As we celebrate Christmas once again, one cannot help but remember the Christmas past. I scanned this photo in the last month and it brought back many memories.
My Grandma was then named Colleen Elliott (1928-1999), married to Evan Kay Elliott (1934-2007). This was their home in Paul, Idaho.
There are quite a few presents around that tree. But what do I remember?
I remember my Uncle Doug, Aunt Linda, and cousin Brook Jonas that Christmas. They moved to Alaska in 1987. I think this was the same year Brook accidentally broke my nose. I think that year or next Grandma and Evan were divorced.
I remember getting a harmonica that Christmas that I loved and played for many years. It disappeared after my Grandma passed away while I was on a mission in England in 1999.
I remember my Uncle Willie and Aunt Jackie Melycher. They were married in 1987 in this house.
The house evokes more memories than the Christmas. Although I do recognize and remember some of the balls on the tree.
I remember loving the big dinners at Grandma’s house. I think I remember this Christmas dinner, or maybe it was Thanksgiving. It was a feast as usual. Homemade coleslaw was amazing, still do not believe I have tasted one like hers since.
Part of the meal was the homemade pies. Lemon meringue was my favorite. The pie crust cookies were the best!
I remember the guys talking in this room during the morning. I remember napping in the front room after the meal on one of the couches.
I remember building fires in the fireplace. One time the window shattered outward and made a mess.
Is it strange I want to walk through the house again? But like a funeral viewing, it gives a new memory that I think I would rather not have.
Now, back to the present. I am grateful for my family. I hope they remember Christmas fondly in the future. I hope they have pleasant memories. I hope they remember! Perhaps a photograph for them will conjure a flood of pleasant memories and feelings too. May the joys of the season remain and be recalled.
This doesn’t mention the ultimate reason for the season. But we celebrate his birthday by bringing our family close.
Colleen Mary Andra graduated 24 May 1946 from Preston High in Preston, Idaho
I was given a box of photos. I have been working through those photos to scan and catalogue them. In that box were the Diploma from Preston High School for my Grandma and her Certificate of Graduation from Seminary.
Colleen Mary Andra (1928-1999) graduated 24 May 1946 from Preston High School in Preston, Franklin, Idaho. I was able to do a little homework on the individuals behind the signatures.
Orvid Ray Cutler was born 21 July 1903 in Preston, Idaho and died 24 January 1975 in Preston. A physician and surgeon, he was also active in public service. He was on the Eastside School Board for over 30 years, Mayor of Preston, and on the Idaho Cancer Board.
William Horland Simmons was born 13 February 1905 in Clawson, Teton, Idaho and died 10 April 1988 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho. He spent 24 years as Superintendent in Preston. He then went to Idaho Falls. A charter member of the Preston Lions Club.
Colleen Mary Andra graduated 20 May 1945 from L.D.S. Seminaries.
Colleen graduated 20 May 1945 from L.D.S. Seminaries in Preston. I have a suspicion it was actually 1946, but I am not certain. The wrong year is one thing, but there is another interesting twist. Heber J Grant’s signature is on the Certificate. President Grant had passed away on 14 May 1945, so he passed away before the graduation in 1945, but did they really use the same certificates in 1946? I don’t know what is correct but presume the current graduation with high school is probably correct. So those old 1945 certificates may have been used in 1946.
Heber Jeddy Grant was born 22 November 1956 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah and died 14 May 1945 in Salt Lake City. He was president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1918 until his passing in 1945. He is the son of Jedediah Morgan Grant and was a long time church leader. Grandma would not have known another church president as he became President before she was born.
Paul Richard Wynn was born 18 September 1899 in Lyons, Rice, Kansas and died 23 March 1966 in Preston. I cannot find much about him but he was apparently the President of the Board of Education and he lived in Preston. Sounds like he was Stake President in Preston at one time. Even says he prayed in General Conference. A boy from Preston apparently led the Church Board of Education. Of interest, he married to Mary Ellen Hemsley, sister of Richard John Hemsley, Amanda’s ancestor.
Ernest Eberhard Jr was born 20 June 1909 in Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany and died 29 June 1988 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah. I could find where he was the first Mission President of the Idaho Mission when created in 1974 and the Utah Mission in 1976. He was signer as Principal of the Seminary in Preston. He was called by Elder Widtsoe to take the position in Preston for which he stayed for 26 years. He was Bishop of the Preston 1st Ward for 10 years (1944-1954) as well as Mayor of Preston (1951-1955).
