Sunday, 4 October 2026 by Sagacity

Wilson School, Class of 1938–1947

Wilson School building, Class of 1938-1947

This is a book I received that belonged to my Great Aunt Betty Oram Donaldson. I was not sure exactly what to do with it, other than share it for family history purposes. The photos in the book were not very high quality, but I am replicating them here anyway. Hopefully this history is of value to someone else who has family in the book.

“It’s a Great Life”

It’s the time in life for all of the Wilson School Class of ’47 to stop for a moment and realize that “It is a Great Life.”

We are matured and “aged” to the point that we are willing to accept that we are what we are. We realize that all of us have talents and abilities and that no two of us are alike, but that’s what makes us successful and happy. We are happy when we use our abilities and develop our talents.

In sports and business they often refer to “a level playing field,” meaning that both sides of the competition have equal opportunities. Therefore I believe that in life competition, the only “level playing field” is when we compete with ourselves. Our goal should be to do the very best we can, because no one else has the same talents, or abilities, or past experiences that we as individuals have. It has been said that we are the sum total of our past experiences. I believe our religious freedom and our constitution give us the opportunity to pursue success and happiness.

At the reunion dinner it was noted that all of us were satisfied with our accomplishments in life and most of us were in the service of others by actively volunteering in our churches, schools, civic organizations or other needy causes. Yes! It is true that most of us are involved in golfing, traveling, or other hobbies that we have looked forward to doing while preparing for these Golden Years. The time and resources to pursue and enjoy these activities make it “a Great Life.”

I am proud and honored that I attended Wilson School and associated with all of you there. From that small class we have many success stories and important things that we have done. Each of us has his or her own success story to be proud of whether it’s related to our families, our friends, our activities in church, our civic involvement, our involvement in other special organizations, or our career successes.

It has been said that when we die if we have five close friends that we have been successful in life, If that is true, then all who were part of the Wilson School Class of ’47 are successful individuals because of the friendships that we share today.

May each and every one of us continue to be successful and happy in our daily life, and always remember that it is a Great Life.

— R. B. (Bud) Willey, Class of ’47 Student Body President

History of Wilson School Class, 1938 to 1947

Many of you attended your very first school years in another school. As each one came to Wilson we became friends and so your memories will begin where you started. For a few of us our total elementary school experience was in the old Wilson School and that is why we started this memory book with the first grade.

First Grade, 1938–39

Our first grade teacher was Miss Dorothy Poulsen. She was young and pretty and we loved her. Our first grade class room was upstairs on the southwest corner. It was large with windows on the south and had wood floors. We had tables and chairs, a playhouse, a sand table and a space for a reading circle. We read from Dick and Jane books. We carried our lunches to school and stored them in a screened cabinet in the hallway. Many of us had Snowdrift shortening buckets for lunch pails. That year the front entrance of the school faced north with steps going toward the road. There was no cafeteria. First and second grades were excused at 2:00 p.m. to go home. That year we had two age groups in our class. We met with the children a year older than us. A doctor visited our class and checked our ears and throats. There were about 29 children in our room.

Second Grade, 1939–1940

Our teacher was Miss Viola Poulsen. Our classroom was upstairs on the southeast corner with windows on the south and east and a fire escape outside. We had desks that year and reading circle space on the east. We learned reading, math and other subjects. The school district closed the Marriott-Slaterville School that year and those children came to our school, so we had one age group of children in our classroom. About this time in the second or third grade we began getting soup for school lunches. They brought buckets of soup to the classrooms and passed enamel bowls and spoons to each student and filled them with soup. That was the forerunner of school lunches. About this time the school was remodeled so that the entrance faced the east and the office was built where the north entrance had been. The bathrooms were downstairs in the basement.

Third Grade, 1940–41

Mrs. Folkman was our teacher. Our classroom was the upstairs northeast corner or the southwest corner. There were 29 children in the class.

Fourth Grade, 1941–42

These were the war years. Our teacher was Miss Chadwick. Our classroom was the upstairs middle room on the north. These war years were very hard. School was closed in the fall so the older school boys could help harvest farm crops. We went to school on Saturdays a while to make up the time. The older boys were soldiers and were drafted to fight Japan and Germany. Many of our brothers were soldiers. No school pictures were taken during our fourth, fifth and sixth grades because all resources were concentrated on helping the war effort.

Fifth Grade, 1942–43

Our teacher was Miss Vera Shaw. She was a superb teacher. Our classroom was the upstairs northeast corner. About the time of fifth or sixth grades they began school lunches and we had tables in the basement in the hallway. I don’t remember when the cafeteria was built.

Sixth Grade, 1943–44

Our teacher was Vera Shaw again. Our classroom was on the main floor southeast corner. As an activity one day we made butter by shaking cream in a bottle then we each had a cracker with butter on it. We learned reading, math, and spelling etc. It seems like part of this year we had Mrs. McGrath for a music teacher and we made a book of all the old music composers. We bought victory stamps and gave the government the money to help fight the war. A favorite game of the boys was marbles. Each boy took great pride in his collection of marbles and his skill at shooting. The girls played jacks. We had a rubber ball and a set of 12 or so jacks and we would sit on the floor in a circle or around a table and go clear through onseys, twoseys, downseys, under the bridge or over the bridge etc. Another favorite of the girls was jump rope. If you could do “Red Hot Pepper,” or “Double Dutch” without missing you could jump quite a while. To be able to run in and out without missing was a keen skill. The boys played baseball. Another favorite game was “Pop the Whip.” Boys and girls would hold hands “tight” and run in a snake line and try to pop the end person off. We took turns being on the end to be popped off. Another favorite was “Flying Dutchman”. We were in a circle and two people ran around the circle. If your hands were touched you ran to beat the other couple to the empty space. Another favorite in winter time in the gym was four-corner kick.

Seventh Grade, 1944–45

Miss Maude Holmes was our teacher. That year for a very short while we had a Mr. Carter who was unusual. He stole some of our lunch money. Our classroom was on the southwest corner of the main floor. Around this time the school district built the cafeteria on the south of the school. We blessed the food and everyone ate together and we learned dining etiquette. The mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy and chocolate cake were favorites.

Eighth Grade, 1945–46

Mrs. Woodward was our teacher. Our classroom was on the northwest corner of the main floor. There were 27 in our class. World War II ended and the United States began it’s healing process and the rebuild.

Ninth Grade, 1946–47

Mr. Leland Reese was our teacher and our classroom was on the northeast corner of the main floor. We were becoming sophisticated adolescents. Mr. Reese taught us first aid. Mr. Wheat Taylor was our principal. Mr. Pettigrew was the orchestra teacher and some of us played instruments. We had basketball and baseball games against the other schools on Fridays.

Wilson School was a safe and healthy environment for children to grow. The teachers respected our childhood and watched over us with kindness. Every year each class in the school participated in a school program. Mr. Arthur Taylor was our principal in the early years. A Mr. Chadwick was principal for a time. Wheat Taylor was principal in our later years and helped prepare us for high school. All in all we had a memorable early school experience and look back at those fun years with fondness.

Ninth Grade Class of ’47 Reunion in 2000

Drauca Marston Holmes, Lola Taylor Sheffield, Louise Holmes, Marilyn Bowman Garner, Betty Lou Buck Schulze, Emma Ropelato Walling, Nona Flitton Forsgren, Gladys Sorensen Gibson, Lila Stone Harwood, Robert Holmes, Gordon Belnap, Betty May Oram Donaldson, Rudell Willey, Jewel Checketts Atwell.

Where Are They Now

GORDON “DUTCH” BELNAP

Married Faye Robins in 1951. Three sons, Rob, Tim, Mike. Eight Grand kids. US Navy: Honorable Discharge. Weber Jr. College 2 years. Utah State: Grad 1958, Masters 1965. Coach, Utah State University 13 years. Athletic Director Weber State University. Faye passed away Aug. 1996. Married Karen Smith Sept. 1997. Hobbies: woodworking, golf, travel, volunteer 2nd grade teacher.

