HOW TO ENTERTAIN KIDS WITHOUT SPENDING HARD EARNED MONEY

 If you can adjust your kids brain, let's attempt to go back to the 1930's and your hometown is in the Nephi area of Utah. Back then, the fathers earned most of the money to feed and clothe their kids, and kids have a way of making toys without spending a Mercury Dime or even a Buffalo Nickel. Back then even our Federal Government didn't seem to have the brains or stupidity to waste giving billions to our enemy countries; political thugs or put our tax dollars' in their own accounts. But their was a small herd of politicians' that really helped us during the Depression. One such Handbook put out by the US. Department of Labor and their "Children's Bureau", was the Handbook for Recreation Leaders for Juab County. One such leader was none other than La Von Harris, who at the time was set to be a forever typist and a good one at that, being heavily involved with Church; Community Programs, Drama and Plays. She was also active in Skits; Musicals and always reciting the funeral speech of "If you should go first and I remain". She had Rheta Sperry or Ellen Garrett to play the organ part when the time was right. La Von was heavily involved with all things in the community, but she and Alma Jones hit it off, even though both thought they were going to settle in as forever singles. Then La Von lost her parents pretty close together, and taken in by the good hearted family of LDS folks on South Main, and she would walk to the Post Office, as she was working for A.E. Smith, who was not only the North Ward Bishop, but the Juab County Agent, and jumped right it to both roles. La Von would see Alma on occasion, and he moved in with his folks at the 1885 Jones home on 7th North and Main. He would cook for his folks, but he too lost both parents-Elizabeth Tolley Jones and Wm. Jones, so Alma started courting LaVon, and after he did his time as a U.S. Army Medic, and on return from WW Two, both he and LaVon agreed to get hitched and even though it was late, they soon made a long distance phone call to the the Storks flying round about, and they dropped in five kids about once a year and each were 10 pounders. Holy Moley Mom muttered, how can I keep clothes lined with diapers and still do church and recreational activities. Well, she did and Dad put a movable rope on the lines, so us four older boys could run or crawl about while Mom typed away. Her typing kept her busy with letters to soldiers & missionaries and always enclose a dollar or a two dollar bill. And every Monday, her kids found our house cleaning duties posted on the water tank and I loved ironing, so we tried to convince Weston to toilet duties to prepare for the Air Force. He soon wised up! We have already typed a history lesson about her leading a bunch of gals to Mt. Nebo, but we just found a letter from the Juab Recreation Club when she lost her father-Evan Harris, after he spent a week cutting the logs for the Pioneer log house at the Nephi Park. He didn't attend church a great deal, but thought he would on the Sunday after the log cutting, as he thought it would be the last time! It was. We also add the program when LaVon organized the 50th celebration of the Nephi High School of 1928. At that time, the class voted to change the colors of Blue and White to Crimson and Gold and changing the name to Juab High School. The song was "Neath the Majestic Guard of Nebo" and the song's author-James McCune gave permission to modify it to Juab! So Mona just may have the sight and the view to call it "Nebo the Heart of Mona" as their is too much noise and parking issues where the new but old Juab High School is now. LaVon loved her Class of 28  class mates students, much like her kids and their classmates. To the Nephi Jones Family that arrived here in 1852, Classmates and Families Are Forever.

                                                                                  

IF YOU HAVN'T VISITED ANTELOPE ISLAND IN WEST DAVIS COUNTY, UTAH, BETTER DO IT SOON.