Franklin Lorenzo Richards West was born 1 February 1885 in Ogden, Weber, Utah and died 21 October 1966 in Salt Lake City. He was the Dean of Arts and Science at Utah Agricultural College and became Commissioner of Church Education until 1953.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville in Richmond, Utah July 1963
I previously wrote about a 1958 Pontiac Bonneville in Preston, Idaho. That car belonged to Donald and Phyllis. Fast forward a few years to July 1963 (at least that is when the photos were developed) and you have this car.
This car was new to the Norwood and Colleen Jonas family. I recall seeing these photos when I was a young kid and that my Grandma mentioned that she loved this car. But that is the extent of my memories. I don’t know how long they had it, when it went away, why, or what replaced it.
Star Candy Company with William Scott Donaldson standing with the white apron
On 26 November 2022, the Weber County Heritage Foundation linked the above photo and made this comment.
“In honor of Small Business Saturday….
“In 1903, William Donaldson was the proprietor of a confectionary business called Star Candy Company, located at 2309 Washington. Pictured is an inside look at Star Candy Company with Mr. Donaldson in the white apron. (*the other individuals are unidentified.)
That little clip added more than we knew previously.
Here is what I had written previously, “Somewhere in all this, he also had a confectionery store, of which we have one picture but no other information.”
Knowing it was called Star Candy Company located at 2309 Washington Ave in Ogden certainly tells us more than we had before! We don’t know how long he had it as he was listed as a plumber on the 1910 Census. On the 1900 Census William was still listed as a railroad conductor. The clip above does not tell us if that was when he opened it. I have asked if the Weber County Heritage Foundation has additional information. Here are the responses received.
“I believe it was only open for a year or two, circa 1903. No partners that we know of.”
“As far as we could find this store opened sometime after May 1902 and suffered a fire in November 1903. Newspapers say the store was gutted from the fire. However, they were able to re-open in late December of 1903. By 1905 a different business, owned by a different person, was operating at this address.”
Andra and Sandy Ross (back), Colleen Lloyd (center), Jackie and May Melycher
I first saw this picture this month. I don’t know the occasion and I don’t know why it was taken. But it captivates and surprises me.
This is my Grandmother, Colleen Andra Jonas Elliott Lloyd (1928 – 1999). She is dressed up a bit more than usual, so it must have been an occasion.
I had assumed the photo was taken after I had moved away to attend Utah State University in 1997. But that would put May around 8 years old, she looks more like 6 years old.
I visited with Andra, she thought it was taken at the Burley Elks Lodge when she was about 9th Grace, which would put it about 1994. That fits about right for May’s age. Andra also thought it was some occasion at the Elks and that is why Grandma is dressed up.
This is my mother, Sandy Ross, and my Aunt, Jackie Melycher. They are sisters. Andra is my sister, May my first cousin.
Whatever the occasion, it was a surprise to see a somewhat formal photo of my Grandma, Mom, Sister, Aunt, and Cousin. We as a family did not really do photos together so it was a treat.
Shirley and Marion Murray, holding Nevin about 1940
A year ago I wrote about Marion Murray, Shirley Cate, and their son Nevin. I scanned the photos of Mel and Colleen Todd and continue to work on those photos. Interestingly, this photo has “Marion, Murray Shipley, + Nevin” written on the back. As I worked through some of those unknown photos, I remembered researching and writing on Marion Ellsworth Murray. I went back, and it dawned on me the name was Shirley, not Shipley. I am happy to add this photo with some of the back story to it.
Joanna Virginia Angeline Todd (1898-1997) is related to the Todd line, which is why they have the photo. She married James Ellsworth Murray (1895-1918) and he died of the influenza only two years into their marriage. They had a son, Marion. She remarried to Roy Elgin Davis (1888-1957).
Marion married Shirley Isabelle Cate (1922-1995) and they had a son named Nevin Wayne Murray (1939-2003). He later took the name of Shirley’s next husband, who she married in 1944, to Nevin Wayne Gibson.
The family looks happy and content on a summers day here. Likely in Twin Falls County Idaho. She remarried within about 4 years. What happened or what went wrong? But this snapshot looks whole.
Idaho Republican Winter Meeting, 8 January 2022, Wayne Hurst, Paul Ross, Debbie Critchfield, John Smith, Mark Peterson
The Idaho general election is now over. I stumbled on this picture and thought I would share it. This is from the 2022 Idaho Republican Winter Meeting that was held at the Boise Centre on 8 January 2022.
Wayne Hurst remains as Region 5 Chairman. All the rest of us changed seats. I moved from Cassia State Committeeman to Cassia County Chairman. John Smith moved from Minidoka County Chairman to Vice Chairman. Mark Peterson moved from Legislative District 27 Chairman to Vice Chairman. Debbie Critchfield moved from Cassia State Committeewoman to Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction!
