My Dad shared this article from the North Side Journal from March 2024, Section B Page 15.
People who live in the Magic Valley know there is a Milner Dam near the east end of Jerome County. When the irrigation waters are released in early spring from Milner Dam, the canals flow on the north side and on the south side of the Snake River. But did you know there was an actual town named Milner? And how the town got its name? In the early 1900s, Jerome County farmer I. B. Perrine was transporting his fruits and vegetables from his farm in the Snake River canyon to the Albion Normal School South of Oakley. The trail from the Blue Lakes farm to Albion was a pretty rough ride for his horses and wagon. When he got to what was known as the Cedars, he rode across the river on Starrh’s ferry boat then traveled the rest of the way on another rough trail. He took this route several times and thought there should be a dam here to bring river water up onto the sagebrush areas on both sides. He discussed his thoughts with several of his acquaintances, especially the ones with money to spend on projects like this. He filed paperwork, which was approved in 1903, to own land and water rights in this area and proceeded to get the financing.
When everything was approved, a corporation was formed to build a dam at the Cedars. Peter Kimberly, S. B. Milner, H. L. Hollister, Witcher Jones, Robert McCollum, Paul Bickel, D. C. McWatters, Frank Buhl, and William S. Kuhn all had a hand in the financial end of this project. Before building the dam, canals had to be created on each side of the river.
They started with the south side because the Stricker Stage Stop and some other nearby settlements were already on that side. There were no communities on the north side toward the west which would be the flow of the canals. In order to build canals, there had to be construction workers: so, a town was started on the south side of the Cedars crossing which was named after Mr. Milner. They started with the south side canals flowing west towards where any unused water would flow into Rock Creek just before it dropped into the Snake River. While these canals were built guilt, the town of Twin Falls, named for the twin falls two miles upriver of the Shoshone Falls, was being developed in 1904 near Rock Creek almost 40 miles to the west of Milner. The dam was finished, the gates opened to the south side in 1905. Just after this time, plans were made to create canals on the north side.
The workers from Milner also helped with this construction. We know of all the difficulties the north side had from so much basalt rock that the canal water seeped through, and they had to apply concrete to the first two miles of the canal system in order to get water to the communities west of there. By 1905 the community of Greenwood began to develop on the north side. Most had to shop and bank at Milner, 16 miles away. Many farmers had come to claim free land under the Carey Act. By 1910 the water canal was filling the system and the towns of Hazelton (1911), Eden (1911), and Jerome (1907) had started with canal water flowing through and past them and back down into the Snake River west of Wendell (1907). When the Milner Dam and the canal systems work was finished, the construction workers and business owners and Milner either farmed lands close by on either side or move to other towns.
The bank, grocery store, mercantile stores, saloons and “red-light district” moved to Hazelton in 1914, about 16 miles away. The big Riverside Inn burnt down. The only thing left that shows the town of Milner existed is the cement casing that was around the bank vault and a few graves. (Information from North Side News and Helms family history).
I was recently visiting with RaNae Coley Harms at her home in Wendell, Gooding, Idaho. I recalled she had my Great Grandma’s antique bedside commode chair. I asked if I could take a picture. That is what you see above. It is in fantastic shape.
I have previously written a history for Martha Christiansen Coley. Here is an article about a video at her funeral.
Martha Christiansen Coley was born in 1879 and died in 1961. She married Herbert Coley in 1874. Herbert was born in 1864 and died in 1942. Martha was born in Fredrickstad, Ostfold, Norway. Herbert was born in Lutley, Worcestershire, England. Both Herbert and Martha passed away in Richmond, Cache, Utah. They are both buried in RIchmond.
My Dad called me last week to let me know Larry Aslett passed away. We often called him Uncle Larry growing up. Dad and Larry were friends and co-workers, business partners, as associates for more than 50 years. They first worked together in the 1960s and have kept in contact ever since. Dad, Larry, Steve, and Marvin all worked together at Circle A Construction. Dad worked there from like 1971 until 2004 or so when he retired. I will share a few photos I could find. I thought I had some more of Marvin, Steve, and Larry, but cannot find them right now.
Larry Dean Aslett passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of seventy-eight with his loving wife by his side on October 30, 2022. He was born to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger-Aslett on June 14, 1944 in Wendell, Idaho.
He started working for Circle A Construction at the tender age of 14, where he continued to work his entire life (except for the 3 years, 9 months and 28 days that he served our country in the United States Navy.)
