Autobiography of Elva Bigelow Carter

Born 25 April, 1899

Compiled by Velma Carter Anderson
June, 1978

[This was scanned from a copy of the original document by Stephen Rawlins January 1997]

I was born 25 April 1899 in the small town of Wallsburg, Wasatch, Utah, the daughter or Daniel Don Louis Bigelow, known in life as Don L. Bigelow. He was born 22 May 1866 at Heber, Wasatch, Utah and died at our home in Provo, Utah, Utah, on 5 July 1954. My mother was Annie Maria Boren, born 24 October 1873 at Wallsburg, Wasatch, Utah. Their marriage took place 29 April 1891 in the Manti Temple in Manti, San Pete, Utah. Mother died at our home in Provo, on 5 January 1947. They were buried side by side in the Wallsburg cemetery.

My father was the son of Daniel Bigelow, who was born 18 March 1842 at Camp Creek, Mercer, Illinois, and Permelia Mecham (Meacham) who was born 11 September 1832 in Delaware, Mercer, Pennsylvania. They were married 23 July 1865 at Siler Creek, Summit, Utah. In the spring of 1866 an Indian scare in Wallsburg sent the settlers to the fort at Heber for protection. It was there my father Don L. Bigelow was born. His parents later returned to Wallsburg to resume their daily pursuits of life.

Daniel Bigelow was the son or Nahum and Mary Gibbs Bigelow, and crossed the Plains in the 6th Company (the Capt. Joseph Young Co.) in 1850. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in his early years and prominent in church and civic affairs. He married three wives in polygamy. In later years he became so engrossed in financial matters and providing for his growing family he became negligent in his Church responsibilities. He was blind in one eye, having lost the sight of his eye when driving cattle. He was hit in the eye with a whip. In his later years unscrupulous men took advantage of his failing sight, which annoyed him very much. He died in Vernal, Uinta, Utah at the home of his daughter Emily B. Batty on 22 October 1921 and was buried in the Wallsburg Cemetery.

My grandmother, Permelia Mecham, crossed the plains in a handcart company pulling a handcart all the way. She was the first wife of Daniel Bigelow. She was exceedingly happy in her marriage until polygamy came into her life and she missed the close association of her husband as he had been a devoted and loving father and husband up to this time in their lives.

Permelia Mecham was a lovely lady with dark flashing eyes, long black hair that she could sit on when it was combed out. She parted her hair in the middle and wore it in braids twined around her head.

I remember a lesson she taught me about honesty. She said she would not keep a pin that she found in a neighbors yard (pins were scarce in pioneer times). She taught her family well, for I can remember my father's word was as good as his bond.

Permelia and Daniel Bigelow were the parents of five children:

*Barney Boberg was adopted by my grandparents Daniel and Permelia Bigelow. He is listed on the Wallsburg Ward Records as Barney Bingham Bigelow.

Permelia Mecham Bigelow died at her home in Wallsburg on 10 June 1911, and was buried in the Wallsburg cemetery. I was twelve years old at the time of her death and this was the first funeral I had ever attended.

Daniel Bigelow's second wife was Emmaline Augusta Stevens and they were married 9 April 1882 and were the parents of six children who were all born in Wallsburg.

Daniel Married his third wife, Clara Fredricka Ostensen, 9 May 1887 and they were parents of eight children:

My maternal grandfather William Jasper Boren was born 29 November 1837 in Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, the son of Coleman Boren and Malinda Keller. He crossed the plains with his parents and other Mormon Pioneers in 1851. Of him, I remember my mother saying he was a kind and loving father but a strict disciplinarian. He only had to speak once and the children knew he meant what he said and just one look from him and they had better obey. He never raised his voice. He died of diabetes 16 May 1900 at Wallsburg, Utah and is buried in the Wallsburg cemetery.

My maternal grandmother Lucina Mecham (Meacham) was born 11 Mar l841 in Lee County, Iowa, the daughter of Moses Worthen Meacham and Elvira Derby. She was a small woman and very precise. She was the mother of thirteen children and had the responsibility of raising this large family after Grandfather's death. She was very devoted to the church. She loved flowers and liked to be surrounded by them. She died instantly of a stroke on 21 June 1925 at the home of her daughter, May B. Snow, at Provo, Utah and is buried in the Wa11sburg cemetery.

The children born to William Jasper Boren and Lucina Mecham were:

Don L. Bigelow, my father, was the eldest son of Daniel Bigelow and Permelia M. Bigelow. On the Heber Branch church records, his name is recorded as Daniel Don Louis Bigelow. On the Wallsburg Ward records his name is recorded as Daniel Don Bigelow. Due to a rift with his father he dropped the name of Daniel and preferred to write his name Don L. Bigelow. In his declining years he told me emphatically he wanted his name written as he signed it, Don L. Bigelow.

He was a very kind man, considerate of other people, a very loving and devoted father. Father liked things kept in order, He used to say, "A place for everything and everything in it's place". He was an ambitious man and an early riser -- and when Father arose in the morning the cogs started turning -- everyone in the family was called to awake, get out or bed and help with the work of the day. Father was the head of the house. He held the priesthood and was so respected and esteemed, his word was law in our home. If mother ever had to make a decision she would remark, "What would your father say?" Though Father was the "head" of the house, Mother was the "neck" that turned the head, figuratively speaking. We were taught respect for our parents and to obey them and obey others who held authority. Father went to Brigham Young Academy. In those days it was important to write well, and he prided himself on his handwriting.

My mother, Annie Maria Boren, was the daughter of William Jasper Boren and Lucina Mecham (Meacham). Mother was a gracious lady, good natured, patient, understanding, and very discerning. It was a pleasure to be around wherever she was. She had a sense of humor that was worth cultivating. She had the ability to make a joke and laugh with you even if the joke was on herself. Mother was very poetic. In fact, she wrote her complete history in poetry form. It was typed by my sister, Emily B. Stoker and is a priceless possession of mine.

Our family home nights are a fond memory for me. They were something special. Father and Mother used to sing beautifully together sometimes and how we loved that. Father also played the guitar and would sing and play for us. Everyone participated in the stories, songs, jokes, and
games, and of course, at the close was a surprise, a treat which we all looked forward to. Occasionally Father would come home with a special treat for the family, and jokingly say he purchased it with his "Booze Money". Father was not a drinking man.

My father and mother were a very devoted couple. Father once made the remark, "I love to sit across the table from your mother and look into her beautiful blue eyes."

Mother was an excellent cook. In fact, Father said she was the best in the world. After eating a good meal Father always complimented Mother and showed his appreciation for her good cooking. He used to remark, whenever he came to our homes and had a good meal,"Your mother sure taught you girls how to cook." That became a standing joke and a fond memory of our father.

As a family many times we worked together and after completing our tasks we would play games. We would most always have a picnic lunch with plenty of good things to eat. Some of the good things I remember are the meat they used to cure, especially their corned beef. They also had a special way of curing their pork. Mother made delicious pies. I did not especially like pumpkin pie. One time I told Mother this and she asked me what kind I did like. When I said I would like a raisin pie, she called it a "Jealous Pie," and made a special pie for me. Mother's biscuits were out of this world, as the saying goes, and they would melt in your mouth. She made her cake from sour cream and it was delicious. After Father's mission in the south where he learned to like corn bread Mother said she would make some. Father said, "Oh, you cannot make corn bread like those women in the south." Mother made it anyway and when Father tasted it he said, "That mother of yours has been in the cream jar again." That was one of the secrets of Mother's good cooking -- fresh separated cream. Father kept bees and the corn bread was delicious with honey and good fresh butter churned at home.

Mother was famous for her homemade ice cream. They had their own milk, cream and eggs. They made ice cream for the 4th of July to sell in the store. In the winter Father had stored blocks of ice in sawdust in a large bin in our granary. We used it to freeze the ice cream and we turned the freezer by hand. At first they sold the ice cream for 10 cents a dish. Then ice cream cones were made available and everyone wanted ice cream in cones which sold for 5 cents each. They could never make enough ice cream to last the day through.

Father went to school at the Agricultural College in Logan, Utah for three months. He planned on building a creamery. This plan never matured but Father learned how to take care of milk and make butter. When the cows were milked the milk was poured in a can and cooled in the creek that ran through their pasture. After cooling the milk was separated. To churn, the cream was soured at the right temperature and time, then churned to butter. Father's butter was in such demand they could not supply all that the market wanted. They sold the butter to a market at 5th East and 4th North in Provo.

Mother's specialty was chicken and noodles or dumplings which she was an expert at making. Relatives loved to visit our home. They knew there was always a good meal to be had. Many times I remember that they made remarks about our congenial family and the love and good feeling in our home.

Mother and Father were the parents of eleven children:

The three older girls Adora, Ida, and Eva all had blue eyes like our mother. My older brother Ervin also had blue eyes and a fair complexion. He was very special since he was the oldest son in the family. He was two years and two months older than I. An interesting thing in this family was that the first four children had blue eyes and fair complexions. Then I came along to change the picture, a brunette with black curly hair and brown eyes. From then on the rest of the children were born with dark eyes and hair.

The sixth child, Floralia, was a little curly head and only a baby when tragedy struck the family in 1902. I was too young to remember -- yet I am sure the sadness of the tragedy affected my life. The three eldest girls and the baby girl died within one week, of diphtheria and black measles. Two of them Eva and Floralia were buried together in the same grave. After the death of their children Mother said, "I guess they were just too good to live". Ervin became ill and then I was the last child to become ill with the dread disease diphtheria. I can remember hearing Mother tell how for two days and nights they watched and prayed for the Lord to spare my life. It is needless to say that much love and affection was showered on the only son and daughter left.

In the fall, after the death of my sisters in February.1902, Father was called on a church mission to Kentucky. He hesitated about going and leaving Mother with so much responsibility of a family, a store and the U. S. Post Office to take care of. He left in November and had only been gone about nine months when Mother became seriously ill with a heart condition and Father was called home from his mission in the summer of 1903.

Another memory that remains with me is the typhoid epidemic which struck in the fall of 1903. As I remember, first my brother Ervin and then Mother became ill with typhoid. Then I became ill with a fever. At the first symptoms I was put to bed, covered with so many quilts I felt I was in an oven it was so hot I can remember the very top quilt was a green outing flannel. I felt I would perish if I could not get out from under all those covers. I made every excuse I could think of to get my hands out of there but to no avail. They gave me medication and kept me there until I began to perspire and the fever was broken -- and I never developed typhoid fever.

Mother was just coming back from death's door after eight weeks of being ill with typhoid fever when her condition became critical again with spinal meningitis. About the first thing I remember about Mother's illness was when they had the Elders come to the home to administer and pray for Mother's life to be spared. It was such a solemn and sacred thing, the silence and hush hovering there still lingers in my memory. Everyone was speaking in whispers and Mother was lying so still and seemingly lifeless under a white spread covering the bed. The Elders knelt around the bed in prayer. Then they administered to her and through the power of the priesthood Mother's life was spared; her life's mission was not yet completed. I believe that the leakage of the heart that Mother suffered with the rest of her life was a result of the typhoid fever, spinal meningitis and the sorrow felt at the loss of their four children in the diphtheria epidemic.

Most everyone those days had wells where they attained their water. Many people had open wells with just a wooden enclosure around them They drew up the water with a rope pulling up a bucket which was attached to the end of the rope. Father covered our well over and had a pump put in. I think it was one of the first one in town, if not the first. It was such fun to pump the water and see it come gushing out of the pump. One of my first prize possessions was a pair of little red buttoned shoes. How proud I was of them. One of my friends and I were at the well one day to get a drink of water. When she pumped the water from the well some of it splashed on my shoes. I was indignant to have water spilled on my pretty shoes!

One time I gave my poor mother such a fright. I was coming home from Sunday School when all of a sudden a rock hit me in the forehead and cut a gash in my head. The blood began to stream down my face and down the front of my pretty white dress. I was so frightened to see so much blood, I began to scream and ran for home. I thought it was the end of me for sure. Clarence Greer was the culprit that threw the rock and when he saw what he had done he made himself scarce in a hurry. I carried the scar for years and can still feel a dent in my forehead where the rock hit me.

Wallsburg was originally called Round Valley by the Indians because of the shape of the valley. It was a beautiful valley nestled between sagebrush covered mountains on the north, wooded mountains to the east and south where oak, pine, cedar and aspen grew. We depended on wood to burn in the kitchen range and for fuel in the heater to warm the house. Father and Ervin would go into the mountains for a day at a time to cut aspen and oak to use for fuel. They would haul enough home to last the winter then cut it up and store it in a woodshed. In cold weather Father would fill the heater with large pieces of oak and turn the drafts on the heater down before going to bed at night. It would burn like coal and there would still be coals left in the morning to start the fire going again. Growing on the slopes were chokecherries and service berries. Many times our family would take a day to go picking service-berries to eat and chokecherries for Mother to make jam and jelly.

We spent many happy hours gathering wild flowers that grew on the "Hill". Most of the flowers we picked were lilies, larkspur, Indian paint brush, and sego lilies that grew among the sagebrush.

These experiences I have related up to this time took place at the first home I can remember. It was a little three-roomed frame home situated at the foot of the "Hill" and across the street from the schoolhouse. The "Hill" was located just east of our house and Father's farm was just over the "Hill" to the east. There was quite a slope from the top of our lot to the level ground where the house stood. It was such fun to play on this slope. At the top southeast corner was a tree and underneath was my favorite place for a play house. Underneath another tree in front of the house was a swing where I spent much time. It was also such fun to swing on the front gate which had a strong spring to pull the gate shut, but I was strongly reprimanded if I was ever caught doing it. Then I also remember the cellar door that was so much fun to slide on.

My parents had taken over a store and post office and we moved one block west from the little house at the foot of the "Hill". There they had a separate building for the store. The house was one large log room with a small room at the back. Soon Father built a stairway in the house, put a floor in the attic and there is where our beds were as long as we lived there. Mother and Father's bedroom was the little room at the back of the house. There was a porch on the front of the house and soon Father enclosed it and fixed it up for a kitchen. The Church, or Meeting House as it was called then, was on the same block west and the schoolhouse was only one block away.

My first playmate was Ora Davis. She lived across the street from us. Mona Dabling was another early childhood friend who lived across the street east of us. She moved away from Wallsburg at an early age. Then came school days and our circle of friends was broadened. Of course, the ones in our grade at school were the ones we associated with. As I remember, there were about thirteen or fourteen of us -- Bessie Allred, Polly Boren, Vervien Boren, Rhea Mecham ( all four were cousins of mine ), Ethel Gardner, Vada Robinson, Madge FulImer, Deon Taylor, and Maudell Penrod. Maudell, also, moved away at an early age.

My first year in school when I was six years old was the "Beginners". The next year was 1st grade and so on up. The first teacher I remember was Miss Brooks. Lulu Clegg, from Heber, taught the 4th grade and was a favorite teacher of mine. Some of the children thought I was her pet but I felt that Maudell Penrod was her favorite. She was a good teacher and we all loved her. She furthered her education and ended up her career with a responsible position in the schools in Provo.

Two other teachers came from Heber, both named Moulton, one was the principal and the other, Merrill Moulton, was the 6th grade teacher. He was forced to resign at Christmas time because he could not control some of the unruly kids. He was replaced by Mose Whittaker who was from Provo. Mr Whittaker was very strict and soon put everyone in their place. If the children disobeyed, he made them reach as high as they could and put a mark on the blackboard. They had to stand in that position until he gave them permission to take their seats. If they did not reach the mark he would crack their hands with a yard stick. It only took a few times at the blackboard until the children began to get in line. The children soon learned they were there for an education not for mischief.

I liked school and generally received good grades. We used to have spelling bees. I usually was one of the last to go down. I remember once there were only two of us still standing when I was given the word "business" and I misspelled it. How chagrined and unhappy I was that I should miss it. I never forgot afterwards how to spell it. Our teacher Ernest Jacobson was the most outstanding school teacher I ever had. He was really a wonderful teacher. We always had a recess in the morning and one in the afternoon. Many times when we were waiting to go outside for recess or to be dismissed for the day he would quiz us on arithmetic. I loved those quiz sessions. I graduated from the 8th grade while he was teaching. The next year he attained permission to teach a 9th grade class which I attended and that ended my formal education.

After the death of my four sisters, five other children were born -- two brothers William and Alton, and three sisters Emily May, Winona and Okie. William and Alton were close companions, always together, always shared everything with each other. William died 18 November 1917 just after his 13th birthday. He became ill while at school and was taken to the hospital in Heber. He lived only two days. His death was a sad blow to all of us and especially to Father and Alton. William was such a happy child with beautiful brown eyes and a million dollar smile. William was a mischievous child, full of fun but oh so lovable. It's no wonder we missed him so.

Ervin and I grew up together sharing our youthful pleasures as teenagers. We both loved to dance and had many happy times going to dances and parties. I always admired him as a big brother.

Alton was the only one of the children privileged to fill a mission when he was young. He filled his mission in Canada where he met his future wife Fern Thorne. After his return from his mission Father doted on Alton his only son remaining at home, as Ervin had married while very young. In later life Alton and his wife Fern filled a work mission in Samoa and then several years later filled another mission in Australia.

Emily was just ten years younger than me and was a generous and good natured sister. She was very friendly and was, like Mother, a good cook. Emily has a talent for writing poetry and now when I want a poem written I always call on her.

Nona (Winona) was 1« years younger than Emily. From the time she was a baby she showed signs of determination, a quality I have always admired. Once when I wanted her to do something for me she hesitated then said, "I would, but I won't" and she didn't. Winona became a registered and talented nurse. She filled a mission in Samoa in her later life.

Okie , our baby sister, was born while Father was on his last mission. Father always called her his missionary girl. She became a beauty operator and helped her husband manage a drug store they owned in Salt Lake City, Ut. Okie has a flair for writing also. This was evident to me when she read some of her life history she is writing.

Emily, Winona and Okie were such beautiful little girls. One day a customer in the store remarked, "What beautiful little girls". He turned to his wife and said, "H___ , why can't you and I have good looking kids too?"

Mother and Father both worked in the store. They had also acquired a farm around the "Hill". While Father farmed, Mother clerked in the store. Mother had a business head on her. She also had a way with people which greatly aided in building their business. We were also taught to work and given responsibilities. Ervin would go with Father to the farm and I would stay and help Mother in the store.

When I was little, Mother always made me take a nap in the afternoon. She made me a bed under the counter. One day when I did not want to take a nap she said, " All right Elva, you lie down and rest one hour and then you may get up and play. I stayed awake for about « hour and of course I then fell asleep -- a wise mother.

Another experience I shall never forget -- there was an outlaw whose sister lived in Wallsburg. About every two years or so he would return to visit his relatives. There was no sheriff in Wallsburg so he felt quite safe from being apprehended. One day he came into the store and was paying a lot of attention to me. He turned to Mother and said, "One day I am going to kidnap that little girl". He probably was only kidding, but it put a scare into Mother and she in turn frightened me until I used to dream of being kidnaped. From then on she would hardly let me out of her sight.

People used to set me upon the counter and talk to me. One customer came in the store and I was very frightened of him because he was the first Negro I had ever seen. Mother did not have to keep her eye on me as I would not let her get out of my sight.

I loved it when the Christmas things came into the store. Father and Mother used to send to a mail order house in Chicago for the toys. When those large boxes arrived it was such fun to see them being opened. Most of the time, though, we older children had to take care of the little ones and couldn't stay to see what was inside of those boxes.