The difference a year can make.
Paul Ross, Jana Darrington (standing), Debbie Critchfield, and Melissa Brown in Burley on 23 October 2022, Brandon Woolf standing behind Melissa
It has been a crazy campaign year. I am glad it is over. It has been quite a bit of work. Not as much as these poor candidates!
Paul Ross, Phil McGrane, and Scott Bedke in Burley 23 October 2022
Earlier this year we met with some of our former legislators to put together forum questions. We snapped this picture.
Denton Darrington, Bert Stevenson, Fred Wood on 27 April 2022
My Dad called me last week to let me know Larry Aslett passed away. We often called him Uncle Larry growing up. Dad and Larry were friends and co-workers, business partners, as associates for more than 50 years. They first worked together in the 1960s and have kept in contact ever since. Dad, Larry, Steve, and Marvin all worked together at Circle A Construction. Dad worked there from like 1971 until 2004 or so when he retired. I will share a few photos I could find. I thought I had some more of Marvin, Steve, and Larry, but cannot find them right now.
Larry Dean Aslett passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of seventy-eight with his loving wife by his side on October 30, 2022. He was born to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger-Aslett on June 14, 1944 in Wendell, Idaho.
He started working for Circle A Construction at the tender age of 14, where he continued to work his entire life (except for the 3 years, 9 months and 28 days that he served our country in the United States Navy.)
Before entering the Navy, Larry also worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a service station attendant. In the Navy, Larry was at sea on the guided missile destroyer USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. He started out in the boiler room and then was a cook and went on to be a baker. He was known for his cinnamon rolls that were a favorite of the Commander of the fleet. Larry was an owner of Circle A Construction, Aslett Electric, Aslett Ranches and Mikey’s Graphics. He spent his life as Operations Manager with Circle A Construction, running all of the jobs through the years.
On March 28, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Louise. They first lived in Randolph, Utah. They moved to Ogden, Utah in 1971 and then in 1977, they moved back to Jerome. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. He was an extremely proud dad and grandpa and would talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone and everyone.
House in Randolph, Utah that Larry and Louise Aslett lived in.
Next to his family, his other love was animals. Larry loved animals of all kinds and was often bringing them home for Louise to raise. His collection of exotic animals included everything from buffalo to fallow deer, and even a zebra.
He and Louise introduced the Asletts to horse racing with their horse, Solar Bar, in 1976. Horses were a huge part of his life. He loved riding into the back country on his horse, Sparky, while leading his mules, Jackie and Mable. Pack trips with Sage were some of his fondest memories.
Larry loved spending time with family and friends. During his life, he started the Magic Valley Draft Horse Association with Harold Horting and the Jeep Preservation Club of the Magic Valley with Wes Stapleton and Les Abbott. He had a love for the old jeeps and had lots of laughter and fun on jeep trips throughout the years. His collection of old military vehicles led to his love of collecting later in life.
Larry’s life was filled with laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren to laugh at the absurdities in life, the frustrations in life, and the silly things in life. To laugh at life itself and not let it get you down.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bop and Baw; parents, Marvin and Larie; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; daughters, Lori (Frank) Norcutt and Lisa (Tom) Jaramillo; nephew, (son of his heart) Steve, Jr. “Sage” Aslett; beloved aunt Lorraine Kerruish; brother, Dave (Sharon) Aslett; sister-in-law, Barbara Aslett; step-sister, BZ Waite; and his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Kylie and Nikita.
Larry is embarking on a great adventure and we are at the window waving goodbye. It is not hard to imagine the joy of those awaiting him in Heaven. Those of us left behind find great comfort in knowing how much love he received the moment he was enveloped into their arms. We love you. Rest in Peace Grandpa. 8-11 Deano.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome. A military graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho 83714.
Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Idaho Parade, in front of the Felton Apartments, about 1985.
I don’t think I remember a time when I did not know Larry and Steve Aslett. Even growing up we went to the roundups in Mackay, Idaho every year. For several days we rode horses above Mackay, above White Knob. I loved those times and was sad when they sold that ranch and purchased the Three Creek Ranch near Rogerson, Idaho.
Steve Aslett passed away late last year.
Steven L. Aslett passed away surrounded by his loving family on Dec, 21st at the age of 74. He was Born on October, 14th 1947 to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger in Wendell Idaho.
