As I worked through the photos of Dave and Betty Donaldson, I stumbled on some pictures sent from Dad. Dad, Milo Paul Ross, attended the 1957 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. I thought I would share those photos along with some other items I have scanned related to that trip. Since there were a couple of photos from the 1958 High Adventure Trip, I thought I would include those too.
First, be aware that the Great Salt Lake and Lake Bonneville Councils published a book about their trip. “Onward for God and My Country” was the motto. I have scanned the entire book – it is provided below.
The book says the trip occurred in July 1957. The book provides plenty of photos of the highlights. These few photos show what Dad thought was interesting enough to take pictures.
The trip took them east through a variety of states. Included was Chicago, Detroit, and Palmyra. Stops included the Sacred Grove and Smith Farm. Albany, Springfield, Boston, and New York City.
Dad does not recall the names or even knowing anyone in the photos at Jamboree.
I remember Dad talking about the Statue of Liberty. They climbed the stairs to the crown. He also indicated that at that time they let some of them climb to the torch. It was a very memorable experience. He also mentioned the Empire State Building and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Vice President Nixon addressed the Scouts.
Kammeyer’s supported the Jamboree.
For those LDS Scouts, Harold B Lee and Delbert L Stapley spoke to the boys on Sunday. Here is a letter Dad wrote home while there.
I previously wrote about Dad and scouting. Here is his Eagle Scout picture.
Milo Paul Ross achieved Eagle Scout
Here is a note Grandpa made about this picture.
Milo Ross, Bill McBride, Leon Taylor, Freddy Cox Eagle Announcement
Milo James Ross commented about Milo Paul Ross receiving his Duty to God award on 27 April 1959
Duty to God Award
Letter from Church Headquarters
Here are a couple of the photos from the Colorado River rafting trip. Dad thinks there are more photos. He does not remember or recognize any of the individuals in the photos.
Dad remembered they had to pull out of the river to go around the Glen Canyon Dam construction.
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Both of these were trips of a lifetime. Neither have been forgotten.
Since we lived in Oklahoma City for three years, we often visited downtown with visitors and on our own. I was not far from the Memorial at work. The bankruptcy court is only a block away and also received damage. I deeply feel what occurred that day.
Another random newspaper clipping from my Grandmother Gladys Maxine Donaldson Ross. I am not sure why this was clipped or what relationship or knowledge she had of anything in the article. I assume familiarity and connection with Elder Ritz.
Talks in area ward chapels of the LDS Church are scheduled Sunday by departing and returning missionaries.
Elder Mark Stephen Ritz, son of Mrs. Karen Taylor, 732 E. 850 N., has been called to serve in the Sweden Goteborg Mission.
A graduate of Weber High School and seminary. He will speak at the Plain City 3rd Ward Chapel, 4461 W. 2350 N., at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Elder Greg Steed, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don F. Steed, 784 W. 300 N., Clearfield, has returned from the Belgium-Antwerp Mission.
He will speak at the Clearfield 10th Ward Chapel 300 N. 200 W. Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Elder Vern Alan Thurgood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern L. Thurgood of 675 N. 2000 W., West Point, has returned home after serving in the LDS Church England London South Mission.
He will speak at the West Point 2nd Ward Chapel, 3488 E. 300 N., Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
The full name of an elder who will speak at the Ogden 62nd Ward Chapel, 300 Grammercy, Sunday at 2 p.m. is Brent Allison Bate. He is being assigned to the Texas San Antonio Mission, as previously reported.
I wrote previously of a book I have that belonged to my Great Grandfather, Joseph Nelson Jonas. The book was given to me by Ellis Jonas along with a couple of others. Inside the book was this clipping, presumably put there by my Great Grandmother, Lillian Coley Jonas. I have no clue about its significance, if any. It was clipped and put there in the book for some reason.
“Word was received yesterday afternoon of the death of Dr. Wm. B. Parkinson, Jr., of Fairfield, Idaho. He had been ailing for the last year and was being treated for heart trouble at the time of his death in a hospital at Twin Falls, Idaho.