Mother made new dresses of beautiful material for us girls at Christmas in 1901. After the death of my sisters the next February, Mother pieced a beautiful quilt using the material from their dresses. Each dress was either red or blue. The quilt was pieced in the Irish Chain Pattern and it was set together with white blocks. It was a most beautiful quilt. Mother only used it on special occasions. She kept it a trunk in the basement. Once when she was showing us the quilt I asked if I could have the quilt some day. She said yes that she felt I was the one to inherit it. About two years later I asked Mother to show us the quilt. She looked at me with grief in her eyes and said, "Elva, I do not know where it is, someone has taken it. Imagine the hurt and disappointment I felt. It was an heirloom. No one, just no one, could ever appreciate that quilt as much as I. I would have cherished it all my life.

Mother took such pride in making my clothes. Any new styles were mine. For instance, when the middy blouses came in style I was the first to have one. Mine was white with a sailor collar, a navy blue tie and pleated skirt. How I loved that outfit.

Ervin and I used to quarrel so much we nearly drove Mother to distraction. One day she said, "Children if you will stop quarreling for one whole week I will give one dollar to each of you." What good intentions we had. What a fortune we thought we would have. What fun we would have spending it. We pictured in our minds what we could buy. For a couple of days we did very well, then the third day we forgot and had the prize cut to 95 cents. Then each quarrel cost us 5 cents, until at the end of the week we had lost out completely. I think we just liked to argue.

We had milk cows that had to be taken to the pasture each morning and brought back home at night. One late afternoon Mother told me to go after the cows and gave me some licorice and other candy to eat on the way. One of my friends was going to go with me. We had to go up over a hill to get to the pasture. We played along eating our candy. When we came to the licorice we used it to paint our faces black. What a gay time we were having until it began to rain. Hurriedly we started home with the cows. The rain washed the licorice off one side our faces. The other side was still black when we arrived home.

One of the happy vacations our family took was in a covered wagon out to Currant Creek. There were two families that went together, ours and the John Whiting family. John Whiting and his son Wayne, who was Ervin's age, were very good fisherman. They would go together fishing and Father and Ervin would go as a pair. They would take a lunch and fish most of the day. Their competition as to who would bring in the most fish when they returned at night was very interesting. In regard to who caught the most fish, it was about "nip and tuck". One day the Whitings would come in with the largest catch, then Father and Ervin would have the most fish. I can tell you we never wanted for fish to eat. They were great fishermen and there were lots of fish to catch. I would guess, on an average, the fish would measure 10 - 15 inches.

The men found a special campground but to get to it they had to drive over a treacherous, narrow and rocky place with the raging torrents of Current Creek just below. It was always with a sigh of relief when the last wagon was safely across. Everyone had to get out and walk across this certain place.

The second year we took this trip our parents decided to try fishing in Strawberry Reservoir, which was only one days travel from home. The men went out in the afternoon of the first day to try their luck. When they returned that night they decided to go on to Current Creek as the fishing was much better there.

On our way home that year we were camped in a beautiful canyon. In the morning before sunrise Father came to awaken us. There was a deer over on the mountain. We all arose and were rewarded to see this deer come out of the thick forest and stand in an open place on the mountain just as the sun was coming up. It was a treat thrill to me -- the first deer I had ever seen in the mountains.

When I was 12 years old another turn of events transpired. Our father was called on his second mission. We had moved into the heart of town, the house was one block from the school. The store and post office stood in the southwest corner of the lot. The Meeting House lot, as we called it, was west of our place. To get back to the mission, Father and Mother had done very well and were planning on building a new store on the southeast corner of our lot. Father was making preparations to build the store. He had been to Midway and bought and hauled two loads of Pot Rock for the store. To top this, Mother was expecting another baby. Father did not feel it was right to leave his wife and family at this time. The Bishop said, '"All right, if you will promise to send Ervin instead as soon as he is old enough to go." Father would not promise this not knowing how Erwin would feel at that time. Father and Mother decided he had better go, which he did -- at the sacrifice of selling the store and giving up the post office because Mother was not able to carry on with the store, take care of a family, and run a farm with Ervin being just 14 years old. Bishop FulImer owned another store in Wallsburg so Father felt it was right to accept the call.

What a change in our lives and at our ages! Ervin was expected to take the place of a man. I had to learn to milk cows, tromp hay, ride the hay horse, take cows to pasture, weed garden and many things I had never had to do before.

One of our good milk cows was caught somehow in the barn and was choked to death. When father left he had a beautiful team of dapple-grey horses. One morning Ervin went to the barn and found one of the horses was leaning against the gate of the corral. There was blood most every where in the corral. It was not long until our big horse fell over dead from loss of blood. We never knew the cause of the bleeding.

Our youngest sister, Okie, was born 21 November 1912. Through the blessings of the Lord both Mother and the baby were fine. Father always called Okie his little missionary girl because she was named after one of the members of the Church in Kentucky. Father insisted on this particular name. He said he felt he should have the right to name his little missionary daughter.

When Father went on his mission he had a moustache. While gone he shaved it off and had his picture taken and sent it home. Mother showed the picture to Nona and she said, "That is not my papa!"

After Father's return from his mission he decided to go back into the mercantile business. He bought his old store back from the Greers. The Greers in turn bought Bishop FulImer's store which was across the street from our home. Bishop FulImer then moved to Idaho. I was allowed to clerk in the store sometimes. I loved it. One instance I remember. My parents had some customers who were allowed credit. One day Dan Lockhart came into the store to pay his bill. In figuring it up he questioned whether it was correct. He may have thought I was too young for this responsibility of clerking in the store. Imagine my satisfaction when the bill was finally totaled and he found there were no mistakes and he paid it in full. I was so happy when he found there was no error.

The store proved to be such an enormous responsibility to manage and Mother's health was not very good. She was unable to spend enough time in the store. With only two teenagers to be depended on to help clerk in the store and so much of Father's tine was taken up with his farming, a difficult decision had to be made. They decided to sell the store, much to my disappointment. They purchased some property on a hill about three blocks west of town, a beautiful building spot. They decided to build a new home. They also purchased more property across the valley and planned on going into the dairy business. The new home was built of brick and had a full basement It was the first basement built in Wallsburg. It cost Father $1000.00 to get the sand to build that basement. He had to have it shipped by train. The house was built in 1915 and the following picture was taken the summer of 1976. [link]

After the death of my brother William and the early marriage of my older brother Ervin I just remained at home. I felt my parents needed me. Mother was president of the Relief Society and depended on me to take care of the house and cook the meals.

During my school days my favorite sport was playing baseball. We would choose up sides. I learned at an early age to catch the ball and as I grew up I became quite proficient as a catcher. I loved to come to bat and could really hit that ball.

We had to create a lot of our own recreation and I remember one year they held the 4th of July Celebration at the Nichol's Ranch. In the morning a program was held and at noon everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch. At 1 p.m. there were races and games and at 2 p.m. there was a ball game. The married women played against the single girls. Lula Meacham was the pitcher
and I was the catcher. How well I remember our first baseball practice. Lula sailed a ball in there, the batter missed it and I caught it not in my hands or a mit, but on a cheek bone and my eye. What a blow! I sure learned to catch her swift balls after that and we made quite a team. We. played this game on the 4th and won the game. We went on through the years and of the games we played together we never lost one game. The very last game I remember was when I had two children of my own. It was really a struggle. I did not have the endurance nor could I run like in my younger days. Another sport I liked was volley ball. Then there was sleigh riding and coasting down the "Hill". Our school house was built at the base of this hill and in the winter there was always a trail to coast down on. I learned to swim in a creek that ran through the meadows. We called it John Al's Swimming Hole. We had to walk a mile or more and back but we had great fun at this swimming hole.

One time a group of our friends went camping up Main Canyon. Father and Mother had gone to Heber that day so we could not leave 'til they returned. We went in our wagon, Ervin my brother, doing the driving. It was late when we arrived in the canyon. We came to a clearing and decided to make camp as it was already getting dark. The boys put up the tents, we made our beds and retired early, the boys in one tent and the girls in another. During the night a fierce windstorm came up. Next morning when we arose and looked at one another we all burst out in gales of laughter we all looked so funny. Our faces were all so coated with dirt and dust it was difficult to recognize who was who. Mother had made a freezer of ice cream for us to take. After we had eaten it all we began to scrape the freezer. Delose Gardner grabbed the can and I started to chase him. He ran under a bush and when he went to duck he hit the can with his knee and his nose. It split a gash in his nose which ended that chase and fun. Delose was lots of fun to go with. Once he asked me to go steady, but I was not ready to go steady with anyone.

I think the first boy friend I ever went with was Jack Mitchell. The other boys I liked and liked to dance with were: Vern Davis, Harvey Allred, Delose Gardner, Laurence Ford, Vern Nuttall, Maurice McAffee, Dan Lockhart, Dewey Lockhart, Jess Taylor, Dick Sabey and Dewey Ford.

One day a group of us was out on the sidewalk in front of our place kidding and having fun. Mother called me in the house and said, "Don't you get a crush on Laurence Ford, he's a flirt and will only break your heart." One Sunday Laurence asked me to go for a ride with him on his horse. He had to go over to his place to change the irrigation water. When we were coming back he told me he loved me and asked me to marry him! My first Proposal! I was so surprised. I told him I was too young to think of marriage. I think I was 15 years old that spring.

My cousin, Rhea Meacham and I really became close friends. We double dated and had such good times together. Once we were talking about our hopes and the future, who we liked etc. One person Rhea said she liked was Vern Davis. Not long after that Vern asked me for a date. When I went with him we also talked of people we liked and things we liked to do. I stressed what a sweet girl Rhea was and how I loved her. Within a few days Rhea had a date with Vern. From then on they went steady and they were married within a year. They moved to Heber to live. Vern became a barber and they moved to Kamas. I never saw Rhea again for years and how I missed her.

Deon Taylor and I became fast friends. She attended high school in Springville where she lived with her grandparents during the school year. She went on to get her teacher's certificate and then taught school.

One night at a dance Jess Taylor asked me to go home from the dance with him. He was tall and had dark brown hair and blue eyes. I had always liked people with blue eyes. I said, "I'll have to think about it". He asked me a second time. I did go home with him and then a romance began. He treated me royally. I loved being with him. He proposed to me several times. I did not give him any encouragement until he promised to quit smoking. World War I broke out and they were drafting all the young fellows. Jess was going to be drafted and he pleaded with me to marry him before he left. Jess had a way with him. He convinced me he had quit using tobacco and I promised to marry him. We were married 1 May 1918. In ten days he was drafted into the Army. He had to leave for training and was later sent over-seas to France. We wrote regularly and how I longed for his return.

The war ended November 11th of that year. Jess returned in February, 1919. I was staying with Erwin and Vada in Provo. Ervin went to town and ran onto Jess so they came home together. What a happy surprise. What a thrill to feel his arms around me again. We talked the whole night through! Jess was so happy to be home. I had saved money to buy a set of dishes which had a bluebird and pink apple blossom pattern. Jess could not find work right away. He needed a bicycle to go find work, so the money I had saved went to buy the bicycle and I never did get the set of dishes I so wanted. Jess would come home to eat then off on the bicycle he would go. Finally he got a job on a ranch in Wyoming and was gone for the summer. I went to Wallsburg to stay with Mother and Father while he was away.

Jess returned home in the Fall and we moved back to Provo. He secured work at the foundry in Provo for that next year or so. I was expecting a baby in December. We lived in two back rooms of his parents home until after the baby was born. Velma was born prematurely 26 October 1919.

When Velma was born Mother came to take care of us. Because the baby was so premature we did not know whether she would live or not so we were advised to have her given a name and a blessing at home, which we did on November 5th. I had a friend named Velma Wall whose friendship I treasured. I loved her name for that reason and had always wanted my first girl to be named Velma. Jess preferred Velva, but I won out and she was named Velma. Then Velma developed an infection in her eyes and we called a doctor. He asked who the doctor was that had delivered the baby and said that she should have had medicine put in her eyes when she was born. How we worked to follow the doctors instructions. He left on a hunting trip. When he returned and looked at the baby's eyes he was surprised. He said he had been afraid that the medicine was so strong it would turn her eyes milky and she would become blind. When our baby was about three weeks old, she looked at some clothes that were hanging on a line swaying in the breeze. She was following the movement with her eyes. What joy and gratitude filled my heart when I knew my little girl was not blind. I know this; it was through faith, prayers
and the blessings of the Lord that his sight was saved.

We moved into an apartment on 4th East, which was more comfortable and cheery. We lived there a little over a year. Jess continually went away on his bicycle with his friends. I felt lost lonely and neglected. I left to go to my parents home for a visit, not intending to go back to him. There were rumors Jess would be laid off work. My parents offered us a place to live in their basement if we needed it. Jess persuaded me to return to him, and we accepted their offer when he was laid off work. I learned I was pregnant again and our second child, a boy named Jesse Keith, was born the 3rd of February, 1922. My parents helped us with the down payment to buy the property across the street from them, and we moved there shortly after Keith was born. Soon I was influenced by malicious gossip and I believed Jess was untrue to me. I was deeply hurt and disappointed. I felt like the bottom of the world had fallen out from under me. The following May I sued for a divorce. I am not going into the reasons why. All I can say is I am sorry I got the divorce. I felt justified in doing so at the time. I regret it especially since Jess pleaded with me to give him another chance, telling me he had learned his lesson. I guess I had not learned mine as I should have been more tolerant and understanding. When one of his sisters told me in later years that Jess died loving me it increased my feelings of regret for not giving him another chance. I think whoever wrote this poem had me in mind.

Those We Love

They say the world is round
And yet I often think it square
So many little hurts we get
From corners here and there;
But there's one truth in life I've found
While journeying East and West
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those we love the best.

My children were my whole life. I adored them. We lived with my parents until Velma was four years old and Keith was almost 2 years old. I secured a job in Provo at the Utah State Hospital leaving my children with my parents, as I knew they would be well cared for. I came home every chance I had to see them, and Mother and Father brought the children to Provo to see me frequently. How I could have stayed away from my children and not go back and take them to their father I'll never know.

Keith was always with Father, followed him whereever he went. One night Father had to take his irrigation water turn in the middle of the night. Father could not find his shovel. He came down stairs where we were sleeping and awoke me. He said maybe Keith would know where the shovel was. Father tried and tried to wake Keith up, but no response. Father finally put his arms around Keith and stood him up to wake him up.

Father thought he might be pretending to be asleep so he let go of him but Keith began to slump down and fall and Father caught him. He could not get one word out of him so finally in despair he put Keith back in bed and left. I felt Keith's toes wiggle against me and I knew he was really awake. I whispered, "Keith where is Grandpa's shovel?" Keith said,"Tell him to look under the porch." When I did, Father went to look there and sure enough the shovel was there. What a little character Keith was.

When Keith was about four years old he fell on a rug and broke a needle off in his knee. Father and Mother took Keith to Heber to the doctor who x-rayed his knee but could not locate the needle. Father said they cut into his knee until it looked like a piece of hacked beef. They operated on his knee three times and the doctors were about to give up. The doctors said if the needle traveled and went into the water in his knee cap it would let the water out of his kneecap and leave him with a stiff knee for the rest of his life. Silently Father prayed. The doctor decided to try once more. When they cut in again they struck the needle with the scalpels and were able to remove it. Keith's knee healed and he had full use of it. This experience taught us all one great lesson to be careful where we left our needles.

I went to visit Erwin and Vada in Idaho. While there I met one of Vada's cousins and we had a great time. He was interested in marrying me. Later he came to Utah to see me but I was not interested in marrying anyone else at that time. In fact I was so bitter I said I would never marry again. I was still in love with my children's father.

I began my music lessons when I was a child and a teacher came from Heber once a week and gave piano lessons during the summer. He gave 10 lessons each summer and I took the lessons for two summers but on the organ. After I was grown my parents bought a piano. When they bought the piano, Mother gave the organ to the Relief Society. When I was working in Provo I bought myself a piano. I purchased it from Taylor Bros. and they paid for 12 lessons. I chose to take them from a Professor Fitzroy. I really learned a lot from him.

Rita (Cecilia) Carter, a friend who worked with me at the hospital, invited Berniece Miller and me to a spaghetti dinner at their home to meet her husband George's brother, Clyde Carter and Rita's brother, Bill Rita. We visited joked and got acquainted. After dinner we went for a ride. George and Rita rode in the front seat and that left the four of us to sit in the back. Bill got in first. Clyde helped me in next. Bill pulled me over on his lap so I was his girl for the night. Clyde told me later he had me picked out for his date that night. He never lost any time in making a date with me.

Clyde Avor Carter was born 15 December 1893 in Nephi, Juab, Utah where he spent his boyhood. His father was Thomas Carter, born 15 November 1861 in Nephi, Juab, Utah. Thomas Carter was a tall stern man. He had been a farmer, worked in the mine at Eureka, Utah, had made adobe bricks in Nephi and in later years he worked as a car man for the Union Pacific Railroad. Clyde's mother was Mary Crawley, born 2 December 1866 in Nephi, Juab, Utah. She was mild in disposition and an immaculate housekeeper. She devoted most all her time to homemaking and to her family.

Clyde went to school and learned to be a barber. He worked as a barber in Nephi for a short time but did not enjoy it.

The family moved to Eureka, Utah where Clyde and his father worked in the mine. They were living there when Clyde was called on a mission to the Southern States. He filled his mission in Florida. On returning from his mission he was drafted into the Army in the first World War. He was in the 145th Field Artillery in France. They had just received orders to go to the front lines when the Armistice was signed.

When he returned from the war his parents were living in Provo, Utah. So he came back to a new residence, new ward, and had to make new friends. Work was scarce but he obtained a job at the Union Pacific Railroad. The Bishop did not get him busy in the church. He started to chase around with a crowd who played cards, drank, smoked and having a good time was the most important thing in their lives. This was about the state of affairs when I met Clyde.

Once just after I met Clyde he pulled out a packet of cigarettes and asked me if I minded if he smoked. I looked at him in surprise, shrugged my shoulders and told him to go ahead. He told me later that just by the look I gave him he knew I did not approve. He never smoked again. From then on I began to find life most interesting. We dated steadily. Clyde bought a new car and really showed me a good time. He was a good dancer and I always loved to dance with him.
Many times Clyde would take me to Salt Lake where we would go to a matinee in the afternoon at the Paramount Theater, out to dinner and then to a play at the Wilks Theater at night. Clyde really fell in love with me He said he knew from the first that I was the one he had been waiting for. The children used to sing the song "Falling In Love". Velma used to sing "Clyde's falling in love with Mother". Clyde had found the one he wanted and was not about to give up. I was reluctant to marry again but he finally won me over. We were married 30 January 1929 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Clyde accepted and loved my two children as his very own and he legally adopted them 8 April 1929. Their names were changed from Taylor to Carter.