MARILYN BOWMAN GARNER

I’ve had a good life. I attended Weber College, married Don Butler and had 2 children, Kathy and Gary before leaving Ogden in 1956. We lived in Pocatello, Idaho before moving to Grand Jct. Colorado. During our 15 years in Colorado, I worked for a wholesale drug company and the last year as office manager, bookkeeper for an ophthalmologist. While living there Vickey and Jodi were born. Our son was killed in a car accident in 1968 and in 1971 Don and I were divorced. I moved with my girls to Salt Lake in 1973 where I spent the first 4 plus years as office manager/legal secretary for an attorney. Then I went to work for Salt Lake County. When I retired in 1999, I was fiscal manager for the SLC Public Works Department. I married Clair Garner in June of 2000. We plan to keep up the good life with travel, golf, volunteer work, genealogy and enjoying our 9 grandchildren.

BETTY BUCK SCHULZE

When I left high school, I married Marler Williams. A boy, Monte B. was born of that marriage. Marler died 8 months after Monte’s birth. I went to work at HAFB to support myself and Monte. While working at Hill, I completed my schooling at Utah State University. I married Willard Smith. One son, Donald was born of that marriage. After Donald’s birth I returned to work at Hill. I worked as a supervisor for several years, then selected to study under Dr. Fredrick Herzberg, Distinguished Professor of Management from University of Utah. Under Dr. Herzberg’s guidance I completed a Masters Degree Equivalent in Industrial Psychology then taught Organizational Development, Air Force wide. I retired from HAFB with 25 years service. Willard and I traveled for 8 years prior to his death from cancer. I am now married to Hugo Schulze. We are enjoying our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I love to golf and play every chance I get. I have played on bowling leagues in the past. I had a wonderful time golfing with my past friends, especially Dutch Belnap, at the Weber High Golf day in 2000.

JEWEL CHECKETTS ATWELL

I was engaged my senior year, and married Daryl Hendrick on June 19, 1950. We settled in Layton and had 4 girls and 2 boys. I played on the church softball team until I tore the cartilage in my knee, then I helped coach. We moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and I started my dream of becoming a nurse. I worked 25 years in all areas of nursing, really enjoyed it, and learned a lot. Daryl passed away in June ’68. That was the year I met Gene. I married him in Nov. ’78. He is my best friend, lover and husband. He’s really been good through all the surgeries I’ve had. Gene had 4 children and our families are like one big family, all getting along well. These 21 years have been so happy! We have a total of 10 children, 26 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Gene is now retired from US West [Quest] and we live in Roswell, New Mexico.

JOHN EILANDER [JACK]

Upon my graduation from high school, I married and went into the US Army. After my release from the Army, I went to work for 3 years at the Ogden Arsenal. Subsequently, I was hired by Weber State University, where I retired in 1992 after 38 years of service. I am the father of 6 children, grandfather of 11 grandchildren and great grandfather of 10 great grandchildren.

NONA FLITTON FORSGREN

After graduating from high school, I got a job at a 5 and dime store for a short time before the opportunity came for me to take employment at Hill Air Force Base as a sheet metal mechanic. I had met my husband, Judd, at a senoir class party. After dating for some time we were married in 1953. I quit work to have our family of 3 daughters. We lived in Ogden and Willard then back to the Ogden area of Kanesville, West Haven. About the time our girls were in school, I again had a chance to return to my old job of riveting. I worked on the F4’s and F16’s. After 22 years of enjoyable service at HAFB, I retired in 1987. I have been busy since, wondering how I had time to work. Judd and I have traveled long and short trips, taken cruises and just the summer of 2001 traveled to Sweden, my husbands long time desire. I have served as Relief Society President in our ward and am enjoying my grandchildren as well as all the family. We have much fun and enjoyment with them. They are the greatest.

ROBERT WILLIAM HOLMES — February 17, 1932

(“Where he’s at, there’s mischief” . . . “Bob” . . . likes any back seat . . . not a lone wolf . . . Windy’s always with him . . . they work together . . . that smile! . . . is the key to many locked doors . . . for Bob.)

Born and raised in Wilson, my Father passed away when I was 10, I was left to run the farm, which I did after school and during the summer months.

After graduating from High School I joined the Navy for a 4 year term. During the time I was in the Navy I was in several places in and around Formosa (Taiwan), Korea, Japan and China. It was very educational for me, seeing other countries and other cultures. In the Navy I was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS BOXER, for eight months we cruised the seas patrolling the waters and land around the foreign countries. The rest of the time I spent in San Diego at Miramar Air Force Base and Point Mugu at Oxnard, California. I learned lots and seen lots during these eight years.

While in Point Mugu, I went a place called Jockey Meads, a resort between Oxnard and the San Fernando Valley, where I met Dorothy Lou Bates. I was invited to church in the Valley and stayed to a fireside at the Bishop’s house. My relationship with Dorothy continued and we were Married on July 17, 1953 in the Logan Temple. We have been blessed with five beautiful daughters, three son-in-laws and twelve grandchildren, six boys and six girls.

After my duty in the Navy, I enrolled in college at Utah State Agricultural College, halfway thru my years there they changed the College to a University, now called Utah State University. I graduated with a BS degree in Industrial Arts Education with a minor in Math after four years. The next summer I started my Masters Degree and a couple years later I finished my Masters in School Administration with a minor in Industrial Arts Education.

I was an Industrials Arts Teacher and taught wood shop for 35 years, retiring in June 1993. I was also a General Contractor for many years building houses and other structures.

I was the Chairman of the Wilson area planning committee for 14 years.

I was on the Weber County Board of Adjustments from 1988 until 1995, chairman of the board from 1990 until 1995. I also served on the Weber County Boundary Commission for one term.

I was the facilitator in organizing and establishing WEST HAVEN CITY – 1990. We became a city in July 1991 and I was the first Mayor serving for three years. While Mayor, I tried to get the city to agree to the sewer and secondary water but no one thought that was important and no one needed it, now, in the year 2001, it is needed and being put in the ground.

Keeping active in politics, I am currently the chairman of the WEST HAVEN SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT. Working with the city makes me feel like I have accomplished a great deal in my life and I enjoy what I am now doing. I am excited about every piece of pipe that is laid in the ground.

LOUISE HOLMES

I’m still Louise Holmes, having never changed my name. Following high school I attended Weber College and received an A.S. Degree. Then I attended USAC and received a B.S. Degree. After teaching school for 10 years I went back to what is now USU and received a Masters of Education Degree. After 33 years of teaching school I retired. I have spent part of my time volunteering as a tutor for children ages 6 through high school. I’m still recognized by many of my former students. They always stop for a visit. Traveling has always been fun for me. I’ve taken many tours and have met people who still remain my friends. For the past 23 years I’ve made my home at the Three Fountains Condominiums in North Ogden

JoANNE HOWE GEARY

Since graduation in 1950 my life has been pretty good. I got married in ’52 and had my first boy in ’53, another boy in ’55 and girls in ’59, ’60, and ’66. They are all grown now and in their own homes. We have 11 grandchildren, 6 girls and 5 boys. My husband and I took our children to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in ’75. We’ve been to Catalina Island off California 4 times. We like to travel when we can to visit our daughter and her family. My husband and I, for the most part, live a very quiet life. Don, my husband, likes gardening and watching video movies. I like to cook, do puzzles and watch quiz shows and video movies, of which we have a large collection. My husband also likes to paint and sketch. Two years ago, after wearing glasses for 56 years, I had my eyes operated on and now I only need glasses for reading small print and driving. We’re going to California, San Bernardino to be exact, in April to see our youngest granddaughter get baptized. We like to travel when we can. We’ll be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary before the Winter Olympics in 2002. It will be a family affair.

CARMA KLINKE POINDEXTER

I married Hugh H. Poindexter in Deer Lodge, Montana. He was a rancher and truck driver. I have three daughters, Denise, Kathy; and Ellie, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. I have lived in Ogden, Utah; Roy, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Bountiful, Utah. My home has been in Bountiful, Utah for the past thirty-two years. My husband and I have drove truck together and traveled every state in the U.S. except the New England States and Hawaii. God has been good to me. We are retired Snowbirds now.

