Arlo and Gatha Vance family

Helen and Gatha

2011-12-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

This video was shot at Thanksgiving this year. The quality isn't the best, but I'll learn to take better videos. I'll also learn to edit and handle them better with time.

The Vances have known the Cullers for many years. Mom (Gatha) and Helen knew each other as children. Gatha was a Bingham and Helen was a McKenzie. The Cullers came to visit us in Manassa when Kent was just a teenager. I imagine that is where Don met Gloria. After Don and Gloria married, some of us Vances went with them to Farmington to visit the the Culler family. Visiting in Kanab was a lot of fun.

Conejos County Library

2011-11-08T17:40:00.005-07:00

In the early 1970s I ran a small lending library in an old building next door to Conejos County Gas and Oil. The Alamosa Library brought books for us to lend. I did that one day a week, for several years. Our Conejos County Commissioners decided to build a library by the LaJara High School. They asked me to be on the planning board. We worked on plans for it for several years. I went to Alamosa and prepared some of their old books to be used in our library. Now that they no longer brought books to Manassa, they sorted out many duplicates and sold them to the Conejos County, to be used in our new library along with many new books.

When they were ready to open the library, thy asked me to resign from my post on the planning board and to go to work as a librarian. I was not qualified to be the head librarian and they hired Marie Deherrera to be head librarian. I had worked in the Alamosa Library long enough to have a good understanding of the work as a librarian. Marie had not been trained in library procedure. I thaught her many things. Later our planning board members said the wished they had hired me to be head, but I was glad that they didn't, because I didn't want the responsibility. They hired Vangie, I can't think of her last name. The three of us ran the library for seven years. I loved that job. When Arlo and I were called on a mission and after he had heart surgery, we were on our mission in the Arizona, Holbrook Mission for a year, I was not at the library for that year. I returned to the library for 2 months then Arlo died. I stayed on for another year and then moved to Mesa Arizona.

Gloria and I painted a mural on the West wall of the library. Gloria is the one who knew how to pain them, but I helped. The last time I was there part of that mural was still there. They built a room on the West sided of the building and it took some of the paintings of the door.

The library was a blessing to the county. I felt that It was like my library. I put a lot into it. Arlo and I were alone and this was a blessing to both of us. I didn't make much money, but we did ok. It helped.

A Proposition

2011-09-18T20:25:00.002-06:00

I have finally found a way to scan and share some of our old family photographs in the form of slides that have been in boxes for years. I am interested in seeing them and sharing them.

It would be fun to share thoughts and stories.

If I post the photos, would you be willing to comment with what you remember?

Things I have done

2011-07-01T10:54:00.002-06:00

I copied this from an old Personal Record page, written many years ago.
My name is Gatha Bingham, daughter of James Edward Bingham and Cora Emily Dunn.
I was born on the 24 October 1928 in Anotnito Conejos Couunty Colorado.
I was blessed on 2 Decenber 1928 by Simeon Harmon Dunn (my maternal grandfather), in Manassa, Conejos, Colorado.
I was baptized on 1 November 1936 in Manassa, Conejos, Colorado, by E Clay Rogers.
I was confirmed on the November, 1 1936 by Simeon Harmon Dunn.
I married Donald Arlo Vance on 30 March 1946 in manassa, Conejos, Colorado, by Bishop Chris Harmsen, at the home of my grandparents, Simeon and Annie Dunn.
I was endowed and sealed to Donald Arlo Vance, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on
15 February 1966.
I received my patriarchal blessing, 23 July 1944 from Levi Dunn

The schools I attended were; Manassa grade school from first grade through third, from third through twelve grades in Romeo. I was one of three who graduated from Romeo High School. Dorothy Sorensen and Joe Casias, were the others. It was during world war II, and most of the boys were in the service. The girls were in other schools.
I taught Sunday School one year in Romeo. I was secretary of WYMIA in Romeo Ward, while I was in High School.
After I was married and we moved to LaJara, I was a counselor in the Primary for a short time. I was teacher of a Bluebird class for 2 years, and I taught a Sunday School class for 2 years.
We moved to Romeo Ward and I was a Primary teacher for a year. We moved to Manassa in March 1955, while Arlo was in the hospital in Grand Junction and had back surgery in Denver.
I was a counselor in the Primary with Evelyn Anderson as president and Elsie Sellers as the other counselor for 2 or 3 years. I was the Trekker leader for 3 years and a den mother for 3 years.
I was called to be the Social Science leader in the Stake, for 7 years, under presidents, Verla Crowther and Thelma Crowther. I had the blessing of going to Relief Society Conference and General Conference for 6 years.
I was the stake scouting director in the Primary for three years under Geneva Guymon and from February 1969 , and then under Marie Ryker, In January 1972 I was call to be a counselor to Marie Ryker in the Stake Primary, until we were released several years later. I had the blessing of going to Primary Conference and to General Conference, for the 7 years I was on the Stake Primary Board.
I taught Sunday School for about 6 years and served as Junior Sunday Coordinator for 2 years. I taught in the nursery for a time. and I also worked in the ward Library for several years.
I went to girls camp for several years and was the Stake Camp Director for 2 or 3 years. I went through all of the things that the girls had to do to pass their camping awards.
As I was in the Stake Primary, I was in charge of Day Camp for the Oldest boys in Primary
That was a big responsibility. I also worked with the Scout program. I earned a District Award of Merit.

It is a good thing to write the things you do. I had forgotten several of these things.

Gatha

2011-01-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

See how good lookin' I am to have a 64 year old son!

welcome to Elaine

2010-10-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

We want to welcome the newest member to the family for joining us here in this earthly estate! Elaine Garcia we are happy to have you.

Summer activities 2010

2010-08-21T16:09:00.004-06:00

It has been neat to see the family this summer.

Here are some pictures of Kent's family when they visited.

We visited the 'Skinny Caves'. The kids really enjoyed the play

entitled 'Tarzan' at Tuchacan. Thanks Grandma for the tickets.

Father's Day Reflections

2010-06-20T19:37:00.002-06:00

At church today, there were three speakers whose topic was Father's day. It was a really uplifting meeting that helped me remember my own father. My father and I didn't always see eye to eye. For many years, I was quick to find fault with him, but I have some very strongest memories of him and his teaching.

I was about ten when he told me to fix a flat tire on my mother's car. I had never changed a tire and didn't know what I needed to do. Dad pointed to the floor jack on the cement floor of the service station and then he pointed to the pointed to the star wrench that hung on the wall. I took them and did the best I knew how. Putting the jack under the back of the car, I raised the car with ease. Unknowingly, however, I had put the jack under the gas tank which was not designed to sustain the weight of the car. That caused some damage to the car that Dad had to repair. I felt his frustration in my lack of knowledge. I worked with him in his service station when I was 17-19. During those years, my feelings about him began to change. Although there were times that he expected me to know things that I had never been taught, I learned a great deal from him during those years.

When I was a young man and about to marry, Dad felt some reservations about the wisdom of my choice. I have a letter from him in which Dad told me in a loving way about his concerns then tenderly he allowed me to make my own decision.

Years later, on the day of the wedding, he slugged me on the shoulder and said, "Well, son, if you don't know now, it's too late."

He was a loving Grandfather. I remember one morning what Rob was just a little guy, he was out watching Dad burn trash in the trash barrel. Dad came in, then we had a fire in the back yard that brought the fire department. When I was ready to give Rob a spanking for causing the fire, Dad interceded and told me not that it was his fault.

Many years later, when my wife and I were going though a troubled time, I saw Dad as I will always remember him. He spent a short time with us, but taught us a lot. He shared regrets with us about the things he had done wrong as he gained his years of experience as a husband an father. He expressed his love and confidence in each us. That was the last time I ever saw him alive. I sometimes have a hard time remembering the details of Dad's face, but I will never forget that tender lesson.

Arlo Vance Rendezous

2010-03-08T21:56:00.002-07:00

REMINDER: On the side of Hansen Mountain we are gathering for the Vance Rendezous on Saturday, August 7th. the big events will take place. We will start the gathering on Friday 6th. We will be sending out more information later, so please check with your family so we can get an idea on how many we can plan on. Thanks.

Mom's histories

2010-02-19T19:58:00.003-07:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed my mother's posts on her parents' BLOG.

Part 29 Sewing I have done
Part 28 Life Goes On
Part 27 My Life Changed
Part 26 Angels in my Life
Part 25 Great Grandchildren
Part 24 Tender Mercies from the Lord
Part 23 The House on Third Street
Part 22 A mission to Arizona
Part 21 Camping
Part 20 Wedding Bells
Part 19 Wandering Sisters and other things
Part 18 Our House by Maggie Weston
Part 17 After Arlo Died
Part 16 Grandchildren are our treasure
Part 15 Arlo and Gatha Called on a Mission
Part 14 The First Grandchildren
Part 13 The older boys go on a missions, marry
Part 12 Everyone Had Their Friends
Part 11 Things Come in Threes
Part 10 Trips with the Children
Part 8 The Move to 3rd Street
Part 7 The Christensen House
Part 6 The Lucille Jackson House
Part 5 The Move to Manassa
Part 4The Guymond Home
Part 3 Two Lists of Eighty
Part 1 The First Epistle

A picture is worth a thousand words

2010-02-18T18:59:00.001-07:00

I have been gathering information about my family for years. I have known dates and places, but my ancestors are in a big part unknown to me. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, however, it just opens more questions.

This is a picture of my great grandfather, William Thomas Beals. I never knew him personally. I can look at this picture and see hints of the faces of other family members.

The picture to the right is of my paternal grandfather, Charlie Bertie Vance, his brother, Luther Monroe Vance and some of their cousins. We get hints from their pictures about their lives and their interests. Stories to go with those faces would be so very valuable. Once in a while, I hear one their names mentioned, but I am hungry to know more about them.