He was a son of the late Dr. Wm. B. Parkinson, Sr., and Elizabeth B. Parkinson, of Logan and was born at Morgan, Dec. 24, 1877, moving to Logan with his father’s family when a small boy. He graduated from medical school in Chicago and came back and practiced in Wellsville and Logan and settled in Lewiston where he practiced for many years. Later he moved to Fairfield, Idaho, where he was practicing at the time of his death.
“Surviving are his wife and the following children: Mrs. Ben Red of Price, Mrs. Hugh Johnstone of Oakland, Calif., Floyd Parkinson and Mrs. Beth Blair of Lewiston, Paul of Price, and Peggy Parkinson of Lewiston, and seven grand children.
“The brothers and sisters are Mrs. George W. Leishman, Mrs. Ada England, Elizabeth Parkinson, and Mrs. Afton Nielsen of Logan, Mrs. Winnifred Jennens of Detroit, Michigan. Dr. George T. Parkinson, Twin Falls, Ida., Mrs. Hazel McAlister of Preston, Dr. Fred B. Parkinson, Cedar City. Mrs. Veda Worley of Salt Lake, Mrs. Karma Parkinson of Franklin, Dr. Wallace Parkinson of San Francisco, Calif., Don Parkinson of Texas, Mrs. Edith Shaw of Provo, and Mrs. Arthur Rallison of Whitney, Idaho.
“Funeral services are being held at Fairfield, Idaho Thursday morning at 10 a. m. Burial will be at the Logan cemetery. Short services will be held at Logan graveside at 3 p. m. Friday.
“Friends may call at the W. Loyal Hall mortuary in Logan Friday from 10 a. m. to time of graveside rites.
This is another chapter of the Jonas history book compiled by Carvel Jonas. “The Joseph Jonas clan of Utah (including – early Jonas family history; early Nelson family history)” This one is on Gaylen Thompson Jonas, Melvin Andersen Jonas, and John Irvin Jonas.
“Gaylen Thompson Jonas
“Melvin Andersen Jonas
“John Irvin Jonas [all my family history records show his name as Irwin John Jonas, not John Irvin]
“The above three Jonas boys were killed during World War 2 within two months and eight days of each other. Each was a grandson of Joseph and Annette Josephine Jonas, and each is a son with a different father. Melvin was a son of John Nelson and Armina Jonas. Gaylen was a son of William Nelson and Mary Jonas. Irvin was the son of Joseph Nelson and Lillian Jonas [I wrote about a post about Irwin exactly 10 years ago, then the 70th Anniversary of D-Day]. Gaylen never married. Melvin and Irvin married. Irvin was the only one of these three to have any children. He had one son, whose name was Irvin [Robert Irwin Jonas (1944-2019)], and only one grandson who was killed in a car accident when he was 16 years old [Robert Irwin Jonas II (1965-1983)]. Also, grandpa Joseph Jonas had a brother, William, who had a grandson who was also killed in the war [Melvin Paul Jonas (1917-1945)]. This grandson may have passed the Jonas surname had he lived, but with his death William Jonas had no great grand children who were boys. The war killed four of the Jonas sons.
Irwin John Jonas
“I wish that I had more information about Melvin and Irvin. I do have pictures which have been included in this history. If you (the reader) have any additional information please let me know so it can be included in a future edition.
Melvin Andersen Jonas Portrait
“Melvin Andersen Jonas was born 31 March 1917 in Richmond, Cache County, Utah. He was given a priesthood blessing 1 July 1917. He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 31 August 1925. He was ordained a Deacon 3 December 1929; a Teacher 12 February 1933, and a Priest 21 June 1937. He married Doris Everts 17 March 1944 and died just over four months after he was married on 16 July 1944. The Deseret News – 20 July 1944 p. 14, has the following obituary. “Houstin Texas. Lt. Melvin Jonas. Richmond – Funeral services for Lt. Melvin Jonas, 27, who drowned Sunday in the San Marcus California River, Will be conducted Sat. at 2 P.M. in the Richmond tabernacle by Bishop Erastus Johnson.”