Clyde and I went on a honeymoon to California. We registered in a hotel in Los Angeles. Clyde paid one week rent in advance in cash. The clerk at the desk was in a hurry and said he would put the receipt in our mailbox. We were so happy sightseeing and having a good time we forgot to check. We went on a ship to Catalina Island where we took a bus sight seeing trip around the island. We took another bus to go on top of the hill to see the Wrigley Estate. On top of the hill the bus broke down and the ship left us stranded along with several other sightseers. After the ship left us, Clyde and I went to an aviary. There were so many beautiful birds and among them were some white peacocks. Next day on returning to Los Angeles, a storm came up which rocked and tossed the boat. Most every one was sea sick. There was no band playing, just sick people lying around on the benches everywhere. Upon arriving at our hotel we decided to go home a day early. We packed our bags, called a cab, then went dawn to check out. The desk clerk told us we had to pay our room rent first. Clyde told the clerk that we had paid it when we registered and the receipt should be in our mailbox. He looked and found no receipt there. The taxi was waiting. Clyde refused to pay again. The desk clerk said the clerk who had checked us into the hotel was on vacation but he just never made mistakes! That flared my temper. I told him in no uncertain words, "There is not anyone that does not make mistakes. Clyde knew that he had paid the bill in advance. I knew he had paid it and when the clerk returned he would know it too". So they dismissed the cabbie and the hotel had to pay him. We went back to our room and stayed another day. The next day the vacationing clerk returned and acknowledged his mistake. He meekly apologized to us for his mistake and neglect. We laughed many times afterward at Clyde's amazement at the way I stood up to the desk clerk.

Upon our return home we rented a little house on 3rd South and east of 7th East in Provo. We placed the children in the Maeser School, Velma in the 3rd grade and Keith in the 1st. It was difficult for the children but they were both promoted at the end or the school year.

Clyde made friends wherever he went. He indeed loved his neighbor as himself. He had a special talent for acting. He was in many plays put on by the different wards that we lived in. The year Clyde and I were married, we lived in Bonneville Ward in Provo. Clyde was President of the Y.M.M.I.A. and Vi Adams was President of the Y.L.M.I.A. They put on a play that was really a hit. I think the name of the play was "Lucretia". Clyde and another man were made up in black face and were "end men" telling jokes between acts After the play, the cast and their companions went to the Riddle's home for refreshments. We took our children Velma and Keith with us. Velma remembers eating ripe olives there. She said it was the first time she had ever tasted them, and I remembered it was the first time I had ever tasted them too. Then Clyde had to go on night shift at work, so he had to be released from the Y.M.M.I.A. Later when we lived in the Rivergrove 1st Ward Clyde was in another play, "Little Women". Clyde took the part of the father. It was a magnificent performance. They were invited to present it again in another Ward.

On the 4th of July Clyde went to work at 4:00 p.m. After getting the work done one of the men, Glenn Edwards, said, "Come on over to our place and have a drink of root beer. Glenn, Clyde and one of the other men went to Glenn's home which was near the railroad yards. Glenn gave them a drink of root beer. Then he said, "You know I've got some other beer (home brew) down in the basement", so they had to try it. About 11:00 p.m. the other men had to bring Clyde home because he was so sick to his stomach. I arose from my bed full of concern, until he told me what caused it all. My sympathy vanished. I said, "It serves you right." I turned and went back to bed.

That was the last time he indulged in any kind of "drinking" until he was working in Nevada. He brought home some wine this". He said, "You will like this." One taste was enough for me. Clyde said it was good for a cold. So it was put away in my cedar chest. One day I accidently came across it and noticed some of it was missing. When I questioned Keith he admitted he had been sampling it. I poured the rest of it down the drain. I did not want my son to learn to like the stuff.

The afternoon of November 9th, 1929 I decided to take the children and go to a movie. I think it was called either "The Gold diggers of Broadway" or "Broadway Melody." Anyway one of the songs played in it was "Tiptoe Through The Tulips". I started in labor while watching the show but I was so engrossed in the movie I would not leave until the end, not realizing the chance I was taking. I would not go to the hospital and leave the children as they had been ill, so Myrna was born at home about 11:00 p.m. that night. Everything went fine and Mother came to take care of us. Myrna was such a bright beautiful baby. A neighbor, Loree Christiansen's mother, said, "Myrna is such a sweet baby with a little rosebud mouth". Clyde was such a proud father. As soon as she was big enough to take with him he took her with him everywhere he went whenever it was possible to take her.

The next summer the family was in Springville watching a parade. There was a surprise in store for Grandpa Carter. He was holding Myrna, laughing and playing with her. She suddenly reached in his mouth and pulled out his upper false teeth. The crowd just roared with laughter.

In June 1930 I had an internal hemorrhage and lost so much blood they called the doctor when I fainted. I remember when I began to come to Clyde was holding me in his arms pleading "please don't leave me" ---his voice sounded so far away. When I first tried to get up and walk I fainted again. I lost a lot of weight and had no color in my face. Later I went to the hospital to visit my sister Emily who had been operated on for appendicitis. I met the doctor in the hall and he looked at me and said, "You look like you need to be in there with your sister." It was a year before I regained my strength. My hair had always been curly but during that illness I lost most of the curl in my hair.

We were like gypsies. We moved from 3rd South to 4th South and 7th East to Clyde's parent's old home. The next year we had a chance to buy a place in Springville. It was a small place and when winter came we nearly perished. The house was not insulated and the moisture came right through the walls. It was so cold we decided we did not want to buy that place. We then found another 4-roomed home on 1st South in Springville and moved into it for about two or three months. Clyde was laid off work at the railroad. We had a chance to buy a farm in Orem. By borrowing on his life insurance we secured a down payment and moved to Orem to farm. We had two cows, bought some chickens and pigs, planted tomatoes, melons and a garden and settled down to farming. We had our eggs, milk and butter. Our garden was a success. The melons were really good, lots of tomatoes but no market for them. So many people were in the same circumstances as we were, no jobs, no money.

One day when Myrna was a baby we were visiting. my parents in Wallsburg. There was a canal running back of my parents home. There was a fence between the house and the canal, a foot bridge to cross the creek and a plank below to stand on to dip water from the creek. Someone must have left the gate open. We heard Velma scream, "Myrna had fallen in the creek". We ran out there and found that Myrna was lying in the deep water motionless. Myrna would have drowned if Velma had not found her.

We were expecting another baby. On 22 December, 1931, another lovely baby girl with lots of dark curly hair arrived. In about three days I noticed pus in one eye. I was frightened and we immediately called the doctor. He called in an eye specialist to treat the baby's eyes. I was frantic after the experience we had had with Velma. Clyde's mother was there when the baby was born. She declared the doctor only got medicine in one eye, the baby blinked and she did not think the medicine went in the eye that became infected. The medication was effective and with diligent care the baby's eyes healed. So we had another beautiful little daughter, whom we named Carol Jean, to bring joy to our home.

We had to borrow money to buy hay and feed for our cows and chickens. Then Clyde was called back to work for a couple of months and we were able to pay our obligations. Then the payment came due on the farm and we had no money to meet it. We found another relatively new house in Orem which we rented and moved into in January. We needed a place to put our farm machinery and our animals on. Then in the Spring Clyde found another place we could rent in Northeast Provo. So we moved again to this farm. We rented out some of our pastureland. One day I told Clyde we were out of flour and we had no money. He went to see one of the men who owed us money for our pasture. At first he refused to pay. He said he had no money. He could see the despair in Clyde's eyes. He said, "Just a minute I'll see if my wife has any money". He came back with $3.00, which bought some gas and a sack of flour.

It became necessary again to borrow some money and we went to Personal Finance Co. We had to sign our furniture over to get a loan. We hoped to sell peaches that fall. We took a load to Wallsburg, but realized very little from the sale of them. In fact, Clyde almost had to give some of them away. We owed some on our piano and furniture but Taylor Brothers were very lenient with us. We made the payments whenever we could. Then we were expecting another baby in January and Clyde was out of work. While he was gone one day, an agent from the Personal Finance Co. came and threatened to take our furniture if we did not meet our payments. He was so rude to me I was in tears when Clyde came home. We managed to collect some pasture money and make a payment. Fortunately Clyde was called back to work again and we paid Personal Finance off, and resolved never to borrow money again if we could possibly avoid it, especially of them. They were charging us 36% interest. We learned a lesson from that experience.

Fall came and the people who owned this farm decided to sell it and offered to sell it to us, but Clyde had no job and we had no money to buy it from them.

There was a basement in the house and we had to go outside to get down to it. Winter came, snow covered the ground. I started to go down in the basement and my feet went out from under me. I had a terrific fall. That afternoon I started to have labor pains. Clyde was at work. I was home alone with the children and we had no telephone. Finally Clyde arrived home.
He went for a doctor and his mother. There was a very heavy snow storm and the snow became so deep they had a difficult time reaching our home. Don was born twenty minutes after the doctor finally arrived. This was 21 December 1932. First thing I asked was, "Is the baby all right?" He was, and both of us did very well. We were able to get Rinda Rowley to come stay with us for a week or so. In those days they kept women in bed ten days before letting them up and around.

Still the problem of where to move since we had no money to buy the farm. In the early spring Clyde found a nice place to rent on 1st South and 325 East in Provo. We wrote to my brothers in Wallsburg to come get our farm machinery. We had to sell all our livestock and had to get rid of our cows. They had developed Bangs Disease (If cows had Bangs Disease they would lose their calves at birth).

One day Velma came home with a note from one of her teachers saying he had noticed Velma limping. We took her to Doctor Charles Smith, the city physician. He could find nothing wrong. (Twelve years later it was discovered she had had Legg-Perthes disease and she had to have a major operation. She was in a body cast for three months and on crutches for a year.) We do not blame Dr. Smith because it was not till many years later that doctors were able to recognize this disease before permanent bone damage had been done.

After we moved into the house on 1st South in Provo, Clyde was laid off work again. He took out an agency to sell Zanol Products in April, going from house to house. Money was so scarce. It was a stormy spring. It rained practically every day in May. Not very conducive to visiting people's homes. Finally Clyde secured a job on W. P. A. The work he did was help to build public roads. Soon after, my brother Ervin came to Provo and persuaded us to go to Wallsburg to help on the farm. It was a mistake. We had to move to a little one room shack on the farm around the "Hill". Clyde tried to get work on the W. P A. in Wallsburg, but since we had just moved to Wallsburg there was no chance of getting work.

The one room shack was only large enough to contain a wood stove and a hand made table and chairs plus two cots with folding sides which could be let down during the day. The two babies slept on one cot and Clyde and I slept on the other. A ladder between the cots gave access to an attic. The three older children slept on mattresses on the floor of the attic. The foundation of the shack was just some piled up stones under the corners. We dreaded to have the wind blow as we could feel the house sway in the wind. We had to carry our water from a spring east of the house. There was a larger spring in a wash to the southwest. This spring was surrounded by willow trees and was nearly filled with sweet tender watercress. When school started the children walked over the "Hill" to school until the cold weather came.

At last Clyde was called back to work at the railroad. Roosevelt was elected President of the United States in November, 1932 and things started to pick up again. We moved to town in Parley Heward's home, an old log home which had a large combination kitchen, dining and living room. I think it had one bedroom, with just a very small room off it just big enough
to squeeze in a bed. Clyde stayed in Provo and boarded with his Mother that winter. He would just come home on weekends. The next summer Clyde had to go to Las Vegas, Nevada to work. He only managed to get home about once a month for a couple of days at a time. When he came back to Provo to work he decided to drive back and forth each day. It was difficult to make ends meet as we had fallen so far behind in our monthly payments. Clyde was a Carman Helper on the Union Pacific Railroad. He had a chance to go into train service as a fireman where he would make a lot more money. But he would be gone on a run for days at a time and then be home for a time. He would never know just when he would be called to work. We talked it over. We both felt like we would much rather have him home at nights and have a regular wage even though it meant much less money.

Keith was such a tease. I think he delighted in teasing his sister until she cried. One day I was talking to Susie Bigelow. She said to me, "Tell Velma to tear into him and beat him up. He will stop pestering her. I had the same problem with my children." So I told Velma the "next time Keith teased her to turn on him when he started teasing her." Next time he started his teasing, Velma surprised Keith by fighting back. Finally in Velma's fury she overcame him and he fell on the floor crying, "Mama, she has killed me, I'm dead, I'm dead." He stopped his teasing her for about a week. When he started in again she turned and chased him throwing a full pan of dishwater at him. From then on he respected her ability to defend herself and he ceased his constant teasing.

Next year we moved to Aunt Polly Allred's house just east of the Heward home. We had more room, a small kitchen and a living room downstairs. Our beds were upstairs in an unfinished attic. Aunt Polly let us have a garden in her lot one block away. We were in the garden working one day when we looked up and saw a man approaching. It was Willard Soward, the real estate agent who had sold us the Orem farm. He said to us, "You two will make out all right the way you work together."

We had electricity in the house but not other modern conveniences like a bath room. We had a big round galvanized tub which was used to bathe in. One day I wanted to take a bath so I told the children to play outside. I locked the door while I was in the tub, Carol decided she wanted to come inside. I told her to stay outside and play. All at once Bang!, a rock came zooming through the window. You can guess she was properly chastised.

A couple more years or so passed by. The Government passed a law giving World War I Veterans a bonus. We were so grateful to get the money. The old Fraughton place was for sale. We were able to make a down payment on it and at last move into a home of our own. It had a kitchen with a cellar underneath (access to this through a trap door in the kitchen floor), a large living room. Upstairs were two bedrooms and an open room where we could put a bed for the two boys. The three girls had the largest bedroom and we had the other bedroom. We had a good garden, a cow, pigs and also chickens again. We also had a garage. The house was located within a block from the Church and a couple of blocks from Ford's Store.

One day I was resting when Myrna called to me "The stove's smoking." I ran to the kitchen. We had a small 4-burner electric stove in the corner sitting by the coal stove. It had a piece of linoleum over the burners which I used to set things on when the stove was not in use. One of the Davis twins, who were playing there, had turned the stove on and the linoleum was about to blaze. It was a good thing that I was home or the house may have caught on fire.

Another day Myrna came running into the house exclaiming, "Mama, Don has backed the car out of the garage. Sure enough, I ran out there and he sat big as life ready to take off! He was only about 4« years old!

We were active in the Church (Mormon). I had been organist for the Primary, then was a Counselor to Viola Boren Higbee in Primary. When I was called to be Relief Society President, Ethel Wall and Teressa Roundy were my counselors and Reva Boren was my secretary. We had Preparation Meeting once each month. When it was my turn to have it at my house I served refreshments. I had put up some grape juice that Fall in a different way. I cut the cake, poured the grape juice and served it. They all started to laugh and said it had turned to wine. Imagine the Relief Society President being accused of serving wine! That one I never did live down.

We received special notices to be sure to attend the Stake Relief Society Meeting which was held in Heber once each month. At this particular meeting we were given instructions about the Church Welfare Program that were going to be put into effect. At this time Bishop Boyden was also starting to make plans to build a new Chapel in Wallsburg.

When fall came we decided it was too far for Clyde to drive to Provo to work every day. So Clyde consulted with Willard Sowards and he found us a place to rent on 12th North in Provo. We moved there in September, 1938. The children were late getting into school. Timpanogas School was full. We had to take them to the Joaquin School in the east part of town. I drove them to the school. Don was in Kindergarten and his school let out at noon. I had to go to town to shop and take care of some business. The Kindergarten teacher gave permission for Don to remain in school all day so he could come home with the older children in the afternoon. To my amazement when I arrived home about 1:00 p.m. there sat Don on the steps waiting for me to come home. He had come home all by himself.

It was stormy weather when we moved back to Provo. I needed to wash clothes. I started early in the morning hoping to get the clothes dry on the line. I was just finishing hanging the last of the clothes when pop went the clothesline letting the clothes down in the dirt. There were about eight white sheets plus all the rest of the wash, and all to do over again. What a job.

We had one bed by a large window in the front of the house. Myrna, Carol and Don were having a hilarious time jumping on the bed. I told them to stop. They did not obey and Don was pushed against the window and broke it. Fortunately no one was hurt. Very provoked I said, "Just wit until your Dad gets home!" They were frightened, so Myrna and Carol decided to leave home and go to Grandma's house in Wallsburg. Myrna found a long stick, tied some of her clothing in a bundle on the end of it, and started up the road. I would not let Don or Carol go along. They were too small and I knew Myrna would not go far alone. Myrna started up the road and I watched her to be sure nothing happened to her. Her steps began to get slower and slower. Pretty soon she turned around and came back. She was getting hungry and had decided it was too far to walk to Grandma's.

Clyde found a house for sale on 3rd East and 325 South. It had a new carpet on the living room and dining room, had three bedrooms, a bath, a garage and a garden spot. We bargained to buy it. November, 10, 1938 we moved again. How we loved living in a modern, (with bathroom) home again. It did not have a furnace, but a good heater in the living room. Our old kitchen range did not bake very well and Clyde decided to get me a new coal range. We bought a beautiful green one at Taylor Bros. It was a beauty. I loved it so.

The next summer our neighbor, John Jacobs, north of us called us over to his place and told us he was ill. He did not have any relatives in this country. His wife had died a couple of years before and left him alone. He had a proposition to make to us. Some of the other neighbors had offered to take care of him but he felt like they were only wanting his property. He asked us if we would take care of him and he would deed his little home to us. Having only lived there about eight months, we were surprised and happy that he had respect for us and that he felt he could depend on us. We told him we would take care of him. The next day we went to see a lawyer. Mr. Jacobs deeded his place to us and we signed an agreement to take care of him, pay his expenses for the rest of his life. He was 80 years old. We checked every day to see how he was. The 3rdday we had to call the doctor. He could hardly get his breath. His feet were swollen over his slippers. It was decided to bring him to our place. We fixed the room next to the kitchen for him. The boys had to sleep in the dining room. Mr. Jacobs was very ill for about ten days when he began to improve. He was soon up and around the house. The next summer he wanted to plant a garden and take care of it, which he did. He was a gardener by trade. He raised a beautiful garden, not one weed in it. The radishes were so sweet and tender, such good peas, carrots and corn. In fact, everything he grew was good. He really knew his garden. Mr. Jacobs became ill again in November. He died in his sleep without a struggle and in peace. We learned many things from him. He was especially fond of Carol. I think that is how he became interested in us. She used to talk to him when she came home from school. For sure she was his favorite. Mr. Jacobs requested no flowers at his funeral, but the neighbors all went in together and got a beautiful basket of flowers. We had a beautiful spray for the casket and had a nice funeral for him. Later we had the work done in the Temple for him and his wife. He had not belonged to any church.

The Primary President asked me to work in the Primary. I told her I could not teach. The next year they came again. My conscience began to hurt me and I felt guilty sending my children to Primary and expecting someone else to teach them. So I said I would try. They assigned me to the Bluebird Girls and I taught them that year.

Verena and Alvin Decker moved from Southern Utah to 4th South in Provo. Verena and I became fast friends. We were so congenial and always could discuss things together. One day the Deckers came to visit us. Alvin and Clyde decided they wanted to go fishing, so Verena and I prepared a picnic lunch and we went up one of the canyons. While Verena and I set the lunch out, Clyde and Alvin went down the stream to fish for a few minutes. We called them to lunch and we had scarcely started to eat when it started to rain. We had to gather everything and dash to the car and finish eating our lunch in it. Afterward we played the game Aggravation. We had such a fun day.

After we bought our camper we went on a week-end trip and not finding any good fishing at the lake we went up Weber Canyon. It was stormy the last night we were gone. The Deckers and Clyde and I played games while we looked at the lightning flashing. I had never seen chain lightning before. It continued for about 10 minutes.

We took another trip to Southern Utah with the Deckers and planned on taking a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota to see the Pageant there. But that trip never matured. It was too cold when we planned to leave on the trip in the Spring and later we were too involved to get together and go.