I've occasionally heard my mother speak of Dad's grandmother, Julia Emeline McClurd, but to me, she was no more than a name and a few facts about her life. This picture to the left makes her more "alive" to me. Although the image is not really clear the photograph sends my imagination racing. What kind of life did she lead? What was she known for.

When some think of pioneers, they think of the Mormons that came across the plains in covered wagons and handcarts and eventually to the valley where our family grew up. This couple came from North Carolina with other families who left the southern states in search of religious freedom. They came in trains. Some of their families stayed in the San Luis Valley, and some moved on to settle in Arizona.

My wife has inherited some of her mother's many photo albums. It is fun to go through the pages of the old albums in an attempt to get to know her better. My favorite is one of her climbing a clothesline pole wearing a dress. It gives us a glimpse of her tom-girl need to compete with her brothers.

I love listening to the stories that always are shared when we get together as a family. They help to engrave in my mind and on my heart memories of the tender relationships that exist in our family.

BLOG Book Published

2010-01-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have captured the pages of the Dunn, Bingham, Kent Vance, and Arlo and Gatha Vance BLOGs in a hardbound book that can be purchased at Lulu.com

http://www.lulu.com/content/hardcover-book/family-blogs-%28combined%29-2009/8185321

a new beginning!

2010-01-03T18:20:00.003-07:00

We ended the year with those we love and missing those we could see. But with our running shoes on we were able to start a new year! 2010 IS HERE!

MAY YOU ALL RECEIVE THOSE BLESSINGS YOU SO RIGHTEOUSLY DESERVE AND DESIRE! LOVE YA ALLL....

My heart turns to family

2009-12-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

This morning, my heart turns to my family wherever they may be. I am truly fortunate to be a member of a wonderful family.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T09:03:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Everyone be safe if you have to travel!!

Thoughts

2009-10-30T17:47:00.004-06:00

Future in the Past...

I remember going to Manassa as a child and playing in my grandparent's yard!! I remember when Arlo was just a baby, and driving Uncle Larry's El Comino with Aunt Jeanette! Those days were so coool. Riding on the fiberglass garage door down Uncle Don and Aunt Gloria's road. Riding at what felt like 160 MPG on the back of Core's dirt bike with Forrest! I closed my eyes and prayed that I would make it another day! I did...

Grandma's Garden was cool. I remember harvesting lettuce out of it, once. I also remember having to wash every single utensil that was used because Grandma insisted that knives, spooks and forks were required for cearal and oatmeal! lol ;o} I think I do the same thing now! Who knows what you will need when you are eating breakfast!

Robert caught their [G'ma and G'pa Vance's] yard on fire when he played with the burning garbage. He did that as well at my Mom's parent"s house at the Lake [OSAGE BEACH/LAKE OZARKS, MO]! Mom and I were running to get the hose to put it out!! I always laughed that he caught our FIRE CHIEF grandfather's yard on fire! It went fast, and I can see how quick a brush fire can be created!

Anyway, went of course for a second.

I loved seeing my grandpa in the Pioneer Day's Parade! I loved hanging at the Garage and smelling the different smells that were there. One time, saw dust, mostly in the back of the garage; in the front, oil products. I loved getting the little bit of time with Grandpa Vance, [ARLO] he was fun to be around. I know there is a picture of me being held by him somewhere! I'll have to see if I have it!

I enjoyed spending time with my Aunts and Uncles, and experiencing their world, which was a bit different from my own! Marcy always referred to me as the City Mouse. I know I've said that before.

When visiting Grandma Gatha [Bingham-Vance-Wilson] in St. George, I was reminded that she always grew a nice garden. Black dirt, red dirt, she's done wonderfully everywhere she's built her garden.

I know I'm late....

2009-10-25T18:13:00.002-06:00

The week came and went! I know that one of my favorite brother-in-laws had another birthday and I didn't get him called.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY!

may the year ahead be one of happiness and lots of fun! sending our love....

can not believe you are another year older! lol

Together brings strength

2009-10-08T21:17:00.002-06:00

Together the family stands strong
the truth is great when they bond,
the path of life can come along
which will always last forever and beyond.

another member

2009-09-28T21:17:00.004-06:00

There is another member of this family
who shares with all members this bramley
He has a tender heart for all
and the faces he can make can be a ball.

He is the second born son
Without him there often would not be the fun.
He loves to tell stories.
And at times likes the glories.

Humble yet is important to him.
For he would give you his coat and limb
We are grateful for his faith, love and for him.

(if I had a digitalized picture I would show him. Thanks Kent!)

Last born

2009-09-27T09:39:00.008-06:00

Little boy, our parents' last child.

Always liked to do things his own way.

Regarded by some to be a bit wild

Regarded by some to be a pest

Yet in his brother's eyes, the very best.

Always ready to build downtrodden friend

Ready to be loyal to the very end.

Love beams from his eyes and from his heart

Oh how the world benefits from this art!

Freckles

2009-08-30T20:10:00.003-06:00

Beautiful blue eyes, freckles, and

Oh, how red your hair!

Never had a better friend

Nor lacked your tender care!

I miss those quiet talks we had

Each time I see a photo of you.

Life has taken us far apart

Yet entwined with yours my heart

Never doubts my love for you

Nor your friendship true.

Dear brother

2009-08-23T19:54:00.005-06:00

Dear brother,

Oh, how I have admired the growth

Now so apparent in your life!

Nice, sweet, good man.

Indeed, I look up to you.

Eternity seems easier with your example.

Heaven Bound

2009-08-12T20:49:00.006-06:00

Generous to a fault

Anxiously engaged in a good work

Tender hearted

Heaven bound come hell or high water

And she's my Mom.

Arlo

2009-08-09T10:14:00.006-06:00

Angry and impatient in his youth

Red headed to boot!

Later, he was bald, gentle and kind

Oh, how I wish we could talk today!

You can never go back to the same...

2009-08-04T21:34:00.003-06:00

This is the way they use to be! look below to see now...

The Arlo Vance Family today

2009-08-01T09:10:00.005-06:00

Sorry, Mom, I thought it would be fun to give you antlers, and I thought there was one without. If there is one, I can't find it. If Larry has one without antlers, perhaps he can add it.

I never thought of Donnie as the caboose before.

I think that Bonnie's wolf is looking for something to eat!

I love being with my family!

on the lookout..

2009-06-24T21:00:00.003-06:00

There ae several extended members of the Vance family looking forward to a get together one of these days. Are you in and when would be a good time of year? voice your opinion... There will be an Arlo Vance Reunion in 2010 in Wellsville. As for Charley Vance Reunion... let's voice what you feel and a committee will notify us.

Memories of Richard

2009-05-27T19:07:00.003-06:00

Hello all! I was wondering if anyone had memories of my dad (Richard Stanley Vance) that they would be willing to share! I was to young to really remember my dad! I remember riding in his semi one time from my house to to Uncle Bus Summers house! The only other thing I remember about my dad is him smelling of tobacco!!!! The last one may sound awful, but I can still remember the way he smelled!

I really enjoy reading this blog! It helps me to learn a little about everyone! Thanks again for accepting me and my family into yours!

Family Forever,
Samantha

Family Questions

2009-05-15T16:56:00.002-06:00

Okay everyone I would like to know some information on all of you kids! I am trying to figure out who belongs to who. I was reading through the blog and maybe figured out parts of it! You can email it to me at vancesamanthal@yahoo.com if you wish!

I noticed that on Kent's information on Alta May he didn't have a death date it is October 26, 1971. And also on my dad's Richard Stanley, my mother Sandra Kay Goodwin needs added as a spouse they were married March 20, 1978 in Glenwood, Iowa.

I know I've asked someone this before but who is Raedeen? And Alta May's children? Are they Norene and Sheila?? What's the last name? Also I would like to know of the cousins who belongs to who? I have several people contacting me but not sure which of Dad's brothers and sisters they belong to?

If anyone has any questions for me please let me know!!
Thanks,
Samantha

Richard's Daughter~~Samantha Vance

2009-05-10T20:28:00.009-06:00

Okay here's goes again. Sorry part of the pictures didn't upload for some reason.

This is a picture of My family:

This picture is of my older sister Angela and her son Daniel:

This picture is of Angela's kids: Daniel, Makenzie, & Elizabeth

The picture of my little sister and her family is already on here!

Richard's Daughter~~Samantha Vance

2009-05-10T19:42:00.008-06:00

Hello everyone, I am Samantha, Richard's middle girl. My full name is Samantha Lousie Vance. I currently live in Missouri. I'm currently not married but live with my boyfriend of 8 years, Nathan Abrams. I have two children, one boy and one girl. I was born in August at Hamburg, Iowa. My son is Kaiden Richard Vance (named after his grandfather). He is 10 years old. My daughter is Natasha Jeanne Abrams. She is 3 years old.

My older sister's name is Angela Sue (Vance) Hunt. She was born in January at Hamburg, Iowa. She is married to Roger Hunt. They live in Missouri. She has 3 children: 1 boy and 2 girls. Her son Daniel Lee Hunt is 11 years old. Her daughters are Makenzie Grace Hunt is 4 years old and Elizabeth Rose Hunt is 3 years old.

My younger sister is Barbara Jeanne (Vance) Deardorff. She was born at Hamburg, Iowa. She is married to Stacey Deardorff. They live in Missouri. She has 2 step kids and 2 of her own. Her step kids are stepson Kiley Deardorff and stepdaughter Salina Deardorff. Her son is Brendon Arthur Deardorff and daughter Sasha Marie Deardorff.

My mother's name is Sandra Kay Goodwin Vance. She was born in Maryville, Missouri. Her and Richard were married on March 20, 1978 in Glenwood, Iowa.

This picture is of my children Kaiden Richard and Natasha Jeanne. They were 9 and 3 in this picture taken in August of 2008.

If anyone has any questions please ask I'll answer them to the best of my ability.