Before entering the Navy, Larry also worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a service station attendant. In the Navy, Larry was at sea on the guided missile destroyer USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. He started out in the boiler room and then was a cook and went on to be a baker. He was known for his cinnamon rolls that were a favorite of the Commander of the fleet. Larry was an owner of Circle A Construction, Aslett Electric, Aslett Ranches and Mikey’s Graphics. He spent his life as Operations Manager with Circle A Construction, running all of the jobs through the years.
On March 28, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Louise. They first lived in Randolph, Utah. They moved to Ogden, Utah in 1971 and then in 1977, they moved back to Jerome. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. He was an extremely proud dad and grandpa and would talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone and everyone.
House in Randolph, Utah that Larry and Louise Aslett lived in.
Next to his family, his other love was animals. Larry loved animals of all kinds and was often bringing them home for Louise to raise. His collection of exotic animals included everything from buffalo to fallow deer, and even a zebra.
He and Louise introduced the Asletts to horse racing with their horse, Solar Bar, in 1976. Horses were a huge part of his life. He loved riding into the back country on his horse, Sparky, while leading his mules, Jackie and Mable. Pack trips with Sage were some of his fondest memories.
Larry loved spending time with family and friends. During his life, he started the Magic Valley Draft Horse Association with Harold Horting and the Jeep Preservation Club of the Magic Valley with Wes Stapleton and Les Abbott. He had a love for the old jeeps and had lots of laughter and fun on jeep trips throughout the years. His collection of old military vehicles led to his love of collecting later in life.
Larry’s life was filled with laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren to laugh at the absurdities in life, the frustrations in life, and the silly things in life. To laugh at life itself and not let it get you down.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bop and Baw; parents, Marvin and Larie; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; daughters, Lori (Frank) Norcutt and Lisa (Tom) Jaramillo; nephew, (son of his heart) Steve, Jr. “Sage” Aslett; beloved aunt Lorraine Kerruish; brother, Dave (Sharon) Aslett; sister-in-law, Barbara Aslett; step-sister, BZ Waite; and his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Kylie and Nikita.
Larry is embarking on a great adventure and we are at the window waving goodbye. It is not hard to imagine the joy of those awaiting him in Heaven. Those of us left behind find great comfort in knowing how much love he received the moment he was enveloped into their arms. We love you. Rest in Peace Grandpa. 8-11 Deano.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome. A military graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho 83714.
Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Idaho Parade, in front of the Felton Apartments, about 1985.
I don’t think I remember a time when I did not know Larry and Steve Aslett. Even growing up we went to the roundups in Mackay, Idaho every year. For several days we rode horses above Mackay, above White Knob. I loved those times and was sad when they sold that ranch and purchased the Three Creek Ranch near Rogerson, Idaho.
Steve Aslett passed away late last year.
Steven L. Aslett passed away surrounded by his loving family on Dec, 21st at the age of 74. He was Born on October, 14th 1947 to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger in Wendell Idaho.
He had two brothers Keith (Pat) and Larry (Louise) and two half brothers Lenard and David. He married the love of his life Barb Stuhlberg on April 1st (not a joke), 1967. He attended elementary school at Pleasant Plains north of Jerome, Graduated from high school in Jackson hole Wyoming in 1965. Graduated from Weber State University in Engineering with a minor in business in 1970.
Steve was an owner of Aslett Electric and Circle A construction. He loved spending time at House Creek Ranch, Fairfield, and Magic Reservoir. He had a passion for hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. Above all, He loved spending time with his Family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barb, Father Marvin, son Steve (Sage)(Connie), Daughter LeAnne (Reid), Grandchildren, Colton(Christina), Michael(Ashleigh), Shelbie(Sage), Brydon, Roper, Great Grandchildren, Rowan, Roper, Stetson, Brixton, and Wyatt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his mother and grandparents.
His strength throughout life has been an inspiration to all of us. He was the cornerstone of our family. Always ready to tell you how things are and what should be done. There was never a moment when a good band wasn’t around the corner for a chance to dance, and one eye open to see a new friend. There was always a plan on the horizon with Jim Keyes and Glen Somerset, whether it was a guided hunt by Sage, an outing on the golf course with team Circle A and buddies, the trail to find powder, or the four wheeler adventures. He loved getting on the phone with LeAnne for her daily lecture, enjoying her long hugs, and taking a drive with her hands off the dash and feet off the seat.
There will be a viewing at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Tuesday December 28th from 5pm to 7pm, and a memorial on December 29th at the turf club starting at 6pm.
We will miss you Mr. happy feet! Family requests any memorials be given in Steve’s name to the charity of your choice.