They put Verena in President of the Primary and I was her 1st Counselor. I began having migraine headaches every Tuesday. I was under too much tension so I asked to be released. The next year Verena and the Bishop came and asked me to be the In-service Training Teacher. I was shocked and felt like I could not do it. But they said they were sure I was the one for this responsible position. Finally I accepted. Through the blessing of the Lord, humility and diligent study I filled this position for seven years. They were having difficulty with Group Two in Primary and could not get anyone to take the class. They asked me to help out until they could get a teacher. The first Primary I had twenty-two children in this class: I had learned a lot about teaching in those seven years, so I asked them to divide the class and get two teachers. There were two little boys who were problems. They asked me to continue with half of the class and they left both problem children in my class. I was determined to win their interest, and I did. That fall I was released from the In-service Training. Next I was called to teach the Stake In-service Training Class. I had learned when the Lord calls to accept, which I did.

Clyde worked in Genealogy and we tried to go to the Temple once each week. A group of us went up to Salt Lake together. When we moved to 3rd East we belonged to the First Ward. We were there about a year. When the Church divided First Ward and Bonneville Ward creating 7th Ward. Bishop Lloyd chose Clyde for the Ward Clerk. Clyde was kept busy getting the records in order. It was great mingling with the choice people of the Ward. We surely made some wonderful friends while we lived in the 7th Ward; Alvin and Verena Decker, Ruth Jones, Albert and Ora Van Wagoner, Horace and Zapporah Prestwitch, Harold and Leora Calder, Eugene and Nadine Roylance. We formed a study group and met twice each month taking turns having the group at our homes. After our study hour we had refreshments. Then at the end of each year we had a dinner, then stayed up and saw the old year out and welcomed the new year in. What happy time to remember. Ruth's husband, Lester's name was missed above.

I also belonged to the daughters of the Utah Pioneers. I sang with the Singing Mothers and the Choir whenever they had one in the Ward. I also was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher. I was on the cooking committee with Deseret Broderick. We enjoyed working together very much. Ruia Haws and I worked together in the Mutual teaching the Gleaner Class and we became fast friends. Will and Rosanne Jones were also very dear friends whom we enjoyed associating with.. They are both dead now. Eventually Alvin and Verena bought a mobile home and moved to Murray. We visited occasionally but not as often as we would have liked because of our involvement in our daily lives and obligations.

We decided to finish the basement in Mr. Jacobs house and move over there and try to get out of debt. We sold the other house.

World War II broke out. Keith joined the Service and was sent to Alaska. Tight security was kept, the mails checked, letters read and censored. We received one letter from Keith that part was cut out. Keith's name was Jesse Keith. In the Army he was known as Jess, and from that time on he wished to be called, Jess. After the war I once called him Keith and he did not answer me. Again I called him Keith. He turned to me and said, "Who are you talking to? My name is Jess." Jess met a fellow, Ray Luckins in camp and they became very close buddies. They were stationed in Utah for some time and visited us several times before they were shipped to Alaska. I might mention we did not know where they had been shipped to at the time.

During the war so many men had been drafted that the Union Pacific was hiring women to work on the railroad. I put my application in and was hired. I cleaned the offices at first. It was a good job. Then the office girl quit and I applied for that and it was really choice. I did not have to work so hard, the hours were ideal, but the pay was not so good. I had to go to town for the mail and deliver it and was through at 4:30 p.m. They were promoting the women to Carman Helpers, on the tracks. They were working 12 hours each day. I found I could go to work with Clyde, come home with him, and make twice the wages, so I took a job outside as Carman Helper to my sorrow. Longer hours, less time at home, not there when the children came home from school. When the war ended and the fellows began to return home the railroad was going to lay off some of the men, I gladly quit rather than have men who had families have to lose their jobs.

We found the little house was too small for our growing family. We purchased a house up the street, the old Backman home. It was a mansion when it was built. It had hardwood floors. There were three fireplaces when the house was first built, but one of them had been converted into a chimney for a furnace. The woodwork was unique, wide mop boards, door and window trim which was so fancy it was a work of art, four different shades of paint, pink, two shades of green and gold, were used on the door frames and transoms. It had a pantry, kitchen, dining room, living room, library, bedroom, bathroom and a screen porch leading to the cellar all on the main floor. Sliding doors separated the living room and the library. A hall separated the living room and the other rooms and, it also had a stairway leading upstairs. Upstairs was a small room where the stairway came up and it had the chimney going up through it. It had a large closet. This room led into two small bedrooms. There was a garage and a large garden. The house had high ceilings. It had large windows. The living room had a large bay window with lovely drapes and curtains.

We began to remodel the place almost from the start. We lowered the ceilings in the living room, made a bedroom of the library and made a wall where the' sliding doors were. There were double doors from the kitchen to the dining room. We took those doors out and made an arch from the kitchen into the dining room. There were two entrances into the pantry, one from the dining room and one from the kitchen. We took those two doors out and made an arch from the kitchen into the pantry and closed the other door up. It made the kitchen much lighter and more pleasant. We remodeled the bath room by replacing the old 4-legged bath tub with a pretty new one and putting in a lovely new floor covering. We tore out all the fancy carved wood- work and replaced it with a narrow modern kind. Last but not least we tore off the old-fashioned porch and put in a smaller cement entrance.

Our children loved the place. It was a great place for entertaining for young and old. There were huge pine trees around the place. One in the front shaded the whole house and there was another at the south of the house. Our house was cold and dark, like living in a forest. Every morning our sidewalks were covered with a layer of pine needles. So we proceeded to cut the trees down, one each year. Clyde would cut the tops out and we had a beautiful Christmas tree. The year we cut the one at the south of the house, the tree was so large it filled the whole alcove in the living room.

Once when Mrs. Backman was visiting our dear neighbors, the Rusts, across the street she remarked that we had ruined their cherished home. We did not think so as it was modernized, livable and comfortable. It would have been a great show place as a relic or a museum.

Once after I quit work at the railroad I considered going to work again. Myrna said, "Oh, Mother, please don't go to work again. You just don't know how awful it is to come home from school and find you gone."

We were trying to get out of debt, so I decided to take students, going to Brigham Young University, as boarders. This I did for several years. I always liked to cook and we had some interesting students live with us for the next few years.

My sister, Winona, came to Provo from Milford with her little 9-year old son, Ken. Winona secured a job at the Utah State Hospital. Once she had a severe pain in her hand. She went to the doctor who x-rayed it but he could not find anything wrong. She was still in pain and again went to the doctor. He cut into her hand and still could find nothing wrong. They thought perhaps it was a piece of glass, but the doctor could not locate it. We were all sitting at the dining room table eating dinner. The pain was so bad Winona could hardly endure it. Father asked if she would like to be administered to. She said, "Yes, I would." Clyde anointed her with consecrated oil and Father sealed the annointing. Almost immediately the pain left and Nona never had any more trouble with her hand. Winona lived with us for three years then found a place of her own.

Father, also, came to live with us for three years before his death. I began having migraine headaches. The pain was almost unbearable. Father and Clyde administered to me. In the blessing he said I would be healed according to my faith. For two years, at times I would feel a threat of a migraine, but have never yet had another migraine headache.

Father had a gift of discernment. I have seen him go to administer to the sick and many times when he returned he would express his opinion whether the person would recover. Whenever he did so he was always right.

Helen Snow, a distant cousin, lived in Mapleton and was working in Provo. When her husband died she wanted to come board and room with us. She worked in genealogy. We told her she could come for a couple of months until she could find another place. She moved in when Don went in the Air Force. She never did find "another place" until we sold our home and moved to 6th West in Provo and did not have room for her. Soon she went on a mission. We had so many people coming and going we called our home "Grand Central Station".

Stake President David A. Broadbent, Velma's Seminary Teacher, once said to us, "You know your daughter is one of the very choice spirits held back to come forth in this day and age". Velma studied typing, shorthand and bookkeeping in high school. In 1938 Velma went to Salt Lake City to take care of Jay, my sister Winona's son, while Winona worked as a Registered Nurse at the L. D. S. Hospital. Winona later helped Velma get a Job in the office of the hospital. Then she worked for a year for Dr. Frank R. Slopansky in Salt Lake. Velma met Robert L. Anderson while she was working at the hospital and married him the 15th of March 1941. To this marriage was born two boys:

Robert David, born 21 April 1945, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Thomas Carl, born 17 May 1951, Spokane, Spokane, Washington

Jess liked mechanics. While he was in the Army, he was sent to study auto mechanics. When Jess returned home from the service he was hired as a mechanic in a garage owned by Marty Franich in Watsonville, California. He was promoted rapidly and has been manager of the repair department for many years. Jesse Keith met Sally Remsburg while he was in the Army and stationed in California. They were married 6 December 1941. There were four children born after this marriage:

Michael Dennis, born 13 November 1942, Hayward, Alameda, California
Patrick Albert, born 24 October 1944, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Linda Sue, born 15 June 1946, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California
Darcy Dee, born 29 October, 1950, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, California

This marriage ended in divorce. Jess paid support money for these children until they became of age. Jess later married Mella Elizabeth Williams, 25 November 1955. We all love Mella and she has been a wonderful wife to Jess. I have said she was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Myrna worked at the Kress Store in Provo before her marriage. Myrna went to the B.Y.U. for a couple of years. She met Robert W. Laird while they were attending B.Y.U.. He went on a mission and she waited for him. They were married 16 October 1950. Six children were born of this union:

Carol studied typing and shorthand and secured a job as a secretary for a Certified Public Accountant. Carol Jean also went to the B.Y.U. for one year. She met Stephen Rawlins and married him on 25 June 1952. Eight children were born to them:

Don joined the Air Force and was also sent to Alaska. He graduated from B.Y.U. where he majored in Manual Arts. Don has taught wood shop, metal shop and drafting to high school students. He has also taught driver training. Don Clyde, our son, met Judith Hammond at the B.Y.U. They were married 5 June 1959. Their children are:

After the children left home the big house was more work than I cared to take care of. We traded it for a smaller and newer home at 640 N. 6th West. It was really something to see the things we had accumulated and saved through the years. We gave away, threw away and took things to the Deseret Industries. It was quite an adjustment to move from a large house to a smaller one, but I loved the small house.

About two weeks after we moved I went to Spokane for a couple of weeks to visit Velma and family. A couple of days after I returned I looked out the window and saw three ladies approaching. When I went to the door they introduced themselves as the Primary Presidency. I had remarked I was not going to say anything about having worked in the Primary because I wanted to do genealogy and Temple work. Well here was an offer to work in the Primary, and the Guide Patrol class at that! I told them I would consider it. Reluctantly I accepted. How I had to study! There was no time for genealogy and work and Guide Patrol too. One of our instructors told us it would take one year to learn the Scout Program well enough to successfully teach it. It was a challenge. I worked and prayed, studied and learned to love the work with the boys and those I worked with. I learned much. The first year we had a Stake Jamboree. I was almost petrified. I worked, studied and prayed some more. Myrna drew some large pictures and maps and with the help of the boys it went over fine. I was much encouraged. The next year I decided to try something different. I felt the boys did not have any musical opportunities. We went directly to our class- room after the opening prayer in Primary. There were two of the boys who had exceptionally good voices, Dennis Harward and a boy whose last name was Asay. Some of the boys just hooted when I mentioned singing, but with the leadership of Dennis and the Asay boy the others fell in line. I gave each a copy of the songs to learn. We practiced. We sang out in the woods. The boys really enjoyed it even though some of them were reluctant to sing. Guide Patrol was a challenge to keep, but through faith, prayers and the Lord's blessings it was a rewarding experience.

When Clyde retired, we took a trip with Carol and Steve down the coast of California to San Diego where we visited Lela Bultez, Clyde's niece, and family, then on dawn into Mexico. Then we went up the coast to Medford, Oregon and visited Steve's brother Bruce and family, then on to Walla Walla, Washington and visited with Steve's parents. Then Clyde and I came home on the train.

I had a chance to cook for some B.Y.U. girl students at their apartment. I had to shop and furnish food for two meals. I had to cook dinner and serve it. The girls took turns doing dishes. I enjoyed doing it and with planning and shopping wisely it was profitable.

I had to go to Pullman after the Christmas Holidays to be with Carol and family when Douglas was born. Then we made another trip to Pullman after John was born in December 1959. We spent the Christmas Holidays with Carol and family.

We had planned to go to Hawaii to visit Velma and Myrna's families. We left for Hawaii the middle of January 1960. We traveled to California on the train. We went to Santa Monica to visit Olive Steward and Flossie, her sister. They took us to the airport, our first airplane ride and in a big 707.

When we arrived, there was a band playing and girls singing and dancing the hula. Velma, Bob and Boys, Myrna, Bob and children were at the airport to meet us. It was the thrill of our lives, to go to Hawaii. I had always said, "If there is any place I would like to go it would be Hawaii".

We had such a wonderful time. Velma was working, so Myrna chauffeured us around the beautiful island and to places of interest -- the Japanese Gardens and Hindu Temple, the Foster Gardens with its beautiful orchids and trees from all over the world and the Iolani Palace. We also went to the Dole Pineapple Plant where they served pineapple juice and slices of fresh pineapple to everyone without charge. We went to Kapiolani Park and Zoo. We went to all the special entertainments at the Church College of Hawaii, where Bob Laird taught. We traveled back and forth from Myrna's to Velma's home whenever there was something special in town or at the college.

While in town at Velma's we went to the hula show put on by Kodak, the Bishop Museum, to a fashion show at the Hawaiian Village Hotel, to lunch at the Waioli Tea Room in Manoa Valley where we saw also the home Robert Louis Stevenson lived in. They also took us on the Harbor Boat trip. One day we went down to the wharf. We took a guided trip through a passenger ship that was about ready to sail. Another time we went through a freighter. At that time they would book passage for six people. The fare was much less, accommodations were superb, and the food was choice. The passengers ate at the Captains table. The trips were much longer stopping, maybe a couple of days at one port then going on to another. A great way to write a book, study, rest and see the world if one had the time and money. (We never had either one so could not take advantage of it.)

Velma, Bob and the boys took us on a picnic to Hanauma Bay. It was a lovely place to swim. The next trip we took to Hanauma Bay we knew that something had happened. All cars were being stopped. Robert David got out of the car and ran down the hill to see what was wrong. A big crowd had gathered around a man who had drowned. They were waiting for an ambulance. Robert raced back to the car and told his dad to drive home quick because he wanted to report the story to the radio station. He received $2.00 for being the first to report it. Later, he received $10.00 for the best reported story of the month.

Velma and Bob took us to a special Philippine Show. It was fantastic -- beautiful music, beautiful costumes and the dancing was superb. It indeed was a lovely performance. They took us up on Tantelus, a very high mountain with a dense forest, beautiful scenery and view of the island, harbor and city. We went to the Punch Bowl, the National Cemetery where the soldiers of World War II were buried.

One morning, while at Myrna's, the children woke us up to see the sunrise. It was beautiful and Clyde took a beautiful picture of it. On the other side (Honolulu) of the island they had beautiful sunsets. Myrna's family lived close to a good beach to swim in and to look for sea shells. We were there for their Lei Day (May Day) Celebration. It was lovely. The children's costumes were so colorful. There was a queen from each island, each in a different color costume. Linda and Renae were in it. Clyde took pictures of their dances. We went on a glass bottom boat over the coral beds. It was like a fairyland of beauty. We went to a Hukilau and a dinner of island foods.

Velma told us the ocean can be treacherous. Many beaches were marked "No Swimming." While we were there so many unusual things happened. A lady got trapped way up in one of the high mountains and was finally rescued with much difficulty. During our first trip to Hawaii the volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii erupted. We were there when it happened. The newspaper showed pictures of cracks in the lava with steam arising days before the eruption began. It cost $50.00 to fly over to see it, a three hour trip. Instead we bought films of the spectacular sight and enjoyed seeing them on the screen.

At Laie I used to love to walk down to the "Point". It was a projection of lava rock out into the ocean. Such a magnificent view of that ever changing ocean. I loved to come the beach for shells and rocks. I had such a collection we had to mail it home. There was much more than we could bring on the plane.

When we were about to leave Myrna and Bob planned a Luau. They had students from the College build an Imu and prepare the food. An Imu is a hole dug in the ground where the food is cooked in banana leaves over hot rocks. Everyone came dressed in muumuus and aloha shirts. They played guitars, ukuleles and sang songs. One couple, Tillie and Al Lolotai, their neighbors, sang so beautifully together. She had been a professional dancer and he was a professional wrestler.

The Lolotai's took Myrna, Bob, Clyde and I to Honolulu to a special dinner. There was so much good food and we were all so full we walked around window shopping for a while. Then they took us for a dessert. They had a lot of fancy ones. They persuaded me to order a "Flaming Volcano". It was a huge bowl of ice cream topped with a sugar cube, which was lighted. There was so much ice cream that I could not eat all of it and I shared it with the others.

On our wedding anniversary, Velma and Bob took us out to dinner at the M's Ranch House. After our dinner the lights were dimmed and they sang the "Anniversary Song" to us and brought a special cake with lighted candles.

We left Hawaii in May in order to be home for Don's graduation from Brigham Young University.

That summer Carol came down to have Claude, Steve's brother, help them get another car, and we went back to Pullman with them to help drive back. We decided to drive through without stopping at night and we were 22 hours on the road, arriving between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. Everyone was "beat". Carol and Clyde were both ill, from the effect of it, with severe sore throats.

That year Steve was finishing pH-D schooling in Pullman. Carol was typing theses for students to earn money to help Steve through school. We stayed with them for two months to help with the children. John was seven months old and he became so very special to us. He was "Our Baby". Carol was so busy typing and Steve so busy working on his thesis.

We came home in August. In October Carol needed us again to come get the children so she could help Steve with his thesis and his school project he was developing. We went to Pullman and brought the children Diane, David, Douglas and John home with us. I shall never forget the look on Carol's face when she had to part with her children and drive home alone after taking us to the train. The children were happy on the train and very good We arrived home on October 20th. Diane was ill with a cold. In a couple of days, David became ill, then Douglas. David was the one who could not snap out of it. He had a poor appetite, and he became so thin he looked transparent, with his big eyes he looked like a wax figure. 1 went from one bedroom to the other
taking care of the children.

How dear and precious the children were, not causing any difficulties. John was Grandpa's baby at night with his crib in our bedroom. John learned to walk while with us. He started to talk and the most difficult word he said was "stocking", and he could say it so plain anyone could tell what he was saying. The children missed there parents. It was two months before Steve finished and they came in December to get the children. Then they went to Connecticut where Steve had a job waiting for him. I could hardly stand to part with them. Especially John because he had needed our love so very much. Carol and Steve had joking told us we could have him. We knew they did not mean what they had said and that John needed to be with the family but we really teased them about their remarks. You can guess how we missed them when they went so far away.

Carol was expecting another baby the next July so we left in June 1961 to go back East to be with them. Linda was born the 9th of July. When she was three weeks old we took a camping trip up in Vermont. Steve had the trailer with their camping equipment in and the family was in the car. They had a car bed for the new baby. They took the bassinet for night and she hardly knew she was not at home. Carol nursed her which was much more convenient than bottle feeding.

While we were camped at one beautiful lake we did not want to leave. There were three different swimming areas roped off, one shallow for the little children, another deep enough for anyone to swim in and the third was 40 feet deep. What fun it was. Steve and I swam around the lake where it was roped off. We did stay near the ropes, especially where the water was so deep.

It was not so much fun for Carol with her new baby and also for Clyde. He had been so ill at first while in Connecticut. The humidity was almost more than he could take. He had such a terrible cough. At one time we were afraid we would have to fly home with him. We moved our bed from the basement to the couch upstairs and from then on he began to improve and we were able to stay until the baby was born and take this sightseeing trip.