DRAUCA MARSTON HOLMES

Drauca and Wayne Holmes were married in October following our graduation. Drauca worked as a secretary while Wayne attended Weber College. They moved to Logan where Wayne graduated as an electrical engineer. Drauca was an Executive Secretary for the Cache Co. Dept of Public Welfare. Wayne was commissioned into the Air Force and they lived in California and New Mexico for the next four years. Drauca was a stay-at-home Mom. They moved to Brigham City in 1959. They have four children and 14 grandchildren. Drauca worked as an Executive Secretary for Thiokol, NASA and the Air Force, performed semi-professionally for six years, graduated from Weber State University in Theater and developed the Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah, for which she was the Executive Director for 23 years. She and Wayne retired in 1994 and have served an LDS Mission to the Family History Library in SLC.

BETTY MAY ORAM DONALDSON

My name is Betty May Oram Donaldson. I have lived in the Honeyville and Ogden areas during my younger years. I attended the Honeyville Elementary School and the Wilson Lane School, then the Weber High and Box Elder High Schools. After school I worked as a dental assistant and then a medical assistant until retiring at 62. I married David W. Donaldson in 1953. We built a home in Plain City, Utah and have lived there for 49 years. My hobbies are cooking, working in my flower gardens, fly fishing and all other outdoor sports.

EMMA ROPELATO WALLING

After graduation I went to work for Hill Air Force Base where I met my husband Richard J. Walling. We married Aug. ’53 and I continued working until Dec. ’54 at the birth of our son Dean. Our daughter Terry arrived Jan. ’56. I was able to stay home to rear the children until ’64. Then I went to work at the I.R.S. seasonally until I retired in ’90. My husband passed away in 1972 and my son died in an auto accident in ’93. I sold my home and moved in with my aging parents to help care for them until their deaths in ’96 and ’00. I now plan to visit my family in California and will enjoy traveling to long dreamed of places and spending time with my six grandchildren.

PAUL STOKES

I married Mary Jean Miller June 1961 and we have two daughters, Julie Ann, 34 and Lisa Marie, 31. We have two grandchildren, Heather Lynn Beasley 8, and Nicholas Ryan Bronch 17 months. I graduated from Utah State University with a BS degree. I majored in education and minored in Psychology. I taught school for a total of seven years. I also was in the Air Force Reserve for seven years. We moved to Ward, Arkansas in 1965, where we owned and operated a dairy farm for 12 years, then went into the mobile home park business in Jacksonville, Arkansas, and have been renting mobile homes for the past 17 years. We are now semi-retired and have moved back to the farm in Ward. My hobbies are music, dancing and most of all watching the Arkansas Razorbacks football and basketball teams play.

LILA STONE HARWOOD

I married Jack Harwood 52 years ago. One year later we had our only child, a son, Keith Harwood. He gave us 4 wonderful granddaughters. Our 3 older girls blessed us with 6 great grandchildren, 3 more girls and 2 boys. My husband retired a few years ago, but still works part time, which is nice for both of us.

GLADYS SORENSEN GIBSON

After graduating from Weber College with an Assoc., I married Gary Gibson in the Logan Temple. Our 4 children were born in ’54, ’56, ’58, and ’59, two girls and two boys. Our oldest daughter passed away in June, 1995. Gary traveled for HAFB fixing missile test equipment and I stayed at home with our children. In 1966 I was hired at Pioneer Elementary as librarian, so I went to school with our children. I cataloged the books and set up the library. It was on the job training. I read stories to the school children and taught library science. I worked there 15 years. I love children’s literature. In 1977 I enrolled at Weber State once again and in 1982 graduated with a BS in Elementary Education with a Library Endorsement. I was hired as a teacher at Kanesville Elementary in 1982 and taught second grade 13 years and retired in 1995. I have worked in many chruch positions the most recent being an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple. I’ve been a member of 3 musical groups and performed as soloist and alto. Gary passed away in Oct., 2001. Now I enjoy making quilts, reading and my family. We have 3 living children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. I’m trying to keep busy and enjoy life..

LOLA TAYLOR SHEFFIELD

What Have I been doing the last 50 years? After I graduated from Ogden High School, I took the Cosmetology Course at Weber College and finished after a year. Then I worked at a salon in downtown Ogden. The money was sporadic so when another job offer came at McKesson-Robbins Wholesale Drug House, I took it.

My brother was on a mission in New York and he suggested I come back to Palmyra to see the pageant, which I did. Among the many missionaries involved in the production was one Grant Sheffield from Kaysville, who I met while at the pageant. When he returned from his mission in December he called and came to visit to ask me for a date for New Year’s Eve. We continued to date through the next few months and we were married in June. Shortly after our marriage, Grant was inducted into Uncle Sam’s Service at Fort Ord, California. Our first daughter of three, Vickie, was born while we were at Fort Ord, followed by two more girls, Debbie, and a year later, Sherrie. (Three years after Debbie.)

After Grant graduated from the School of Architecture at the University of Utah, he was hired at Thiokol in the design section. We bought a newly constructed home in Salt Lake- that was another story- commuting back and forth from Salt Lake to Brigham City. Everything went great for five or six years, then Thiokol went down the tube. We were the first wave of the unemployed.

Our neighbor had recently left Utah and went to Tempe, Arizona, and already had set up an interview for himself. So we packed up and went job hunting, hoping to have similar luck. But our trip continued on to California. Another friend we had been close to left a job in California and took a leave of absence when he went to Thiokol in Utah. He took his old job back, with Metropolitan Water District in California, as an engineer. He told us they were hiring and Grant was hired. He retired after 32 years. We bought a home in Brea, California, (Tar Town). Brea means tar in Spanish. (La Brea tar pits in Hollywood or Los Angeles County, not the same.) We lived in an old oil-producing town. Our son Jared was born ten years after our youngest daughter. It took all of us to raise him; he was one busy boy.

We have 8 grandchildren, 5 boys and 3 girls, one little great granddaughter. Most of the children and grandchildren live in Utah. The oldest and the youngest, with 6 of the grandchildren and the great grandchild, live in Utah. Our daughter Sherrie lives in Texas and we have one in California.

We have done a lot of traveling with our children. We have enjoyed traveling with our children to see aunts, uncles, cousins, who were living in Canada, and my sister and their children living in New York. We could travel the country and do lots of visiting and also Mexico was close by and fun to visit too. We continued our traveling after our children flew the nest. Also retiring gave us more time to travel the globe. We have enjoyed spending our vacations in many countries.

We have had a great 50 years and look forward to many more.

RUDELL WILLEY

Rudell married Barbara Hadley a few months after graduation on November 1, 1950. They have three children, one boy and two girls. They also have twelve grandchildren.

Rudell worked 35 years for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman-conductor traveling between Ogden and Carlin, Nevada. During those years Rudell was active in electrical contracting with a Master Electrician License. He was also involved in real estate development with a Real Estate Brokers License and a Commercial Property Managers License.

Rudell has enjoyed hunting in Alaska, Yukon Territories, Canada and the Western United States. fishing in Alaska and Mexico, flying his private airplane the past 34 years in Alaska (four times north of the Artic Circle) Mexico, Guatamala, Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands. Vern Smith accompanied him on many of these trips. Rudell is currently involved in activities in the L.D.S. Church, civic activities, The Quiet Birdmen (an international pilot organization) and Enable Industries, a handicapped facility. Rudell and Barbara now spend a lot of time traveling in their private plane and their motorhome.