“John Irvin Jonas was born 2 September 1921 at Thatcher, Bannock [Franklin] County, Idaho. His first name was probably given to him in behalf of his uncle, John Nelson Jonas, who died about two years before Irvin’s birth. Irvin was given a priesthood blessing 5 February 1922 and was baprized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 19 February 1931, and confirmed the same day. He was ordained a Deacon 1 April 1934 and a Teacher 27 February 1938. He was married 17 June 1943 when he was 21 years old at Rochester, Minnesota. Their only son, Robert Irvin Jonas was born 12 February 1944 at Logan, Utah. His son was four month old, less one day, when John Irvin died. The Salt Lake Tribute 8 August 1944 p. 11, and the Deseret News 8 August 1944 p. 5 have the following information. “Sgt. Irvin Jonas, 22, Richmond. Husband of Mrs. Mary [Popwitz] Jonas and son of Mrs. Lillian C. Jonas died 11 July 1944. Died in action in France.
Gaylen Thompson Jonas
“Gaylen Thompson Jonas was born 14 March 1925 at Logan, Utah. He was 6′ 2” tall and weighed over 200 pounds when he enlisted in the US Marines 19 August 1942. He was just 17 years and 5 months old when he enlisted. He went to San Diego, California to be trained with the 2nd Mormon battalion. He went overseas Jan 1943. He died 19 September 1944 when he was 19 years, 6 months and 5 days old. He was buried overseas for four years and 4 days and then was reburied 23 September 1948 at the Elysian Burial Cemetery in Murray, Utah. Here his body was laid next to his youngest brother, William Thompson Jonas, and now his parents are there, too. The Deseret News – 24 October 1944 p. 5, has an obituary.
“Gaylen was given a priesthood blessing 5 July 1929 by his father. He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 25 November 1933. He was confirmed 3 December 1933 by his father. He was ordained a Deacon 4 July 1937 and a teacher 29 January 1940. Temple work was done for Gaylen by his father 8 March 1950. Gaylen had visited his father two different times after his death and asked for his temple work to be done.
“The following is quoted from the April 1943 edition of the Millcreek Courier, which was the ward paper for William and Mary Jonas. “Gaylen was born in Logan on March 14, 1925. He came so near being born on Friday 13th that Mrs. Jonas was on the verge of asking the President to set the clock ahead about 24 hours to insure for her son a lucky beginning. Gaylen enjoys fishing and riding horses. The horse however on one occasion became just a little peeved and didn’t enjoy one bit the caress bestowed upon it by our hero. Being kicked in the face by one of the beasties isn’t a pleasant experience as Gaylen will tell you. He is a member of the 2nd Mormon Battalion having enlisted July 6, 1942. He is the proud possessor of a medal for sharpshooting and is a private in the Marines. Since they entered the service, the paths of Gaylen and Maynard have crossed and they have spent some enjoyable moments together under the palms where Pacific breezes blow. We wish them many more such meetings whenever the opportunity arises.”
“Gaylen, before joining the Marines, had received a severe wound in his leg which could have kept him from military service. But Gaylen would volunteer even though his parents encouraged him to consider not going, he being only 17 years old.
“Two of the many letters that Gaylen wrote will now be included. Mailed 23 September 1943. “Little Brother, well here’s a letter all of your own. Well your eight years old now. Your getting to be a big boy now. When you get big you will make a good Marine. Be nice to your teachers and make good marks in school. Be good until I come home and I’ll bring you a nice, big present. Do you still have your rabbits I gave you? Tell me how many cows and calves we have now. I got to go to bed now. I’m still your pal, Buddy. Your big Brother, Gaylen.”
“This next letter was written 10 June 1944. “Dear Pap, I received four letters from you and ten from Mom. You can see our mail was held up for sometime. I don’t think I will be able to see Del for sometime as we are headed in different directions. Vaughn will sure snap out of it sometime. I was hoping he would get into the M. Marines. I guess it is just as well that he went into the Navy because he may learn a trade that will help him when he gets out sometime. Maynard is on a sub. he travels mostly between Pearl Harbor and Brestone. He doesn’t get much danger but his work is very important. Well pop that makes four of us in the service. I hope we are safely able to get out of this war okay. Tell mom, Grandma and little buddy hello. Love, Gaylen.”