We had planned on going to Niagara Falls but we had stayed at the camp one day too long, so we had to miss something. We did so want to see the Pageant at Palmyra, New York and we went there. We also visited the birth place of Joseph Smith, The Sacred Grove and the Smith Home.

The weather was stormy when we were camped at Green Lakes. There was a terrific storm and we had to pack up and go to a pavilion to cook breakfast. It continued to be stormy all the way to Palmyra. The day of the Pageant the skies were so overcast and threatening until about 4:00 p.m. It was like the heavens opened up, the skies cleared over Palmyra and the Pageant was performed. All around elsewhere the clouds hung heavy and it was storming near by. The rain held off until after midnight in Palmyra. Next morning we packed and left for Corning, N. Y. to see the Corning Glass Factory. They make Pyrex there. It was a most interesting place. We saw them blow glass and make one little glass elephant. The things they make and do with glass is almost unbelievable We saw many beautiful and artistic things while there.

One of the beautiful scenes we saw on our way back to Connecticut was the Buttermilk Falls. We climbed up the mountain to see several of the falls that were not visible from the highway. John got tired and coming down the mountain Grandpa and I had to carry him most of the way. He held his feet up coming down the steps and how we laughed at him.

What a little character. While we were in the camp at Vermont, John loved to get in my purse. I kept it in the corner of the tent. I missed John and went to investigate. He was in the act of going through my purse. When he saw me he threw the purse in the far corner of the tent like lightning. He scrambled up on top of the pile of air-mattresses and bedding, etc. that was piled in the middle of the tent, then looked at me with a mischievous grin on his face as if to say "get me if you can".

Another cute thing John would do was march back and forth with his shoulders back, his arms swinging, taking very determined steps as is he was thinking of some major project of mischief, and watch out it usually happened.

I missed the little guy so much that Carol and Steve had some pictures made of John. They were so cute I framed them and have enjoyed them so very much.

Carol and Steve took us to New York City. It was such a beautiful drive on the "Parkway." In fact, just like driving through a park. We went to visit Steve's relative in an apartment. To look out the window all you could see was roof of one house after another as far as you could see. I should not like to live there.

On our return trip we went to Washington D. C. and spent a couple of days. We took a sight seeing bus around the city. The one thing I would like to return for would be to spend more time in the Smithsonian Building. We went to the Mint and watched them print money, to the Capitol, and crossed the Potomac River to the Arlington National Cemetery and watched them change, guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We would have liked to stop in Chicago and Denver to sightsee, but Bob and Myrna and family were leaving to go back to Hawaii. They had come home on vacation for the summer and had stayed in our home while we were on the east coast.

In May 1966 we went to visit Myrna and family in Hawaii. We were so happy to see how the Laird family was developing and growing. Bob held a prominent place at the Church College of Hawaii. Myrna was teaching piano and had just been put in as Primary President. Each child is given their jobs and is checked to see if the jobs are completed.

Linda is "Myrna the second", so carefree and full of fun. One night she had a terrible scare. They had a window peeper. He had a flash light. The girls saw it, Linda crawled up to the window, put her hand up in the guys face and frightened him away. She said, "I thought if he was going to scare us, I would give him a scare", which she did. The police were called, the boy apprehended and chastised. It was a neighbor boy who had a crush on Linda. Linda is also an excellent swimmer. She had already won three swim meets.

Renae is a doll too, taller than Linda. The two girls are so close to each other. They are taking ballet dancing. The teacher thinks Renae has real talent and she loves dancing and music. She is the organist for the Jr. Primary. While we were there Renae was always included whenever or where ever Linda and Kathy, her friend, went. It was noteworthy.

Then Robbie was ordained a Deacon while we were there. He is so sincere and dependable and Roger is also. The two boys have a paper route and share the responsibilities and the profits. These two brothers are very close. They share and are thoughtful and considerate of others.

Then there is Karen, the same sweet little darling with her front teeth out. She shared her bedroom with us. At night when she got tired she put on her pajamas and went to bed all by herself.

Little two-year old Allan, a joy and favorite, is loved and spoiled by all. He is so full of life and mischief, keeping every one alert as to his doings and whereabouts.

Again the time passed so quickly. We decided to hike up to Sacred Falls. The older children all left us to take our time with Karen and Allan. Clyde had to go slow on account of his asthma. When we arrived at the Falls, Linda, Renae, Kathy, Robbie and Roger were all in the pool at the foot of the falls. Such beauty. The mountains were almost perpendicular and covered with moss, flowers and foliage. It is reported that there are three or four other falls, higher up in the mountains, that have only been seen from airplanes.

There was a group of other people at the pool. I must mention especially five of them four male and one female. I cannot call them men, they were more like "hippies" from California. We were told they were associated with the "Hells Angels". The "Hells Angels" were a notorious motorcycle band who operated out of Los Angeles. They were atrocious to us. For instance, one fellow undressed and put his swimming trunks on in plain view of everyone. Then while in the pool two of them exchanged swimming trunks. One of the men left the pool, dressed and stood waiting until the one girl also left the pool and the two disappeared suddenly, where to is conjecture. This particular fellow was at the Zoo, a couple of days before, with a girl pushing a baby carriage with a baby in it. Linda and Kathy had called our attention to him. He had long red hair, a beard, wore earrings and was so scantily dressed it was shocking. He had on a tee shirt and perhaps a brief swim clout between his legs, too brief to be swim trunks. They did not leave much to the imagination. Talk about girls and bikinis.

The afternoon we were ready to leave for home, Myrna, bless her heart, drove us out to the pineapple plant to get pineapples to bring back home with us. She stopped and purchased orchids for leis. The whole family helped to make them. We were in such a rush they forgot the leis. About ten miles from home they realized they had been left behind and Bob turned around and went back for them.

We just barely made it to the airport and had our luggage checked and inspected in time to board the plane. The plane took off within minutes after we were aboard. Kathy, Linda's friend, was returning to the mainland with us. Kathy's parents met her in San Francisco and we went on to visit Jess and Mella in Watsonville.

Jess and Mella met us and took us to Watsonville, then over to Sacramento to visit Don, Judy and family. Don and Judy took us to Oakland to the Temple. On the way there we were talking about having our Temple Recommends with us and when we arrived I looked in my purse. To my surprise and dismay I found that my recommend was missing. It had dropped out of my purse at Don's home and consequently I did not get to go through a session with them. I stayed with Tom and Kate, Clyde's brother and his wife, while Don, Judy and Clyde went through a session. Needless to say I was disappointed and provoked at myself. I did enjoy my visit with Kate and Tom though.

When Clyde tried to make reservations for our return trip home he could not get any. We were supposed to be at work at the Youth Home on the 2nd of July. I was pretty upset, physically, emotionally and was ready to go home. Carol and Steve and family were coming to spend their vacation with us, and there we were stranded!

Carol called and they graciously came to Don's home in North highlands. We spent the 4th of July with some friends of Don's. They had a large back yard all enclosed. Seemed like being out in the woods. Eight families were there and they all furnished food.

The 5th of July we left Don's with the Rawlins family for a camp up in the mountains as guests of Claude Rawlins. He was working there for the summer. There was fishing, boating, and swimming and it was fun.

The morning of the 7th of July we started home. In Reno, Nevada Steve had to stop to get shock absorbers on the car because we were loaded so heavy. While this was being done we went to a park and had lunch there. It was 3:30 p.m. before we started on our way again, We traveled until everyone was tired so we stopped at a motel for the night. The next day we arrived home about 2:00 p.m.

The latter part of September 1966 we left home by train and went to Southern California to stay with Carol's family for a few days. Then Steve and Diane drove us to Woodland Hills to Velma's. Carol could not go as the children were ill. Velma, Bob and Tom drove us up to Watsonville on Saturday. We all had such a happy visit only it was too short. Sunday Jess and Mella drove us up to their cabin and Monday morning we started out for home, stopping for a few days at Don's on the way. Our object in the trip was to pick up a truck and camper from Jess and Mella. We bought it from them and paid $2,000 cash for it. We drove from Don's as far as Elko where we stayed over night.

I became seriously ill in November 1966. It began with a pain in my abdomen on Monday. I would not give up and go to a doctor until on Thursday morning and then they put me in the hospital. They took x-rays before taking me to my room. I had x-rays taken of my bowels, kidney, stomach, heart, lungs and gall-bladder. From the first x-ray pictures the doctors feared I had cancer. It turned out I had a bowel obstruction. With treatment, they got the infection cleared up and I was able to return home the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I was kept on a strict diet and I stuck to it to the letter.

We had planned on spending the holidays with our children in Southern California. We spent a week with Carol's family. I had not gained my strength back enough and the day after Christmas I became ill again, so we returned home without going to Woodland Hills, but we promised Velma we would spend a week with them as soon as I was strong enough. In April 1967 we did go to Woodland Hills for a week with the Anderson family.

In May 1967 Velma, Bob and Tom spent a couple of days with us on their way to Logan for Robert David's graduation from Utah State University on June 3rd .
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The 26th of June 1967 we left in the camper for North Highlands. Judy was expecting her baby soon. We drove straight through only stopping for fuel for the car and to cook our meals. We arrived at Don's about 6:00 p.m. We had left home about 4:30 a.m.

Don had purchased some property near Auburn, California. They drove us up to the lake. Don and Clyde went in the car to find out about cutting fire logs. The children and I went swimming. I had Ross in my arms and walked out to get wet all over. I was so engrossed in watching a group of boys on a raft who were pushing one another off. Suddenly I was in deep water with Ross in my arms. We went under water. I desperately tried to hold Ross out of the water. I touched bottom then rose to the top of the water. I looked toward the shore and tried to swim, but realized that with the baby I was making no headway and we went down again. Fortunately Judy was watching us and saw us go under again. She had come into the water but realized she could not help us and called the life guard who was near. He said he did not realize we were in trouble until Judy called for help. No doubt we would have drowned if there hadn't been a lifeguard there when Judy called to him.

Judy's baby was born the 1st of July, a baby girl with lots of dark hair. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. Both got along fine. They named her Kelly Ann.

Don bought a saw and with his dad cut fire logs and sold them. Clyde enjoyed being with Don up in the woods and was able to help Don. He really felt wonderful up in the mountains I think working together really gave Clyde a great deal of satisfaction.

In August 1967 Clyde was operated on for a hiatus hernia in Salt Lake City. He seemed to recover from this operation very well. But the hernia reappeared and in March of 1968 he was operated on again to repair it. This time it was performed in Provo at the Utah Valley L.D.S. Hospital. Dr. Rees performed the operation. After this operation Clyde was exceptionally care- ful, taking things easy and hoping there would be no more difficulty.

We enjoyed a delightful Christmas 1967 in Logan with the Laird family. Bob Laird was in Logan on Sabbatical Leave for a year. This was the first Christmas we had been able to spend with them since their leaving for Tonga in 1958.

In September we had started to work at the Youth Home one day each week. The Howards, Gwen and Rachel, were the Home Parents. We relieved them one day each week from 7:00 a.m. Saturday until 7:00 a.m. Sunday It did not pay much but it was interesting and sometimes rewarding. We hoped we could help these misguided young people, this September of 1962.
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Many things happened during the first four years of work there. On the 16th of August 1961 we went there to stay while the Howard's went on vacation. While they were gone we had from nine to eleven boys and girls there most of the time. At first there were four or five and the number kept increasing as the days went by. Then the week-end before school was to start they released everyone they could so they could start school.

On the first Saturday we had difficulty with three boys who were in the security section, Adam~ Michael and Chris. They had thrown magazines, toilet tissue, torn up newspaper and pieces of foam rubber from their pillows all over the hall. When Clyde told Chris to pick it up he refused to do so and challenged Clyde to make him do it. Clyde put him back in his room and called the police. In a very few minutes one policeman was there and two others were on their way. Chris meekly got down and picked up his portion of the mess without one word of protest. The others had not refused to do so. Adam was overheard when he said, "Tomorrow I'll kill Carter." The boys threatened to keep their TV trays when we served dinner, so instead of TV dinners they were given sandwiches.

The next morning I passed out papers and asked the boys to write an account of what had happened. Two of them did so. Adam started to but did not finish, as it was revealed the boy could not spell. Adam was given another chance and sent to a boys ranch in Vernal. Mike was sent to his father in Montana. Chris and Gordon and two other boys had committed a burglary before they were sent to the Youth home. While there Chris was trusted to wash the car for the Howards but he ran away and it was three weeks or so before he was found. He was sentenced to the Reform School in Ogden. Gordon had been at the Youth Home several times. After the burglary his parents made restitution of $800.00 to keep him out of prison.

Pat, a sister to Mike was there and kept in seclusion all the time, by order of Mrs. Hill, because of her conniving ways she could not be trusted. They held a family council before she was released. Connie had been sent to the Youth Home and had been there several weeks. She was a big help and very dependable. A family council was held with her parents and she was released to them so she could go in the hospital for an operation on her foot. Pamela was brought in by the Lehi police and was very belligerent. She had run away from home and refused to return. She said her mother beat her and she did have bruised spots on her legs. The following Friday when the mother came for Pam I asked if she was ready to take Pam home. The mother said, "If she will do as she is told". There was animosity in her voice. She nearly hit the ceiling when she saw Pam had dyed her hair. Before they left I told Pam's mother that Pam was sorry and that she needed forgiveness, love and understanding. I felt there should have been a family council held before the child was released to go home.

1968 brought an increase in pay at the Youth Home. We had been feeling that for the little pay we were receiving we were wasting our time and we were ready to quit. So to get us to stay our pay was doubled. The Howards encouraged us to stay on as they had received a call to be set apart as workers in the Temple. Their days were Monday and Tuesday afternoons. We usually went to work at 2:00 p.m. and would get home from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. We worked on Saturdays regularly.

Everything went along smoothly there until the night before Easter. Clyde had a Priesthood meeting at the Stake House. We had about fourteen boys and girls. When Clyde left, the boys saw him go. I made the mistake of letting the girls out of their rooms to do the dishes and watch T.V. Almost immediately the boys started acting up. One of them called asking for a book. I took it to him but pushed it under the door. Next he called and asked for toilet tissue. I felt he was trying to get me to open his door, so again I put the tissue under the door. I then went to the office to listen over the intercom because I thought the boys were plotting some thing.

To my sorrow, it was the girls who plotted to take my keys from me, put me into a room and lock me in. Then they were going to let the boys out so they could all escape. When I told the girls to go take their showers, we went to the girls area. Debbie began asking questions about religion. They all wanted to sit down in the girl's lounge. I complied and sat in a big chair by the east window. Then things began to happen. Debbie threw a towel over my head, Charlotte pulled me out of my chair and they dragged me to the end of the hall. If I ever felt the presence of evil it was in that home Saturday night. Those two girls were like fiends turned loose. When they attacked me they came at me like two demons. I managed to get the towel off my head as they were smothering me. Charlotte got hold of my keys pulling the chain through my hand and cutting two of my fingers severely. They then dragged me into Charlotte's room. I held on to Debbie. Charlotte raised her fist and said, "Let go of her or I will hit you." She did hit me in the jaw with such a jolt that Debbie got loose. They ran out and shut the hall door locking me in. Then they tried to get into the closet to get their clothes but could not get it open. They tried to get Grace to go with them but she would not. She said she did not want to get into trouble. The girls then left and I asked Grace to call the police. She said she was afraid to, as the girls had told her if she did they would get her for sure.

I looked up toward the hill and Debbie and Charlotte were running toward the canal. Then I told Grace they had gone so she called the police. They were there in minutes. When they arrived I told them where to find Clyde's keys to let me out. When they saw the blood all over the door and hall and looked at my hand, a detective said, "We must get you to a doctor." I gave them a description of the girls. One policeman remained at the home. He called Judge Paxman, who in turn called President Hinkley at the Stake House and had him page Clyde. He was told of the escape of the girls and that I had been taken to the hospital. This of course frightened him, not knowing what had happened to me.

The detective took me to the hospital. Where Dr. Paul Smith looked at my hand, he found the middle finger was cut so badly you could see the cord. Also, a nerve was cut. He had to tie it and said he did not know if it would mend. Eventually I regained the use of my finger but it is still numb after ten years. In the meantime they had called the Denhalters, the Youth Home grandparents, to go to the Youth Home and Clyde came to the hospital for me. As we were leaving the hospital, Brother Workman, our Home Teacher, came to see if he could help.

We returned to the Youth Home. Jess and Ruth Harding, President Hinkley and the Denhalters were all there. Things had quieted down. I was so weary I told them I would be all right so they left. There was no one to call to relieve us so we went to bed, but not to sleep. I was in shock, and all that night long I never slept.
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Sunday morning we called a policeman to come help us. They put all the boys that had been causing the disturbance into the security rooms. I then prepared breakfast but Clyde served it. I became so faint, dizzy and weary I had to lie down.

We had invited the Laird Family to have Easter dinner with us. I had taken a turkey and all that goes with it to the Youth Home. Clyde called Nona to see if she would cook the turkey and she said she would. After she returned from Sunday School she came out and with the help of Grace prepared the dinner. Grace, bless her heart, was my salvation. She took over the dishes and helped in every way she could from then on.

We stayed at the Youth Home until Tuesday morning when the Howards returned and took over. They were shocked and concerned when they learned of the girls attack on me and of their escape.

The two girls managed to elude the police and were not found until the Friday after their escape. They took Charlotte to the Salt Lake Detention Home on Saturday, and then she was committed to Reform School in Ogden the following Wednesday.

Clyde and I had tried to be friendly, kind and understanding to these children. We wanted to try to influence, encourage and help those unwanted, misguided and many times unloved young people to mend their ways and to try to live a better life.

Following are two letters written to me by two of the girls who realized their mistakes. Note the spelling errors in the first letter. I have copied it as she wrote it to me.

"Hi, My name is Dody, this is my fourth time in hear. After I get out of hear, in a few days I will go back to the State industrial School, for my last time, I've been there to times before this time. I have to stay there for to years, until I'm 18 years old. It's not really a bad place to be just real lonesome. Whoever reads this; try and Keep this in mind OK Don't get in any trouble, cause once you go to Ogden, you just can't stay out of trouble. For me they were going to send me to T I that's a girls prison. Once you get there it ain't no fun. Take some advice from someone who knows. Keep out of trouble, and don't try to go to Ogden, your worse after you get out. Believe me I know. Before I was OK, now I'm no good."

(This was written September 1, 1964. This girl left this letter today. She was being taken to Ogden. This is a copy of that letter.)

"Mr & Mrs Carter,
I am very sorry I got mad last night when you took up your precious time to come talk to me. I wish to thank you very much and the next time I'm out here it will be just to visit you for a while, if possible.
Thank you,
very much.

Phyllis

P.S. I've decided to do what you said and change my attitude towards life. You see I didn't realize how much I missed my family until last night. Thanks again"

They wrote the letters just before they left the Youth Home. Phyllis did return to visit us when we were at the Youth Home. Also I'm including a copy of an article which I feel may help someone who reads this in the future.

DON'T LET CRIME RUIN YOUR LIFE

Over the weeks and months and years, many young men---and some not so young -- come before the courts here in Central Utah for arraignment on law violations.

Sometimes the violations amount to major crime, classified as a felony -- burglary, grand larceny, check charges, rape, etc. Whether the result is a prison term or probation, the consequences can be tragic.

All too often, crimes are committed on the spur of the moment, or at least without much thought or knowledge as to their seriousness. This is why every person should read the remarks of a Midwestern District judge, made in sentencing two high school boys who had thoughtlessly made a practice of "borrowing" automobiles to go joy riding.