In Memory of Our School Friends Who Are Gone But Not Forgotten

DOLORES HIPWELL CHARLTON

Dolores was married June 9, 1950 to Wayne Charlton from West Weber. They moved into a small home in West Weber. It caught fire and burned everything, wedding gifts, furniture and all. They then moved up to Wilson into a small home by her mother and dad on 2100. Later they built a nice brick home by her mother and dad. Wayne and Dolores had two children, Brent born in 1952 and LaRee born in 1954. Wayne worked at American Can and also became involved in race horses. He raised a very nice quarter horse from a colt and named her LaRee Bar and took her to Las Alemedas, California and won many races and made good money from her. A Dr. Allred helped Wayne get started in horse racing. They built another brick home on 2550 in Wilson with nice horse barns and then moved to California and raced horses. They did very well. Dolores loved Utah Noodle chow mein and ate a lot of it when they were in Ogden. They bought a ranch in California then sold it and moved to Oklahoma on a ranch. Their son Brent helped Wayne train race horses. Wayne is an expert on knowing the legs of race horses. Dolores was the bookkeeper. Late in 1992 the doctors discovered she had a cancer in her liver. Wayne had expert doctors attend to her but the cancer was too far advanced. They moved back to the house on 2550 and she died June 1, 1993 and was buried in West Weber Cemetery on June 5, 1993. Dolores and Wayne have five grandchildren.

LYNN JENSEN, 1932–1998

Lynn Jensen served in the U.S. Army for three years. Fifteen months of which he spent in Korea, where he saw combat and was awarded the Bronze Star with V device for valor. He also was awarded the Occ. Medal, a Korean Service Medal with five bronze stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Following his military service, Lynn spent time in California and Utah. He married Betty Jo and has a stepson, Butch. He divorced and moved to Alaska, where he lived in Chugiak and Eagle River. He had been through engineer and demolition school in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was a self-employed mechanic and machinist until he retired in 1996. He died December 2, 1998 from a stroke and was buried in Alaska. He was a very quiet man who would help anyone in need.

ROBERT WAYNE KIRBY

Robert Wayne Kirby was born in Brunswick, Missouri in 1932. In 1941 the family moved to West Ogden. He attended Wilson Elementary and Junior High School for 9 years. He graduated from Weber High School in May of 1950. Bob worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a fireman/engineer for a period of time. He also worked as a cabinet maker before becoming involved in the drywall trade. In about 1970 he moved with his wife to Elko, Nevada to work in the construction trades. This was a period of increased construction in the Elko, Nevada area due to the newly found gold mines in the surrounding area that brought an influx of workers. Later on Bob worked at the Commercial Hotel in Elko maintaining the gaming machines in the casino there. Bob died in an accident in 1974 in the Elko area and is buried by his parents in the Centerville, Utah Cemetery. He left behind three daughters and one son. Bob will always be remembered for his infectious smile that was always on his face and will be noted among his family, classmates and co-workers for his happy-go-lucky attitude and good-natured personality.

ARTHUR KRANENDONK

Art died a very tragic death when his truck caught fire in an accident and burned. Art was married for a very short time and has one daughter. He worked for George Stratford and at the Sugar Factory. He was a very hard, steady worker.

FRANKLIN F. STANGER

Served lds mission to Uruguay. Married Mada Lurae Waldron from Malad, Idaho. Father of 7 children, 3 girls and 4 boys. Employed as a salesman. Loved to fly an airplane. Passed away May 8, 1990. Lived in Weber County area all his life.

RUSSELL PACKARD

When Russell was young, his dad owned the Oil Refinery in West Ogden. He was at the Ogden Rodeo when the announcer said his business was on fire. Everything was destroyed. The family moved to Astoria, Oregon. Russell went in the army and was assigned to guard duty on base in North Africa. His buddy was on guard duty. For a prank Russell kicked the guard shack. The buddy shot Russell dead without checking on who was kicking the shack.

JIM POULOS

Married a Greek girl, had one son and one daughter. He was office manager of Texaco Oil Co. in Salt Lake City until the company went out of business. He was stand offish and wanted nothing to do with his family. He was a bartender in Salt Lake City. He died about 15 years ago during open heart surgery, after having heart problems for several years.

SHELDON STAUFFER

Sheldon married Colleen Bradshaw sometime between 1952 and 1953. His oldest daughter, Beverly, was born in 1954. His son Gary was born in 1957 and a daughter Shelley was born about 1960. He worked at Hill Field. He died sometime between 1975 and 1985.

MAURICE CHENEY

No information is availabe for Maurice.

We could not find any information or the whereabouts of Vincent McEnerny or Rose Mary Ellsworth or Bill Saunders.

VERN H. SMITH, August 24, 1932 – February 28, 1981

Born in Wilson Lane on August 24, 1932, grew up in Wilson on a farm, attended Wilson School for 9 years, Weber High School for 3 years, attended Weber College from 1950 to 1954, bought first farm in the spring of 1953 in Warden, Washington, served a 2 years L.D.S. Mission in the southern states, starting January 6, 1954.

Vern started farming in the spring of 1956 in Warden, Washington. Met his wife Kay Pratt in Moses Lake, Washington (14 miles from Warden) in 1956. They were married August 15, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Vern served in the L.D.S. Church as a Bishop, on the High Council, and in the Stake Presidency.

Vern and Kay had 7 children. They had two boys and five girls.

In 1968–1969 Vern was chosen “The Outstanding Young Farmer” in the state of Washington. At the time of his death he was raising beef cattle and farming approximately 1,300 acres of land.

Vern loved to travel, especially in his private plane (Piper Cherokee six) to Mexico.

On February 28, 1981, on the return trip from Mexico, his plane crashed, on Parker Mountain, just north of Escalante, Utah. All aboard, six adults, were tragically killed.

It has been said that, “The common people of the earth are the great people of the earth.” If that is true, then Vern Smith was among the greatest.

Wilson School Faculty

Row 1—Mrs. Stanford, Miss Shaw, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Bouwhuis. Row 2—Mrs. Secrist, Mrs. Woodward, Mrs. Sorensen, Miss Holmes. Row 3—Principal, Wheat Taylor, Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Rhees.

Wilson School 9th Grade Class of ’47 Directory

Name	Address	Phone
Jewel Checketts Atwell	502 N. Mexico Drive, Roswell, New Mexico 88501	(505) 624-1751
Gordon Belnap	2338 Combe Road, Ogden, Utah 84403	(801) 479-7793
Betty Mae Orem Donaldson	2558 N. 4100 W., Plain City, Utah 84404	(801) 731-3168
Jack Eilander	1111 N. 2000 W., Ogden, Utah 84404	(801) 731-2916
Nona Flitton Forsgren	3703 S. 2700 W., West Haven, Utah 84067	(801) 731-0123
Joanne Howe Geary	2166 Polk Ave., Ogden, Utah 84401	(801) 621-4152
Gladys Sorensen Gibson	2294 S. 2300 N., West Haven, Utah 84401	(801) 731-0590
Lila Stone Harwood	2486 C. Ave., Ogden, Utah 84401	—
Robert Holmes	2297 W. 2550 S., West Haven, Utah 84401	(801) 731-0564
Louise Holmes	325 E. 2550 N., North Ogden, Utah 84414	(801) 782-7753
Drauca Marsten Holmes	75 N. 600 E., Brigham City, Utah 84302	(435) 723-6459
Marilyn Bowman Garner	7025 Sunburst Circle, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121	(801) 943-8912
Carma Klinke Poindexter	P.O. Box 373, Clearfield, Utah 84015	—
Betty Lou Buck Schulze	1111 E. 1150 S., Clearfield, Utah 84015	(801) 825-8354
Lola Taylor Sheffield	587 East Aspen, Brea, California 62621	(714) 671-0335
Paul Stokes	2205 Green Acres Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076	(501) 982-2232
Emma Ropelato Walling	1013 E. 5285 S., Ogden, Utah 84403	(801) 479-2743
Rudell Willey	1028 E. Brookhaven Dr., Kaysville, Utah 84037	(801) 546-8880

(Note: addresses/phone numbers as printed in the original memory book — likely out of date by now, but preserved as a record of where the class was circa 2001–2002.)

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Sunday, 5 May 2013 by Sagacity

Williams-Williams Wedding

I am sharing this life sketch of David Davis Williams and Rebecca Price Williams. The original version was written by William Jenkin Williams and found in the records of Eliza Williams Rees with insights from her granddaughter Betty Mifflin Bushman taken from family interviews and her own experience. For the most part I will stick to the original history. I do not have any photos to share, but since I have the history, I wanted to make it available.

