Ross Family at the Pocatello Idaho Temple Open House 25 September 2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built another temple in Idaho! This makes it the 6th temple in Idaho behind Idaho Falls, Boise, Rexburg, Twin Falls, and Meridian.
We made a trek over to see the open house on 25 September. We met Amanda’s parents and siblings there as well. We enjoyed the tour, some ice cream afterward, and made our way home. It was a memorable experience and the kids had a number of questions afterward.
Jeremy Pittard and I also made the trek over again on 8 October with some of our dedicated staff. We treated them to the temple open house and some Himalayan food afterward. Bree, Erica, and Esbeidy also had questions afterward.
We are excited to have a new temple in Idaho! I attended my first endowment session in the new temple on its second day open, 17 November.
Paul Ross, Esbeidy Cruz, Bree Olsen, Erica Izaguirre, and Jeremy Pittard at the Pocatello Idaho Temple Open House 8 October 2021
The morning of 26 July 2020 I awoke at a motel in Logan, Utah, with my four children. We were on the last day of a trip where Amanda had the weekend to pamper herself. Since we were in Logan, I took the kids around to some of the sites that were important to me. I am not including any of the graveyard pictures that I have shared earlier in visiting the resting sites of family members. This was the same trip we stopped to visit the Paris Tabernacle.
Hiram, Aliza, Lillian, and James Ross on the steps of the Logan Tabernacle in July 2020
The Logan Tabernacle is where I attended Stake Conference for all the years I attended Utah State University. I graduated from Logan Institute of Religion in this building. I recall Dad pointing out that my hair was getting thin from his vantage point on the balcony. I was sustained in this building and spoke at a Stake Conference. I sat at the feet and heard the teachings of H. David Burton and Vaughn J. Featherstone, as well as our own Stake Presidency, Thomas Cherrington, James Jenkins, and Roger McEvoy. I still remember some of their talks. I recall entertaining visiting British guests, like the Byroms and Gores, in this building. Moreover, this building had historical significance to the area and my own ancestors in the valley. In those years, I had numerous councilors, including David Ackerman, Tyler Buswell, David Moss, Jon Phillips, and Guy Schauerhamer. Secretaries were the amazing Kalynne Call (now Jensen) and Jessica Pollard (now Westerberg).
“Family and the Covenant” sculpture at Logan Tabernacle with James, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross in July 2020
Of course we had to stop at Dentist Office. 655 Darwin Avenue #6, Logan, Utah 84321, was my apartment for several years. That upper right room window was above my bed for those years. I shared a photo of it from 2012 previously. I also listed some of the poor unfortunate souls who also had to reside in close proximity to me!
Hiram, Aliza, Lillie, and James Ross in front of the Dentist Office on Darwin Avenue.
The next stop included the Logan Institute of Religion. This building is harder to capture in a picture with all the new apartment complexes so near the front of it. What was known then as the oldest and largest Institute of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don’t know if that still holds true. I attended the Institute before my mission and when my Mom disowned me, I knuckled down and took a dozen or so Institute credits. I can attribute much of my religious underpinnings and knowledge to this time. Some of the teachers that profoundly touched me included John Fowles, Rhett James, and Michael Cooley. After the mission, various teachers, including Gene Van Shaar (who I also knew in Springfield, Missouri at what was then Southwest Missouri State University).
Aliza and Hiram Ross at Logan LDS Institute
Of course we had to make a stop at the David B. Haight Alumni House. The history of this location I have shared before. Suffice it to say, I kissed my future wife for the first time here and also asked her to marry me in this same spot. The large painting of David B. Haight is no longer hanging in the lobby inside these doors.
Hiram, Lillian, James, and Aliza Ross at David B. Haight Alumni House in July 2020
Having jumped from the Dentist Office, to the Institute, to the Alumni House, it was obviously easy to jump to Old Main. On the walk over, I snapped this picture of the Logan Temple. Since it was Sunday, we couldn’t get inside the fence so we just drove by it.