Uncle Richard's Girls

2009-05-09T19:05:00.007-06:00

In response to a recent article on our BLOG called Vanishing Treasures, we have been given a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with more of our family. Samantha Vance read the article and realized that she is related to us. Samantha is one of Uncle Richard's daughters. She gave me permission to post her picture on our BLOG in hopes that we would get a chance to know her better. She really didn't get to know her father very well because he died when she was a little girl. Samantha's mother remembers talking with our mother, Gatha many years ago. Her mother remembers going out to Colorado for funeral of one of her dad's brothers, she thinks it was Earl's funeral.

Samantha has two children, Kaiden Richard Vance named after his grandfather, and Natasha Jeanne who is is three years old.

Samantha's older sister is Angela. Angela is married and has three children, Daniel age eleven, Makenzie age four, and Elizabeth age three. Her little sister is married and has two step children and two of her own. Her children are Kiley age ten, Brendon age four, Salina age nine & Sasha age two.

Samantha sent two pictures one below is of Samantha's younger sister, Barbara, and her family. The picture below is of Samantha's children and all her nieces and nephews.

I have invited Samantha to join us as an author on our BLOG. I am hoping that she will tell us more about herself, her sisters, and their families.

When I wrote the article, Vanishing Treasures, I never dreamt that sharing my feelings would bring me in contact with people so closely related to us. I can look at the two pictures above and see the family resemblence. I am grateful that they have been willing to share with us and am very anxious to pull them into the family circle.

another remember

2009-05-04T22:06:00.004-06:00

Remember when Grandpa would sit in his recliner and some of his grandkids would sit on his lap enjoying the love he shared with them. Danette loved for Grandpa to scatch her back. It seemed like for a long time... several minutes... he would satisfy her. I also remember when the grandkids would take of grandpa's boots for him. Now his son likes for the grandkids to do the same for him! ha ... like father, like son. Marcy was Grandpa's 'genuine Mormon baby', since she was born on 'Mormon Christmas', 24th of July. Cory was his first grandson to carry on his name. Grandpa Arlo was the only Grandpa the kids remember in this earthly life. (My kids knew there great grandpa Asa.) Don always felt left out when he didn't have a grandpa to enjoy growing up with. I remember both my grandpas, but one was with me longer than thuther. I am glad to be a grandparent and hope ALL my grandchildren receive uplifting praise as my grandparents gave me.

Remembering Mission

2009-04-26T19:49:00.003-06:00

I have a history of Arlo and this is part of it: On April 2, 1981 he went to Denver for his first heart by-pass operation after accepting a call to serve a mission with Gatha. He needed to prepare himself physically to go. After 2 more operations and time to recuperate he was ready to go.

Heavenly Father called them to serve in the Holbrook, Arizona Mission. They were to report on September 29, 1982, to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.
While serving their Heavenly Father for twelve months, Gatha and Arlo were able to grow spiritually, see the power of the Priesthood and the Spirit of the Lord in action. They developed a love for the Lamanites (Indians). Their love for each other grew very much during these times. They had fun times too. The Indian children loved to rub his bald head. He said at one time, “If you want your head shined go on a mission.” Another time he locked Gatha in the bathroom, turned on the hot water in the kitchen while Gatha was showering, giving her a cold shower. He had a good sense of humor.

I remember the time the kids and I went to pick up Arlo and Gatha in Zuni, New Mexico from their mission. It was a special time for us. We were able to see the trailer and the church in Zuni. We were able to go to a special meeting at the mission home where they cut Grandpa's necktie and a lock of Grandma's hair at the end of their mission. I also remember when Don and I took Arlo and Gatha to the mission home and able to attend a meeting there to say 'good-bye'. I knew after that meeting that is was a special place for them to be. The spirit was really strong. When I took Danette to the mission home I knew from this time that she was going to be in a special place.

Vanishing treasures

2009-04-26T11:24:00.003-06:00

I have spent the last week going through an envelope of histories and photos sent by my mother, Gatha Wilson. I feel a real sense of urgency after having gone through them. One of the precious treasures was a journal entry from my father, Donald Arlo Vance's journal. I would like to share that entry dated October 2, 1982 here.

"Tho it seems almost to late to start a journal at my sunset years in life. I will relate to it as building a house. Starting from the ground going up, but being able after building the frame work to work on all sides and ends. I was born as the third son and fifth child (of ten children) of Charles B. Vance better known as Charley and Rosey Verdeame (Beals) Vance better known as Verdie both being members of the church and very lovable and spiritual. Being the 5th child I was followed by three more brothers and two more little sisters. My older brother being the first living child of that union was named Charles Melvin Vance going by the name Melvin. Altho being somewhat younger than Melvin was always very close as we were growing up remembering a lot of good times and some sad -- next comes Isabell my older and very lovable sister who was only 18 mo's younger than Melvin. Next comes Alta May 19 monthes younger than Isabell a very delightful and lovely sister.... Next is Earl Leslie being two years younger that Alta (all of which have passed qway.) Next being yours truly, four years younger than Earl being born July 20, 1922 in a small saw mill near a small settlement named Patacka, New Mexico not far south and west of Tres Piedras, New Mexico. My father and mother moving from Patacka when I was a small child to my fathers homestead in a small settlement called Fox Creek located on the Conejos River, seventeen miles west of Antonito, Colo. up at the mouth of what is known now as the Massey Canon. There is a younger brother Alva Ernest who being only two years younger than myself and sometimes bigger or I should say huskier than myself who at the time we were younger was of a slighter build but was always able to talk Alva into doing most of the mischief when we were together. Next was Betty Lorrain two years younger than Alva. Next came Jessie Lavern who was like myself being of slight and slim build and could talk a blue streak from the day she was about 8 months to the present time. Now along comes Richard Stanley who also like myself was freckled and sandy haired who as a small boy went to live with my sister Alta after my father died when Richard was around 10-12 years old. Next and last my baby brother Maurice Wayne who died at about 1/12 years of age."

Every single member of my father's family has now passed away. Although they are gone, we have stored in our minds vivid memories of them and of our interaction with them. If we don't share them, they will be gone. I would like to invite you in the coming months to share the memories that you have of them so that their histories will be alive and real for our children and theirs.

Living with God's creatures

2009-04-19T11:55:00.004-06:00

My wife and I live in a beautiful neighborhood in the shadow of Pikes Peak and not far from the Garden of the Gods park. We enjoy our interaction with some of the wild life in our neighborhood.

Last night, we came home from a meeting and as we drove into the driveway in our back yard, we were greeted by an adolescent deer. She was quietly grazing on our back lawn. As we drove in, she displayed no fear of us whatsoever. She lifted her head and watched us drive up the driveway, then she turned again to her grazing. I got out of my car as Betty went into the house through the garage. I was curious and rather than going into the house through the garage, I went into the back yard to see how close I could get to the deer. When I got within about two feet of her, she bolted and was gone.

When I got up about three this morning to let our pup out to do his business, the young deer was back. Rather than disturb her, I just let the dog out the front door. We really enjoy watching the animals as they come and go.

We went for a stroll through the neighborhood this morning. As we passed a home with a wooden deck, I noticed a young kit stick his head out from beneath the deck. Before long, it was joined by it's sibling and both of it's parents. The fence must have made them feel secure, because they just continued playing until we walked away. I didn't get picture of the fox family. I'll have to take my camera with me on our walk tomorrow and I'll try and get a snapshot of them to add to this article.

I think that it's wonderful to enjoy these animals, but with that enjoyment comes a responsibility. These are wild animals and we are on the border between the city and their natural habitat. I feel that we must do what we can to insure that these animals are protected as the city encroaches into their domain. It is our responsibility that we do not do things that will endanger their survival.

trips and travel

2009-04-05T20:54:00.002-06:00

I remember several trips I have taken with my brother-in-laws from Colorado to Farmington. It was nice to have them to be my navigators. Also I remember also a trip to Mesa Verde where we enjoyed family, picnics and fun. Kent and Larry traveled with us and my family to visit the ruins. We stopped at a place outside La Plata so we could eat. There was some water near by and Don and his brothers were having a water fight if I remember correctly. It was a fun time.

Extended family

2009-04-02T20:20:00.002-06:00

For me, the worst feeling in the world is isolation. It's something that has nothing to do with the number of people who are physically close to me. I can feel isolated in a crowd. Indeed, there have been times that I have been at meetings and have felt that there was nobody that was interested in me, my thoughts or my feelings. Other times, I have felt wanted, appreciated and valued when very few were around me. So what does this have to do with extended family?

There was a time that I hated my home town because I felt unwanted and unappreciated. There have been other times, however that I felt just the opposite. The difference was mostly within me. When I have felt that my life was aligned with the values I accepted as a boy, I have felt more valued. When I didn't, I had a tendency to pull away from the people that could provide the acceptance that I so desperately needed in fear of being rejected.

There has been a core group of people that I have always been able to depend on to buoy me up and help me when I was discouraged or downhearted. My mother has been one of those people, but that's a mother's job. She is supposed to love and support her children even when they aren't very loveable. My father once wrote me a letter that had the encouragement that I needed at the time, but it was his job too. I am not saying that I didn't appreciate their love and support. I did.

I have three wonderful siblings. They and their families have been good to me and have loved me even in the hard times. I am especially grateful for my younger who had a special knack of giving the right encouragement at the right time.

After years of pushing people away, I am wanting to reconnect with my extended family. Sometimes that isn't easy. It seems people don't want relationships with people they consider total strangers, or don't trust people who have not been approachable. Damaged relationships cannot be repaired overnight, but they are worth the effort.

Cousins have begun reconnecting with me. It may be superficial at the time, but
I love the feeling of belonging. I feel that I belong to the most wonderful family in the world. I hope that with time, we will be able to nurture the family connections that are healthy and worthwhile in a time that the world feels so unstable.