Before I jump into the rest of the life sketch, I think it is important to connect these individuals to my family history. I have previously written of the marriage between David D Williams and Gwenllian Jordan. David D Williams had a brother named John Haines Williams. David Davis Williams is the son of John Haines Williams.

I will provide more family information after the life sketch.

“David D. Williams was born in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales on June 19, 1852, a son of John Haines Williams and Sarah Jane Davis. He came to the United States with his parents, settling first in Pennsylvania in 1858. In 1860 the family moved to Ogden, Utah, crossing the plains with in a handcart company led by Captain Elias Morris. It was the second ox team to land in Ogden. From there the family went north to the Malad Valley where they settled in Muddy Creek, living in a dugout where some of the children were born. They later moved to Gwenford.

“Rebecca P. Williams was born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1857, at Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire, Wales, a daughter of Jenkin Williams and Eliza Price. She was baptized (LDS) in Wales on December 11, 1867 by her father, Jenkin, and confirmed by John Thomas. With her parents, she came to this country for the gospel’s sake, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After living there two years, they went to the Malad Valley in the year 1872.

Younger Rebecca Price Williams

“On Rebecca’s birthday, December 31, 1877, she and David were married in St. Johns, Oneida, Idaho by Justice of the Peace William H. Waytell in the presence of Benjamin Waldron and Mary Ann Daniels.

“David was baptized (LDS) 8 March 1878 by John Evan Price and confirmed by Samuel D. Williams.

“He and Rebecca took up a farm in Gwenford where they lived for about twenty years. During this time David operated a freighting business between Kelton, Utah and Helena, Montana, a trip that would take him about three months. He served as a deputy sheriff, was the first Chief of Police of Samaria, Idaho, and even worked as a blacksmith. Later he went into the confectionery business and operated a business and general store, D.D. Williams Candy Kitchen, with Rebecca in Samaria until his death June 27, 1927. He was a man, it is said, who could not be idle. His daughter, Eliza, described him as a wonderful husband and father. His granddaughter, Mae Rees Mifflin, remembers him with great fondness also. She named her first child, Darla Dean, after her grandfather. It is a wonder that Darla was not nicknamed Dee Dee too.

David Davis Williams

“About him, a grandson, Ray Earl Rees, told the following story: Their daughter, Eliza (Ray’s mother), had a washing machine. In order to help her elderly parents, she would do their laundry. Every Monday morning Grandpa David would drive his buggy the few miles to Malad with a bundle of clothes for her to wash. Grandpa would drive the team around to the north road and enter the farmyard by the back way. About the time he was expected, Ray would wait out by the gate to open it for his grandfather. Then he would climb up in the buggy with him and ride up to the house. Always Grandpa Williams had a sack of candy for Ray. He could depend on that treat and waited eagerly for it each Monday morning.

“When the family would visit their grandparents in Samaria, it was a treat to go in to the store and see all the candies on display behind the glass counter. Rather than give the children candy, Grandpa Williams would give them each a nickel and let them do the choosing. They were not allowed to go around the counter, but while he smiled encouragement to them, they would stand before the counter and choose their treat.

“He was the sweetest man who ever drew a breath, Ray said about his grandfather.

“David was always a prominent figure in our childhood stories about family as our mother was said to be his favorite. He even appeared to her to tell her goodbye after his death.

“It seemed so romantic to my sister and me that he and Rebecca married on my favorite holiday of the year, New Year’s Eve. That day was also Rebecca’s twentieth birthday. Her present was our handsome, nice great-grandfather. What a perfect party time to have a wedding anniversary.

“Rebecca is remembered by her daughter, Eliza, as a wonderful mother and homemaker, never being one to go away from home. She had a wonderful alto voice and when the children were small, she would often gather them around and sing to them.

“After her children grew up and married, she helped her husband in keeping the confectionery store. Many remember stopping there as youngsters on their way to Mutual to share a soda and socialize. They were always reminded not to be late for their church meeting by Rebecca, who would usher them out the door at ten minutes ’till. Later the teenagers would reunite there to pick up where they had left off.

“Her daughter, Eliza, described her this way, Rebecca P. Williams was loved by all who knew her. She was kind to everyone and did not have an enemy on earth.

“Great-Grandmother Rebecca was always a colorful figure to my sister and me. As the youngest surviving child in her family of eleven children, we loved the story of how when the family came from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, she was assigned to carry a beautiful crystal bowl for her mother. With it wrapped in a shawl, fourteen-year-old Rebecca later carefully tended it all the way to Idaho. Through interesting circumstances, that bowl was inherited by our grandmother, then Mama, and finally Darla. Since Darla also inherited Grandma Rees’ beautiful china closet, it seemed quite natural that the Welsh bowl would always rest inside it. At any rate, I never ever expected it to be mine. One day when I was picking up Darla to bring her to my house for a day’s visit, her daughter, Alyce, walked out to the car with us. In her hands, Darla was carrying something wrapped in a piece of fabric. She handed it to me with a smile saying that she had a present for me as a little thank you gift because I was so good to her. With Alyce looking on and smiling too, I turned back the cloth to see the Welsh bowl. Ignoring my protests that it was hers and that I could not accept it, she said she knew it would be safer in my home, that I would take good care of it and always treasure it. Alyce said they had talked it over and both felt that it should be mine. How I love to hold and admire that bowl. Made of clear glass in a square shape, scalloped edging runs along its rim and base. With a small pedestal and lion heads at each square corner, it is truly a work of art and indeed a special item. I love knowing of its history and importance in our family. When we would look at it as children and hear its story, it was always viewed in quiet awe or discussed in hushed tones. Never, ever, did I think it would be mine. I felt amazed, quite honored, and a bit afraid of the responsibility.

“David died on 27 June 1927 after an illness of eight months.

“Later Grandma Rebecca moved to Malad where she resided just across the street from her daughter, Eliza. I remember Grandma carefully preparing a plate of dinner each evening for her mother. It was usually the job of Uncle Ray to deliver it with a caution to hurry so it would be hot for his grandmother. When I was around, he would often grab me by the hand and together we would dance across the street as he deftly carried the napkin covered plate in one hand and dragged me along with the other.

“I remember her as a frail little lady, a bob of white hair on top of her head, wire-rimmed glasses perched on her nose as she looked us over. Books and magazines were plentiful in her small apartment and always a deck of cards. In addition to reading, she liked to play games, playing Solitaire to entertain herself when no one else was around.

“Rebecca died on March 30, 1936 at the age of 84, a few months before my fifth birthday.

Rebecca Price Williams

“Both are buried in the Samaria Cemetery.

“Thirteen children were born to David and Rebecca, five boys and eight girls: Sarah, William Jenkin who died in infancy, Mary, David, Phoebe, Jenkin, Eliza, Margaret, John, Catharine, Beatrice, Frances Orenda who died as a baby, and George.”

Some more family history information.

David Davis Williams born 19 June 1852 in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales and died 27 Jun 1927 in Samaria, Oneida, Idaho. He was buried 30 June 1927 in Samaria.

Rebecca Price Williams born 31 December 1857 in Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire, Wales and died 30 March 1936 in Malad, Oneida, Idaho. She was buried 2 April 1936 in Samaria.

David and Rebecca were married 31 December 1877 in St Johns, Oneida, Idaho.

Their children are:

Sarah Elizabeth Williams born 22 August 1878 in Samaria and died 31 February 1968. Buried in Draper, Salt Lake, Utah. She married James Benjamin McGuire (1872-1952) 30 September 1900 in Samaria.

John Jenkin Williams born and died 23 September 1879 in Samaria. Buried in Samaria.

Mary Jane Williams born 10 April 1881 in Samaria and died 14 January 1975. Buried in St Johns. She married John Nelson Hill (1872-1913) 22 February 1899 in St Johns.

