Housekeeping done—ready to catch horses and ride-Cat went by about

9:40—-thought I would walk up and see it in action. As I was headed up that way Brant
came by and I rode up with him. Cat was to work upper pond today, so I just watched them
unload—at first cattle guard, then caught ride back to camp with son of Cat operator. They
will be working 2nd pond tomorrow, near Andy Anderson’s cabin-should be able to see that
one.
Cabin is the Andy Anderson cabin, the original homesteader.  Andy was a James Larsen son in law and a long time science teacher at North Sanpete



Will get no rain today—has passed over without doing anything but teasing. Right lower
rib cage bothering me today. Neck not too bad.

2:55 P.M. - Have just finished my cheese and beer lunch-Bud Light-not worth the can its
packed in. Have not yet found a dark or foreign beer in Utah. Rode Paint for about 1 3/4
hrs—leading Old Geld. Paint is hard to bit—tosses her head, but is otherwise a good horse.
Needs work and Tracy can give it to her. Mr. AlIred looked at her-says she is only a four
year old. If so she’ll be a good one. Could be pretty, too. I’ve let her get too fat. And she is
friendly—most of the time I can walk up to her. Today’s catch was not one of them. But I
was patient, friendly and in due time caught both of them. Have turned them into the big
pasture for the afternoon and night.

Right rib cage giving me pain.

10:10 P.M. late for an old timer—I’ve been into town with Brant. I had walked up to the
cabin hoping to see what construction they had done, and hoping to ride back with Brant
and Jack. On reaching the cabin and finding no Cat—and looking at the tracks I decided
they had gone. About a third of the way back they caught me. Brant was taking Jack to
Clear Creek and invited me to come along. But again about a third of the way to Schofield
we passed Jack’s son coming for him. Brant and I adjourned to Finn’s Inn where Brant had
dinner—a hamburger and a beer and I had a beer. Four or five Mexican sheepherders were
drinking beer and shooting pool and a couple of other cattle runners were there to kid Brant
about how his cows are scattered all over the mountain—which I guess is true. A late but
enjoyable evening. If you’re playing fantasy cowboy its best done in the company of real
cowboys.


Tuesday August 16
9:35 A.M. - Horses grained and corralled. Breakfast prepared and eaten (coffee, eggs and
Vienna Sauages), dishes washed and dried, bed made and wagon swept. Now for catching
the horses, saddling and riding for 2-3 hrs. Then off to Fairview for the night-was unable to
get reservations in Provo-and pick up Tracy Wednesday morning.

12:10 - Sitting here belching my lunch and finishing my Rainier Lite-which is causing the
belching—Oh! for a good beer.

Have had an hours ride on Old Geld—Paint following-they are still saddled and I’ll ride another
hour or two before calling it a day. Old Geld did not misbehave—though I had to lead
him up what I’m going to call the “reluctant trail.” Brown Geld had same problem though
this time I suspect OG could hear the Cat in the distance.

Wednesday August 17 3:20 P.M.
Back in camp with Tracy and her tent is pitched. Bed roll moved in and she has set up
housekeeping.

Stayed the night in Fairview because I couldn’t get reservations in Provo. Headed out at
6:00 A.M. to meet incoming Amtrak—due 7:30—but was one hour late—Tracy said they
ran out of water in middle of Idaho. Tracy and I had breakfast with June—pleasant visitthen
on to Fairview to pick up saddle and bridle for Old Paint—actually 5 years old according
to Lamont. Then up to Schofield. Drove Tracy around reservoir to give her lay of land.

Yesterday before leaving put in another two hours in saddle—a good part of it driving
Brant’s cows.

Last evening spent 1-1/2 hours with Dean Staker, old National Guard buddy. He appeared
delighted that I had looked him up. Most people like to be remembered.

Tracy

My daughter, Tracy.
Thursday August 18
8:40 P.M. - Tracy and I had three hour ride today—over to lost 40, back to 2nd 40, into big
pasture and home. We had not intended to ride that much for Tracy’s first day—but got carried
away. Old Paint had gotten out of Big Pasture and was with Brant’s horses—so it was

11 A.M. before we got started. We’re both looking forward to tomorrow’s ride into the far
corner of Eva’s property.

After a ride visited Clear Creek which is considerably smaller than Schofield—50 people
vs. 100. Had rice with tuna fish gravy for dinner. As usual my gravy too thin and of course
runny.


Friday August 19
5:20 P.M. - Diner and lunch combined—just finished. In saddle at 10 A.M. Five and onehalf
hours later back in camp. Rode down to blue gate—up on top—over to Starvation/Bear
Ridge Road—down to Pond-Mill and home. Almost too much for your Senior Citizen.
Tracy doing great, youth will tell. Making plans for Park City endurance ride tomorrow.

Sunday August 21 9:35 P.M.
Tracy has kept me so busy I haven’t had time to write. Yesterday Saturday 8/20 left camp at
6 A.M. for Park City and Endurance ride. Had breakfast Tucker; got to ride about 10:30—
watched for an hour and headed home—Lunch in Heber—some shopping in Orem, Springville
and back to camp about 3:30 P.M. Was cold enough to build fire in wagon stove. Had
light rain for about 1/2 hour. Bow hunting pressure light.