Uncle Don and Family

2009-03-30T19:04:00.003-06:00

I remember riding the DUNES with Uncle Don and family in tow! Robert and I loved to burry all of our family! Danette and I would pose for a picture! We loved to be around our cousins!! Aunt Gloria was so much fun!! I believe that is the only time I remember good runs of water going through there, but I've been told it still does that. Every time I've gone it has been very dry, and HOT!

Uncle Don would put Grandma Gatha, Aunt Gloria, Marcy, Danette, Corey, Mom, Dad, Robert and I in a truck, or blazer as the case may be, and run up a hill at what we thought was lighting speed. Really, he was probably crawling, but the bumps made it feel like we were going faster!! We did have a good time! I loved riding in the back of an old pickup with all my cousins under blankets to stay warm!

All the times camping, riding sleds being pulled by The Toy, playing in the garage, sleeping in tents, sleeping in a burning house, climbing trees, climbing in to hay bails... all those things were so much fun! While a lot of those things we were doing, I wasn't really paying attention to Uncle Don, but I know he was there and for that I am greatful because we had the chance to be together as a family! I especially love that his family looked out for us and wanted to be around us! I appreciated Danette's faith and her ability to share that with me when I was around her. I loved that Uncle Don told us how he felt and showed us his way!

I have loved spending time with Uncle Don and his family! Since he and Aunt Gloria have moved to Utah, it hasn't been as easy for me to see them. I miss their presence in the Valley, a hop skip and a jump away. I always have felt welcome and warm in their home and miss the one-on-one times that we've shared.

turkey!

2009-03-30T15:35:00.002-06:00

Anyone for an over cooked Thanksgiving Turkey! It is more like 'turkey jerky'! I remember one November Day before Thanksgiving I was cooking the turkey. Kent and his family were spending the night at our house. My oven was doing funny things...not cooking right. I tried something new and decided to cook my turkey at a low temperature in a brown paper bag. I told Phyllis to check the oven if she happen to get up in the middle of the night. Well she did and the meat was done so she turned off the oven. I got up the wee hours and noticed the oven was off so I turned it back on! Needless to say a few hours later when I checked the turkey it was pretty brown and pretty done!!! It was rather funny when we discussed the going ons, HOWEVER... the turkey got ate and was delicious.

Memories

2009-03-28T13:21:00.002-06:00

Andrea asked me about sharing some memories. I am trying to think about some memories...

I remember the girls having water fights with the neighbors. I remember the water fights between Barry Bingham and myself.... all in Manassa.

I remember the gardens Grandma and Grandpa grew. It was fun to benefit from the harvest and to help sometimes with the work in. Grandma still grows a lovely productive garden in St. George. I tried to do some planting in Alamosa, but wasn't as successful. I'm still trying to do gardens. I remember making pickled beets, canning almost 100 quarts of green beans. One year Gatha/Grandma and I did some peppers stuffed with cabbage and pickled them. Grandpa Arlo really liked them. I thought they were good too. I've not done that recipe since. It has been fun to be able to can from the harvest. I do not do much canning lately. It was more useful when I had a larger family at home.

feeling the economy

2009-03-26T11:48:00.001-06:00

on Tuesday with no warning I felt the blunt of the 'lay-off' once again. Looking into changes. It is a hard time at my house.

Oh the nose, ....

2009-03-23T21:14:00.003-06:00

In answer to a couple of questions by the brothers .... The ole nose has been broken seven times, the first time by Joe Thomas hitting me while playing baseball when the bat came in contact with the nose while playing in grade school. He hit the ball and threw the bat back hitting my nose. Robert Holland broke the ole snout three times with the ole fist. Ronnie Luster broke it once in another fight. Then once it was broken when I went tobogganing. (You wouldn't think that the snow was that hard!) Actually the bone on the nose was broken three times and the others was the cartilage.

just a thought...

2009-03-22T15:45:00.002-06:00

so I had this thought, no it didn't hurt!, I know that often you would like 'big brother' Don to make a comment, SOOOOOooo If you have a question I will ask him on which you would like to know and pin him down, nail him to the floor, and send the response.... any takers?

Constancy of Home

2009-03-09T20:09:00.004-06:00

Manassa is a small community just one mile square. Growing up in Manassa was wonderful because our ward was something I could count on. The church was a place I went to worship together with my family, but it was also someplace that we went to enjoy our extended family and our neighbors. Fast Sunday, we would gather fast offerings. We attended Primary, Sunday School, Mutual, and Scouts together.

The old two story chapel is the backdrop for our family picture that appears on the Dunn BLOG. I remember how the basement would fill with water in the summer when the irrigation water was brought into town and the surface water level would rise. That chapel wasn't big enough to hold all of the church activities so we also had a Relief Society building, an opera building, a scout building and a Bishop's building. Eventually, we got a new building and we worked together as a ward and community to raise the funds and to build the building.

It wasn't the buildings that held the ward together, it was the people. The Bishop that I associate with my childhood is Donald J. Jarvies. His counselors that I remember were Boyd Brady and Tommy Rogers. They were all kind men. Don Knight was our scout master. I don't believe we appreciated him as we should have. He put a lot of effort into teaching us and preparing us for manhood. Cletus Gilleland was the bishop when I was getting ready to go on a mission. Denny Harmsen was my seminary teacher. Marilyn Harmsen and Lena Sowards were my piano teachers.

Neighbors in Manassa had a part in supporting each other in raising children. I remember milking cows for Dorothy and Shelton Sowards. We were grateful for that opportunity. The neighbors helped us put siding and roofing on our home in Manassa before Mom and Dad returned from their mission. When Dad passed away, Dion Jarvies called me and gave me the news and consoled me. I knew without a doubt that she cared for our family.

More than anything, I am grateful for the extended family in Manassa. The aunts, Elma, Doris, Hazel, Ethtel, Ruth, and Frances were all available to help us. Uncles Elmer and Edgar Dunn were my home teaching companions. They both set wonderful examples for me. I grew up with cousins that I loved and respected. Jack, Laraine, Pat and Mary Lyne were good friends.

The roots that I put down in Manassa are strong roots. I am grateful for my home town, my home ward and for the foundation built there for me.

Lucky Cow

2009-02-28T08:50:00.002-07:00

Jeanette wished to impress me somehow
She worked up some very tasty chow
But there's something that she never knew
That meal was impossible to chew
I know it had a long life that lucky old cow

Family

2009-02-19T11:56:00.005-07:00

My family is my greatest treasure on earth,
I knew this even before my birth,
Its here that I learn about unity and love,
Being part of a family give me purpose from above.
I will strive to live as planned.
For that's how I live God's command.
He said familes are to be together forever,
I would never want to be without mine, no never!

Danette

A quick poem I wrote for Katee's talk in primary.

Mother

2009-02-16T04:45:00.003-07:00

For prayers I must thank my mother

I owe to her more than another

Through wrecks and drunks and deviation

From the true path of exaltation

She sought my salvation some how or other

My Father

2009-02-15T18:31:00.005-07:00

Let me tell you of my dear father

He cared greatly for my dear mother

Dad had a truly generous heart

He gave widows the most caring part

Truly he was keeper of his brother

The Mailbox

2009-02-15T18:06:00.002-07:00

What is there to look for when we're old,
When days are long and nights are so cold?
Perhaps a letter from child or friend
Would help lonliness and hurt to end.
But the then to ask would be too bold.

Can I make each day a bit better
By taking the time to write a letter?
Perhaps my parent is lonely too
Write the note! It's the best thing to do.
Just be the giver if you can't be the getter.

The Accountant

2009-02-15T04:00:00.002-07:00

It is time to figure our taxes

We are busy with notes and faxes

It is better to give than receive

But is that what we truly believe

As government taxes and spends and gives us the axes

A New Title

2009-02-14T04:00:00.003-07:00

Julie went off to college you see,

She was going to get a degree.

Clint Long gave her a different name.

After that their lives were not the same.

The name for that change is lovely Leslie

Teen

2009-02-13T15:00:00.004-07:00

I dispensed regular gasoline

and changed the wipers of neoprene

Hair, hands, and pants that smelled like grease,

a high school boy on work time release

Could that be why I was dumped by Mary Irene

Which Day is This

2009-02-13T04:00:00.002-07:00

Brad celebrates today, Friday
Another birthday came his way
Thirteen is a magical number
Recently he was a new comer
Give Bradly kisses and hugs all day.

Degree

2009-02-12T07:07:00.002-07:00

A boy named Arlo went to art school
He worked real hard at being a fool
Art was his desired BA degree
He took long enough to grow a tree
Now he is earning dollars for the whirlpool

Major

2009-02-11T17:50:00.004-07:00

Business school requires calculus
A very tough subject for all of us
But his grades in that made a bad stench
So he changed his major to french
Well, maybe another language may be a big plus.

Cory's Bike

2009-02-11T16:28:00.005-07:00

Cory had a little bicycle
Two wheeled human power vehicle
He went up one wheel, came down crashed
Cory's bicycle and face got smashed
Maybe he should stick to a tricycle.

Cory had a big motorcycle
Two wheels short for a true vehicle
He went way too fast and then he crashed
So Cory's body and his bike got smashed
His reward was much more than a tummy tickle.

Smoker

2009-02-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

The old man, a cigarette smoker,
Occasionally he played poker.
A bottle of booze hidden in back,
A girly joke book on the book rack.
Mom better not catch that old joker.

Sand Dunes

2009-02-09T23:59:00.003-07:00

Ed and Larry planned a sand dunes day
They bought them a case of beer some way.
Ed checked his mail as Gatha walked by
In the back seat the beer she did spy.
Ed should have kept driving that day.

Ed and Larry tried blame to escape
Gatha held on to them like a great ape
Kent's green hornet was taken away
There was no option for them to play
Gatha's grasp they could not escape

The Arrow

2009-02-09T16:00:00.002-07:00

Onto the roof a boy shot an arrow
Blabbing came home about that poor fellow
Before he could descend from that lofty place
He had to contend with his mom in his face
Don't shoot your arrow on the roof, you know!