Marvin Aslett, their father, passed away just earlier this year.
Circle A Construction trucks in front of the Idaho Capitol in 2000
Marvin Aslett passed peacefully in his home on August 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Marvin was born April 4, 1926 in Montpelier, Idaho, to parents Leon and Leona Aslett, and they lived in Lava Hot Springs. As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was a tiny schoolhouse with two boys and two girls! In 1936, they moved to a farm in Jerome, Idaho, where he attended school out at Pleasant Plains. Marvin went to school till halfway into his sophomore year. He then moved to Sun Valley and worked as a bus boy in the Sun Valley Lodge.
In 1943, Marvin married Larie Stanger and their son, Keith, was born. Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp on May 25, 1944. His son, Larry, was born one month after Marvin went into the Marine Corp. During his time with the Marines, Marvin served in World War II / South Pacific Theater. He was on invasions into the Philippines, fighting Japanese. He served until February 8, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. His third son, Steve, came along in 1947.
In 1952, Marvin, along with his Mother and Father, started Circle A Construction. In 1965, his son, Larry, rejoined the company after being in the Navy. Then in 1979, his son, Steve, also joined the company.
Marvin married his second wife, Afton, in 1957, and their son, Leonard, was born. They divorced, and Marvin married Norma in 1962 and had son, David. Then, in 1977, Marvin married Joy Hollibaugh, He and Joy were married for 40 years.
Marvin and Joy loved golfing! Marvin had 4 holes-in-one. One at Jerome, one at Clear Springs and 2 in Hawaii. At 96, Marvin still enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.
In 1980, Aslett Ranches began racing quarter horses throughout the Western United States. Their horse won the “Poor Boy Futurity” and in 1981, they captured the Intermountain Quarter Horse Derby. Their stallion “Circle A Special” received a Racing Register of Merit in Emmett, Idaho, where he set a track record in the 250-yard dash. He set another track record in Pocatello, Idaho in the 400-yard dash. On January 4, 1988, Governor Cecil Andrus appointed Marvin to the Racing Commission, where he served for 13 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2007, Marvin was inducted into the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division’s Hall of Fame.
Marvin was also active in his community. In the early 1980’s, he served on the Boise State University Board of Trustees. He was also on the College of Southern Idaho’s foundation Board and continued the Leon Aslett Scholarship Fund that his father had set up. Also, in 1983, Marvin served as President of the Association of General Contractors.
In addition to the racehorses, Aslett Ranches is a 500 + cow/calf operation. Operating for the last 20 years in House Creek, previously located in Mackay.
Marvin is survived by his sister, Lorraine Kerruish; sons, Keith (Pat) Aslett, Larry (Louise) Aslett, Leonard (Carolyn) Aslett and David (Sharon) Aslett, and his stepdaughters, Deb Steinaker and Bz Waite; daughter-in-law, Barbara Aslett; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Leona; his wife, Joy; his son, Steve; stepson, David; and stepdaughter, Marilyn.
Circle A Construction grain trains at the end of a field for harvest
There is not loads to report for this week. I have applied for probably nearly 50 jobs online. I have an interview tomorrow for a position with Combined Insurance. Who would have thought? What are the chances? Grandma worked for Combined for 30 years. I have in essence sold Combined Insurance for 6 months of my life. That is probably the equivalent that I spent with Grandma out on the road selling insurance. I sure loved it. Funny what we remember isn’t it.
There was a couple of times we went to Soda Springs to sell. I remember the Caribou Lodge. It was my first time going over, I must have been about 4-6 years old. We were in the old 1974 two door Mercury Cougar. What a car. As we came down the pass from Lava Hot Springs we hit a pheasant. The old car took it in the headlight cover. So when we needed the light, we were Popeye into Soda. Grandma liked the Red Baron pizza and she promised that she would treat me. Accordingly, we went and bought one and took it back to the Caribou Lodge. It was only then we realized that we did not have an oven. Grandma went down, and knowing the owners well, asked if they would cook it. They agreed and we ate Red Baron Pizza. It sure was good.
This was my first time on the road selling with Grandma. She had taken me several times to other places close like Kimberly, Twin Falls, Wendell, and American Falls. I always felt so loved. She would buy me clothes and completely dress me for the week. This week, she bought this little red suit that had zippers over the pockets. It was a short sleeved shirt with shorts. She gave me the permission to carry the money if I promised not to lose it. So I would zip it up in my little pockets and keep it safe all the time. Made me feel like a million bucks.