Today we left camp at 9:30 A.M. on foot and walked shoreline to Carbon Co Campground.
Tracy sunned until about 1:30. Then we walked home via front Lost 40.1 look a one hr.
nap. After dinner we walked beyond gate one. Counting her early morning jog, Tracy
covered in excess of 10 miles today. I’m about 2-3 miles behind. On our hike to gate I we
got soaked so came back. Built fire in wagon stove, and have dried some of our garments.
Through the night in the dying heat the others should dry.

Monday August 22
4:55 P.M. - Dinner over, dishes washed, relaxing after 5-hour ride. Went onto Eva’s property
to the Northern end. Was a small lush meadow near end. Then rode up Starvation road
to Blue gate. Some ripe chokecherries along Starvation. Passed convoy of Bow hunters
headed home, 4-5 motorhomes and trailers. Tracy having trouble with Paint tossing her
head so we took bridle off and used only the halter. Some improvement.

8:20 P.M. - Back from climb of Baldy. Good steep climb of 45 minutes—wandered around
coming down so it took one hour. Found dead doe—couldn’t’ tell if shot with arrow. Was
the doe that had been in camp during my first 3-4 days here. What a waste. Had been dead
a very short time.

Wednesday August 24
7:30 A.M. - Tuesday - Rode 3 hours. Hiked with Paint carrying water cans to piped
spring and brought back 10 gals. of water. Tracy jogged 4 miles. Evening rode with
Brant while he and his great dog brought up small herd of cattle and placed them on
Eva’s land.


Now for today. Getting ready to do Nine Mile Canyon. Tracy out jogging (2 miles) while I
make coffee.

Thursday August 25
6 P.M. - Just back from 2 hour ride—a shorty. This morning we hiked Baldy via the first
gate—about a mile hike with a 1200 ft. elevation gain. Tracy no problem. Lee huff and
puff.

Yesterday we did Nine Mile-an interesting drive-Cliffs have Indian petrographs going back
800 years. Saw some, but had trouble following guide brochure. Canyon also great geology
study. At end of the road (as far as we went) was an old ranch with real cowpokes getting
ready to round up cows and a log cabin tavern. Long drive but interesting.

Sunday August 28
7:45 P.M. - Just finished the evening 3 miler. Added up to the breakfast 4 miles Tracy and I
have done 7 miles. A relaxing, short exercise day. After yesterday I needed it.

Saturday—yesterday—we went to Mt. Timpanogas—Tracy climbed it. 18.2-miles round
trip with elevation gain of 4350 ft. She made the round trip climb in six hours—unbelievable.
I did not summit-made the ridge overlooking Provo—a magnificent view-in 3-1/2
hrs. Probably 14 miles round trip, with elevation gain of 3200 ft. Rested 1/2 hrs. and when
Tracy returned from Summit headed down. She was good hour or hour and a half ahead of
me. I felt fine and could have reached summit in another hour. I cannot climb with Tracy’s
speed and energy. It is a great climb—good trail—too many people, with a constant, spectacle
view. Highly recommended for active people.

Came back to Provo had dinner with June-got back to base camp about 9 P.M. Great day.

Left camp Friday—took in Price—the museurn-Huntington Canyon, Valentine Gulch-overnighted
in Fairview where we did our laundry and showered. It was probably the shower in
Fairview that made Tracy’s great climb possible.

Wednesday August 31
9:45 A.M. - Starting to break camp—will at a slow pace—fold up tent—put away Tracy’s
sleeping bag-shine her boots. Probably go into Schofield for hamburger dinner. Tomorrow
take horses back-come back here for night and clean out, clear out Friday.


Took Tracy to Provo yesterday where she caught 9:25 P.M. bus for Amtrak in Salt Lake.
Her Provo Amtrak had not made it out of Denver because of washed out bridge. We had
dinner with June, prepared by her from produce from her garden. A pleasant afternoon and
evening visit.

Monday we had ridden to top of Little Bear Canyon—6-1/2 hrs in saddle.

Sorry to see Tracy go. She has been a good companion—and I think she had an interesting
time—a pleasant respite from her studies. The end of summer always brings a little pain.
The more pleasant the summer, the more pain.

2:40 P.M. - Tent down—dried, rolled and boxed. Saddles and related tack in horse trailer
ready to return to Lamont. Boots cleaned, oiled, waxed and shined. Tracy’s ready for storage.
Horse baled hay to scatter; all temporary camp construction taken down with exception
of washstand. There is a threat of rain and if it comes heavy will make leaving difficult.

7:30 P.M. - Back from Schofield where I had a hamburger and beer at Finn’s Inn. Called
Mary Jane, Maxine and Lynn Poulson. Made tentative plans to have dinner with Maxine
Monday Sept.12. Lynn not available Friday so will try and see him when I come back
through after BYU.

Thursday Sept I
5:40 P.M. - Had horses loaded and out of camp by 9:45 A.M. Both must have been anxious
to leave as I caught them in the big Pasture. Paint always nervous to load but she went in
without too much fuss. Geld took a little quiet urging. In Fairview and unloading 11:15.

Went by Mt Pleasant and Elmer Fillis hoping to find him home and a dinner date tomorrow
night—no luck. Headed back to property final camp breaking by 2:30.

Have now finished about 60% of loading. Will finish after dinner. Leave only gas stove
for breakfast coffee. While in Fairview will call Barbara—Tracy home. Summer winding
down. The last two weeks have been very good.

Friday Sept. 2
7:50 A.M. - Breaking camp. Heading out at 7:35. Left clean camp as only an old soldier
can do.





Visitors to the camp prior to 1988



Sheepherder and dog
Photo taken years before 1988