HELP!

2009-02-09T06:00:00.003-07:00

A big wood-ant my privates did bite.
I tried to remove it with my might!
All I could muster was a good cry.
I could not remove it but did try.
I am glad Gatha came and set it right.

Slowpoke

2009-02-08T23:40:00.002-07:00

A fair young boy and nice girl met.
One sunny day Jeanette got all wet.
She said, "This boy just moves to fast!"
That tale is now something of the past.
December temple wedding was set.

The ol' man

2009-02-08T17:49:00.004-07:00

Arlo Vance hunted deer and rabbit

For him it was a severe habit.

He shot them dead and chopped their head

The skin was stripped down to the meat red

And Gatha had to cook it

Rojo

2009-02-08T16:02:00.002-07:00

A tough little scrapper, bright red hair
He and Robert were quite the pair.
Robert was big and Rojo was small
That didn't matter to Rojo at all.
After three broken noses, they cleared the air.

Beaus

2009-02-08T14:00:00.003-07:00

Gatha was young as was Arlo,
But her heart she did follow.
She was wed at seventeen.
They had times very lean.
Look now at the generations grow!

The Model-A

2009-02-08T10:00:00.002-07:00

Arlo had a very old Model A,
Sometimes he would pull a hood sleigh.
That old Frankenstein was modified.
And two boys that antique car tried.
To those boys dismay he gave it away!

Restraint

2009-02-07T23:59:00.003-07:00

One day Kent ran too far away
He thought that with friends he could play.
Gatha harshly made him to return
Constrained by cloths-line and a rope burn.
Kent since then asks mom if he may.

Fight

2009-02-07T18:18:00.006-07:00

Two cousins who fought were Larry 'n Ed.

Mothers tired of fighting it's said.

They were made to fight long in the dirt

In hopes they'd tire fore someone got hurt.

Fighting they say stopped that day when one thought the other was dead.

Chance

2009-02-07T05:10:00.004-07:00

A red headed girl name whose named Vance

With three hungry brothers took no chance

She hid all her goodies beneath her own bed

And wouldn't share with her brothers, it's said

Til she had to have pliers to zip up her pants.

A Poetic Challenge

2009-02-07T05:02:00.005-07:00

If you want to be a good poet,
Write a poem that will show it,
Just write five lines of humor and rhyme
Take some effort and some of your time
So that ere long your laughing family will know it.

Use limerick for pattern rhyming style
Keeping the content clean all the while
Let's remember stories of our clan
Yes, having some fun is my plan
While we tell each other's stories and smile.

Share a quick little chuckle each day
Let us know just what you have to say
Poking fun at each of our siblings
Get the most from doodling and scribbling
Don't wait for tomorrow, let's get started today!

Adam's goal

2009-01-30T09:38:00.003-07:00

Adam is going to be involved with the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in Fort A.P> Hill Virginia on July 26th through Aug 4th in the year 2010. The scout Council from this area is taking 5 troops and have arranged for a week long tour of the East Coast before attending the Jamboree. They plan on visiting; Niagara Falls and Museum of Natural History in New York. They will stop in Palmyra then travel to Philadelpia where they will see the LIberty Bell and Independence Square as well as Gettsburg. On the third day they will arrive in Washington D.C. where they will visit the Holocaust Muesum, Smithsonian Museum, Vietnam & Korean Memorial, Air & Space Museum, Mint Museum and the Ford Theatre and of course the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A trip to Arlington Cemetery, the National Catherdral and the Washington D.C. LDS Temple are also on the agenda. He will also get to see Fort McHenry in Maryland. (this is the birth place of the National Anthem) He is also attending a baseball game in Baltimore.
After all the touring he will be going to the Jamboree where they can; scuba dive, kayak, raft, trap shoot, archery, bike, play buck skin games, and much, much more. It's said to house
18, 000 tents, 36,000 partrol kitchens and 43,000 scouts and leaders. The President of the United States will address them and big ticket entertainers are puttin gon concerts.
So you can see this is going to be a chance of a life time.
However, an event like this isn't free, so Adam is going to be raising money through various different fund raisers and work.
The odd thing about this is, I (his mother) was so opposed to spending this money to go. It will be $2,550. But one Sunday morning I heard, "your son needs to do this." Adam has turned fourteen and for some you know what that means. I believe the reason he needs to be involved in this is to have a goal that he has to work toward. I'm excited to see him work to earn this chance. So we thought we would let you know that is what he is doing and if there is anything he can do for you (long distance is hard) then let us know. We apprieciate your support and love.

Happy Birthday Donnie!

2009-01-28T07:50:00.001-07:00

Point of View

2009-01-24T18:53:00.003-07:00

Many years ago, I went home teaching with Terry Golly. Terry was a very athletic fellow and loved motor biking. I didn't share Terry's interest in sporting activities. One month, we went together to visit the Trapp family. We had a nice visit with them, and I cannot remember what we talked about. I do remember my conversation afterwards.

As we left, Terry asked me if I had seen all those trophies. I didn't see any trophies, and asked him if he had seen their beautiful piano. He didn't see a piano. When we went back to visit them the next time I watched carefully to see the trophies that had caught Terry's eye. Where do you suppose they were? They sat right on top of the piano! We each had seen what we were interested in.

I believe that sometimes I am still like that in the way I view the world. I am drawn in by the things that peek my interests.

Where is everyone?

2009-01-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is busy, but I am anxious to hear from someone.

Delbert passed away in October

2009-01-20T20:57:00.007-07:00

I got a message from Carrie Collier Martinez via facebook asking me to call her so that she could tell me what happened to her Dad. My curiosity got the best of me and I called. I had sent her some genealogy some years ago, but it was returned and I thought I had lost contact with her.

Carrie told me that Delbert had passed away on the 29th of October in Iowa. Carrie's family brought him home to Salt Lake and he's buried there close to his family.

The picture to the right is of Delbert and his mother, Betty Laraine Vance Luster.

The picture to the left is of Delbert, Donnie, Uncle Richard and Grandma Vance. I suspect that this picture was taken in 1946. I don't know where the picture was taken. Possibly, it was in LaJara. I believe this is the only picture we have of Grandma Vance.

Delbert was the oldest of the Vance grandsons. RaeDean Barber (Howey), and Norene Summers were older than him.

Donnie is the only person in this picture that is still alive. Uncle Richard's son, Gerald lives here in Colorado Springs. I ran into him recently when Betty and I were out shopping.

Mom's photo albums had this page of pictures of the Luster Family. Delbert it lounging in the center.

Delbert's sister Diane died some years ago as did his brother, Ronnie. I don't know anything about Harold.

These pictures bring back a lot of memories to me of the Luster home south of LaJara, Colorado. We spent a lot of time with the Lusters. Sometimes, we had fun, and sometimes we got into trouble. When we got into trouble, Delbert always got the worst of the punishment. I never could understand why things had to be so hard for him.

For a while, Delbert stayed with Mom. He really fought depression.

I was really grateful when Delbert's family came to a family reunion in Sandy, Utah and we got an opportunity to know them. I wish we knew them better.

I was spotlighted

2009-01-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Our Relief Society does a spotlight in the monthly newsletter. I was spotlighted this month. I will try to put it on the blog.

Honeymoon Hotel

2008-12-31T21:43:00.003-07:00

This is many years after the event, but this is a picture of the cabin next to the Conjos River just below the Dunn family cabin. This structure is now gone, but this is where Arlo and Gatha spent their honeymoon.

Dad told us about the night they spent in the cabin and the noises they heard during the night. He claimed that it sounded like a woman screaming. In the morning there were cougar tracks on and around the cabin.

Yes, Santa came by Ford Sleigh...

2008-12-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

We saw Santa in St. George as he was making his way home from his busy night....

Here he is with Grandma Gatha.

It was a fun time spending a few minutes with him, Mrs. Santa, and his elves!
We also noticed how he resembled Uncle Don...

This is what Kanab looked like on Christmas Day. The kids had fun riding in a sleigh pulled by the four-wheeler! Dad/Don and Troy helped shovel off the snow at our neighbor's (Lu) driveway.

Hands tell us so much

2008-12-29T19:22:00.009-07:00

I loved to study my father's hands. They were unlike any other hands I have ever seen. They were covered with freckles and they were cracked from the work he did and most of the times they were stained. The grease and oil from the garage was ground into the cracks of his skin and for many years, they were stained yellow from his tobacco usage. I feared those hands when I misbehaved as a child, but as I matured, I was fascinated by his ability to turn a wrench in the most awkward of places. He loved to work wood and in his later years, he often stood in sawdust as his hands fashioned frames and toys from the wood.

This last year, Betty and I have had a rare opportunity. We have been learning to talk to a dear friend, Mattie, who is hearing impaired. Her hands gracefully move as she forms the words and thoughts she wants to convey. She has been patient with us as she has helped us learn how to form words, and phrases and sentences. We have learned to say simple prayers and express affection.

In church, we watch as the talks and hymns are interpreted from vocal expressions to graceful poetic manual ballet. We can't understand it all, but slowly we are beginning to learn. We don't have to understand every word to appreciate sign language. We do understand enough to get the general idea.

Another pair of hands that I love to watch are my sweetheart's. They are beautiful to me. I see her use her hands as she creates beautiful cards for friends on special occasions. I watch as she does the many things around our home and am grateful for the things she does. Her hands are dainty, but are beginning to show signs of aging. Her wedding rings no longer fit comfortably over her arthritic knuckles, and they don't open jars as easily as once they did. Her hands tell me that she loves me by the things that she does.

What I do with my hands also relays a message to those I love. I make a living for our family with my hands and there are times that they ache from over use, yet I feel a need to continue to use them to express the feelings of my heart. I love my family and find that I can use my hands to tell them so. I can also use my hands help Betty with her household chores, or I can while my time away putzing around on the Internet. I need to be careful about how I use my hands and how I use my time.