David Joseph Williams born 26 February 1883 in Samaria and died 4 April 1973. Buried in Malad. He married Ester “Essie” Katherine Munsee (1888-1967) 25 March 1908 in Ogden.

Phoebe Ann Williams born 12 December 1884 in Samaria and died 15 March 1942 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. Buried in Riverton, Salt Lake, Utah. She married Thomas Charles Jones (1883-1922) 4 July 1903 in Samaria.

William Jenkin Williams born 24 Jul 1886 in Samaria and died 5 Jun 1963. Buried in Samaria. Married Mary Mae John (1901-1989) 26 February 1921.

Eliza Mae Williams born 10 February 1888 in Samaria and died 6 July 1967 in Ogden. Buried in Ogden. Married Gomer Vaughan Rees (1883-1971) 24 November 1904 in Samaria.

Margaret Rebecca Williams born 25 November 1889 in Samaria and died 9 November 1980. Buried in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas, Ohio. Married Walter Russell Ripley (1895-1979) 13 December 1913 in Malad.

John Haines Williams born 31 May 1891 in Samaria and died 25 February 1957 in Malad. Buried in Malad. Married Eleanor Jones (1899-1975) 29 March 1916 in Malad.

Catharine Zina Williams born 14 August 1893 in Samaria and died 19 Oct 1988 in Salt Lake City. Buried in Malad. Married Elijah R van Ables (1892-1961) 12 December 1920 in Malad.

Beatrice Estella Williams born 30 July 1894 in Samaria and died 9 December 1976. Married Carl William Jones (1892-1958) 4 April 1913 in Malad, later divorced. Married Allen John Keehn (1888-1957) 16 November 1938 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.

Frances Orenda Williams born 6 May 1897 in Samaria and died 10 September 1897 in Samaria.

George Thomas Williams born 22 February 1901 in Samaria and died 24 June 1962 in Pocatello. Buried in Restlawn Memorial, Pocatello, Bannock, Idaho. Married Theona Withers (1906-1990) 4 October 1924 in Malad.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007 by Sagacity

Laundry list of escapades and visits

Amanda and I just returned from a 4 day visit to Utah/Idaho. It was like a breath of fresh air into my life. It was just what I needed. Sorry it has taken so long, but here is some of what we did.

We arrived at Norfolk, Virginia airport at 6:00 in the morning to fly out for Salt Lake. I am seriously considering if it was worth the $150 we saved to have two layovers. I thought I would die from the trip. We flew from Norfolk to Detroit, Michigan, then to Minneapolis, Minnesota on to Salt Lake City, Utah. I think on each flight I became motion sick. The layover would cause the sickness to subside and then we took off again. It was a form of torture. By the time I arrived in SLC I felt sick, weak, and irritable. We went to bed pretty early to combat jet lag and my feeling sick.

Friday dawned bright and early. I was up well before everyone else and was ready for the day before 7 AM even thought of rolling around. We had crepes for breakfast. The Hemsley family had a new crepe maker and it turned out to be a great purchase. They were good. I always liked the feeling of biting into a warm crepe with cold ice cream oozing between your teeth. We found our way to Salt Lake again to pick up Bryan and attend the Salt Lake Temple. I was really not feeling well and I ended up with a pair of pants that were far too tight. I am glad I switched them out. I am sure I would have passed out if I had kept them and not switched them for a larger waist size. The session went well and Sherise, Amanda’s cousin, was beautiful.

After the endowment session Amanda and I split up. Brad picked me up and we headed north for an evening of visiting and fellowship. I changed at the Hemsley house and went on our way. Our first stop was Lillian Talbot. Lillian is my mother’s father’s sister. I returned the three journals I typed up from 1961, 1962, and 1963. I was glad to return them. We visited for a few moments and went on our way. The next stop was to Lona Jonas. She is the sister in law to Lillian who we had just left. We had a good visit with her. She told us about her operation on her forehead and eye which came from a piece of glass working its way to the surface after 55 years! Our next step took us closer to the Wasatch Mountains with a visit to Jennie Britzman. She is my father’s mother’s mother’s daughter’s daughter (1^st cousin to my Grandma Ross). We had an interesting visit. I discovered she had another husband I never knew about! Brad turned out to be very interested in learning about Jennie. He asked all the right questions and so I learned some family history things I hope I have not missed often in other family members. How in the world did I ever not ask or find out she had another husband? Brad really found her story fascinating and we enjoyed ourselves with a good laugh. It doesn’t seem that she is 90 years old. Her son Richard came home while we were there and we had a good visit with him as well.

We wound up the conversation and made our way to downtown Ogden to visit Mary Coley. Her relationship to me is two fold. She was married to my mother’s father’s brother, Irwin Jonas. He was killed in WWII and she went on to marry Arthur Coley, Irwin’s Uncle. It was an interesting story. I knew that I did not have her parents in my family history so I had some questions to pose. She answered them all with amazing clearness despite her being 89 years old. She grew up in Minnesota and met Irwin while he was in training for the military there. They were married and he went off to the war effort. He wanted her home in Richmond, Utah when he came back so she moved out there. She lived with Great Grandma Lillian Jonas (Lillian’s mother, Lona’s mother in law, Irwin’s mother). It was there she lived when Irwin was killed. At dinner with my Great Great Grandmother, Martha Coley, Art (Arthur) walked in one evening and asked where they had dragged up Mary. They were married shortly after. Anyhow, she does not remember her parents but was able to tell me their names. Her mother died when she was very young and she was raised by a foster family. She also gave me the names of her foster parents. So I have some research to do but have Mary’s lineage. She also told us of her conversion story to the church. That was very interesting as well.

We made our way to the home of Dave and Betty Donaldson after Aunt Mary. Dave is my Grandma Ross’ brother. We originally were going to stop at Grandpa’s but there was a man in a ten gallon hat sitting in his living room that we could see from the road. So we decided to come back. It wasn’t far since Dave and Betty live next door. We had a good little visit with Dave and Betty. Dave just had his knee replaced in the past few months. He feels more confident and strong in his new knee than he does his other. Plans are to replace the other probably this fall. After all, we would not want to miss a perfectly good summer or fishing laid up in bed at home. Next we found Abe and Caroline Gallegos home. Caroline, my Dad’s sister, had just stepped out of the shower. We visited with Abe for a while and Caroline emerged. We talked about her new found love of family history, viewed photos. Meanwhile Brad visited with Abe.

The night was running out and we had to be in our best shape for the long haul Saturday. After the Gallegos home Brad dropped me off at the Hemsley residence and went to stay with our old roommate, Mark Morris, in Salt Lake.

Friday turned out to be a long night. I had not recovered from whatever it was I had. I wanted to blame it on the flight, but the usual suspect of a cold sore (which I always get after flying) showed up before I left Richmond. I felt sick enough Friday evening Bryan made a run to the store for some Pepto Dismal (the correct spelling). It is the first time I remember in my life having PB and it sure seems to have done the trick. I awoke up at 1 AM in emergency situations. I went on to vacate my entire system of any remnants of food. I panicked after tossing the perfectly good hamburger in the toilet when it came up all red and pink. My brain kicked in to tell me it was only the evidence of PB. Before the night was finished, it felt I had puked every thought of food I had entertained for the past week. The rest of the system went on to winterize itself. By the time I went back to bed at 3 after a shower and a cleaning of the throne I was feeling much better about life. That constant sickness from the flight was gone.

Saturday dawned bright and early. We were headed off to Salt Lake City for the sealing ceremony. We were parked found our way through the temple maze for the sealing party and visited with friends and family for a while. Before long we were ushered up to a sealing room and we waited for the happy couple and sealer to appear. Travis and Sherise made their way in followed by Elder Bednar. It was your typical sealing except Elder Bednar gave some very direct advice before the sealing. Usually it tends to be a rather superfluous group of niceties which are showered on the couple. He gave the couple, and for those listening in the party, a direct sermon on several topics I don’t think this is the place to disclose. I do remember coming out of the ceremony thinking, “I wish they would teach that in General Conference.”