Every morning we would get up and she would make oatmeal out of the packets. She had a little warmer that you put in the coffee cup and it would boil the water in the cup. She would pour the water in with the oatmeal and we had the little feast every morning. She would comb and part my hair with a duck’s tail in the back. I felt like a little prized doll the way she took care of me.
It was this same week that we stopped at this home to visit some people. That is one thing I remember, we always had leads. Grandma never knocked not knowing who lived there. This house was on a corner or curve in the highway. I could probably take you there today, even though I was only about 5. We were sitting in the front room of the home and the people kept commenting on how adorable I was. Being a little bashful I asked to go in the backyard. I went out and stood at the back fence watching a baseball game. Never had seen a baseball game. I was thrilled, it was warm, slight breeze, and the shining metal baseball bat. Our visit came to a close and they were begging Grandma in front of me if they could keep me. She asked me if they could keep me and I remember breaking out in tears. They thought I was so much more adorable. It would be funny to know who lived there and see if they even remember this. I very much doubt it.
One of the best parts about being with Grandma and doing this insurance business was that when we set out to drive there, she would give me all the lead cards. Sometimes there would be up to 200 of them. It was my job to take a look at the map and figure out where things were. Then I would go through and organize the lead cards according to street, and then line the streets up to area. This was a big job coming to towns like Idaho Falls/Rexburg. I remembered I became quite the pro. The entire week we came back to the car, I could tell her the house number of the next house, and then would direct her how to get there. I became a master at map reading and directions. Even to this day, I can look at a map, get a good feel for where anything is, and I can know how to get where I need to go. Coming to Richmond, I think Amanda is constantly amazed that I already know where everything is. I already know the main streets, where they are, and where they go. Even in church today, changing our ward boundaries, I knew all the roads they talked about. This has been a great blessing to me. All thanks to my beloved Grandmother, and Combined Insurance.
It is funny how much we remember. At least me. I have noticed that others are not so fortunate. I remember that same week going to the sulfur mines and Grandma showing me where the Circle A trucks were. She took me and showed me where my Uncle Doug lived at the time. (Uncle Doug moved from there about 1987, which means I was definitely younger than 8. I remember going to Grace, Idaho and Grandma showing me where Evan was raised. I cannot take you there now, even though I have tried to find it. Evan and Grandma divorced in 1987 as well. I remember her taking me to the Minne Tonka caves, Bennington, Georgetown, and even little Niter. Oddly, driving through Chesterfield a few years ago, it seemed too hauntingly familiar. I still don’t know if it was from an expedition with Grandma or if it was for family history purposes. (I did later find family history links)
This weekend we went to Northern Virginia. Amanda and I have made a commitment to keep President Kimball’s challenge to the Saints that if circumstances permit, members should attend the temple at least once a month. I have done this ever since I came home from my mission. I have done it pretty well since I was endowed, except for several months in the mission when missionaries were not allowed to attend the temple. Accordingly, Amanda and I needed to attend for the month of July and thought now was as good time as any. We went up Friday night, stayed with Dennis and Gwen Thompson, who I lived with when I worked in Washington, D.C.. We spent the evening, caught up, and planned out Saturday. Saturday, we went to the temple, dropped Miss Mandy Lundstrom off at the Baltimore Washington International Airport, drove to Annapolis, Maryland; and then crashed back at the Thompson home. I did 15 initiatory at the temple and Amanda/Mandy both did a session. We got lost getting there as we talked and passed every single junction for a free way. Mandy was staying with the Thompson’s. Oddly, she was the old girlfriend of Brad Hales, my good friend and old roommate. She was going to ride the train from Springfield clear to BWI with all her luggage. Knowing how horrible that is, how much I hate traveling with luggage, I offered our services. Plus she got to go to the temple one last time. Amanda and I then ran to Annapolis to see the historic downtown. Sadly, we got there 5 minutes after they closed the statehouse. But we drove around a little longer. The Maryland Capitol is the longest used Capitol in the U.S.. It has also served at the United States Capitol while the current one was being built. It was in this very building that General George Washington resigned his commission of the Continental Army. Wonderful history. The College of St. John is right by as is the United States Naval Academy. The town reminds me so much of Britain. I love it. I recommend all pay a visit there. Go to the Capitol when it is open. I did last year and enjoyed it.
Anyhow, we came back to Richmond this morning and got ready and went to church. They reorganized our ward, but as we did not know anyone, it did not make much difference to us. At least we don’t have to attend another ward. It was a good day. At least we got a new lesson, no more of that adultery lesson we had for the last 3 weeks.
Sagacity 