I went through my pictures looking images of people's hands. I believe that the ones that said the most to me were the one of Larry and Jeanette's hands when they were married, and this one. These are the hands of my Mother and my Father. Their hands in this photo symbolize unity and love and caring. I pray that I can keep my hands busy, keep them clean, and keep them ready to serve my family for the rest of my days. I hope that my hands will tell my loved ones the things that I would want them to say.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T14:27:00.002-07:00

On Christmas Eve Larry, Jeanette, Debra and Eric came to St George and took me back with them to Craig and Brina and their boys, Bradly and Luke's home, to spend Christmas with them. Julie and Clint and Leslie and Arlo and Austin came and we had a delicious meal and I gave them the gifts that I brought with me. They also exchanged the presents that they had for each other. We visited until late in the night. That was fun.

On Christmas day they opened their presents and Brina fed us wonderful meals. We visited, played games and some of them made snow men. It snowed a little bit, but there was already quite a bit of snow on the ground. It was perfect to make snow men. The also slid down an incline, on a sled. It was a lovely day.

Larry and Jeanette brought me home on Friday. Don and Gloria and Marcy, Troy, Jason and Becky came from Kanab and Bonnie had prepared a meal for all of us. It was nice. Shandi, Todd, Amber, Michael and Meagen, and Monica and John Henry were there. Santa Clause made an entrance and that was fun. It was a wonderful Christmas.

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 6)

2008-12-28T19:57:00.012-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

(Part 6)

John James Dyer came next in 1851. He first married Elizabeth Ferroba Spears, but then they separated and he brought his little boy James Wesley to live with my Grandmother Elizabeth Frances Beals when he was only 3 months old. Later John James married Mary Jane Luster and had one little boy David Robert born in Tennessee. They joined the LDS church and went to Colorado in March of 1889 with the other folks. They had four more children in the next six years. A little girl, Mary, was born just six months after they got there. They had twin girls, Flaura and Laura two years later and a little boy John Leland born in 1894.

Just the next year, Uncle John James passed away leaving his young wife in a new country with five young children and a teen aged step son. Aunt Mary Jane's parents, David Luster and Emmaline Demaris Bowyer Luster, took their whole family with them to Colorado too. Mary Jane's mother died just before Mary Jane's last baby was born in 1894.

Uncle John James died the next year in 1899 and her brother Pat Luster's wife who was Barsheba Tate, who was Aunt Polly's daughter, died leaving a family of young children too. So that makes six grownup deaths in the little band that came from Tennessee in just a few years.

When my father, Charles Mitchell Beals, told me about Uncle John James death he said, "I remember my Uncle John James was real sick and he had terrible pains in his head and in his chest. I had to take a job out of town, so I went and him good-bye. I got on my horse and went on to work, but in a few nights I had a terrible dream and dreamed that Uncle John James had passed away and that they had to bury him without me being there because they didn't know for sure where I was or didn't have anyone to send after me on horseback. I felt so bad that I quit my job and went home. Sure enough that is what had happened. I felt so bad just like I did in my dreams. He had died of pneumonia." I have often wondered about the young children of John James.

Mary married and I met her in Colorado in 1946. She was a pretty, attractive woman. She died the next year in 1947.

Laura, I don't know anything about except she died in 1926.

Flaura was married and lived in Miami, Arizona in 1922. When Uncle Henley Beals died, Aunt Mildred stayed all night with here there. Flaura died in 1942.

He's coming!

2008-12-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yep the white beared man is on his way.... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Yep!

2008-12-18T18:43:00.003-07:00

Yep! I can still make a snowman!
Can you believe it! right here in Kanab! It was a fun morning.

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 5)

2008-12-17T20:52:00.005-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

(Part 5)

Charles McKinney Dyer was born to John Robert and Barsheba in 1849. He married Jerusha Jones 24 December, 1872.

When Aunt Jerusha, or Aunt Sis as everyone called her, was about twelve years old, she went to stay all night with a friend. The confederate soldiers in the civil war came through and hanged her friend's mother and her friend. They started to hang her, but someone said, "Oh! she doesn't belong here, let her go." She ran and hid until the soldiers left. She came out of hiding and cut down her friend and her mother and saved their lives.

Uncle Charlie and Aunt Sis only had one child. They named her Malissa Cordelia. She was nicknamed Cordie. Aunt Cordie told her children about the negro mammy they used to have in Tennessee. She was real good and they thought a lot of her. When they would sit down at the table, they would ask her to come and eat with them. She would say, "Oh, no, no you wouldn't like this old black face sitting with you white folks. No, I will eat here in the kitchen." And she always did.

Cordie also told her children about when she had typhoid fever. She was about 14 or 15 years old there in Tennessee. She had been awfully sick but was getting better. She was still quite weak and shaky. She said her father had a garden and had some beautiful tomatoes. One day she saw her mother had picked a big basket full of tomatoes and was taking them to the store house. She asked if she could have some. Her mother answered, "Heavens no! They would kill you."

Cordie said they looked so good and she was so hungry, that later she slipped with a salt shaker and went down to the store house. She ate three or four big tomatoes. Just as she was finishing the last one, her mother walked up. She said, "Oh! You will surely die! What have you done?" Aunt Cordie said that she never felt so good in all her life, with her stomach full of tomatoes. They never hurt her. In fact, she said that was what made her well.

Uncle Charlie and Aunt Jerusha and Cordie left Tennessee with the rest of the folks in March of 1889 on the train. When the railroad forked at St. Louis, they came on to Pima, Arizona. Uncle Charlie had a store there. They never had any more children but Cordie grew up and married Squire Enoch Reynolds. They raised a big wonderful family. There is only one son left, Lincoln Reynolds. Their other children were Alfred Rufus and Annie, Esther and Ruth.

They also have a great posterity of Grandchildren. Some of them are Dr. Earl and Sandra Bleak who just returned from Tarpine Valley, Tennessee. They visited Ira and Ernestine Luster who were cordial as ever with fried chicken and all of the trimmings.

could it be a fish story?

2008-12-15T21:10:00.002-07:00

The other day Don got a big one! He got hooked at home by his own fly hook! It seemed the rod got put up on a shelf and fell somehow catching him in his right arm. We called the registered nurse next door to help remove it from his arm. It was quite an ordeal, Don's skin was pretty tough when it came to removing the barb hook, and easy to get inside! That is the biggest catch which he caught that I know of !

The Old Opera House

2008-12-15T19:31:00.003-07:00

I did a Google search to find something from Manassa that I could write about and found this picture with a title, School. The building may belong to the school now, but when I was a boy, it was the Opera House.

I don't know when the building was built, but I was in this building a lot of times as a child. I believe it originally belonged to the LDS church. I took two tap dance lessons from Elsie Brady in this building. I practiced basketball in this building with the Elementary school. I can't remember the coach's name, but I do remember the talk he gave me about working hard at being good at something. I should have worked harder with both of these endeavors.

Mother worked in the kitchen of this building when the school used the building as the school hot lunch building. Mom would bring home cans of leftovers for her four little pigs.

I would have liked to attend an Opera in this building when it was really the Opera House.

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 4)

2008-12-14T16:46:00.011-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

(Part 4)

After my grandmother Elizabeth Beals had liven in Pima for a few years, she wrote to her nephew Billy in Tennessee, and asked him to make her a hickory stick walking cane. She gave explicit directions to Billy. He was to cut a green hickory stick, tie it and keep it covered with ashes for one year. Months later when he sent the finished cane it had a piece break off the top of it. Grandma said, "Well, if he had followed my directions, it would never have done that." She was quite perturbed.

I don't know what happened to the oldest son John R.

In 1841 a boy child was born and named Lewis J. perhaps after Barsheba Dyer's father. He never married. I think he stayed at home there with Great Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Eliza. He served in the Civil War and fought with the rebels from the south. I don't have his death date, but he is buried in the Dyer graveyard upon the little hill above Tarpine Valley.

Louisa Jane, whom they called Aunt Eliza, was born in 1844. She never married either, but she helped take care of Great Grandpa and Grandma and she helped do the work. She helped with the washing, the cleaning, the cooking and the weaving. (She sounds so precious to me.) She went with Great Grandmother Barsheba on the long cold train ride to Sanford, Colorado 7 March 1889. She lived 8 years after she got there. She had what they called dropsy and died on 21 October 1897, just before my Grandfather Beals moved his family to Arizona. Aunt Eliza is buried in Colorado there by Great Grandmother Dyer.

The eighth child was my Grandmother, Elizabeth Frances Dyer. She married John Simpson Bales 29 Nov 1866. (This couple are the great grandparents of Donald Arlo Vance,) They had a family of eleven children. They owned this farm next to Elizabeth's family in Terrapin Valley. They had two little baby boys die there.

Then the most wonderful thing happened. Two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints came and brought with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This wonderful messaged changed their whole lives. My Grandfather John Simpson Bales was the first convert in that vicinity. Soon, they sold their farm and home and all of their possessions except what they could take on the train and moved to Sanford, Colorado. All their children went with them.

Their oldest son Robert and his wife Jewell Luster and their two little girls, Cora and Dora, went to Arizona. Grandma and Grandpa Beals lived in Colorado eight years before coming on to Arizona in a covered wagon in 1897.

They were only in Pima, Arizona seven years when Grandpa Beals passed away in July 1904. Grandma lived in the little lumber house grandpa build for her and the family. She passed away in December, 1928. She is buried in the Pima Cemetery by Grandpa. He was one of the sweetest kindest men that ever lived.