Logan Temple in July 2020
Old Main was the home of my college, then the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). I attended most of my major classes in this building. I knew this building like the back of my hand.
Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross at Old Main of Utah State University in July 2020
I have stood in that tower overlooking the valley a number of times, usually a locked door confines you to the round windows. I have shared some historical photos of the building.
Lillie, Aliza, Hiram, and James Ross at the flower beds in front of Old Main.
I have also shared how my own family contributed to the building of this iconic building.
Lillie, Aliza, Hiram, and James Ross on west steps of south Old Main in July 2020
The photo above is interesting due to the silly children, but also the red sandstone that came from the Nuffer Quarry near Mapleton, Idaho. Both the pillar and stones in and under the brick. Of course, a visit to Old Main Hill for a child would not be complete without rolling down the hill. I also noticed how many of the old huge trees have now left the hill.
Old Main Hill in July 2020
The trip to Logan was memorable for the kids and I recalled many memories from my time attending. Maybe Amanda can attend at a future time. Logan holds fondness and great memories for me. Now we have some more.
Milo James Ross given Silver Star by Major General Clarkson
I wrote previously about Milo James Ross receiving the Silver Star. Today I wanted to share the order for the Unit Citation for Company C 130th Infantry Regiment of 33d Infantry Division. Grandpa received his Silver Star for the same activities that are referenced and the purpose for this Citation. Here is the language.
Headquarters 33d Infantry Division
A.P.O 33
General Orders 5 July 1945
Number 159
Unit Citation
Under the provisions of Section 1V, Circular No. 333, War Department, 22 December 1943, the following unit is cited by the Commanding General, 33d Infantry Division:
COMPANY C 130TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflicts with the enemy. Bilbil Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, an extremely rugged forest covered, key defensive position was occupied by a company of Japs reenforced with a heavy machine gun section. A 90mm mortar section, and two sections (2 guns) of 75mm howitzers. This commanding ground afforded excellent observation and enabled the enemy to maneuver its forces and supporting weapons to advantageous positions to successfully repel seven previous attempts to seize Hill “X”, the strategically important knob on the southeastern slope of Bilbil Mountain. Hill “X” was honeycombed with prepared positions from which the enemy observed and harassed our movements along the Gallano-Baguio Road. On 12 April 1945, Company C, under the sweltering sun, laboriously climbed the steep mountainous trails, which followed the crest of an extremely narrow hogback ridge which, except for short cogon grass and spares bamboo growths, was devoid of cover, and pushed to within 400 yards of the crest of Hill “X” when they were met a heavy barrage of 90mm mortar fire which enveloped the entire ridge. Simultaneously, intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire emanating from the many camouflaged spider-holes and caves astride the trail inflicted many casualties forcing the company to dig it. A reconnaissance revealed no other route to the objective so the company evacuated its casualties and aggressively pressed against this seemingly impenetrable fortress throughout the day making the enemy disclose his strongpoints. On 13 April 1945, despite the fact that the men were weary from the strenclimb, the fierce fighting and constant watchfulness against night infiltration, the company launched a dawn attack. Undaunted by the intense fire which inflicted five casualties to the leading elements, the gallant fighting men of Company C imbued with an indomitable fighting spirit swiftly worked their way up the knifelike ridge, and in the fiercest kind of close-in fighting wiped out six Jap machine gun nests in succession, killing the defending Japs in their holes. The enemy fanatically contested with intense fire every foot of the way to the summit, but undismayed Company C seized Hill “X” and dig in, tenaciously holding on despite continuous harassing fire delivered from the dominating position on Bilbil Mountain. That night the Japs reenforced Bilbil Mountain and subjected Company C to repeated counter-attacks. Another company sent to assist in the attack on Bilbil Mountain on 14 April 1945 succeeded in reaching the summit only to be driven of by the fierce Jap counter-attack. The full fury and power of the Japs was again turned on Company C which alone held its position,, successfully repulsing all of the severe and determined counter-attacks. The tired fighting men of the Company C exhibiting unwavering fighting spirit, despite nearly 50 per cent casualties, tenaciously held Hill “X” for five days until reenforcements were available to continue the attack and annihilate the enemy. In the accomplishments of this mission, the unflinching devotion in duty and superb displayed by each man of the company reflected the highest traditions on the armed forces.