He had two brothers Keith (Pat) and Larry (Louise) and two half brothers Lenard and David. He married the love of his life Barb Stuhlberg on April 1st (not a joke), 1967. He attended elementary school at Pleasant Plains north of Jerome, Graduated from high school in Jackson hole Wyoming in 1965. Graduated from Weber State University in Engineering with a minor in business in 1970.
Steve was an owner of Aslett Electric and Circle A construction. He loved spending time at House Creek Ranch, Fairfield, and Magic Reservoir. He had a passion for hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. Above all, He loved spending time with his Family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barb, Father Marvin, son Steve (Sage)(Connie), Daughter LeAnne (Reid), Grandchildren, Colton(Christina), Michael(Ashleigh), Shelbie(Sage), Brydon, Roper, Great Grandchildren, Rowan, Roper, Stetson, Brixton, and Wyatt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his mother and grandparents.
His strength throughout life has been an inspiration to all of us. He was the cornerstone of our family. Always ready to tell you how things are and what should be done. There was never a moment when a good band wasn’t around the corner for a chance to dance, and one eye open to see a new friend. There was always a plan on the horizon with Jim Keyes and Glen Somerset, whether it was a guided hunt by Sage, an outing on the golf course with team Circle A and buddies, the trail to find powder, or the four wheeler adventures. He loved getting on the phone with LeAnne for her daily lecture, enjoying her long hugs, and taking a drive with her hands off the dash and feet off the seat.
There will be a viewing at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Tuesday December 28th from 5pm to 7pm, and a memorial on December 29th at the turf club starting at 6pm.
We will miss you Mr. happy feet! Family requests any memorials be given in Steve’s name to the charity of your choice.
Marvin Aslett, their father, passed away just earlier this year.
Circle A Construction trucks in front of the Idaho Capitol in 2000
Marvin Aslett passed peacefully in his home on August 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Marvin was born April 4, 1926 in Montpelier, Idaho, to parents Leon and Leona Aslett, and they lived in Lava Hot Springs. As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was a tiny schoolhouse with two boys and two girls! In 1936, they moved to a farm in Jerome, Idaho, where he attended school out at Pleasant Plains. Marvin went to school till halfway into his sophomore year. He then moved to Sun Valley and worked as a bus boy in the Sun Valley Lodge.
In 1943, Marvin married Larie Stanger and their son, Keith, was born. Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp on May 25, 1944. His son, Larry, was born one month after Marvin went into the Marine Corp. During his time with the Marines, Marvin served in World War II / South Pacific Theater. He was on invasions into the Philippines, fighting Japanese. He served until February 8, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. His third son, Steve, came along in 1947.
In 1952, Marvin, along with his Mother and Father, started Circle A Construction. In 1965, his son, Larry, rejoined the company after being in the Navy. Then in 1979, his son, Steve, also joined the company.
Marvin married his second wife, Afton, in 1957, and their son, Leonard, was born. They divorced, and Marvin married Norma in 1962 and had son, David. Then, in 1977, Marvin married Joy Hollibaugh, He and Joy were married for 40 years.
Marvin and Joy loved golfing! Marvin had 4 holes-in-one. One at Jerome, one at Clear Springs and 2 in Hawaii. At 96, Marvin still enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.
In 1980, Aslett Ranches began racing quarter horses throughout the Western United States. Their horse won the “Poor Boy Futurity” and in 1981, they captured the Intermountain Quarter Horse Derby. Their stallion “Circle A Special” received a Racing Register of Merit in Emmett, Idaho, where he set a track record in the 250-yard dash. He set another track record in Pocatello, Idaho in the 400-yard dash. On January 4, 1988, Governor Cecil Andrus appointed Marvin to the Racing Commission, where he served for 13 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2007, Marvin was inducted into the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division’s Hall of Fame.
Marvin was also active in his community. In the early 1980’s, he served on the Boise State University Board of Trustees. He was also on the College of Southern Idaho’s foundation Board and continued the Leon Aslett Scholarship Fund that his father had set up. Also, in 1983, Marvin served as President of the Association of General Contractors.
In addition to the racehorses, Aslett Ranches is a 500 + cow/calf operation. Operating for the last 20 years in House Creek, previously located in Mackay.
Marvin is survived by his sister, Lorraine Kerruish; sons, Keith (Pat) Aslett, Larry (Louise) Aslett, Leonard (Carolyn) Aslett and David (Sharon) Aslett, and his stepdaughters, Deb Steinaker and Bz Waite; daughter-in-law, Barbara Aslett; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Leona; his wife, Joy; his son, Steve; stepson, David; and stepdaughter, Marilyn.
Circle A Construction grain trains at the end of a field for harvest
Sagacity 