We waited outside in the beautiful spring weather for the couple to appear for photos. I made a few quick expeditions around temple square and even looking at deconstruction and construction sites bordering temple square. The flowers and grass didn’t look real. (They were as testing went on to prove) The couple made their appearance, we spent the next 45 minutes under the loose commands of a photographer and I made my escape.

Brad appeared and we made a quick venture to the Church Museum to see the exhibit on the Tabernacle. We trekked northward changing clothes at the Hemsley’s and pressing on to Cache Valley.

Our first stop upon arriving at in that blessed valley was in the city of Nibley. We stopped to visit Larry and Margo Anhder but they decided not to be home. We visited with Cynthia Farnsworth around the corner who Brad worked with at the city of Nibley. It was a good visit.

We left Nibley and headed into Logan to visit Sunshine Terrace. During school Brad and I used to go down and visit all the old luvs who were there. Brad only had one of hers still living, Thelma Freeman who is now over the 104 mark. She remembered Brad very well and even asked if he was off to spray lawns in Malad. It was a good visit with her. Even thought she is pretty well death and blind, she remembered quite a bit. She began to give Brad a rundown on all her grandchildren and I excused myself to go see if anyone I used to regularly visit was still alive. Nope, they were all gone. Even Eula Waldron who I thought would live for a good while longer had passed away last fall. Harriet Elison had passed away last summer. Apparently right after my last visit she passed. I felt kinda bad knowing every single person I used to visit while at USU was now dead. Good for them I suppose. I decided not to start up any new friendships with an old luv as I didn’t know the next time I would be around to visit. I went back to listen to Brad and Thelma talk about how she wasn’t going to die until Brad was married. She openly admitted she wants to die but the Lord just doesn’t seem to want her yet, or perhaps it was because Brad wasn’t married yet….

We left and wandered our way around Utah State University. Fascinating how quickly things can change. The new library is completed and we wandered its corridors. Don’t know if I think it was designed very well, but it was certainly interesting. The Merrill Library was gone with only the stark increase in the size of the Quad to mark its passing. We paid a visit to Dentist Office #6 to visit with Matt Geddes and Lucas Garcia for a good while. Justin Siebenhaar also showed up and we were able to visit with him too. We did not remain long before we headed out.

Ellis and Geri Jonas we found in their van. Brad and I did not figure out if they were coming and going. They said they were waiting for someone (who did not appear while we were there) and yet talked about dinner (so were they coming or going?). It was good to visit with them for a while. They gave us the scoop on Ron in Afghanistan, BJ in the hospital, Amie a new house, Jennie a nice guy who she might marry, Ryan and his wife, Julie with her leg, Dan and his job, and the whole story that went with the family. Geri is just so funny in how she tells it. Brad and I got a good kick out of it. Ellis seemed to be more with it than I remember him for the past 5 years. He has thinned down quite a bit which the Dr.’s wanted him to do anyway.

Allen, Marie, Kade, and Kallie Lundgreen were where we spent our next hour. Richmond, Utah seems like time is treating it well. Marie told us the entire latest saga for the city. The city is publishing a new history but nobody seems to like the author except a few who like to stir up trouble in town. There is a story unfolding about public records from the old North Cache High School that was torn down which now want to be taken back probably only to be destroyed or lost. We talked about some history and the story inevitably moved towards Mom. The best part, I offered Marie a Eureka vacuum cleaner from the 1950’s that I have been lugging around for over a year. I finally remembered to take it, had it where I could take it, and remembered to give it. All in all, we enjoyed the reunion and laughs. It was if I had never left. Brad sure got a kick out of it. He thinks we are all crazy.

Next we enjoyed the new highway in Southern Idaho from the Utah border to Preston. How nice. So totally cruisable now. We stopped at the home of Larry and Barbara Andra to visit. They were not home. Brad and I took a good look and tour of the new facilities Larry has set up and his new ride in delivering lawn spraying services. Those new guys have it good! He has a brand new truck with a new trailer and two 500 gallon tanks. He appears serious about this whole lawn spraying business!

It was as we climbed into the car we realized we really needed to get moving in order to make it to Blackfoot in time to even catch the last 30 minutes of the reception. We did a little speeding up the old highway past Winder, Banida, Red Rock, Downey, and Virginia. We had some good conversation. We decided we both really like Inkom and could live there some day. We rounded through Pocatello and made our way to Blackfoot in good time. We arrived 15 minutes before the reception was scheduled to end. We went through the line, did our hugs, ate some cake, and enjoyed the family meal in the kitchen. It was the close of a good day. We started with Travis and Sherise and ended with them too (not to mention frog eye salad!!!).

After the reception, we watched the fireworks and the send off. I have to admit, I can’t stand some of the cheesy traditions that accompany marriages and receptions. I am glad Amanda and I left most of them out. We loaded up some food for the road and made the way across Southern Idaho to Kasota. On the way Brad read some really good articles from the latest Summit Magazine from Brigham Young University – Idaho. We both decided that if we were going to school this fall out of high school, we would both choose YofI.

Sunday morning dawned far too early for us. We arose, had some wonderful country biscuits and gravy and headed to church. Church was quite enjoyable. I really enjoyed the completely humble tone in which the meetings took place. Elder’s Quorum’s lesson was on Testimony by President Kimball. Every single person shared some thought and all, except one, did it in a completely humble tone and perspective. I was not only impressed by the tone of those who participated but the fact that all participated. It was not even encouraged by the teacher. I don’t ever remember becoming emotional in Elder’s Quorum as it is usually the least spiritual of all the church meetings. Sunday school was by Sister Crane and she did well. Ted was totally shocked when he sat with his family to find us sitting with them. Sacrament was Fast & Testimony Meeting. I really quite enjoyed it. President Merrill bore his testimony and I very much enjoyed it. President King also bore his testimony which was powerful. I followed President King which was a bit intimidating.

After church we made a quick trip home before making our rounds for the day. The first stop of the day was at Sergene Jensen’s in Heyburn. This was Brad’s first meeting of Sergene and he commented that he could definitely tell she was an Andra. It was the first time I have seen her in probably 5 years. We had a good visit while there. Brad talked golf with Neil from Filer while I fixed Sergene’s computer, her cell phone, and chatted about her son Andy. She had a pacemaker put in last December which was a surprise to me. But she thinks it was a worthwhile investment as it has drastically improved her golf swing. Neil says he wants one now. It was a good visit.

We went to visit my Aunt Jackie afterwards. We found Willie, Jackie, and Jesse all home for the day. Willie was just leaving for work but it was a good visit. I visited with Jackie for a good while. Brad wasn’t feeling well so he went and took a nap in the car. We discussed a variety of things, none of which are worth mentioning here. Pretty much it boils down to she seems like a lost soul who isn’t willing to make the changes necessary to get her life back in order.

We went to visit a friend of Brad’s, Eli Hansen but he was not home. We did visit with Eli’s mother, Teri for a few minutes. We then attempted to pay a visit to Scott and Chris Horsley, but they too were not home. We stopped to visit Brad’s great Aunt Ora Barlow. We had a good little visit with her. I guess before she married Woodrow (Woody) she was married to a Jones. Her son Lenny popped in and visited with us while we were there too. It was interesting to hear some of the dynamics of another family.

We attempted another visit to the Horsley home without success and we headed to visit the Orton family. Kevin, Megan, Ryan, and Kegan were all there. I wanted to visit with them but had to so I could get a picture with Ryan and Flat Stanley. As you are aware, I helped with his Flat Stanley project (FS has his own album!). So chatted about Tran-Systems, Circle A, Ag Express, Washington DC, life in general, the positioning of the stars in the cosmos, and other various lowly conversations. The actual camera for the photo was at Kevin’s parents so we made the trip to Paul for that. Brad and I did a quick driving tour of Paul to see what changes have been made. It is still there, I can verify that. They are also getting a new city park across from the Stake Center and Harpers are finally subdividing the property next to the Stake Center. Paul, Idaho is on the boom!