Another found picture that includes my Grandmother, Colleen Mary Andra, in the 1945 Preston High School yearbook. I recently posted the photo regarding the Preston Girls Athletic Association. This photo includes the following writing on the page:
“Kanomo Club
“During this school hear the Kanoma Club has been successfully directed by the following officers:
“President … LuDean Maughan
“Vice President … Patricia Wood
“Secretary … Mary Jane Handy
“Social Manager … Gladys Rawlings
“Faculty Advisor … Viola Veibell
“Some of the activities this year have included the initiation and Christmas Party entertainment of the boys at a roller skating party, sponsoring an assembly for the girls where Ms. Star, Dean of Women from the A.C., spoke, helping the Red Cross in making bags and different articles. In addition, this club has cooperated in preparing and serving food at some of the other social functions. Each spring the girls in the club spend three days to a week at Girl’s Camp in Logan Canyon.
LuDean Maughan (1927 – alive, married Byron Glover)
Patricia Wood (1928 – 2005, married Norman Beckstead)
Mary Jane Handy (? – ?)
Gladys Rawlings (1923 – 2016, married Blaine Lemmon)
Viola Veibell (1921 – 1984, married Lorin Simper)
Colleen Andra (1928 – 1999) She is standing left front, next to the mail box, in the plaid skirt.
Stepping back to September 2020, the Ross family took a trip to the Spiral Jetty on the north side of the Great Salt Lake. When originally built, it was in the water. Don’t let the picture fool you, the water is beyond what looks like waves beyond. It is all hot, dry sand around it now. The white beyond looks like waves, but it is generally salt and some foam blowing off the Great Salt Lake.
Great Salt Lake looking toward the Spiral Jetty, Hemsley and Ross family standing in the distance
Here is a picture from way out on those salt lines looking back at the Spiral Jetty and our vehicles parked up on the shore or ridge above the lake. You can see the foam on the right, but the dry salt, crunchy ground that I walked out on to the point I am taking the shot back.
North Shore of the Great Salt Lake looking west
You can see how shallow the water is with the salt bubbles and foam on the water. The sand/soil under has this reddish/pinkish hue due to the bacteria in the water. You can see people walking out on the salt peninsulas. It was a pretty hot and very windy day.
North Shore of the Great Salt Lake looking South
This is looking south from the same point above. You can see the little waves in my immediate vicinity. But you can see as the lake gets deeper, the waves get bigger. None of us took off our shoes and waded out into the water. Mostly because we didn’t want to have salt in the car and we didn’t want to use our water to wash off. The second part was the bacteria in the water, an algae bloom of sorts. Not sure what was going on with the pink.
Salt on the ground on the North Shore of the Great Salt Lake
This picture is looking directly down. I caught more of my legs than I intended. But you can see the salt crystals on which we were walking. The whole thing had an other-worldly sort of feel about it. A forbidden terrain and environment you wouldn’t want to live in. The wind, the salt in the air and on the ground, the heat, all made a pretty unfriendly environment.
Aliza Ross and salt foam on North Shore of Great Salt Lake
This picture gives some idea of the foam that is building up. You can see who tall it is in front of Aliza’s feet. The wind and waves were blowing in this foam that was stopping at the salt and then drying out or blowing away.
The Spiral Jetty is almost 50 miles from Corinne, Utah. Some of it is pretty rough road and I would certainly not try it in anything but dry and warm conditions. You basically go to the Golden Spike National Historical Site and then go south another 20 miles. There were some limited signs. Take plenty of water. As you can see from the link, we also hit the National Historical Site on the same occasion.
