Elliott

by

Building inspector

MANY PEOPLE in Minidoka County aren’t aware of the large amount of construction projects going on but Evan Elliott, on right, isn’t one of them. He knows what the projects are, where they are and who is doing the work. The job of County Inspector is far from being a dull job. (SIP Photo)

Found this article about Evan Elliott, who I grew up calling Grandpa until they divorced.

Building inspector takes look at four walls from either side.

By Arvetta Savage

SIP Feature Writer

While some people find it difficult to cope with an “indoor” job, there are still others who fail to adjust to an “outdoor” job. But Evan Elliot, 41, Paul, figures he just about has his problem solved.

Evan has an “indoor-outdoor” job. He serves as Minidoka County building inspector and maintains an office at Rupert. However, whenever those four walls start closing i on him he can step outdoors and fulfill another facet in his profession.

Evan doesn’t consider his occupation the most fun-loving one in the Mini-Cassia area, but on the other hand it’s far from dull. He has the opportunity to meet a variety of personalities and characters, and according to Evan, there’s nothing dull about meeting or working with the general public. He describes it as a “challenge.”

Evan has been affiliated with construction most of his life. Born in Soda Springs and raised at Paul graduating from Paul High School in 1953, he served three years in the Marine Corps. He traveled around while serving his country, travels with his present occupation and plans to travel further as time progresses.

During his service in the Military, Evan was injured in the Korean conflict and was hospitalized in an Army hospital 10 months in Japan. During that period Evan utilized his time learning about that country and even tried his hand at the Japanese language. Right now, he enjoys going into a Japanese operated restaurant and surprising the owners by speaking to them in their native tongue.

Evan and his wife, the former Colleen Jonas, of Burley whom he married April 9, 1976, plan to travel to Japan next year. Evan has wanted to return to that country and renew his memories of the time he had spent there. He and Colleen traveled extensively on their honeymoon last month and have plans of including traveling in their future.

Besides traveling, Evan also hunts, fishes and recently has taken up the hobby of constructing cactus lamps out of cactus shipped here from Arizona. Constructing things has always interested him, which could be the reason he enjoys his present occupation so much; that of building inspector, which he has been since Jan. 1, 1975.

Purpose of inspecting buildings is to determine and make certain the building will be and is now, structurally sound. About eight inspections are made on each construction so that any changes needed can be made before the building is completed.

Evan knows that his job is controversial and is one position which many persons don’t approve of entirely, or is one which they would not want themselves.

He considers this job a challenge, one of necessity to the public, and in the long run, the duties of building inspector could even result in the saving of money for some individuals as well as saving lives of many.

by

1980’s Grandma Christmas

Christmas about 1986

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.

by

Jonas Girls Photo

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.

by

Marion & Zella Hazel

Evan Elliott, Zella and Marion Hazel (unknown child) in Paul, Minidoka, Idaho

Oddly, as a child, I recall hearing the name of Marion and Zella Hazel. I don’t recall the story that went with them, nor how often I heard their names. But their names are familiar to me. Working through these old 110 negatives, I came upon two photos. I also recognized them in another black and white photo with my Grandpa. I may have even met them, but do not recall such a memory.

Here is what I have learned.

Lorenzo Marion Hazel was born 8 January 1911 in Salem, Utah, Utah. He passed away at home 3 December 1993 in Salem. His parents were William John Hazel and Minnie Maud Smith.

Zella Dorothy Jarvis was born 9 September 1911 in Santaquin, Utah, Utah. She passed away at home 23 January 1996 in Payson, Utah, Utah. Her parents were William Ephraim Jarvis and Zella Elizabeth Carter.

Marion and Zella were married 2 April 1931 in Provo, Utah, Utah. They had four children, Verlene, Jeannetta, Gerald, and Stan.

Zella and Marion Hazel, Norwood Jonas at City of Rocks

According to Marion’s obituary, he retired from Del Monte after 42 years there. That was likely what brought them to Burley, Idaho and where they became friends with my Grandparents, Norwood and Colleen Jonas. Norwood also worked at Del Monte in Burley from construction until his death in 1975. That friendship obviously continued after the death of my Grandfather and my Grandmother remarrying to Evan Kay Elliott in 1976.

That is about the extent of what I know.

Evan Elliott and Marion Hazel

Here are two more pictures taken from the same day in City of Rocks. I don’t know who is on the rock or if they were even with the party.

City of Rocks
City of Rocks
by

Colleen Andra Childhood Photo

Colleen Andra Childhood Photo about 1931

I know this is a common refrain, but please give heed.  Don’t give up searching for family history photos!

This photo appeared recently in a stack of photos.  I don’t have a single childhood photograph of my Grandmother, Colleen Mary Andra, later married to Jonas, Elliott, and Lloyd.  But because of the stack of photos and others in the photos, I knew this child was an Andra.  It caught my eye pretty quickly though because I thought I caught a hint of something more familiar.  Instantly I had a hunch this was my Grandma.