 Antelope Island used to be in the Great Salt Lake, but now a days, it is more proper to call it a Peninsula as it is technically not an island. I spent ten years doing volunteer work there. I worked most Sundays, as that was an excuse not to attend church, or I would use that as my "Just Cause" and some Saturdays when I didn't volunteer to write bibliography at a Heber City Nursing Home. I would often volunteer to work both Saturday and Sunday, and sleep at  the Field Garr Ranch House. No, I didn't have any of Brother Brigham's wives with me! I would take visitors to the room that Brigham Young would stay when he would go out and visit the horses he kept there. Although Antelope Island is now a State Park, it wasn't always that way. Some of the higher up folks in politics didn't like me talking to the tourist, as I told them the truth, and the truth of things are often twisted and being a public servant, and fighting with various Politician's for 48 years, I preferred the truth. Politician's often speak with a "Forked Tongue" or so the Ancient Indians would declare. Back when I was running the gift shop or being the Welcome Mat for visitors at the South end, I predicted that within ten years the Island would be a Peninsula, and according to one of the friends that wrote books of the Island, the Great Salt Lake will soon be like the Dead Sea across the Big Water. The reason is we have a flood of people coming to Utah to live, but Utah and its rural history and move in's wanted it to be like the downtrodden corruption they came from. But Politician's, in the State and Local rural areas have a love for more money to stack homes on each other with no gardens and we have to take chances with foreign crops and even the cattle are being said to be filled with chemicals. When the LDS folks came here in 1847, it was called "Church Island" as Brigham Young claimed it. But then the US claimed it after the US fought a "no shots" war with Mexico. The US made it a Utah Territory, and Brother Young lost it in 1870, and several homesteaders placed their stakes there. It will go dry however, as new residents to Utah have the backing of State Elected and Selected folks who can take the waters from Bear River; Ogden River; Provo River(Utah Lake via Jordan River) and use it for Culinary purposes and the local folks are now paying double and triple the property taxes and the County use it freely. Before I forget it-after the homesteaders got tired going back to Salt Lake for supplies by way of the south end of the Island, they sold their land to John Dooly Sr. who would graze his sheep there, as did the Anschutz Family from 1972 to 1981. Mr. Anschutz had one of the biggest sheep herds across the Utah line as you drive to Evanston, Wyoming. He would feed his sheep there, then take them to Antelope Island for winter grazing and to shear them in the Spring, and the shearing pens are there to see. Without the consent of the Anschutz family, it was "rumored " that Utah Legislators were going to pull a fast one on the Anschutz family and build a causeway from Davis County out next to Antelope Island. Once again Taxpayers had "the wool" pulled over their eyes, then pressure mounted to squeeze Mr. Anschutz out of the picture, and he sold lock, stock and barrel to the State of Utah. He was in to drilling for oil and his drill up on the way to Frary Peak was bone dry. It is still a good place to visit, especially this time of year, and only the very rich can afford to buy a Buffalo tag. There are more Buffalo on the Island and Rangers have to bid some of the Buffalo that have to be taken down so the other critters have feed to live on. Their are springs on the Island for stock water, and that was where we had to dig down with the real McCoys from State History. Archeologists had to make sure their were no Indian Remains when we dug down to get a Water line to the new Toilets. I was the bus driver that took Davis County school kids to help the dig, and by golly, they were as good as gold, once taught by the big boys, they could tell the difference between a Antelope and Fremont Indian bone. It was later determined that ancient Fremont Indian's used the island to hunt deer and Antelope. And on one bus trip, I stopped the bus and told kids to remain quiet, as I could hear and see about a hundred head of Buffalo heading for us. Buffalo often move that way and they went around us, but it was a thrill for the kids, but the drivers' heart stopped while I did a quick prayer! If my sister comes up and helps to put photos on, that will give you an idea of the fun trip which shows how Utah used to be. We invented a Buffalo Chip throwing contest; singers; hikers; horse back riding; Cowboy Poetry and bird Lovers. Bring a jug of water and drive across the causeway slowly as Bobcats like to hide under the bridges to take down birds. Please leave the snakes alone, as they eat the mice. I once caught a Blow snake and Blue Racer, but only young kids wanted to view them. Learn of the both the young rocks and the old ones. The two fellows pictured are former Managers of Island when in private hands. Another photo is of Whisper, the pet deer at the Ranch and folks involved in Buffalo Chip throwing contest. And I am holding a big blow snake for visitors to see, if they chose to.  And don't tease the Buffalo. They are not stupid and can run faster than you or me!                                    

WHERE IS MT. NEBO LOCATED AND WHO DOES IT BELONG TOO?