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 3)

2008-12-08T20:34:00.003-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

(Part 3)

Polly and Caswell Tate's daughter "Toad" married Pat Luster in 1879. They moved to Colorado and had a young family. They had six children born in Tennessee and five more born in Colorado. She had eleven children in fifteen years and four of them died as infants. Her husband Pat came to Pima, Arizona later and married again. The children grew up there in the valley. They were : Laura Maud Luster who married Robert Edge Reed, Ira Carpenter Luster who married Bertha Emmaline Kirby, Mary Emaline Luster who married Benjamin Russell, Malissa Jane Luster who married John Reynolds, Samuel LeRoy Houston Luster who did not marry, Bathsheba Luster who married Charles Boyle, Charles Walter Luster who married Chloe Curtis. These children grew up to be fine outstanding citizens and raised good families. A lot of their descendants are leaders in our communities and still live in Pima, Arizona and around the state.

I used to ask my father "How is it we are related to the Lusters?" and I never really understood. In writing this history I found that my grandmother Elizabeth Beals' sister, Mary or Aunt Polly married William Luster. My Grandmother Beals' brother John James married Mary Jane Luster then aunt Mary Barsheba Tate and her sister, Jewell Luster, married her husband's nephew, Uncle Robert, Bob Beals. The Luster and Dyer descendants are "truly related" wouldn't you say? Would someone please tell me what relation uncle William Luster is to these later Lusters?

In 1839, Barsheba and John Robert had another little boy. He was given the name of Richard Fain. They called him Rich. He married Hila Couch and they had three children, John R in 1860, William in 1868 and Isabell in 1872. Great uncle Rich served in the Civil war with the North. He brought his family to Arizona in the early 1900's but went back to Tennesse because they didn't like it out here. Isabel married Bud Jeffers but were never blessed with any children. Billy never married. In 1946 we visited them and they lived not far from Tarpine Valley but we had to swim or take a ferry boat to get across the river and walk a few miles. They lived in a little log cabin down by the river. That is where they passed away.

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 2)

2008-12-06T19:19:00.004-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

(Part 2)

On the 13th of Dec. 1831, John and Barsheba dyer had a little boy. They named him Augustus W. This oldest son, Augustus marrried Lucinda Woods of Hawkins County, Tennessee in 1849. They had 8 children in the next 11 years. The Civil War begain in 1861 and, of course, the families were all involved. In spite of the fact that they lived in the South, most of the people in this area of Tenessee sympathised with the Union. One of John and Barsheba's son's, Lewis, however, fought on the side of the South, which must have caused heartbreak in the family to have some sons fighting with the North and some with the South.

Augustus, like others in the family went to war. He must have been injured or shellshocked for it was said that when he returned from the war he was never the same. Not everything was damaged, however, for he and Lucinda had three more children! Their 8th child, Malinda, was born in 1861, the 9th, Margaret or Mary Ann, in 1865, so Augustus must have been at war between 1861 and 1865.

See the previous article, Uncle Gus.

The 2nd son of John and Barsheba Dyer was William T., who married Suzan Webster in 1834. This couple lived in Hawkins County. They had 4 children, James , John, Mary and Lucy. The tragedy of the Civil War engulfed them too. William went off to war after Lucy's birth. The family never heard from him again, and had to go on without a father's love and protection, never knowing what had happened to their husband and daddy. It was later found that William was killed during the battle of Strunton, Virginia.

The third child was daughter whom they named Sara Ann, perhaps after John's mother, since indications are that her name was Sarah Taylor. All that is known of this child is that she married Clinton Luster and had 3 children.

Great grandpa Dyer was a blacksmith and hired boys to work for him in his "shop". We know they raised sheep and cattle too, because we have what they called a coverlet that Grandma Dyer and her girls made. They raised the sheep and sheared them. They washed the wool and corded and dyed it. They spun it into yarn. They made the first layer of linen from flax.

Flax is a plant that they raised. They made thread out of the fiber of the flax plant and then wove it into linen. They wove the wool yarn onto it to keep them warm as we would use an afghan today. It took a lot of strange flax tools to work the flax and it takes a lot of hard work to make flax into linen and wool into yarn. We have a piece of their work. Isn't that wonderful? This piece of cloth is over 100 years old. The dyes are all natural, made from plants and roots. The deep blue is from indigo root, which was one of the staple crops of the old South.

In 1837, 2 years after Sara Ann's birth, John and Barsheba had another little girl. They named her Mary, but called her Polly. She married Caswell Tate, a carpenter. Polly and Caswell had a little girl born in 1862. Her nickname was "Toad". When "Toad" was 18 months old in Aug. 1863, her Daddy left to serve in the Civil War. One month later, Polly had another little girl. She named her Worthy Malissa. They called her "Nig." Polly's husband never returned and the family never know what happened to him.

Later, Polly married William P "Bill" Luster and they had two little boys, Caswell and Clint. They lived in the Terrapin Valley. Bill was working in Virginia and was accidentally killed. Cousin James Wesley Dyer had gone to stay all night with Caswell and Clint when a man brought Polly the news of Bill's death.

Uncle Jim as we called him recalls the terrible experience in a letter written in 1926 to Grandma Beals and I quote, "A Mr. Everett came quite a bit before daylight and called to Aunt Polly and told her of the accident. She was almost prostrated at the news and all of us were much upset by this terrible tragedy. It was awful! I shall never forget it. The body was brought from Virginia and arrived some time before daylight. It was sure a sad and pathetic case." For many years the family has grieved for he was grossly killed in a sawmill accident. I remember my father telling me his Uncle Bill Luster was killed in a sawmill. His body was chopped to pieces.

Great Aunt Polly stayed there in Tarpine Valley and raised her little family. She has a grandson, Ira Luster who still lives there with his wife Earnestine. He is 83 years old and his wife is 83. (I don't know how old this manuscript is.) Ira's father, Clint, (Aunt Polly's son) came out West in the early 1900's and went to Idaho and visited the Dyers and Beals in Pima, Arizona. Then he went back to Tennessee. He did a good job of raising Ira for they are always so cordial to everyone who visits them.

We visited them in 1946 and again in 1949. they showed us that gold ole' fashined southern hospitality. Ira's laugh was truly contagious. He would "get tickled" and his whole body would laugh, drawing in everyone around. He was full of funny stories and has an outstanding memory of almost everyone who lived in the tarpine valey. Everyone who ever visited Ira and Ernestine leave with fond memories.

In 1946 we took my father and mother to see them. My father enjoyed it so much and Ira went with us and showed us where everyone lived and where they used to live, and what happened to them and where they are now. In the words of my mother, "Papa never quit talking about that trip the rest of his life."

John Robert Dyer and Barsheba Tharpe (Part 1)

2008-12-05T21:26:00.004-07:00

Valley of the Terrapins, Slow and Steady Wins the Race

adapted from a manuscript by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt

Part 1

It is with great humility that I am trying to compile the history of my Great Grandparents. I have prayed earnestly and humbly for my Heavenly Father to help me with this assignment. The latest research I can find shows John Robert Dyer was probably born in Greensboro, N. Carolina between 1813-1818 and Barsheba Tharpe was born on 8 Sept. 1813. We think her father's name was John or Robert Lewis Tharpe but we are not positive. We think his mother's name was Sarah or Sara Taylor.

John Robert and Barsheba were both orphans. They met when both were working, where they fell in love and got married. They started housekeeping in a one room log cabin with a dirt floor and not a stick of furniture. They gathered some fresh pine needles and piled them in the corner for a bed.

It took a brave woman to go into the forest with her man and raise a family. She faced odds that would frighten most people, like the quiet of the forest with no neighbor close to talk to or give the assurance of help in an emercency or sickness. There was no one to have a little womanly talk with as the long days went by. The only sounds were those that came from the forest, a panther's scream at night, a wolf's howl, or an owl's hoot. My Grant Grandmother Barsheba was one of those brave women. She had neither a parent nor an inlaw to turn to, no one but her husband.

Since Great Grandpa John Robert was a farmer, history tells us he would have been busy clearing the land, making a crop, hunting the meat in the forest, making a shelter, and protecting his home.

People in those times did not have too much time to think about educating the children. In fact the schools were so far and few that many of the backwoods people did not learn to read and write. There was a lot to learn about life and survival that couldn't be learned in books, however, and this kind of education was important as "booklearning" in thos dayes, if not more important.

Later, roads were built and the community grew until there were close neighbors. The soil was virgin. The trees were big and the forest stretched so far it was more than a man could do to clear his land. He had to girdle the trees with an axe and let them die, then cut the trees and roll them into a heap and chop them to burn during the winter to keep warm. This took strong, courageous men. This is the kind of a man my Great Grandfather, John Robert Dyer was. It is said that the name Dyer is an occupational name from the old English word Deagre meaning "dyer" -- one who either processes the dye or one who dyed the cloth. The motto on the Dyer Crest means "I do not Fear. I will not affright." Our ancestors were poor in the things of this world, but there was no poverty of spirit.

They kept the fields fenced with split rails, the cows, hogs and sheep ran outside in the woods for pasture. In the spring they would round up the cattle except the milk cows and sheep. They usually let hogs run wild in the mountains. They would take the sheep and cattle to the mountains for summer pasture, going out about every two weeks to give them some salt and check on them.

They grew corn as a main crop, pulling the blades from the stalks in the fall and tied them into bundles and put them in starks or in the barn for winter feed. They grew their own potatoes, cabbage and beans and the produce they used on the table. They dried apples, dried green beans, dried pumpkin, made kraut, made hominy, then they gathered the herbs for their medicine, all for the winter use.

They went to the spring or a branch to wash clothes, boiling them in a big iron pot, beating the dirt out with a "battling" stick, and washed with home made lye soap. They carded wool to weave cloth for clothes for all the family, and knit all the stockings from wool. The shoemaker took tanned cowhide and made shoes using wooden pegs to hold the soles. They made quilts from lindsey wool cloth and wove all of the blankets.

A big fire was kept in the house all winter, if they had two chimneys they kept a fire in both, one to cook on. The children went to school about one month in the winter when it was too cold to work on the farm. They had school in the church house or log house by a fireplace, then later a "pot bellied" stove.