We also took the opportunity to stop at ATK Rock Garden too. The ATK Rock Garden shows a great outdoor history of rockets. Orbital ATK still producing rocket fuel in the Utah desert.
ATK Rock Garden showing rocket history of Thiokol in Howell, Utah
This photo is one of the photos I scanned that belong to Mel and Colleen Todd of Buhl, Idaho. On the back is written Ray King of Castleford.
Asked about Ray King, he said Ray’s sister Clois King was in his grade and Ray King was a year older. Lived on the southwest edge of Castleford. Said they were both really nice people, even as kids.
When I had researched Ray King in 2014 and a couple of times since, nothing seemed to match up. Well, time gets us all and he passed earlier this year. As far as I can tell, Clois is still alive.
Ray Clifton King was born 6 January 1928 in Castleford, Twin Falls, Idaho. He married Margaret Blanche Inama 2 July 1951 in Nampa, Canyon, Idaho. She passed away in 2015. Ray passed away 29 April 2021 in Payson, Utah, Utah. He is buried by his wife in Cherokee Memorial, Lodi, San Joaquin, California,
Standard Examiner article about Plain City plane crash
I previously wrote an article about the piece of airplane scrap Grandpa kept in his front yard. I referenced this newspaper article and that I would type it up and make it available. Here it is. Before, here is a picture of that piece of scrap Grandpa Ross picked up in Mike Pananzio’s garden.
Piece of airplane wreckage Milo Ross picked up in Mike Pananzio’s garden
Cargo Plane Loses Wing Over Plain City; 2 Die In Crash
Ogden Utah, Saturday October 15, 1960
Smoke Billow From Ship In Mid-Air, Witnesses Say
EXport 4-7711 80th Year No. 269 5 Cents
Plain City – At least two airmen were killed at 11a.m. today when a Capitol Airlines C46 twin-engined plane leased to the Air Force lost a wing and spun into a cornfield.
Eyewitnesses said the plane caught fire in mid-air and fell to earth in a field of Paul Knight at 1975 N 4000 W.
Debris was scattered for more than a mile and a gaping hole in the open field underscored the violence of the impact.
Identities of the dead were not known immediately. Parts of the two bodies were strewn over the area.
An Air Force spokesman said it was believed only the unidentified pilot and co-pilot were aboard.
No one in this community of about 900 people was injured but authorities evacuated residents living in nearby houses.
The Air Forces said the plane was owned by Capitol Airways of Berry Field, Nashville, Tenn. It was contracted by the Air Force to haul freight and was inbound to hill Air force Base about 10 miles southeast of the crash site.
The plane presumably was swinging into the fight pattern to approach the landing strips.
Plain City residents said it was traveling almost directly toward Ben Lomond peak when it came to grief.
Estimates of its altitude varied, but one source said it looked to be about 1,00 feet up.
Louis E Pierce of Brigham City was one eye witness. He said saw the plane in the air and heard and engine sputter, then saw a black smoke cloud and saw one wing fall off.
Whether it broke loose before the plane nosed to earth or was blown that distance by the explosion could not be learned.
Hill Air Force Base officials were airlifted to the scene by helicopter.
Also called to the scene were the Weber County fire department and officers of the Weber County sheriff.
Moss ambulance Service was called, but the attendant said, “There was nothing to pick up. We saw parts of one body all over a field. Hill AFB officials would not release any information on the crash. They and officials of the Federal Aviation Agency were at the scene within the first hour and ordered the area roped off.
~
I found this article online from the Standard Examiner on the 17th, two days after the above article.
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TRIO PROBING FOR REASON IN AIR CRASH.