It was only after I messaged it to her surviving brothers that they quickly pointed it out as Colleen!  I have my first photo of my Grandma as a child.

She was born 27 May 1928 in Preston, Idaho.  I am guessing she is about 3 in the photo, which puts it around 1931.  The dress, pearls, and look match the time period as well.

I see my mother in her as well.  I scanned it in higher resolution so I can zoom in.  So many of the features I recognize and see in my mother’s own child pictures.  I can see one or two of the features in some of my own children as well.  Isn’t genetics a miracle?

by

Birthday Season

I just passed by 37th birthday last month.  It came and went like all the others, just another day with a little extra sugar.

If the average lifespan of a male is 72 years, I am now officially over half dead.

With the passing of the date, I thought I would post some pictures of birthdays from days gone.  Some of this will surely be to the chagrin of my little sister, Andra.  But she was born the day before my birthday, so we inevitably had our birthday parties together.

Some of the photos were scanned from a scrapbook, so you will have to forgive some of the stickers and other related paraphernalia.

Maybe I didn’t have birthdays in later years, or at least no pictures in my collection to commemorate the day.

I think this is about my 5th birthday, Andra's 3rd at Grandma's house in Paul, Idaho.

I think this is about my 4th birthday, Andra’s 2nd at Grandma’s house in Paul, Idaho.

 

I think this is about my 5th, Andra's 3rd.

I think this is about my 5th, Andra’s 3rd.

 

This one you can see my arrowhead necklace I wore for many years. I loved that necklace.

This one you can see my arrowhead necklace I wore for many years. I loved that necklace.

 

I think this is about age 7 for me, age 5 for Andra.

I think this is about age 7 for me, age 5 for Andra.

 

I believe this is my 11th birthday, Andra's 9th.

I believe this is my 9th birthday, Andra’s 7th.

 

With Gwen Thompson at their home in Virginia. This was my 26th birthday.

With Gwen Thompson at their home in Virginia. This was my 26th birthday.

by

1976 Andra Reunion

Here are a couple of photos from an Andra Reunion from about 1976.  I believe this reunion was in Preston, Franklin, Idaho.  These photos were from some tiny 110 film strips so they were pretty hard to scan.  The photos are not high quality for that reason.  But at least they are available and I can recognize the people in the photo.

Ross,

Ross, Colleen, Bill, Mary, Don, Sergene, Dale

More Ross,

Ross, Colleen, Bill, Mary, Don, Sergene, Dale

Looking sideways

Looking sideways, Ross, Colleen, Bill, Mary, Don, Sergene, Dale

Evan,

Evan & Colleen Elliott

Evan Elliott, Brook Jonas, Colleen, Linda Jonas

Evan Elliott, Brook Jonas, Colleen, Linda Jonas

Dale

Machelle, Judy, Kimberly, Jeremy, Eric, Dale, Anthony Andra

Don,

Back (l-r): Tim, Don, Toni, Lolane, Mark; Front: Jon, Cari

Ross,

Ross, Brenda, Adelaide, Carlos, Angela & Blas Gonzalez (Adelaide’s parents)

Sergene

Bill, Sergene Sorenson, Mary

by

Rupert 4th of July Parade

We attended the Rupert 4th of July Parade this year and enjoyed it.  I thought it was interesting to attend the Minidoka County Centennial Celebration in conjunction with the festivities this year.  I wonder what Aunt Fanny Ross Phibbs and Calvin Dickerson Phibbs thought when they arrived in the area on 21 March 1913 and witnessed the creation of Minidoka County that same year.  Calvin would go on to become a Judge in Minidoka County in 1918 and served for over 10 years.

While the Ross Clan has been in and out of Minidoka County for the past 100 years, we have left our mark for good or ill.

My thoughts turned to my own involvement in the Rupert 4th of July parade.  Here are a couple of the photos I could find.

Riding my trusty horse Mack, probably around 1991, for 4-H

Riding my trusty horse Mack, probably around 1991, for 4-H

Marching with the Minico Spartans Marching Bank, probably in 1996

Marching with the Minico Spartans Marching Band probably in 1996

Riding Dad's 1948 Ford 8N about 2001

Riding Dad’s 1948 Ford 8N about 2002

1948 Ford 8N about 2001

1948 Ford 8N about 2002

Just for fun because I do not know when else I would share them, a couple of pictures from the old Paul, Idaho parade.  I can still remember climbing up the ladder on the back of the pup to get into the trailer filled with gravel for us to stand on.  I remember looking down out of the trailer for the photo below.  This first photo has the Fenton Apartments in the back (still there and improved).

Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Parade about 1985

Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Parade about 1985

Andra and me with Grandma (Colleen Andra Elliott) in Paul Parade about 1985

Andra and me with Grandma (Colleen Andra Elliott at the time) in Paul Parade about 1985