When a preacher would visit the community to preach, they would go to church. Mostly in the summer time they would have a "Protracted Meeting" after the crops were "layed by" for about a week in each church. They never thought of going to the store for anything but things they could not grow or make on the farm: coffee, soda, salt, sugar, some medicine, turpentine, salts, linament, camphor ice to make a bottle of "Campfire" with whiskey to sit on the "fireboard" for use when aches or pains came on. All the family worked six days a week after about six years old, no time for play or foolishment."

BLOG Bound in a Book

2008-12-03T16:11:00.002-07:00

I compiled the articles and comments into a bound volume 8-1/2 by 11. The book can be acquired from LuLu.com, as can some other BLOG compilations. Follow the link below to my store front. You can select the Arlo and Gatha Vance Family BLOG 2008 and then purchase it online from LuLu.

My LuLu Store Front

Elizabeth Frances Dyer and John Simpson Beals

2008-12-01T15:31:00.009-07:00

On 29 Nov, 1866 Elizabeth Frances Dyer married John Simpson Bales (Beals) in Hawkins County, Tennessee. They had a family of eleven children: James Robert, Mary Barsheba, Caswell Alxander, William Thomas, Charles Mitchell, Joseph Jashua, Sarah Martha, Hila Ella, Richard Francis, Eliza Frances Bevan, and John Luis Hendley Beals.

They owned the farm next to Elizabeth's family in Terrapin Valley. They had two little baby boys, Caswell Alexander and Joseph Joshua, die there. Then the most wonderful thing happened. Two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints came and brought with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This wonderful message changed their whole lives. Our third great grandfather, John Simpson Bales was the first convert in that vicinity.

Soon, they sold their farm and home and all of their possessions except what they could take on the train and moved to Sanford, Conejos County, Colorado. All of their children went with them. Their oldest son, Robert, and his wife, Jewell Luster, went on to Arizona. Great Great Grandma and and Grandpa Beals lived in Colorado for eight years before moving on to Pima, Arizona.

They were in Pima for only seven years when Grandpa Beals passed away in July 1904. Grandma lived in the little lumber house build for her by her husband until she passed away in December, 1928. She is buried in the Pima Cemetery by Grandpa. According to Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt, he was the sweetest kindest man that ever lived.

Uncle Gus

2008-11-29T18:24:00.002-07:00

Uncle Gus, as my father called him, was an interesting, rather unpredictable person, most likely due to war injuries, it couldn't have been heredity! One time he took a scythe and cut off the head of one of the fine blooded bulls that belonged to his father, perhaps in anger. (In 1946, when we were trying to find the grave yard where many of the family were buried, a man we ask directions of said, "Die you know old Gus Dyer?" When my father said, "Yes, he was my uncle", the man said, "Well, don't step on his grave or he'll raise up and beat the hell out of you!!) Uncle Gus had a bald spot on the back of his head which was caused by a strange accident. It's said that he drank too much moonshine one night and Aunt Lucinda had to go after him. She pulled him up on a sled and tied his feet to the single tree. When she got home, she found that his head had slipped off the back of the sled and dragged on the ground, wearing all the hair and hide off the spot. It never grew back.

Gus was a farmer in what is now called the Tarpine Valley, but which was originally called the Valley of the Terrapins. Augustus died the 8th of Sept. 1907 and is buried in the Dyer graveyard on a little hill overlooking the valley.

Taken from a typewritten manuscript written by Nancy Mildred Beals DeWitt.

Introducing the Beals Family

2008-11-29T17:53:00.006-07:00

This is a picture of my Great Grandfather, William Thomas Beals. He was married Josie Caroline Hicks in 9 Dec 1893. They were married for a short period of time. They had two children, Rosie Verdeame Beals and Arthur Beals who died as a child. William Thomas Beals and Josie Caroline Hicks were divorced and William went on to marry at least two other times. I have a record of a marriage to Abbie Ellen Patterson in 1898 and to Eddie Jane Viars in 1913.

I have a Doctrine and Covenants that Great Grandpa Beals gave to his daughter, Rosey Verdeame Vance on her 35th birthday.

This is my Great, great grandfather, John Simpson Beals who was born 29 Oct 1844 in Loudon, Monroe, Tennessee and who died 19 Jul 1904 in Pima, Graham, Arizona. He brought his family west to Colorado and after a couple of years, they moved on to Pima, Arizona. He died in Pima in 1904.

His wife, Elizabeth Frances Dyer was born 31 January 1847 in Rodgersville, Hawkins, Tennessee. She died in Pima, Arizona in December of 1928.

I have some histories I would like to share if you are interested, but they are long and I will have to do the sharing in installments.

The Traditional Thanksgiving

2008-11-14T21:43:00.007-07:00

Some say the traditional Thanksgiving began in Plymouth. For me it was a gathering at one of homes of my aunts or uncles in Manassa. The family packed in so tightly that there was hardly enough room to move. There was roast turkey, sage dressing, stuffed celery, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, fresh rolls, and plenty of pie. The menu was not as important to me as the closeness I felt with those I loved and a sense of belonging to something larger than I.

There was laughter and sharing. There was sharing of family news, encouragement, and love. As I remember, uncles would often disappear to a nearby home to watch a football game after the meal. The women would clean up the tables and the kitchen. As kids, we would play and laugh and build a stronger bond with one another.

I still try to have family gatherings with my children. Will there ever be another like those we had in Manassa?

Sadie Hawkins Day

2008-11-09T19:04:00.006-07:00

When I was in high school, I had a real affinity to reading the "Lil' Abner" comic strip. I was even able to draw most of the characters. This interest in Dogpatch, the home of Lil Abner and his girlfriend, Daisy May, was shared by others in my comunity. Each year, the school had a Sadie Hawkins dance in which the girls could ask the boys out.

I was a Sophomore in High School when I went to my first Sadie Hawkins dance. I was invited by a very smart girl in my class. I felt a bit nervous, but I donned by cut off levis, my burlap belt, and my flannel shirt. My date picked me up and pinned her cabbage corsage on my shoulder and we were off to the school.

I don't remember all of the details because it was such a long, long time ago. I do remember the bails of hay that we sat on and some of the booths around the school gymnasium. The one that holds a grip on my memory was the kissing booth. It was like a square tent made with dark blankets or something. I entered the booth hand in hand terrified of what came next. I had never kissed a girl before and wasn't sure I was ready to do that just yet. I extended my hand and shook her hand. She pulled her hand back and exclaimed, "You fink!"

The rest of the evening was cold and uncomfortable, and not just because I was wearing cut off levis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-11-09T15:35:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to a special Sister - Bonnie! I know I don't always remember everyone's birthday. But I want all to know that you are loved and I really do appreciate your love.

I know our family has had some really fun times with 'Aunt Bonnie'. The children have all thought a lot of you, Bonnie, as do Don and I. You have a special talent and spirit about you. I remember one time when two little girls were going to run away from home and go to Aunt Bonnie's! (who lived not too far in another trailer park in Alamosa)

I also remember when I became Bonnie's sister, she wasn't sure she wanted to share her 'big' brother, but I am glad she did! Love ya.

Our Last Year in Romeo

2008-11-06T20:18:00.005-07:00

We moved into the Paul weddington house. It was on the northeast corner of the block that Shirley Sorenson lived in. We lived there until two months after I was married. This letter was written when Dad was moving from that house that is explained in the letter. The only house that I lived in, in the town of Romeo, is the house that I just described. That is where we lived when Nona and Moine and Arlo and I dated. We were together most of the time as we courted.

One day when we lived there, someone came into my class room at school and said "Gatha, your house is on fire". I jumped over a desk and ran as fast as I could to the house and Barbara had ironed a dress to wear to school and left the iron on. It burned a hole in the ironing boar and was starting to burn the floor. We got there in time to put the fire out.

There was always something going on. Life was not easy without a mom. When I have heard people complain about their moms I would say, "I'll trade you places.

Outhouse Lore

2008-10-29T21:09:00.005-06:00

Everybody who grew up in Manassa has heard outhouse stories. We were well acquainted with outhouses as more than two of the homes we lived in in Manassa had no indoor plumbing at one time.

There's many a story of a Halloween prank of tipping outhouses. There was a time that one was tipped over on the door and there was someone inside. Luckily for the pranksters, it was tipped over on the door. The big, wide shouldered man could not get out through the hole in the seat quickly enough to get ahold of them. There's another story of a family that was tired of their outhouse being tipped over each year. They moved the outhouse back about three feet, and a group of would be outhouse tippers became involuntary drop ins. I am not sure at this time of my life which were yarns and which were dramatically enhanced retelling of historically based incidents.

I remember the Sears and Roebuck catalog. The pages were a lot rougher than the soft toilet paper that replaced the catalogs when we began using the porcelain pot in the house. It was also nice to get rid of the canopy under the bed when we finally got indoor plumbing in the house on 3rd street. The outhouse became the shed for the garden tools.

I found this interesting outhouse Web site that shows the wide variety of outhouses. The most intriguing to me is the two story outhouse. I've often wondered what happens to those on the lower floor when the upper floor is in use.

Bonnie some years ago created a ceramic likeness of our outhouse in back yard and the moon, the dog, Mom, and Dad. I enjoyed it for a lot of years. It now hangs in Andrea's home. Maybe we can talk her into taking a snapshot of it to share. I thought Bonnie succeeded in capturing the essentials of successful outhouse use in a few pieces of clay.

This portion posted by Andrea:
This is part of the ceramic creation that Bonnie made and I have hanging in my bathroom. Unfortunately, shortly after this picture was taken G'pa perished by way of vibration from my new bathroom cabinet. He fell off the wall and landed, all of him, in the bathtub in about 100 pieces. :*-(

Letter to Keith

2008-10-26T21:30:00.005-06:00