A three-man investigating panel from the Federal Aviation Agency is probing today for the cause of a spectacular plane crash Saturday in Plain City which killed two civilians when the plane plummeted into a corn field minus a wing. The crew from the FAA offices in San Francisco is headed by JACK BROWN and is headquartered at Hill Air Force Base. Meanwhile, the scene of the crash, a corn field owned by PAUL KNIGHT of 1874 N. 400 W., is being guarded by members of the Weber County Jeep Patrol. The wind that fell, carrying with it one of the plane’s two engines, completely blocked a road from the Plain City cemetery and created a serious fire hazard because of spilled fuel from the wing tanks. The wing was removed from the highway by jeep patrol members. FAA investigators are searching through a sea of charred and burned debris, scattered over a wide area extending in all directions from the 20 to 30-foot crater made when the plane hit the ground. Enroute To Hill. The plane, a C46, was enroute to Hill Air Force Base from Rapid City, S.D., carrying about 10,000 pounds of Air Force cargo and was under contract to the Air Force by Capitol Airways of Berry Field, Nashville, Tenn. Killed instantly were the pilot and co-pilot, identified at REED A. BURT, 42, Salt Lake City, and Oliver N. CHADWELL, JR., Edmonton, Okla. The crash and the movement of the plane moments before the crash took place place in full view of several eye witnesses. The height of the plane and its apparent trouble drew the attention of several who said they saw the wing drop off and then saw the plane plunge to the ground, bursting into flames. The intense heat of the fire made it impossible for anyone to attempt rescuing crew members and their bodies were so badly broken it was impossible for officials at the scene to determine the size of the crew.
Ogden Standard Examiner Utah 1960-10-17
Reed Allen Burt was born 30 September 1917 in Salt Lake City. He married Jewell Alma Butler (1920-2018) 16 February 1944 in Midland, Texas. His wife and three children survived him.
Oliver Henry Chadwell Jr was born in May 1929 in Oklahoma. I cannot see that he was married.
Ellis Donaldson, Gertrude Shaefer, and George Beck
Another one of those stories that are snippets of time but teases the sentiments from the heart’s strings. A story from a century ago of a life taken too early.
Joseph Ellis Donaldson went by Ellis his whole life. Not sure why, but his parents called all their sons by their middle name. Ellis was born 28 August 1896 in Park City, Summit, Utah. He is the brother to my David Delos Donaldson. I have written of their family and their relationship with the railroad and finding their way to Ogden, Weber, Utah.
In their time in Ogden, the Beck family had also moved there from Cheyenne, Laramie, Wyoming with the railroad. One of those boys was George Carl Beck. George was born 8 April 1896 in Cheyenne. Ellis and George became friends. The photo above includes Gertrude Shaefer who was one of their friends as well.
Ellis Donaldson and George Beck
George registered for the draft on 5 June 1917 in Ogden. Blue eyes, light hair, medium build, and medium height. He was then a private in the Utah National Guard and had been for 1 month. He was an electrician working for Dr. Fredrick Vining Fisher.
George Carl Beck
While in the military, he learned how to fly an airplane. He was in the Army 361 Aero Sqadron Air Service based out of Salt Lake City. Commissioned 22 April 1918. George went to Camp Mills in Mineola New York where he learned to fly at Roosevelt Field. He also acquired a Bachelor of Arts. For a time he worked for Ogden Picture Corp doing “moving picture.” George even took Ellis for a flight on at least one occasion.
Ellis Donaldson and George Beck
I am not clear on what happened or whose plane he was in. Ellis simply wrote for the above photo, “Ellis Donaldson and my boyhood buddy Lt. George C. Beck. Killed in plane tragedy summer 1919–Salt Lake.” George died 21 June 1919 in Salt Lake City. George’s death certificate states the cause of death, “Fracture at base of skull (Accidental– Airplane fell to earth)” The death certificate states he was an “Aviator” working for J. Gilmer, apparently he was no longer in the military. Aged 23 years, 2 months, 3 days. His father was the informant for the information on the death certificate.
The tragedy of a life cut short strikes me. Ellis’ short comment highlighted buddy and plane tragedy. John Greenleaf Whittier comes to mind, “For all the sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been.'”
Sagacity 