If we ask people who live in Nephi, Utah for more than those who just moved here on a short leash til they can sell it to somebody else, they may not ever really know where Mt. Nebo is. But if your folks were a Juab High graduate, most of them may point their finger towards the North East of the present day High School and say "Up Yonder". But if your grandmother graduated from Nephi High with the Class of 1928, they could give a better description, as LaVon Harris was a 4-H leader of all girls of the area and took regular hikes up and down there. If folks look from the present high school football field and point northeast they will only see the peak of Gardner's Canyon. In the terminology class of the Nortonville Low-Boy School, Bessie Jones may teach their are three peaks to Mt. Nebo, which can only be seen from Mona; Ft. Green or the Nebo Loop Road. If you ask which County the Northern peak is in, don't ask the Utah County Sheriff or the Juab Sheriff, as they may do a fist-a-cuff. It came close to that in a tragedy when a professional hiker fell from that North Peak and killed a few years ago. Then if you want to spark another flame, talk to the people of the Spanish Fork area as they are in the "Nebo School District". Years ago, when the BSA was alive and well, many a Scout Troop would hike to the South Peak, starting from the Nebo Loop Rd. That is where my brother-Hal and I hiked it when we were young and stupid. Scouts could do it in one day, but the two old Jones boys made it up and down.....in 3 days! Now, are you ready for no moe news or a tad more? Okay, take your time to look at an older Nebonian, which is the Juab High Year book and it will tell how Nebo got it's name. It is the Legend of Nebona, the daughter of Chief Big Elk and her boyfriend-Running Deer. Many turns and twisted stories lurk for a reader! It is not quite Sunday yet, but we will give you a short Sabbath story, that I take from the King Version Bible which many Christians and Jews consider solid. And yes, the LDS folks are very much Christians! In that history book, we read about the flocks of Goats; Sheep and Bullocks, which are young Bull's that were central to the Israelite sacrificial system. We also read of various Prophets, among which was Elijah. He was on the side of God. Before him was Moses (or Charles Heston) who led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Then came others who ruled for several hundred years and Saul, who was appointed to be the first King of Israel. The country was then divided into two separate kingdoms. The Northern was called Israel and the Southern Kingdom was Judah, which followers worshipped wickedness and idols. I will attempt to put some old maps here, which leads us to another "Mt. Nebo" and since Brigham Young was the leader of the Christians know as the LDS Church or Mormons, I am led to believe that it was those folks who changed Salt Creek to Nephi, and so named the near by mountain tops as Mt. Nebo, similar to the Mt. Nebo across the big water! My written history lesson will end with a note written by one of my history hero's of World War One- General Pershing. "You must never lose your ideals or become discouraged because success does not seem to come. Keep your faith in the big things, and the best things, and don't let anyone laugh at you for being an idealist. Then persevere. Persistency will be rewarded."

                                                                                      

You may find better maps by looking on your typewriter as these are not clear. Nebo is in Jordan.

IF YOU ARE PREPARING TO COME TO NEPHI, UTAH TO FISH OR LIVE, WE HAVE SUGGETIONS.

I am from Nephi, Utah, where we used to advertise that we were "Little Chicago" as we were the point throughout the world where folks came to sell or purchase flocks (thousands) of sheep that were sheared to make wool into clothes for kids and especially military guys. The shearing sheep sheds still sit silently not far from the West Juab County Sand Dunes(now run loosely by the Feds), or so the rumors run! Then the world's wool buyers would start the bidding for the wool, then most of the sheep were let out to pasture in the Sagebrush as their winter feeding grounds, then in the Spring herding them back to Sanpete for some to be cut up and wrapped for human consumption, except for me! Sheepherders were all true blue American's and often knew each other including the Ingram Family in Nephi; Rob Garrett; Ren Harris of Nephi and Lyle Boyer of Coalville. A sheep with a bell on it or black wool count as a hundred. So if you travel any of the County roads, it is posted as an open road, so you will be held accountable for the wreck and the Judge could order you to take the wounded sheep to your mansion! And take a deer expert with you if you drive up Nephi canyon as that is where tons of traffic speed a hundred times faster than Bish Belliston, and we heard the deer and Elk herds are about gone, as vehicle drivers and continued deer hunts(even for blind people) have nearly wiped out all our wild animals, but at least not the wild animals at Juab High! Yesterday I traveled out to Willow Creek(Mona) to Burraston Ponds. I felt sick when I saw what has happened to it as it is about gone dry, and it had litter scattered everywhere, No fish there but Carp, although in the summer the State Fish and Game fed thousand's of fish there. It reminded me of several years ago when Mona Reservoir was dry, but the Fishy Folks of the State planted thousand's there and it went dry. That water goes down to Goshen, who filed claim on it by the town folks. So some farmers own the water rights, but much of it is taken by the LDS church, Several years ago, I had a chance to interview the daughter of the original owners of that area, when  owned by Richard James Burraston and wife Emma Price Burraston. But even then, the ponds ethically belonged to the Indians, and those folks led the Escalante Expedition through Utah and offered food and fluids to those explorers. When I interviewed the daughter of the Burraston, she showed me the contract with the State of Utah and the ponds. The print clearly shows  the land and water were a gift to the people of Utah for becoming a State in 1896. The small print showed honesty and integrity which we don't find with politician's much more. The contract reads if the State lacks the care of the ponds, it is automatically given back to the heirs of the Burraston kin, which includes a heck of a lot of the Ted and Killer Gee  family as they are in Nephi and the Carbon area. So, stand up and shout, and remember Bob Steele boldly fought the Feds and won. Many of us oldies learned how to swim and fish at Burraston and walk back to Nephi with a gunny sack full of pop bottles and buy all the Snickers bar for a week. I would hate to see people not able to enjoy this great area of water, but the deep wells the State water folks have been given a free hand(according to rumors), the Gov. of Utah and Legislators so local folks may have President Trump kick their ass for us. A gal thought the no water was because of the drought. I said local folks blame Governor Cox and local politician's who abuse we the taxpayer. So, if you come to Nephi, bring water, as we are dry, regardless of what the local leaders say. "Just the facts Mame."

