Scanning some photos from a photo album of my Aunt Jackie, I found these treasures. These pictures appear to be 1977 to 1978 based on the age of my cousin. It took me back to my own memories of this back yard growing up. This is Grandma’s home on what was 50 South, now 584 Sunnyslope Drive, Paul, Idaho.
Brook Jonas on a new backyard patio
The old red barn over the canal from Grandma’s back patio
The same shed a few years later, boarded up.
Sandy, Jack, and Paul Ross
Sidewalk to shed. That flower bed had amazing gooseberries. May have climbed that antenna pole to get on the roof a few times.
The back of the yellow shed with the old outhouse and little red tar paper shack. I do remember many years of the yellow apples.
Another photo I found with me on the back patio about 1980.
Milo Ross, Paul, and dog.
Here is the same back yard from a different angle probably 3-5 years later. Grass is now in place and the ditch side looks prepared as the flowerbeds I knew them.
Unknown, Jackie, Unknown looking toward the same back yard and ditch.
In the same area, 1992.
Paul, Milo, Sandy, and Andra Ross 9 June 1992
Another showing the same background in 1992.
Paul, Milo, Sandy, and Andra Ross in 1992
And then another photo from 1995.
24 August 1995. The old apple trees are all gone, just a red maple then. Flower beds built up along ditch along with the rail fence.
Looking at Google Maps today, it appears all the flower beds are gone, most of the fences, most of the trees. A minimalist attempt at landscaping. I spent many a Saturday morning with my Dad mowing those lawns.
“Two other Idaho boomtowns which never really got off the ground were Idahome and Yale, in the Raft River Valley. Idahome was at one time, a planned major shipping point for cattle and grain out of the Raft River Valley, but the town died when plans for the railroad failed to materialize. Today, all that remains at Idahome is a grain elevator and the only thing left in Yale is a beet dump. Several other planned towns in the Raft River Valley met the same fate when the railroad did not come into the area.”
This newspaper clipping caught my attention for a couple of reasons. Idahome is not too far from me in Cassia County, about 30 miles from Burley.
Apparently my Great Great Grandparents, James and Damey Ross, lived in Idahome in 1918. At least that is where their son Robert shows them as living when he registered for the draft in September 1918. They moved quickly to Paul, Idaho as I understand Jim worked the first sugar beet campaign that fall. It was in Paul they lived when their son, John, aka Jack, came to visit while on leave from the army in 1919. I don’t know how long Jim and Damey lived in Idahome. Other than that draft registration, I was not aware they were residing in or near Idahome. Either way, it now holds a place as an alleged residence of my Great Great Grandparents.
Earlier this year I was in Boise for the Inauguration. I attended the Inauguration and Amanda and I both attended the Inaugural Dinner and Ball. It was fun. However, I intentionally took the long way home the next day down through Kuna, Murphy, Oreana, Grand View, Bruneau, Hammett, Glenns Ferry, King Hill, Bliss, Gooding, Shoshone, Dietrich, and Paul. It was a beautiful drive and I took 8 hours to make it!
As you can see above, I stopped at the Owyhee County Courthouse in Murphy. I got a kick out of the parking meter sign. It was a rather blustery day so I took the picture from my truck.
I drove past this sign and thought it was hilarious!
South Joe King Road in Hammett, Idaho
I found it so hilarious I turned around to go back and get a picture! I chortled just now uploading it for you.
Once I rolled into Hammett, I took this photo.
Hammett, Idaho, looking west
I will have to upload some of the other photos I took at the Lincoln and Gooding County Courthouses another time. I hit three courthouses in the same day, just for photos, not for work.
Paul – Married in a small private ceremony at the home of the bride’s mother in Paul were Jackie Jonas of LaGrande Ore., and William Francis “Willie” Melycher of Spirit Lake, Idaho. The cemerony, performed at 7 p.m. by Bishop Ronald Nielsen of the Paul LDS Second Ward, was held on July 23 at the home of Colleen A. Jonas, 575 W. 50 S., Paul.
The bridegroom is the son of William Francis “Red” Melycher, Newtown, Conn.
The bridge, given in marriage by Douglas Norwood Jonas of Anchorage, Alaska, wore a gown made by Joyce Miller, fashioned in the full length of white lace with white satin robbon bow around the neck and a cumberbund. Her mesh headdress was enhanced on each side with strands of flowers and beads. Her flowers were gardenias and white roses.
Matron of honor was Sandy Jonas Ross; the flower girl was Andra Ross; ringbearer Paul Norwood Jonas Ross; and the best man Milo Paul Ross.
The bride’s colors were turquoise, aquamarine and teal, with decorations by Patty’s. Candelabra was furnished by Alice Cannon. Pianist was Susan Neibaur.
Cindy Hotchkiss made the three tiered wedding cake, decorated in the bride’s colors and floral accents of gardenias, white roses, and greenery. Colleen A. Jonas cut and served the cake.
Others assisting were Sergene Sorenson and Rae Smith.
The couple traveled to Newtown prior to the wedding.
The bride, a graduate of Burley High School and Boise State University, is a brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad at LaGrande; and her husband is a graduate of Henry Abbott Technical in Danbury, Conn., and is chief ultrasonic rail inspector for Dapco Industries, Inc., Ridgefield, Conn.
Back (l-r): Milo and Sandy Ross, Willie and Jackie Melycher, Doug Jonas, Colleen Jonas, Brook Jonas; Front: Paul and Andra Ross
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.
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.
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
Minico High School automotive and drafting students display medals taken at the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) Skills Championships held March 27-29. Awards include: Technical Drafting, first place, gold medal: Glade Boldt; second place, silver: Justin Coleman; Architectural Drafting, first place, gold: Paul Ross; second place, silver: Rachel Fennell; Extemporaneous Speaking, second place: Justin Coleman; Automotive Skills, bronze: Oral Scott; Job Interview, silver: Justin Tate; New State Officer: Justin Tate. Pictured (;-r) are Nick Fletcher, Dustin McClellan, Justin Coleman, Lynn Brown, Glade Boldt, Oral Scott, Justin Tate, Corey McClellan, Rachel Fennell and Paul Ross, (seated on the floor).
I remember a few things about this trip to Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a really long drive, or so it seemed to me. I got motion sick on the winding road to Lewiston from Boise. Multiple times we had to stop so I could throw up. I had let my hair grow longer than I ever had and it was a new sensation and some made fun of me because I kept messing with it. I remember just thinking Lewiston was a run-down town. Which must be saying something for the boy coming from Paul, Idaho!
Sagacity 