“Two of the people Gaylen served with wrote home to the Jonas family to express their sympathy and to tell the history of Gaylen’s death. The first letter is from Richard B. Wentworth.
“Ebba Thompson, I have been trying to find out P.F.C. Jonas’ address ever since his death. I knew he lived in Salt Lake, but his correct home address I have been unable to obtain or I would have written sooner. I believe I knew Jonas longer than anyone else in the battery. I knew him when he was in the 155 M.M. Batt. and I am proud to say I am one of the many friends that he had while in the Marines. In all the time that (I) knew him I very seldom ever saw him without a smile and a good word for anyone. On Sept. 19th the regiment asked for volunteers to do stretcher bearer duty at the front. There were 9 of us who volunteered for this duty. On this island we knew full our odds of coming out were practically nill. I meant that we would all be exposed continually to enemy fire like ducks in a shooting gallery from the start. We all split up and worked pairs. Jonas and I carried three wounded and went back. A man had been shot in the chest just forward of the front lines after knocking out the pillbox. We went out after him and got caught in enemy machine gun crossfire. Jonas was killed immediately. You may be assured that he never suffered for a moment… I know that this is not in the smallest way adequate, these few words that I have written. So feel perfectly free to write me personally and ask any questions. You can always write my mother if I should change address and she will give it to you…
“This next letter was written by Sgt. L. E. Byington 20 January 1945. “Dear Mrs. Jonas, It sure was a pleasure to hear from you. I want you to know if there’s anything I can do please don’t hesitate to ask I’ll be only glad to help out in anyway I can. When I come home I sure will come and see you all. Gaylen often told me “Blondy I want you to meet my folks when we get a furlough, they are the best parents a guy could want.” He always called me Blondy. He sure thought a lot of his aunt Miss Thompson too. Most people don’t figure that letters from relations interest other people but he used to let me read some of her letters. He sure thought a lot of her. I took two pictures of Gaylen but one negative must have got lost in the mail when I sent it home. I’ve already sent Miss Thompson one picture of Gaylen and another fellow and I. And I told her if she wanted the negative she could write to my folks in Hooper and they’d sent it to her… Sgt. Rawlings and I and three other members of Gaylens platton and three Seabees were there at the dedication of Gaylens grave. Sgt. Rawlings said a wonderful prayer. Yes. I know Corp. Wentworth also. He told me how it happened. It wasn’t compulsory that they went, they asked for volunteers and well Gaylen was the kind of guy who lent a hand wherever a hand was needed regardless of danger. Why things like this happen to our closest friends I’ll never know but his name will never go unremembered. I had to stay on board ship to watch our galley equipment and when I reach camp I was told about him. At first I couldn’t believe it. I was just stunned. It’s just like losing a brother. Gaylen and I used to be in the mess hall together back in San Diego. We used to go on liberty together too. Every time I think about it I’d like to kill a dozen… Those that we’ve captured said they knew they’d lose. All they held out for was to kill. They said you’ll win the war but it will cost you… Well, Mrs. Jonas I’ve enjoyed your letter very much. I’m going to save it so I can always remember you folks and I’m going to try my best to meet you all some day soon. May God be with you always, a friend. Stf. Sgt. L. E. Byington.”
“The next letter is from the secretary of the Navy. “The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS GAYLEN T. JONAS, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE, for service as set forth in the following Citation: For heroic service while serving with the Twelfth Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 19 September 1944. Courageous in the fact of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Private First Class Jonas volunteered to serve as a stretcher bearer during the evacuation of the wounded from the front lines. After the establishment of a shuttle system, he operated between the high ground dominated by hostile enemy snipers and, having assisted in the successful removal of several wounded men, was returning to the front lines to render further assistance when mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper. By his self-sacrificing spirit and daring efforts to save the lives of others, Private First Class Jonas upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”
Sagacity 