                                                                                        

FEEDING LIVESTOCK OF YESTERYEAR-YOU HAD TO TO BE TOUGH

Earlier today I read the obituary of Bob Day, who by all that knew him, was one of those Cowboys of yesteryear, having the grit of a Cowboy similar to the book written by Larry McMurtry called "Lonesome Dove". When I started to read that book several years ago, I couldn't put it down. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, Hollywood couldn't have found a better actor than Robert Duvall to be a co-star in it. The book is of two Cowboys who drives a herd of cattle from Texas to Montana, which brings forth a lot of the best old west sayings of truth and tidbits of real Cowboys. One of my favorites is when "Gus" was compelled to hang a friend who was with some bad hombres that shot and killed dirt farmers. As a former Texas Ranger, Gus pronounced a western judgement of "You ride with the outlaw, you die with the outlaw. Sorry, you crossed the line." Cowboys of the old west often spoke the truth and their may be times when you take the law into your own hands. After living and working law enforcement in the big cities of America, I felt at ease when I returned to the once rural area of Utah, which at the time I departed when deals were made out of Court and similar to the old west doctrine of "A Juab County Handshake" was like a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which couldn't be violated. My brother and I made that "legal handshake" with George Jackson, who we asked to farm the 25 acre farm we were left by our father and grandfather in downtown "Nortonville". Like the Juab County handshake, he kept his word on the share of what he could muster up after the area went dry from the depletion of the Aquifers. For the few decades he farmed that once green area, we mutually ended the deal and closed it with a "Juab County Handshake". That was a solid "Cowboy" deal that was as good as gold. It wasn't long before I was made aware that the old Handshake didn't mean "Squat" to the new era of legal beagles fighting it out in courts. As I read and re-read the Bob Day Obit, I kept thinking of how true that was with how Bob Day exemplified the "Cowboy Code of the Old West". I got to know him in meeting him and listening to another one of our True Cowboys-Bob Garrett, who was a great friend of Bob Day, who hand carved a walking stick for Bob Garrett, who had a Gip in his Gallop. I miss the Cowboys of the Old West, as many of them still maintain that cowboy Code of Honesty with great family; working hard; taught good work ethics was of critical importance and commitment to always helping others. Both the Bobs of today are like that, so I tip my hat to them, and to my father who helped his father-Wm. Jones feed cows in Nortonville of a century ago. 

 

                                                                                