The judge's statements as condensed by The Readers Digest from the Clinton Herald, are published herewith with the thought that they may serve as a guide to youth -- .and to parents in counseling their teenage sons and daughters:

"You come from good homes, both of you. Yet now you have been convicted of a felony - a crime for which you might be sent to the penitentiary. In this case I do not have to send you to the penitentiary. I am permitted to give you a parole.

But even if you never see the inside of penitentiary or jail, you will not have escaped the penalties of your crime. The record of your conviction will be here as long as the courthouse stands. No amount of good conduct in the future can ever erase it.

Next year, or ten years from now, or when you are old men, if in any court of law some lawyer will point his finger at you and ask: 'Have you ever been convicted of a felony?' You will hang your head and admit that you have, because if you deny it, the records of these proceedings will be brought from the vaults and read to the jury.

The question will be asked for the sole purpose of casting doubt on your testimony. Convicted felons are not believed as readily as other persons.

Someday you may have a chance to live and work in one of the expanding countries of South America, and you will apply for a passport. You may not get it. You might enter Canada for a fishing trip, but you would not be allowed to stay. No country will allow you to become a resident. Your world is so much smaller than it was.

Someday you may seek a position in the civil service of your state, or the nation. On application blanks you will find this question: 'Have you ever been convicted of a felony?'

Your truthful answer will bar you from appointment. An untruthful answer will be detected because appointments are made only after investigation. The record is here to be found by anyone interested.

In a few years you will be 21, and others your age will have the right to vote but you will not. You will be a citizen of your state and country, but you will have no voice in public affairs.

Someday the governor may pardon you and restore your rights. But it is going to be humbling to ask him. He'll want to know your whole record. It is a bad one.

I'm granting you a parole. A parole is in no sense a pardon. You will report to the men who accepted your parole as often as they may ask. Your convenience is not a matter of importance. You will also obey your parents. If your parents send you to bed at nine o'clock, you will go without complaint. You will perform such tasks as are assigned to you. Your parole is a fragile thing.

Should the slightest complaint of your conduct reach this court, your parole will be revoked immediately and you will begin serving your sentence. You will not be brought back here for questioning and for explanations. You will be picked up and taken to prison, with out notice to you and without delay."

Clyde had wanted to quit the Youth Home for sometime. After this terrible experience I felt I could never go back again, so we handed in our resignation.

They could find no one that would take our place. We had promised the Howards to work while they were at the Temple so we felt obligated to stay until they could replace us. Time went on. Finally President Hinkley persuaded a couple from Rivergrove 2nd Ward, to try it. Howards asked us to remain until they had taken their vacation in July. We stayed until then and left the Youth Home for good on the 27th of July 1968.

The children all came home during June and July. Then August was a very busy month. We left the first Sunday morning to stay with the Lairds in Logan before they returned to Hawaii. It was so difficult to have them leave. Myrna clung so to her father, the thought ran through my mind, "Will she ever see him alive again?"

We went to the Temple Thursday of that week, then to the Carter reunion which was held a week later on Sunday. It was so cold and Clyde did not feel too good, so we did not take a lunch but just went to the park.

Clyde took a cold and he went to the doctor to get medicine to take with him on our forth coming trip. He had planned on going to the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday and to pick up the medicine then, but he was too ill to go. He finally made three trips to Salt Lake to get the medicine because the office there had closed each time he went.

Clyde had recovered sufficiently for us to leave on the trip to Canada that we had planned with Alton, Fern, Nona and her friend Sybil Booke, on the 29th of August. We went to Oregon first and stayed with my brother, Ervin and May, from Friday until Monday morning. We went to church with them on Sunday. Ervin gave the lesson in Sunday School. It was Fast Sunday and we all bore our testimonies. It was such a joy to hear Ervin bear his testimony. I thought how happy Father and Mother would be to know he is so active in the Church.

Our trip into Canada was such a happy time. We all enjoyed each other, singing together as we traveled, our meals, the places we stayed and the beautiful scenery. We spent one Sunday in Calgary and went to church there. The highlight of the trip was going to the Temples at Cardston and Idaho Falls. All in all it was a wonderful trip. We arrived home on Wednesday the 11th of September.

We were at home for a week canning peaches and getting ready to go to California. Myrna had left some fruit and clothing for Carol so we decided to drive down and take it. We left early in the morning. We had planned to stop at Alton's in St. George that night. When we arrived there they were not at home so we decided to have something to eat then go on and get a motel later. We drove as far as Baker, California. There was construction going on and all the motels were filled. After getting gas we were both tired so we pulled over and rested for awhile. I drove to Barstow and on to Victorville. Then Clyde drove us on into Riverside and we arrived about 11:00 p.m.

We spent a few days with Carol and family then went over to Woodland Hills and spent a couple of days with Velma and family, then back to Carol's and home again. We stopped and rested at St George and visited with Fern. Alton was not at home.

Clyde was anxious to get home on account of him being in charge of the campaign against "Liquor by the drink". He worked diligently in the endeavor and it was a great satisfaction when the bill was defeated.

Clyde was not feeling very well, but Sister Judson needed a roof over the entrance to her mobile home. One Saturday Brother Ike Young said he could help Clyde do it. It was a stormy day. Clyde was chilled through and he caught a cold. He had so much difficulty breathing with his asthma. From then on he began to fail. When he did not feel like going bowling, I knew he was not well. Twice he tried to bowl and had to stop after bowling one line.

Don and Judy had invited us for Thanksgiving but we thought we should wait and go for Christmas. We planned to leave the 19th of December. We could not leave before then because of our Bigelow Family Christmas Party.

We held it at our home the 13th of December. It was such a nice party. Because we were going to Don's for Christmas, we did not get a Christmas tree. I decorated the mantel, a manzanita tree on the T.V., the piano, a pole lamp and had a pretty table decoration. We had a delicious dinner, exchanged gifts reminisced and had such a good time. Emily and Theron Stoker, Alton and Fern Bigelow, Okie and Ray Heward and Winona were there with Clyde and me.

We took Ernest and Ida, Clyde's brother and his wife, to the B.Y.U. Folk Dance Festival on December 14th to celebrate Clyde's and Ernest's birthdays. It was such a delightful evening. The show was grand. Such beautiful costumes and gracious dancing. Afterward we came to our house for cake and ice cream. Ernest and Ida invited us to go out to dinner with them the next Monday night, December 16th. Each year we would celebrate their birthdays together.

Sunday, December 15th was Clyde's birthday. He felt fine that morning. He went to Priesthood meeting. Together we went to Sunday School. In the evening we went to Sacrament meeting, then Clyde drove Jess and Ruth Harding and me all up in the northeast part of town to look at the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. We came home, had refreshments, and then gathered around the piano and sang Christmas Carols, It was such a happy time, no one wanted to break it up. Ruth was resting on the couch, Jess and I sat on the piano bench still singing.

Clyde was sitting on a chair by the piano. He turned to Ruth and said, "I could just listen to that all night." It was a glorious day.

Clyde seemed to have a little indigestion and a pain in his chest as we were doing the dishes. I gave him some Milk of Magnesia tablets. He rested well all night but when he arose Monday morning he again complained of a pain in his chest. I said to him, "Clyde, you must go to the doctor and find out what the trouble is." He promised he would call the doctor that morning.

He seemed to be feeling better and planned to go uptown to take care of some business so I went to Relief Society. When I came home the Christmas cards were still on the table. He said, "I just did not feel like going." I told him I would go take care of it and was in the bedroom addressing some more cards when he called me. I knew something was wrong and ran to him. He said, "You'd better call the doctor."

Dr Weight was not in so I called Dr. Rees. He said to bring Clyde right to his office. It was snowing like fury. I never gave it a second thought. We got in the car and I drove to the doctor's office. Dr. Rees came right in, listened to Clyde's heart, looked at his swollen ankles, ordered oxygen for him and said, "We better get this man to the hospital." He turned to the nurse and told her to call an ambulance. The doctor asked for some morphine but there was none in the office. They had to send out for some and kept the ambulance waiting until it came and could be given to Clyde. I followed the ambulance to the hospital. They put Clyde right into Intensive Care Unit. It was Clyde's heart. He had had a coronary occlusion. By night he was resting quite well when I left to come home.

Tuesday morning the doctor tried to call me about ten o'clock. Clyde had had a very severe heart attack. I arrived at the hospital shortly after. Dr. Gardner was waiting for me to explain Clyde's condition. He said I had better call and tell the children of his condition, which was not good. I had called them Monday night telling them their father was in the hospital. I tried to get Myrna in Hawaii. No one was home so I tried to get Bob at the College but he was not there. I spent most of the day at the hospital and finally Tuesday night reached Myna on the phone. Carol had told me she would came home, also Don. Wednesday morning I called the hospital and found Clyde had had a bad night. So I called Carol and asked her to call Myrna and tell her they had better come home. Jess called Velma but she was very ill with the Hong Kong Flu and it was out of the question for her to try to come. Tom also was very sick, had a very high temperature and was too ill for her to leave him. Myrna was fortunate in getting the last seat on a plane.

Wednesday. When I arrived at the hospital Wednesday morning Clyde was weary and said he had not had any sleep until after midnight on account of the nurses laughing and talking. (One of them was a male nurse.) The doctor came in and Clyde told him of their carrying on. The doctor was very perturbed. Again I spent the day at the hospital. They would allow me only five minutes each hour with Clyde, but they did let me feed him his meals, so that gave me a little more time with him. Ida Carter came each day and stayed at the hospital and Nona stayed with me at night so I was not alone. Clyde looked so bad Wednesday that I did not have much hope of his recovery. I felt numb inside and was anxiously waiting for the arrival of the children.
Thursday morning Don, Jess and Mella arrived about seven o'clock. I was so thankful they had arrived safely. They had driven all night. It had snowed all night and the roads were hazardous all the way from Winnemucca, Nevada to Provo. Thursday morning Clyde looked and acted better. He was so happy to see them. Velma had phoned Clyde on his birthday, and after the bad news of his heart attack, wrote him a letter, which I read to him, to tell him of her love and her desire to be with him. Her letter was a great comfort to him.

Friday morning he said he had had a good nights sleep, the first since he went in the hospital. At noon when I went to feed him his dinner I could see there was a change. We could hardly rouse him to eat. That afternoon they doubled the oxygen. Myrna and Carol arrived at the hospital about 5:30 p.m. and he knew they were there. He looked at me and said, "Wipe the tears from my eyes" -- the last words he ever spoke. He had a convulsion and they would not let us see him again. At 9:20 p.m. he passed away, Friday December 20, 1968. He was born in December and passed away in December 75 years later. I was so grateful Clyde did not have to suffer longer, thankful the children were with me.

The doctors wanted to perform an autopsy which they did with the consent of the children. They found the main artery in his heart was clogged. The doctors said if he had lived two weeks longer the whole back wall of his heart would have burst.

Clyde had everything in order at his death. Beside his regular insurance, he had prepaid his funeral and burial expenses at Berg Mortuary. We had talked of getting a burial space in the cemetery for two years, but had not done so, the only thing he had not taken care of. The funeral arrangements were made for Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Berg Mortuary. The viewing was to be at six to eight on Sunday night. We arrived at 5:20 p.m. There were people already there when we arrived and from then on there was a constant line which never diminished until 9:00 p.m. The family flowers, bronze mums, were beautiful.

There were many other beautiful flower arrangements. There was a large attendance at the funeral -- so many to come through the line that the funeral was one-half hour late getting started. Bishop Warner presided at the funeral and read a brief synopsis of Clyde's life. Owen Howard was the first speaker. Lorna M. Backus and Norma M. Smith sang, "Beyond The Sunset". Ken Davies was the next speaker. He mentioned Clyde was small in stature but as a man he was a giant. Rachel Howard played a violin solo It was a beautiful service We then had full military services at the Provo Cemetery. Many contributed money, brought food to the house, offered help, words of consolation, love, respect and esteem for Clyde. This was very comforting to us.

Jess and Mella needed to get back so they left Wednesday morning. Carol and Steve had brought their family; so life must go on. Ernest, bless his heart, brought a Christmas tree for the children. The children had a glorious time in the snow. Carol's family, Myrna and Don stayed over Christmas and the rest of the week, leaving on Saturday morning.

Clyde was a devoted and loving father to his children, a wonderful husband to me, a loyal and true friend, loved and respected by all who knew him. His callings in the Church were President of the Mutual in Bonneville Ward. He held responsible positions in Genealogy, the High Priest Quorum, was Ward Clerk in 7th Ward, and was General Secretary of the Aaronic Priesthood. One thing I really regret is Clyde did not write his life history. I thought he was writing it, but could find very little at his death.

Ruth and Jess Harding, Clyde and I had become fast friends. We had worked together doing Church work. Jess and Clyde were in the High Priests and Ruth and I in the Relief Society. They asked Ruth to Work Director. She hesitated and discussed it with me. I encouraged her to take it. She said she would if I would help her. We had a great time together preparing for the work day. One special thing we made was quiet books. It was so engrossing and time consuming. We could have sold many more than we could find time to make.

We persuaded Ruth and Jess to start bowling with us. They both became good at it. We went together until Clyde's death. Before his death, many times we used to go bowling then go out to dinner or get together at one of our homes, have dinner and spend the evening.

After Clyde's death Jess and Ruth were so good to me. Jess was just like a big brother and if I ever needed counsel he was always the one I turned to. Ruth and I either talked to each other on the phone or saw each other most every day.
.
The fall of 1968 Robert Laird asked us if we would take a student from Tonga to live with us. We consented to do so. Inoke Finaki came to us to continue his education at the B.Y.U. He was studious, cooperative, considerate and courteous. He played Rugby and was outstanding in this sport. He remained at my home after Clyde's death until the next fall.

The fall of 1969 Tom Anderson, my grandson and Velma's youngest son, came to stay with me and go to the B.Y.U. I needed someone with me. Tom was there on a scholarship. He was in the "Honors Program". Tom played the guitar and soon joined a musical group called "The Sounds of Freedom". They performed for local groups and traveled throughout Utah, Idaho, Montana and western Canada -- Cardston and Calgary. On a trip to California, the summer of 1970, I boarded the train during the night. The conductor did not come around for a long time. Finally he came and assigned me to a seat. In the morning I awoke to meet a very interesting man. We carried on a conversation until I reached Riverside, where I left the train. His name was Roy Sheldon. He lived at Sunland, California. He asked my name and address and my permission for him to write to me. We have carried on a correspondence ever since. He became interested in marriage but I told him there were five important things to consider, love, financial circumstances, health, family and religion. He does not belong to the L.D.S. Church so I thought that would end any further thought of getting serious. I also, might have added age to the list. He was 80 years old.

The fall of 1970, Linda Laird decided to come to the B.Y.U. Her girl friend, Rose Ann came also. Rose Ann had not been accepted at the B.Y.U. and it was difficult for her to find a job in Provo. They stayed with us while looking for a place to live. They finally found an apartment and paid the rent for two months in advance. When they went to move in they found the apartment had been previously rented. The girls could not get their money back. It was such a traumatic experience. One day when Linda returned without getting her money she laid down on the floor and sobbed. Finally the school came to the girls rescue. The real estate office that had rented the place to them was forced to repay the girls the rent money.

I had told Linda she could stay with me, but I really did not have room for both girls. Linda said, "Oh, we can't be parted." So they stayed on. Rose Ann had found a part-time job at the Golden Apple Restaurant. It was not a good situation with Linda in school needing to study and with Rose Ann having so much free time.

Finally, Jess and Mella came home in October. Jess could see that I was worn to a frazzle both physically and emotionally. He objected to Rose Ann being there. I promised that I would do something about it. How I prayed for guidance. When Rose Ann arose Monday morning, I asked if she could get her old job back in Hawaii. I told her I thought she was wasting her time here and that if she went back to her old job then she probably could save enough to go to school by the first of the year. She said she did not have enough money for a plane ticket. So I loaned her the money. She left on Thursday for Hawaii. Rose Ann did repay the money she had borrowed.

Linda and Tom stayed the rest of the year and went to school. Linda went home for the summer. Linda and Renae came back that fall and found a place at a girls dormitory at the B.Y.U.

I went to visit Carol and family in Riverside, California in 1971. Steve asked me how I would like to take a trip to Australia with him and Carol when he went there for a World Convention. The Australian Government wanted Steve to be one of the speakers.

Later the family came to Provo for spring vacation. Steve again asked me about accompanying them. I would be company for Carol while Steve was attending the meeting. Also, there was a possibility of Steve being sent on to Israel by our government. Steve had been checking schedules, air- plane tickets, etc. For $200 extra we could go on to Europe. I began having qualms about going on a trip like that at my age of 72 years. So as usual I consulted my sister Winona as to what to do. She said, "Sure you will go and I'll go with you and take care of you."

On Mother's Day Steve and Carol called and said, "Start getting your shots, your visas and making preparations to leave the 26th of July. They told me what countries we would go to, how long we would be gone, etc. and they would send an itinerary by mail. I still had reservations about going. I counseled with all the children and they were all in favor of my going. Don and family came home on a visit. He gave me a blessing. Then I knew it was all right for me to go. Then we began preparations to take a trip around the world.

Winona had an operation on her legs for varicose veins. She had the veins stripped. The last week before we were to leave on our trip arrived before the doctor would release her to go. Then Steve called and said there was still a question about the trip as the Australian Government had not confirmed Steve's expenses. His passport had not arrived. But Winona and I left Salt Lake City by plane a couple of days before we were to leave California for Hawaii. When time came for us to leave, Steve's passport still had not come through. The government assured us it would be sent to Hawaii. It was almost all Carol could do to leave her family but we did leave on schedule.

Myrna, Bob and family were still in Hawaii. We spent a few delightful days with them before flying to Nandi, Fiji; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; then on to Canberra, the capitol of Australia, where the convention was held. After leaving Canberra, we flew to Melbourne, to Perth, from Perth to Singapore, to Bangkok, to Tel-Aviv, Zurich, Amsterdam, and London, to New York and then home. Our schedule called for Rome and Paris, but Steve was held a week longer in Israel than planned, so we had to miss going to Paris and Rome.

I will relate a few highlights of our trip. While in Hawaii, we visited the new State Capitol Building that was built after Hawaii became a State, also the Iolani Palace, America's only royal palace. The throne room was especially beautiful and interesting. This room was cleared of it's furnishing to make room for members of the Legislative bodies of government to meet when they were in session. We visited the Hindu Temple with its magnificent furnishings, and the Japanese Gardens. While in Hawaii we went through one session in the L. D. S. Temple at Laie.

From Hawaii we flew to Nandi, Fiji where we took a one day sight-seeing trip. We were grateful for an air conditioned car, as the roads were dirt roads. They had beautiful resort hotels, one of which we visited. We took a boat trip over the coral beds which were beautiful, a sort of under sea forest.

Next flight was to New Zealand. We went through a session in the Temple at Hamilton, New Zealand. From New Zealand on to Sydney, Australia. Here Steve had to take a two-day trip inland to Griffith. Carol, Nona and I stayed in Sydney to sightsee. We took a boat to Manly to see Marine land, a wonderful world beneath the sea. We visited the Kings Cross Waxworks. The first day was great fun.

That night President Nixon went on a world wide T.V. broadcast to announce the devaluation of the U. S. dollar. After his talk, the exchange rates went down from $0.81 to $0.69 within two or three hours. By the time we met Steve in Canberra the dollar had dropped to $0.63. What a dilemma! On the other side of the world we began to wonder if our money would last. Steve being on official business though, we felt if things got too tight the government would call Steve home, so we went on from day to day.