Brad wanted to nap some more so I left him in the car to snooze. I went in and had even more interesting conversations. We discussed the lifestyle of the polygamist fundamentalists in Utah. Wow, I never knew all the ways you could cheat the United States Government! But the polygamists have it worked out to a ‘T”. Kevin’s mother became a polygamist and they are sure she is dead but will not report it so they can continue to collect the Social Security Checks. They mooch the system from the crib to death. If I didn’t believe in honesty I might be tempted to do the same. The conversation with Dennis and Derith Orton turned to other subjects until I received a phone call from my Dad wanted to know if I was still planning on dinner. Yep, the time had arrived and I did not even notice it. I had to end the conversations rather abruptly and made my way home.

Dad usually is very relaxed about food and eating times but I found out Andra was the instigator. She was all in an uproar for some reason and wanted to get out of there. She gave us some reason with Brian needing her somewhere but we could tell it was a lie. She left in a huff without saying anything for a good bye or even hello. In addition, she left the present that was intended for her. I am amazed at how easily people can treat their own family badly and think it is okay. Perhaps those who are closest to us we can just expect they will understand and we can be as selfish as we want. That was the extent of any real time with my sister.

Dinner turned out to be very good. Dad made the t-bone steaks in his usual fashion with the barbeque grill and sugar cure. It was very good. Made me wish we could afford a bit more meat to eat on the grill in Virginia. We had baked potatoes, steaks, salad and plenty more. It was good to sit down and eat a meal with Dad, Andra who ate only a little bit very quickly, Brad, and Jan. We talked health, Idaho, family, and a variety of issues. It was good quality time with the family. Brad finally decided it was time for him to crash. He asked for a blessing which we gave him and he crashed despite the fact it was only 8:30 p.m. I visited with Dad and Jan a little longer before I borrowed Dad’s truck and went to pay a visit to the Tateoka Family.

I roamed up to the top of the hill at Kasota and visited with Ted and Becca. We lounged around for a while as I told them about the events so far during the weekend. Ted was quite fascinated with the advice given by Elder Bednar and took the opportunity to pat himself on the back some. We had a good laugh. He went with me for a drive to AgExpress (I want to call it Circle A) and we filled up Dad’s pickup for him. We talked about life in general. He told me about his struggles in the Bishopric and some of the cases that are before him. I can sympathize and honestly hope I never serve in that type of capacity. It sounds like a nightmare in many ways. I know there are many blessings that come, and Ted openly admits those. We talked about marriage, women, work, and several other topics. In the end, he had to be home at a descent hour. I dropped him off and went home.

Monday again dawned far too bright and early. Brad arose and was feeling much better after about 11 hours of sleep. We got ready, loaded the car, said our good byes, and headed out. Ted wanted us to stop by for breakfast. We found him at his parent’s place and we had a great breakfast of ham, eggs, toast, and plenty more. We were stuffed. We spent some time talking before Ted had to go back to work on the farm.

We went to visit Dustin McClellan at his home. We found him in the work shop and we took a good look at the Old Dodge. She was covered in dust and bird droppings but still looked good. Dustin says he is going to clean her up and get her going again now that spring is here. Plus he has just finished doing his spring field work and had a week before his next phase. We visited for a while in his house and we looked around to see what he has done differently. Next, we stopped by AgExpress and visited with Dad and he introduced me to most of the people in the office. I knew Michelle and remember Sean. We said our good bye’s and headed off to Paul and Kathy Duncan’s.

Kathy had forgotten we were coming and we found her in her pajamas still cleaning up after the weekend. She quickly changed and we visited for a good hour. She insisted we eat lunch with her and started making food. Brad and I thought we would both pop if we ate more after a big breakfast. It turned out to be really good barbeque chicken, salad, and cheesy potatoes. Brad really liked the desert. Paul came home and ate with us and we had a good visit about farming, the dairy, and life in general. Their whole family is doing well and things are good.

We had to get moving once again and we took the old highway 30 out to the Raft River exit. We took the freeway and got off to head out towards Rockland. It was a beautiful drive with the stormy clouds, the scenic valley, and the crepuscular drama. We paid a visit to Leo and Rhea Udy a few miles of Rockland approaching Roy. It was a really good visit. I quite enjoyed our conversation. They have served several church missions. Two or three of them in helping with engineering projects in the building of temples. One was with Nauvoo and I think there was one or two more. They also served in Adam-Ondi-Ahman. They have known Jack and Janet Duncan since their days in Oregon. It was also interesting to learn about the Udy history. This was even more true in light of the Udy Lawn Spraying business my Uncle Larry has. Rhea is Brad’s great aunt. We spent our time there and needed to head out in order to be able to pay a visit to Grandpa and make it to Kaysville in time for a party there.

We left the Udy home and took the drive to Malad, Idaho. We took some time to stop at Twin Springs and a quick drive through Holbrook. It seemed strange to us to be able to drive through a town literally in the middle of nowhere and know many of the people who live in the homes and much history of the area. We crossed the pass into Pleasantview and talked about our crazy day recording cemetery tombstone names in Samaria. We finally arrived in Malad and took a look at all the lots that I am thinking of buying there. We took some pictures with the phone and left just as the rain was starting to come down again.

We caught I-15 south and got off to drop back into Plain City. We stopped by Uncle Dave’s again to drop the picture off we neglected to do the first time. That is another long story, but I have been trying to get that photo back to its owner for a good two years now. One person takes it, can’t deliver it, and it keeps coming back to me. At one point, so I would not forget it, I placed it on a desk in Provo so I would always see it. The weekend I went to take it back I forgot it because Brad, of all people, hid it because he didn’t like it sitting out. Anyhow, I hope it is the final step to finding its way back to Ed Telford.

We stopped and had a good visit with Grandpa. He seemed a bit down from the latest waves of death in his circle of friends. It was still fun to see him and spend some time with him. In the end he didn’t seem like he wanted to talk much so we said our good byes and headed out. We made our last stop at the Olive Garden in Layton in order to meet the Hemsley family. Brad and I discussed our weekend and figured out we really quite enjoyed ourselves. To top it off, we figured out we had reconnected, visited with, and spent time with at least 43 people since Friday morning together. That seemed like quite the group of people. We felt content in our activities. I came back with 4 pages of family history notes. Brad was able to see family he had not seen in about 2-8 years. Best of all, we just enjoyed the company and the sites of Idaho/Utah.

It was Scott Hemsley’s birthday and we ate out at Olive Garden to celebrate the event. Derek did not join us but it was a good dinner and we had some good laughs. They are a good family. I am happy to claim them as family and to have ties with them. We went back to their home (Brad left for Provo and did not eat with us) and watched The Terminal with Tom Hanks. It seemed highly fitting since we would again be spending a whole day in traveling by plane. Amanda’s grandparents came over and we visited with them some. Finally we crashed since we had to leave at 5 a.m. and felt we needed the rest.

The flights went okay. I don’t like riding in the very back because sometimes you feel every bit of turbulence. I think I regained my motion sickness every time we were on descent to the airport. The winds and tossing just doesn’t do much for my stomach. The last flight put me under and heater vent or something that blew warm air on me the entire flight. So I turned on my cold air nozzle to high and suffered with the torments of hot and cold air blowing on me.

We arrived at Norfolk, kissed the ground and went to the Odom home in Newport News. They fed us some Chinese (which was very nice of them!) and we went home.

There is the end of the narrative of the trip to Utah and Idaho. I know it became a bit of a laundry list of things we did. But I did not want to write it by hand in my journal and I type so quickly. Plus I know some of you would be interested. So viola, there you go!

“It’s a Great Life”

History of Wilson School Class, 1938 to 1947

First Grade, 1938–39

Second Grade, 1939–1940

Third Grade, 1940–41

Fourth Grade, 1941–42

Fifth Grade, 1942–43

Sixth Grade, 1943–44

Seventh Grade, 1944–45

Eighth Grade, 1945–46

Ninth Grade, 1946–47

Ninth Grade Class of ’47 Reunion in 2000

Where Are They Now

In Memory of Our School Friends Who Are Gone But Not Forgotten

Wilson School Faculty

Wilson School 9th Grade Class of ’47 Directory

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