A LETTER TO MY SON-JUSTIN WM. JONES, WHO DEPARTED EARTH- 9 YEARS AGO TONIGHT

 Dear Justin,

It has been 9 years since you left what I call Earth Life. I recall your departure was at 10:31 P.M. as that was when the old family clock stopped, and just like that, as it never would tick tock again. I wanted to write this letter to you, as God-with His miracles, can make your heart stir, so that you will see what is in both our hearts. In another way, you didn't really leave us, you just walked a little ahead of me and Troy. That's what I tell myself, when missing you hurts too much, when the silence feels louder than any words. Sometimes, I still forget you are gone. I want to call you and tell you something and reach out for you. Then the reality hits, and it keeps me going faster and faster as you are way ahead of me. The reality of this world and you breaks my heart all over again. So I imagine, you and Paul Hansen are in the race at the Sugarhouse park. I see you pass me by, and you look back with your famous smile, and I know you are standing at the finish line, waiting for me. And that's what keeps me going. I carry you in every step I take and every breath and every quiet moment. Because my love for you didn't end when you left. I simply learned how to live without you. And when my journey ends on earth, I hope you are there...... waiting.  And when I see you again, I'll finally whisper, "I missed you every single day". Then let's go find both of your Saint Bernards, and glide around the Spirit World and get re-acquainted with people we used to know, and other folks we will meet. And if God so permit's it, we can collectively find Paul Hansen, as he was given most of your Baseball Cards. He and Tony misses your personality and your friendship. They were good for you on earth as they will be in the Spirit world, and you will automatically speak and listen to all of those spirits, who never had the chance to learn those on earth. And Son, never ever forget, your warm gentle spirit is missed here on earth.

I seldom told you and Troy how much love I have for both of you, but I am telling you now! Justin Wm. Jones, I do love you; always have and always will. God is well aware of all the kindness you have shown to your fellow man and the animals you cared for on earth.

                                                              Love you.......10-4-35-1

IN ORDER FOR BABY DEER TO SURVIVE, PEOPLE MUST LEARN BASIC RULES

If you are hiking or traveling in Utah or other Western States, we decided to put a cautionary note here. Depending on when the Rut(breeding) starts is usually in the late fall, and the Does are quite picky. The Doe seems to have a higher IQ than the buck, and as such, they want only the biggest and strongest looking Buck. It seems the Doe gives off their allurance or they just wear better perfume! The bucks know that and want to demonstrate to the smaller bucks they are big and stronger, so the smaller bucks will attempt to find water holes and dig with their horns to pick up grasses and twigs to have the Does be attracted to them. In order to be bred, the buck has to fight for it and the winner takes the buck as a weekend bride. And this writer doesn't have the taste buds for Venison, so know; "Does smart Venison taste better than the old bucks". Depending on the time when the cold hits, various bucks fight to scare the other male deer off, then comes the April to July birthing of the fawn. Often times, the Doe will have twins. The mother deer however, has to graze off and find grasses or bushes to eat, and often hides their fawn close by. The baby fawns are born with patches of white to blend in with the surrounding area till Mom comes home with her bag "full of  white fawn food". They keep their small spots for 5 to 6 months. The fawn, when Moms away, can lower their heart rate down to avoid Coyote smell of  a deer and baby internal sense to slow their heart pumping to a lower level. During the deer hunt of several years ago, I was out west alone and heard two shots, so got my bi-focals on and saw two men shoot a Doe. I told the Fish cop where the deer was, as the two guys may have thought it was a buck, but it was a Doe. The Fish Cop asked if  I saw who shot it. I told him I wasn't sure and rather than let the meat go to waste, he gave me written permission to take it home where  my mother and I cut and wrapped it, and gave it to folks that needed it. I knew my Mother was grateful too! Now back to the real story. If a human even touches a fawn, that person has sentenced that baby deer to death. When the Doe returns to her baby, she will not accept it, as the smell of a human has touched it. Same thing I saw on the computer where  ladies felt sorry for another two twin fawns and picked them up and sat in their car til the mother returned. She did and those young ones will soon find they will be abandoned. If one is caught in a fence, that is another story and use gloves to assist but cutting the fence that cattle who feed on the mountain may lose their whole herd. And SLC, Utah is being invaded by deer and the Fish and Game are trying to ship game animals that are coming down to eat the scrubs and flowers. Oh, I bout forgot. The reason we brought this up, is to encourage you to stay from the roaming bears on the Loop Road, which we found a real to life, where a large Moose is trying to find "Moose supper." We have about lost many of our Game animals due to Fires, with bosses sitting at DC desks and have no idea how our winds blow fires fast and we hope they will quit letting people hunt deer that are blind; Politician' who keep preaching "plenty of water in Nephi" and Developers who want to build homes in the canyon, and crowds that may sight in a real life Moose, but all photo folks seem to want to shoot or dispose of. Cars and people kill more deer than hunters and Fish and Game folks need more money for their Kitty and make their wages by increasing license fees and spend money on ads for turn people in.

             This fawn photo was taken by gal in Colorado and remained in her car a long distance away

And this photo was also taken at long distance being brought in by Fish Cops from SLC