Steve gave his Research Paper to the Twelfth Pacific Science Congress and received much acclaim for it. After the lectures were given there was 45-minute question and answer period. Of that time Steve was given thirty minutes to answer questions. Steve had Saturday and Sunday off. We went sightseeing, of course. Steve rented a car. We visited the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There we saw many beautiful birds, kangaroos in their native haunts, and a tracking station for space exploration.

In Israel we visited a kibbutz, a group of people who are self-supporting and non-salaried and who receive their day to day needs in return for their labor. They have a children's house where the young are cared for day and night and also receive their education. The parents may visit their children at certain hours or take them to their living quarters for a stipulated time.

On our way to Jerusalem we stopped at Bethlehem where we purchased some special items. In Jerusalem, the market places were interesting and different. In narrow passages, goods for sale were in 5-gallon cans, boxes, gunny sacks and clothing would be hanging from hooks on the walls. We visited the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock.

We followed the road where Jesus carried the cross (Via Del-Rosa). On the Mt. of Olives we saw our first camel closeup. We saw the Tomb where Jesus was buried, and the Garden of Gethsemane. We went to Capernaum and saw ruins of buildings, engravings in stones that were a marvel. The Sea of Galilee was beautiful. The Dead Sea was a big contrast.

We climbed to the top of the Masada, where King Herod built a fortress and Palace which was almost an impregnable stronghold. The guide discouraged any elderly people to take this trip. He asked me if I could stand the trip. I was 72 years old and I think I was the oldest person there. I told him I could stand a lot of heat but not cold. He consented for me to go. I kept up with them all the way. When we returned the guide came over where I was resting, shook hands with me and congratulated me on going with the group and keeping up.

Steve went from Tel Aviv to Herzelia for one week. He had a field trip on his schedule and would be unable to go to Switzerland to go through the Temple, so Carol, Nona and I left on a plane by ourselves. We went through the last session of the Switzerland Temple before it closed for the summer.

Then we flew to Holland where we met Steve. We visited friends of his and did some sightseeing. Our next flight took us to England where we went through the London Temple. We spent three days in England sightseeing. From London we flew to New York and then on home.

1971 was really an eventful year in many ways. Beth Oberdick, Tom's sweetheart came to Provo in January to look for a job. On Valentines Day Tom gave her an engagement ring. Robert David, also, met his future wife that year. Late in spring Bob called me on the telephone saying he wanted to bring a friend with him to see me. When they arrived Bob was beaming. He had Christie Steketee with him. We had such a happy day together. They were married the 28th of August 1971, before we arrived home from our trip around the world. Tom and Beth were married in the Los Angeles, California Temple during the Thanksgiving Holidays, November 27, 1971. Bob, Christie, Linda, Renae and I went to the wedding. We drove to Los Angeles in my car.

My sister, Winona, was so good for me. I could always lean on her when I needed her. She was always such a strength to the family as she was a Registered Nurse. I was happy to be of help to her when she needed it. She was operated on for gallstones the latter part of April 1972. She came from the hospital and stayed with me for three weeks. When she insisted on going home then, I felt like it was too soon. It was a joy to have had her with me.

When school was out in Hawaii, Robert Laird, my grandson, came to find a job, which he was successful in doing. He stayed with me and helped me in the care of my place, cutting, trimming and watering, etc. The shrubs really looked good while he was there. Myrna, Karen and Allan came in June. They wanted to see the parade on the 4th of July.

We took a trip to California to visit Carol and family. Linda and a friend had flown down from Provo for the week-end. Donnie Lyster met them at the plane. Donnie and Linda had become acquainted at B.Y.U. It was then Linda found her future mate. When she was telling me about Donnie, she said, "Grandma, I am going to marry Donnie." I said, "Has he asked you?" Linda answered, "No, but he will." From that time on it was "Donnie and Linda".

Linda came back with us and helped drive the car home. Myrna started out driving first. We all had a spell of difficult driving. We were driving facing the sun when Linda took over. Myrna drove again. It was in Nevada when we saw a sandstorm coming, the first and only one I have been in. It was terrible. We could hardly see the road. Before we arrived in Las Vegas it started to rain. We filled up with gas and had the car washed before starting on. Bob came later that month with Roger.

In August we had our Family Reunion in the mountains at Timpanooke Campground. All our children were there with most of their families. On Friday night we had a bonfire, sang songs, told stories, reminisced and had a great time together. Mella and Jess flew in from California on Saturday. I waited to go up to the campground until Jess and Mella arrived. The Boren
Family Reunion was also on Saturday, August 3rd. The ones in the canyon came down and we all attended, and then went back to the campground.

Sunday was a day for everyone to remember. Winona was coordinator of the Junior Sunday School in her Ward so she took her two grandsons and the other small children to a secluded nook and held Sunday School for them. The teenagers went higher up the mountain to their "Chapel in the Pines", as they called the beautiful place they chose. Dennis Largy, a friend of the Lairds who was soon leaving on a mission, Robert, Roger, and David led in the conducting of their Sunday School. The older ones remained in camp. Bob Laird set the stage, so to speak, telling of his appreciation of our family and this beautiful land we live in. Each one in turn arose and expressed their love and devotion. It was so spiritual. We all felt and appreciated the fact we were all able to meet in this beautiful setting.

Monday Jess and Mella had to fly back to California. Velma, Bob and family took them to the airport then went to visit relatives of Bob's in Salt Lake and Bountiful before starting on their homeward journey. The rest stayed on for another day. We decided to hike up Timpanogas. I started with them but planned if I became tired I would return to camp. I was 73 years old. I hiked as far as the lake. I we had started earlier I could have made it to the top but it was getting late. We did not want to be caught in the mountains after dark. Everyone had such a happy time. It will always be a cherished memory.

Bob and Myrna left for Hawaii the latter part of August. Robert, Linda and Renae stayed in Provo to go to the B.Y.U.

I found it necessary to go to the doctor for a check-up and found I had hypoglycemia. The doctor put me on a high protein diet of six small meals a day. I must admit I was not convinced of the seriousness of it and did not stick to my diet as I should. I had to learn the hard way.

February 1973, my sister Winona and I decided to go to St. George to visit our brothers and their wives. Don Ervin and his wife Melissa May were living in St. George doing Temple work. John Alton and his wife Fern were ordinance workers in the St. George Temple.

Clyde and I took four trips to Hawaii, the first in 1960, next 1962, 1964, and the last trip together in 1966 we took Kathy Clayton with us. That was in 1966. At that time we hoped to persuade Bob and Myrna it was time to bring their family back to the mainland. They were not ready to come back, much to our disappointment. Then after Clyde's death, after getting things in order I took another trip to Hawaii with Jess and Mella in 1969. Carol, Steve, Nona and I stayed in Hawaii a couple of days when we took our trip around the world in 1971. The last and seventh trip to Hawaii was to attend Linda's wedding when Linda Laird married Donald Lyster 25 April 1973. Nellie Laird, Bob's mother, and I flew over together. It was a lovely reception, held in the Laird's beautiful back yard. The family made two dozen mannequins out of paper-mache and painted them, then dressed them in pastel colors. There were Vanda Orchids on the dolls hats and in their arms. Bob made the bridal bouquet, corsages for the bridesmaids, the mothers, grandmas and others. Myrna made the gowns for bride, brides- maids, Grandma Laird, herself and me. She also made and decorated the wedding cake. Another special thing; Linda and Donnie were married on my birthday anniversary.

When I returned home there were some people interested in buying my home. I was reluctant to sell it; I loved that place so much. Winona had invited me to come live with her and take care of her apartment while she was on a mission in Samoa. I depended on Nona to make the arrangements with Mr. Giles, her landlord. I sold my home and began to get ready to move in with Winona, sold my deep freezer to one of Nona's friends. My grandsons moved my piano to Nona's apartment on Thursday night. Saturday night Winona came down and informed me Mr Giles would not let me move in there. As I understand it, Mr. Giles was unhappy that I had not let him sell my place. I did not think he was interested. He was supposed to come help appraise
my place when I put it up for sale. He never showed up. He never once brought anyone to look at the place. What a predicament. I had sold my home, the people were anxious to get into it, and I had no place to go.

Myrna and Bob called from Hawaii to tell me they were coming back to the mainland where Bob was to be employed at the B.Y.U. in Provo. They needed a place to stay until they could find a place to live. I made arrangements to stay in my home until the last of August. Myrna and Bob and family came the middle of the week before I had to be out of my house.

We started to look for houses. We hoped to find a place so I could have an apartment but found nothing satisfactory in Provo. We went out in Orem to look at a couple or three houses for sale by owners. We passed a house with a For Sale sign on it. We went in to see if they would let us look at it. They had just put the For-Sale sign out that morning. The lady was very gracious, invited us in and showed us through the house. We decided it was the best thing we had found and if we wanted it we would have to move fast, as we were getting desperate for a place to go. We called the real estate people and made an offer which was accepted. I drew $10,000.00 out of my bank account for the down payment. We could not get into the house until the middle of September. Some friends of Bob's and Myrna's had a cabin up North Fork in Provo Canyon. They let us live in it until we could move into the house in Orem. Bob had to drive back and forth to school. Myrna had to take my car to drive the children to school and come and get them.

I packed, gave things away, threw things away and sent boxes of things to Deseret Industries. It was difficult to break up housekeeping. I gave everything to my children that they wanted or could use. My furniture was or stored in about three places in town. The Olsen's across the street let me store what I could in one little room in their little house. Part of my furniture was stored in Boyd Jarman's garage, and some in Chauncey Riddle's. When we moved into the house, we still had fruit and vegetables to can. That was a hectic year.

One night Renae came home beaming and announced her engagement to Randall Harward. They wanted to get married in December, just before Christmas. Bob could not even think or it. Linda's wedding had been in April, then there was the Laird's major move back to the mainland, and Robert was leaving on a mission to France in a few days. He was in the Language Training Mission when Renae made her announcement. Renae knew what she wanted and said, "Oh, Dad you will manage, you always do", and he did. They were married 22 December 1973.

In addition to the preparations for Renae's forth coming wedding, Myrna made a Hawaiian quilt out of the dresses of the mannequins for Linda's wedding. We put that on and worked day and night to get it finished before Linda arrived for the wedding. It was to be a surprise for Linda for Christmas. I finished binding the quilt the day after Linda arrived.

The wedding was lovely. Myrna remade her wedding dress for Renae. Again
Bob made the Bridal Bouquet and corsages. Myrna made and decorated the cake for the wedding and it was beautiful. Renae was a lovely bride, Randall was a handsome groom and they seemed radiantly happy.

There had been no time for Christmas shopping until after the wedding, which was on Saturday. Monday Bob, Linda and children spent the day doing the Christmas shopping. We had a Merry Christmas.

The day after Christmas I left with Linda and Donnie for California to spend some time with Carol and family. Carol wanted me to help her make a spread for her bed. They had bought a king-size water bed. After locating a pattern we had to enlarge it. The spread was flowered on one side, plain on the other. We then quilted it. Then we found material to make spreads for Paul and Ricky's beds. We designed, marked and quilted them, and they turned out real well. My sister, Emily, had given Carol some quilt blocks stamped with a rose pattern. We made a quilt top out of them and quilted it. It was beautiful. I told Carol it was too pretty to cover up with a spread.

I stayed at the Rawlins' for a couple of months then went to Don's. The gas shortage was on the day I was to fly to Sacramento. Carol's friend called and said the gas stations were closing early and that she had gone before 10:30 a.m. the day before and could find no gas. So we drove the car to one station and there were several cars in line for gas. Carol said, "I'm not waiting in that line." She went to another station and it was closed. She went to another station and the line of cars was longer than at the first station so she drove on and went back to station No.1 and took her place in line. We moved up a few car lengths when we saw a man coming out towards this line of cars with a large sign. When he came near enough for us to read the sign it said, "Last car for gas." What a relief when he walked past our car and placed it on the 4th car from ours.

The plane arrived in Sacramento about 4:00 p.m. There was no one there to meet me. I went down to claim my baggage. I looked up to see Don rushing into the airport. He had started for the airport thinking he would get gas on the way, but could not find a station open. He had to go back to Orangevale for gas, making him late to meet me.

Jeffrey, Don's son, received his Eagle Scout Award. It was a very special occasion. There were seven boys in the Ward to receive their Eagle Scout Awards. They had a banquet for the boys and an outstanding program to honor them.

That week I flew from Sacramento to Watsonville and spent three weeks with Mella and Jess. I had planned on going to Oakland and spending two or three days with Katie Carter and going to the Temple. The night before I was to leave the telephone rang. It was Velma on the phone. She had broken her arm and it was in a cast. Could I come help her out? So I called Don, he met me at the Temple and I went back to Orangevale to pick up the things I had left there. I flew from Sacramento via San Francisco to Spokane. I stayed with Velma through April and May. Velma and I had a great time together those two months.

The days flew by so fast. There had been lots of rain that spring. It was like Paradise. The hills were so green, bushes covered with white blossoms and large clumps of yellow flowers blossoming all around. There were pheasants on the hills by Velma and Bob's home. We could hear them most every morning One morning one came down to the very edge of the lawn. They are such beautiful birds.

The World's Fair "Expo 74" opened while I was there. Velma and I went two or three days to it. Then Bob took us to the Russian Ice Follies which we enjoyed very much. The skaters were terrific. The Russian exposition was the most elaborate one of all. We, also, went to another play in the Coliseum.

Bob, also, took us to a lake where he went fishing. It was a fun day. Twice when we went in the boat Bob caught fish for our breakfast, which of course pleased me.

I flew home in June, made a quilt for Diane and took off for Riverside, California to help Carol prepare for Diane's wedding. She was to marry Vaughn Mayo 12 July 1974. Diane's girlfriends had a bridal shower for her. It was such fun. The girls put on a skit portraying Diane and Vaughn's courtship. Those girls were choice. We had such a good time. Myrna came to the reception with Vaughn's brother, Gary Mayo and family, and was a big help to Carol in getting ready for the reception. I returned home with Myrna and the Mayos.

In November Diane and Vaughn were going to California for Thanksgiving, so I accompanied them to Riverside. Then I flew from Riverside to Orangevale to spend the Christmas Holidays with Don and family. We had a wonderful Christmas. I had a sinus infection before Christmas sometime. I had planned on going on to the coast to visit Jess and Mella, then on to Santa Barbara to visit Tom and Beth Anderson, but I did not feel up to traveling and visiting so I took the opportunity to ride home with the Bishop's son who was going to Salt Lake. They took me to stay overnight in Salt Lake with George and Rita Carter. Bob and Myrna came to Salt Lake to get me.

January 1975 was cold and I did not care to drive my car so I went to the Temple with Bob in the morning and came home with him at night. I did about 30 endowments in January. February came and I became ill with the flu. It was bad for elderly people and the very young.

I had scarcely recovered from my illness when Diane and Vaughn were again going to Riverside to attend an open house on Saturday night for David who was going on a mission to Belgium. David and family were going to talk in Sacrament Meeting the next day. I was terribly tired upon our arrival, so rested most of the day Saturday. We enjoyed the Open House. Carol, Steve, Diane and David all talked in Sacrament Meeting. It was gratifying to be there. David left with Diane and Vaughn to visit relatives in Provo and to prepare to enter the Mission Home in Salt Lake.
Then he entered the Language Training Mission.

The next Friday I became ill again with a severe ear ache. Carol took me to see Dr. Coles, who prescribed medication. That night Carol and Steve went to the Los Angeles Temple. When Carol came home Carol woke me up to give me the tablets the doctor had prescribed. I was to take them every four hours. Next morning Carol came to give me the medication and I went back to sleep. When I awoke I was sick to my stomach, went to the bathroom and that's about
the last I can recall.

When Carol came in she found I had become completely disoriented, confused and had difficulty speaking. She called Dr. Coles and he was out of town, so she call Dr. Sparks and told him my condition. He told her to take me to the emergency room at the hospital. Carol managed to get me in the car. She had called Steve at his office, met him there, and he went with her to take me to the hospital. The doctor was waiting at the emergency room to admit me. The doctors wanted to know if I could take penicillin. Carol was not sure. She asked me and thought I said I could but my answer was so incoherent she was not sure. So Carol called Myrna and she was not sure. She called Dr. Cranny in Orem and he did not know. Then they called Dr. Wallace in Provo, his office was closed on Saturday and he was not sure. I soon lapsed into a coma. In desperation Carol said to go ahead and give me the penicillin and she would take the responsibility. The infection in my ear had become worse and the abscess had broken into my brain. This infection in the brain progressed to cause spinal meningitis and then went into my bloodstream. When Dr. Coles came to the hospital Saturday night he ordered them to begin treatment immediately and increase the units of penicillin to massive dosages. I became completely paralyzed on the right, side of my body because of the meningitis. First they put me in isolation then into the intensive care unit.

Carol called all the children and told them of my illness. Carol spent every moment that she could day and night at the hospital. Saturday night Steve and Carol called in the Elders to administer to me. When they sealed the annointing they said I would recover.

Tuesday night was the first I can remember since being taken to the hospital. I came out of the coma and I remember they had me strapped in a wheelchair. I also remember I was slumped over and the nurse came in and straightened me up. I wondered why I was there. I remained in this critical condition and Wednesday I became worse. Carol asked the doctor if he thought I had a chance of recovery. He told her if the children ever hoped to see me alive they had better come.

It was like a nightmare when I began to regain consciousness with the awful pain in my head. Next I remember I looked up and saw Linda standing at the foot of bed. Linda told me later she could not bear to look at me I looked so awful and she went out in the hall and cried. My lips were so swollen and covered with fever sores, my nose swollen and filled with fever sores, my lips and face all broken out below my nose to my chin. I seemed to sense Carol was there and had told me where I was though I cannot remember it.

Carol told me Wednesday night that Velma was coming. They had the Elders come again Wednesday and administer to me. Again I was promised I would recover and be healed. Velma arrived and came to the hospital about midnight. I recognized her and raised my arm to put it around her. Carol said it was the first time I had been able to raise my arm.

Thursday two nurses helped me out of bed and helped me walk around the nurses compound. Then Myrna and the boys, Don and Jess, and Mella came. From then on I began to improve and regain my strength. My hearing was affected. I could only hear in my right ear if people put their mouths against my ear and talked very loud. People talking around my bed I could not hear.

Friday morning, one of the nurses came to help me walk again. Then in the afternoon a girl came with a walker to help me walk out in the hall for a short distance. They took me out of intensive care on Friday and moved me upstairs to a more pleasant room where I could look outside.

The next day a man came to take me to therapy. He asked if my name was Carter. I said it was. He said, "Were you in intensive care?" The nurse answered, "She was in intensive care but she does not need to go to Therapy."

The doctors at first said I would be in the hospital at least three weeks. They were amazed at my speedy recovery. They had feared brain damage and continuing paralysis. Sunday Dr. Coles said he wanted an ear specialist to come examine my ears. He came on Monday morning. When he saw me he said, "What is the matter with your face? I have never seen such fever blisters." He examined my ears and said he could not tell how much damage had been done to my ears, but that he could treat me in his office.

Tuesday when Dr. Coles came he said I could go home to Carol's and released me to the care of Dr. Harrison, the ear specialist. Carol took me to Dr. Harrison's office on Wednesday. He tested my ears, gave me medication and instructions and told me to come back a week from the next Friday. My hearing did begin to improve. By the time I went to the doctor again, he was very pleased with my improvement. My right ear had healed and the left ear was healing. He remarked, "By next week we will send you home a well woman", which he did as far as my ears were concerned.

I received the best of medical treatment and care. My family and friends fasted and prayed for me. Many prayers were offered in my behalf. I know I was healed through fasting, faith, prayers, the power of the Priesthood and the blessing of the Lord. Today I feel like a walking miracle, and I know a miracle has been performed in my recovery. Each day of my life I am grateful to my Father in Heaven.

Carol took me home and there saw to it every need was filled. I had been home a few days when my legs began to pain. They were swelling and lumps formed in both legs. Saturday again, and Dr. Coles day off, so Carol took me to Dr. Sparks. He said it was not blood clots fortunately but to get support hose and wear them day and night. The lumps did not go down so remembering how Father had been inspired to put hot packs on Mother's legs when she was ill one time with phlebitis and was healed, we decided to try hot packs on me. Carol was already putting hot packs on my face and lips daily. So for two months Carol faithfully put hot packs on my face and legs three times each day. I shall always be grateful for the love and care she gave to me. On the 16th of April I was able to fly home to continue regaining my health and strength.

For my 76th birthday, Myrna gave an Open House for me. I was not strong enough to have many people. So we invited only relatives and close friends. Bad weather prevented Okie and Ray, and George and Rita Carter from coming from Salt Lake. Ernest Carter forgot to tell Ida about it so they were not there. Everyone else came. It was such a lovely time.

The doctor had told me if wanted to get well I must eat my meals. When I left the hospital I needed three balanced meals each day. If I did not eat properly I continued to get a pain in my head. My eyes had been affected and I had to get my glasses changed. When I went to the doctor he told me I had cataracts forming. The left eye is much worse than the right one.

After my illness and I returned home our Family Night Girls had a special dinner for Winona and me. She had returned from her mission in Samoa. It was so good to see them all. It was at Merl Smith's home. The girls attending were: Rachel Forsyth, Dora McEwan, Velma Snow, Jean Johnson, Miriam Bingly, Alice Hawkins, Josephine Hatch, Dora Dunn, Winona and me. We just visited as they wanted to know about my miraculous recovery and Nona's mission. In fact, one family evening later was devoted to telling of her experiences on her mission.

My dear friend Rachel Forsyth is a remarkable person. She lived only one block from my place on 6th West in Provo. We saw each other every day when I lived there. Rachel is now 84years old, still drives her awn car, takes the girls from Rivergrove 1st Ward to the Temple. Another friend I love is Velma Snow, so considerate, always looking out for every one else's needs.

My daughter, Velma, invited me to come to Spokane to write my life history. So in August I went to Spokane. The first week was spent visiting and shopping. One day Bachi Dhillon, a neighbor, took Velma and me out to lunch. The next week we went on vacation. We went up north to the beautiful Little Pend Orielle Lakes, where we went with Bob fishing, boating and hiking. Bob went water skiing while Velma handled the boat. We had such a good time. The remainder of the time was devoted to history writing. It was very time consuming. Time ran out on us. I returned home in September as Bob and Velma were leaving on vacation to California.

When I arrived home in September Alvin Decker was very ill with terminal cancer. He died the 1stof October.

In November Jean Johnson became very ill and died with cancer just before Thanksgiving. Within the next five weeks eight other friends and relatives died. Jess Harding also, was ailing. He died at Easter time of cancer. Jess was like a big brother to me and I loved Ruth like a sister.

Roger Laird was called on a mission to France. He entered the Language Mission on the 25th of March and left for France the 25th of May, 1976.

Carol wanted me to help her make a spread for Linda's bed. The day I was to leave I had a bad fall and broke my hand. When I arrived in Riverside, Carol wanted to piece a quilt, which she did. We also quilted another Queen-sized quilt.

My friendship with Roy Sheldon had continued by correspondence and one summer Carol took me to Sunland to visit him. He took us out to dinner and invited us to visit him in Sun1and again. Next time I saw him, Linda Lyster, her baby Michelyn and Carol went to Sunland with me. Linda had been so curious to meet my "gentleman friend" and was very impressed by him. Needless to say I have had a lot of teasing.

For my birthday Carol invited Linda, Donnie, Michelyn, Lauri and my friend Roy Sheldon who is living in Cypress near Anaheim where the Lyster's live. We were to celebrate the Lyster's 3rdwedding anniversary as well as my birthday. Roy brought me flowers. Roy looked pretty sharp in a new suit, hat, etc. We all went to Church. We had a delicious dinner and a birthday cake that Carol had prepared. It was a great day.

On April 30, 1977 1 was talking to Emily on the telephone. Theron came in from outside where they had been relaxing. He walked in the bedroom and fell forward. Emily said,"Something has happened, I will call you back." In a few moments Emily phoned and told me Theron had died instantly.

Bob Laird's mother had not been well for a couple of years. About this time Bob brought her home with him to be taken care of there. She was confined to her bed and Myrna cared for her day and night. She died of cancer the latter part of November 1977 shortly after her 85th birthday. She was a courageous patient through all her pain and suffering.

In the summer, Emily, Winona and I were enjoying going to the Temple together. We decided to take a trip to Wallsburg. Winona drove her car. We went to the Wallsburg Cemetery, visited Gertrude Ford and picked 50 lb. of apples at her place then went to the park and ate lunch. We then started up the valley to visit some friends. On the way we noticed some plum trees along the road. We stopped to pick some plums. I warned Nona not to get too close to the edge of the canal. She in turn told me to be careful and not fall in. I had just made the remark, "not for three plums", as I reached for some plums and plunged into the canal. It was so funny, there were gales of laughter. We went to the car and when we looked at my leg there was a lump raised up about the size of my clenched fist. We turned around and headed for home. I did have my leg x-rayed and they found no broken bones but I tried to walk too soon and developed inflammation in my leg. Myrna took care of me for five long weeks along with Sister Laird.

December 27, 1977 Myrna, Robert and I left for California. Myrna was going to be with Linda when her third baby was born. I was going with them as far as Riverside, but we missed the turn off. We could see Tyler Mall before we realized where we were so we kept going on to Anaheim.

I stayed and visited with Linda, Donnie and family a couple of days. Linda took us to meet Donnie one afternoon and he took us through the Fluer Engineering Building where he worked. It was the most fantastic building I had ever been in. Talk about glass houses, that is just what it is. It had solar heating, was carpeted almost everywhere, and there was a huge Christmas tree that reached to the 4th floor!

I went back to Riverside to be with Carol and her family. Linda graciously gave her room up to me and slept on the hide-a-bed in the dining room. I had been there about two weeks when we put a quilt on that I wanted to get done while at Carol's. We only had it on three days when I fell and broke my leg, also strained the ligaments in my foot and ankle. Immediately my ankle started to swell. We had just returned from Church. I had planned on going to a fireside at the home of Dr. Coles. They were going to show pictures of the Masada and lecture on the Holy Land. I was very disappointed in not being able to go as we had climbed to the top of the Masada when we were in Israel with Steve and Carol.

Monday morning my leg was swollen half way to my knee. Carol took me to Dr. Coles. He looked at it and sent me to get my ankle x-rayed, finding a broken bone. Dr. Coles sent, me to Dr. Murphy, an orthopedic physician. He put a splint on my leg and sent me home to Carol's to keep my leg elevated so the swelling would go down enough to put my leg in a cast. This happened on January 15th. On Friday I went back to Dr. Murphy and he put a cast on my leg. I did not get the prescription for pain pills until he doctor put the cast on my leg then I surely was grateful for them. The first night I had to take pain pills every three hours and I could not walk on the cast before Monday. After a week I could put some weight on my leg, then I could get around pretty good. In two weeks they x-rayed my leg It was healing very well. I was in the cast about six weeks or more. I thought when the cast was taken off I could travel, but I had to go on crutches again for another week or ten days. The doctor released me.

While I was in Riverside I was asked to give this 2 «-minute talk in Sunday School on February 9, 1978:

The Lord said, "If ye love me keep my commandments." There is an interesting story in the Bible about a king who lost his kingdom by disobedience. King Saul was anointed to be King over the Israelites by Samuel the Prophet. King Saul was instructed to gather his army and destroy a certain city because or their wickedness. Everyone, men, women and children; the cattle, camels, sheep, everything. King Saul went with his army and destroyed the city, but he made one mistake, he saved all the best of the cattle and sheep and took them back to Israel.

When King Saul returned, Samuel asked King Saul if he had destroyed the city. King Saul told Samuel, yes he had. Samuel said, "What is this, I hear the lowing of cattle and the bleating of sheep?" King Saul answered, "We saved the best of the cattle and sheep for a sacrifice unto the Lord." Samuel answered, "Obedience is better than sacrifice." King Saul lost his kingdom through disobedience.

One of the Apostles was attending a conference in Utah. As he was walking up the aisle of the Church toward the rostrum he noticed a large poster. On it was written "Order is the first law of Heaven". The apostle pointed his finger at it and said, "That is not so. Take it down. Obedience is the first law of Heaven." He then proceeded to give a sermon on obedience. We are commanded to read and study the scriptures. We have the Bible, Book of Mormon, Church magazines, and so many good books written by the Church Authorities.

We are commanded to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Especially to go to Sacrament Meeting and to partake of the Sacrament worthily. The Sabbath Day should be a Holy Day not a Holiday.

Then there is the Word of Wisdom. We are not just admonished to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco and liquor, but we are to use wisdom in all things. Children learn to obey your parents, they love you. Parents teach your children with love. Elder Mark E. Peterson says, "Show your children how to live, you will accomplish much more than telling them what to do.

To the young people, many of you will become leaders in this Church, some will go on missions. You have the potential of holding high and holy positions in the coming years. Follow the advice of President Harold B. Lee, "Study the scriptures, learn the gospel, learn to love it and live it."

"Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, might, mind, and strength, this is the first and great commandment, and the second is like unto it, thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself."

My hope for the future is that I can endure to the end, and follow the straight and narrow way that leads to Eternal Life, by loving my Father in Heaven and keeping his commandments. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

After the cast was taken off my leg and the doctor released me, I flew to San Jose where Jess and Mella met me. I stayed with them a week. We went to Lakeport on Friday. Jess and Mella had purchased a 10-acre fruit and walnut farm, six acres of pears and 4 acres of walnuts. They cleaned and painted the house throughout. They put in a new tub in the bathroom, a new water heater and an electric stove. They put new tile on the floor in the bathroom, hall and kitchen and then they rented the home. I sure hope the renters keep it up. The place is located near Clear Lake.

Don came to Lake Port for me on Monday. Don had always wanted to build a home. They sold their home in Orangevale. I loaned him some money and he built a most beautiful home in Loomis, California where he had purchased some property. He did not spare expense, the best of every thing went into this home. Don is a perfectionist. Everything had to be perfect. It is situated on a hill and they have magnificent view of the countryside. They love living out in the country. If they ever sell the place, whoever buys it will get a very beautiful and well built home. I visited with the family for one week then flew home the next Monday.

On Tuesday the Relief Society was having their annual birthday party. Brother Eileson had made a picture frame large enough for on to stand in on the stage. Several short sketches had been prepared of Pioneer women. Myrna had written one about my grandmother, Lucina Boren. While it was read, I stood in the picture frame to represent Grandmother Boren. I was dressed in old fashioned clothes.

May 2, 1978 we had a wonderful Spiritual Living Lesson in Relief Society. We had a testimony meeting also, and I felt inspired to rise and bear my testimony. I said, "If I could nominate 'Daughter of the Year' it would be my daughter, Myrna. It was one year ago that Bob brought his mother home to be taken care of as she had terminal cancer. Not only did she care for her, but for five weeks she cared for me when I was confined to my bed with an injured leg. Never one word of complaint was uttered by Myrna. Friends wondered how she ever endured it. Myrna told me it was an answer to her prayers that she would have the strength to carry on." I, also, 'mentioned my other children and their goodness to me. Also, that I enjoyed going to the Temple and am so grateful for the Provo Temple.

Tuesday night I went Relief Society visiting teaching. When I reached home my leg was swollen half way to my knee. Next day it continued to swell and by night it was swollen to my knee and so hard I could not dent it. So I had to take it easy the rest of the week and keep my leg elevated, And I started soaking the leg again twice each day. It is gradually getting better. It is now three months since I broke it.

I left Orem for Spokane the 20th of May. Shortly after I arrived, Bob and Velma planned to take me to a dance festival to be put on by the young people in two Stakes in the Spokane area. It had been stormy weather. Show time came. We hesitated about going. One half hour before time to go we decided to go down to the stadium and when we were going in one man made the remark that in twenty minutes the rain would be coming down in buckets full. There was a prayer offered that the weather would moderate so the performance could go on. The clouds shifted, the dances were performed beautifully and it was a lovely evening. Our Father in Heaven controls this universe and the elements.

This incident reminded me of the early Spring 1977 when I was in California. Everywhere there was a drought that had been for two years. The lakes were dried up. Everything looked parched and burned. In some places water was rationed. The President of the Church called for the members of the Church to fast and pray for rain. When I arrived home there was very little snow in the mountains. Everyone was concerned about the water shortage. The moisture came. In our area there was sufficient moisture for us to have good crops. A year later in California there was rain. The lakes filled. The countryside was green and lush. I feel so grateful for these blessings.

I am grateful for the privilege of spending this summer with Velma and Bob. We have had happy times together going to the mountains, lakes, camping, fishing, boating. We went up to our favorite camping place, Thomas Lake. Two years ago we were there and there was a field of daisies that enthralled me. This year the daisies were even more beautiful. They even covered the hillside as well as the meadow. To reach this beautiful field of daisies we hiked back into the forest from our campground. There were also many other beautiful flowers that I have never seen before. Bob took this picture while we were there. [Link to picture p. 65]

Saturday morning we were going for a stroll drinking up the beauty at the countryside when Velma noticed ripe wild strawberries. Velma picked enough to garnish our fruit cup for our breakfast. They were small but very tasty.

Just last week we went to the mountains above Priest Lake to pick some huckleberries. This is the first time I have ever picked wild huckleberries. This is a good year for huckleberries. They were plentiful it you know where to go to get them. We picked about three gallons of them. Velma made some delicious pie and jam. We enjoyed them on cereal and over ice cream. Then we froze the rest of them.

I must mention the luxuriant growth in this area. Flowers blooming all of the hill and the fields. This is a beautiful country and I love it up here.

My hobbies are hand work, quilting, bowling, playing the piano. I love music, especially string music. I have always belonged to the Singing Mothers in Relief Society where ever I have lived. Some of my favorite hymns are: "0 My Father", "Love at Home", "Home Sweet Home", "Let Us Speak Kind Words", "We are Sowing", and there are many more. This summer I am endeavoring to memorize some of the favorite pieces on the piano, that I used to play by sheet music. My eyes are getting rather dim. The doctor says the optic nerve is deteriorating in my eyes and I only have peripheral vision. He assured me that I won't go blind, but may get so I cannot read. I am having difficulty adjusting to this situation and hope I can cope with it.

This is my favorite poem:

MYSELF

I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.

I want to be able as days go by
Always to look myself straight in the eye.

I don't want to stand with the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on the closet shelf,
A lot of secrets about myself.

And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking that nobody else will know

The kind of person I really am;
I don't want to dress myself up in sham

I want to go with my head erect
I want to deserve all men's respect.

But here in the struggle of fame and pelf,
I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know,
That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show,

I can never hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see.

I know what others may never know,
I can never fool myself, and so

What ever happens, I want to be
Self respecting and conscience free.

--Author Unknown--

I used the following in a talk I gave because they mean so much to me.

TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Take time for work--It is the price of success
Take time to think--It is the source of power
Take time to play--It is the secret of perpetual youth
Take time to read--It is the foundation of wisdom
Take time to be friendly--It is the road to happiness
Take time to dream--It is hitching your wagon to a star
Take time to love and be loved--It is the privilege of the god's
Take time to look around--It is too short a day to be selfish
Take time to laugh--It is the music of the soul.

--Author Unknown--

TIME TO SMILE

A smile costs nothing, but gives much
It enriches those who receive it,
Without making poorer those who give.

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it
Sometimes lasts forever,
None is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness in the home
Fosters good will in business, and is the countersign
Of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, Cheer to the discouraged
Sunshine to the sad, and is nature's best antidote
For trouble,

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
For it is something that is of no value,
To anyone unless it is given away.

So if in your hurry and rush, you meet someone
Too weary to give you a smile, leave one of yours
For no one needs a smile quite as much as he
Who has none to give.

--Author Unknown--

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity."

Three of my grandsons have filled L. D. S. Missions; Robert Laird in France, David Rawlins in Belgium-Brussels Mission and Roger Laird just returned from his mission in France in March this year. Douglas Rawlins is now on a mission in Germany. He has been gone almost a year. Don's son, Jeffrey is preparing to go on a mission next year.

As a couple Clyde and I devoted much of our time to Temple work. At one time we were asked to be ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple -- also, to go on a mission, but Clyde's health would not permit us doing either. We felt grateful for the opportunity even though we were unable to fill these callings.

After Clyde retired we traveled considerably. We had four wonderful trips to Hawaii to visit our two daughters, Velma and Myrna, and their families; a trip East to visit Carol and family in Connecticut; to Spokane, Washington to visit Velma and family; to California many times to visit Jess and Mella, Don and Judy, and the Rawlins family and other relatives. We took a trip to Canada and the Northwest and went through the Alberta Temple in Cardston.

After my husband's death I had the privilege of going with my sister, Winona on a trip back East with the Senior Citizens. We went to places of interest connected with the Church, including the Pageant in Palmyra, New York. Then in 1971 when Nona and I went with Carol and Steve on a trip around the world, we were privileged to go to the Hawaiian Temple, the Temple in New Zealand, in Switzerland and also the one near London. I have now been in all the Temples in the world at this time.

My home was always the dearest place on Earth to me no matter where it was. But it never was the same after Clyde's death. After I sold my home, I have been going mostly to visit my children and their families these past few years. My grandchildren have started calling me Gad-about; Gypsy; Here today, gone tomorrow Grandma; Traveling Grandma; or Galloping Grandma. To Diane, when she was little, I was Granny. To her little son, Michael, I am Greatma. I recall all of these endearing names with fond emotions.

My thanks go to my daughter, Velma C. Anderson, for her perseverance and diligence in persuading me to write this history. This life's story was written mostly from memory. Velma never ceased to encourage me in making this endeavor. She has given of her time, she has counseled, rewritten, compiled, criticized and approved, and then did the typing. Velma is working part-time in the office at Sears. What with her home, church responsibility, husband and me it has been a lengthy assignment.

My home, family and church have been the hub of my life and activities. I have held many positions in the Church as Organist for Primary and Sunday School, Secretary and President of the Relief Society, Counselor in the Primary twice, Teacher in Primary and Sunday School in Ward and Stake.

I like what Joseph Smith says, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end there of, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and the path is virtue, faithfulness, righteousness and keeping the commandments of God." But we cannot keep the commandments without first knowing them.

Just a few more last thoughts. Do not procrastinate. Procrastination can become a thief and a robber. "Do what is right, let the consequence follow. God will protect you in doing what' s right." We are building each day of our lives for eternity. I am grateful for the gospel and my testimony of the truth it stands for, for the leaders of our Church and know if we follow their council and teachings and obey the commandments of the Lord we will gain our Exaltation. I only hope and pray I can live worthy of the many blessings that are in store for the faithful. My desire is to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. To be in the service of my Heavenly Father and fellow men.

Elva B. Carter
September, 1978

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