Locks of hair mean different things to different people!

Throughout history, a lock of hair carries symbolic value, depending on religious, cultural or sentimental roles. In the case of the Harris family of Nephi, Utah, we believe it is related to the Victorian Era, as it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased children or family members, but also the giving of ones own hair to another was in consideration of love and devotion. Last week, we discovered a Scrap Book belonging to LaVon Harris Jones which has been sitting in an undiscovered box for over forty years. The inside cover shows who is to receive the lock of hair, and as such, our mothers two foot lock of braided silk hair was given to Jaynette Jones Grimard today, demonstrative of the love and devotion her mother had for her daughter. From various items in the secluded scrapbook, we are making a guesstimation the lock was taken in 1930. We have also included the lock of hair from her sister-Maggie Vera Harris, who died in 1907, at the age of eight. Both locks show the likeness of the soft fine dark blond hair of the sisters, both of whom promoted my action today.

And now the awards for "Best of '63-64'. Speech Recital of Juab High School

My mother spent her career as a Secretary and to her-it was one of the most important jobs in the world. She gave us typing instructions as kids, even though her four boys told her that in the 1950's boys would "never" have to type! Well, since I couldn't figure out how to brighten up the scan, I tried to re-type this 1963 "Speech Festival", although type teacher Arta Brough ain't goin be be two appy wif my typo stuff.

SPEECH FESITIVAL
M. C. Paula Jeanne Haymond
INVOCATION: Dennis Steele
CREATION:   James Weldon Johnson          Speech Class
READING: Linda Marie Ingram                    "THE PRAIRIE TREE"
ORATIONS:  Kathy Christensen                   "BE A SQUARE"
                        Ileen Sanders                           "YING AND YANG"
                        Kent Jones                               "THERE IS A FUTURE IN AG"
                        Thomas Young                        "OUR HERITAGE"
SKIT:              "THE CROOKED MOUTH FAMILY"
                   Marilynn Christensen, Carol Chapman, Mike Keyte, Kent  Jones
                   Blaine Whiting, Arville White and Michael Williams
VOCAL DUET:  Linda Marie Powell and Dennis Steele
READING: Walter Smith            "HELL"
DIALOGUE: Marsha Sperry and Robert Robbins      "WIRE TROUBLE"
RETOLD STORY:  Linda Marie Powell                    "LEGEND OF NEBONA"
READING:    Carol McPherson                                  "I AIN'T GONNA CRY"
PRESIDENT KENNEDY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS:  Dorothy Wankier
                                                                                            Terry Christensen
                                                                                             Harlo Newton
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG"                   Speech Class
ACCOMPANISTS:  Linda Marie Ingram and Linda Marie Powell
ADVISER: Mrs. Thela Wankier
SPEECH CLASS
Terry Christensen, Kent Jones, Mike Keyte, Harlo Newton, Robert Nielsen, Robert Robbins, Walter Smith, Dennis Steele, Arville White, Blaine Whiting, Thomas Young, Michael Williams, Carol Chapman, Kathy Christensen, Marilynn Christensen, Paula Jeanne Haymond, Linda Marie Ingram, Carol McPherson, Linda Marie Powell, Ileen Sanders, Marsha Sperry and Dorothy Wankier.
Appreciation to Barbara Lunt, Cherry Orme, LaRue Stephensen, and the other members of Mrs. Shirleen Newell's class for their assistance with invitations and programs.  Appreciation to Mr. Clarence Pay for the lighting. Ushers: Dan Boston and Jim Gadd.


                

It is Oscar night, but it may be just politics, so I think I will go fishing!

Tonight is Oscar night, and they still haven't notified me, so it is assumed I am not being considered for an award! That happens when one is just an extra in movies, as I was with Charles Heston in "Avenging Angel" and several episode's of "Touched By An Angel". For sure, I wouldn't be considered for my role in "Dumb and Dumber", as Jim Carrey and I got so goofy during a urinal scene, they cut out the whole sequence of events. In the theatrical scene of "I am Jane" I played the role of an LDS official, and then in Avenging Angel, I was an offical of that same church helping my wives on a wagon. Needless to say, my point is, I was an actor....only an actor, and may not have any competence to expound on other matters. I am a lover of Christ, and felt guilty when I got a check from the LDS Church because I over played the role of a Sadducee who physically took down Jesus in the movie "The Testaments". Keep in mind, if they are only acting, they may not have any real knowledge of other things in life.

You won't read about it in the sports section of Utah newspapers, but get ready for "The Last Great Race".

Sometimes the media are the ones that tell the reader what sports they want you to like. So we thought we better try to persuade you to consider the other sport usually not spoken of in the "lower forty-eight", but the number one sport in Alaska-ahead of hunting, fishing and even romance! A week from today, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starts at first bark. Although G.B. Jones, a native of Nephi, Utah won't be a Musher(racer) this year, he remains an active contributor. One of his students is Charley Bejna, so we encourage all to check the computer site at Iditarod.com to follow the 1,049 mile trek to Nome. Jones wrote the book "Winning the Iditarod". This fete puts human and animal working together in the battle against the frigid tundra of Alaska to celebrate when dogsleds were the only way to get vaccine to Diphtheria stricken victims in 1925. To this Juab County Jones boy, there is nothing better than to be in the middle of nowhere in freezing temperatures huddled around his best friends. One photo shows him coming in to Nome, and so grateful for his mutts, he decided to pull them across the finish line, and send his prize dog "Nick" to his retirement home in Nephi, Utah. He then cut up his "Grateful Sled" to share with supporters around the world. For more doggy dog dueling, you will have to go to the computer.

I can't find enough material to make myself a tutu!

Perhaps it is only a dancing fantasy, and haven't spoke to Lisa Blackett about it, but I thought it may be fun to have a 36th anniversary of the 1981 "Dancing Fantasy" performance put on by Lisa Blackett's students of Lisa's Dance Shoppe of Nephi, Utah. This is the list of participant's back then, so it gives those students a couple months to find their outfits and do some rehearsals. I take a bow to Lisa and all those people who participate in this wholesome activity. Each little girl may not make it to Broadway but you never know till you try. One thing for sure, it gives each person a greater ability to follow instructions; find new friends, entertain others and learn self respect.

If you traveled through Nephi, Utah during the 1950's and 60's, you had to have known Ray's Cafe.

Ray's Café was located on the south end of Nephi, Utah, on what was known as Highway 91.To local's; travelers and long haul truck drivers, it was the best place to stop for food; social interaction, or just a good coffee break. It also provided jobs for many a person. We owe it to Ray Kelson, whose dynamic charm made him a friend to all. His three sons inherited not only the sparkling blue eyes of their old man, but sons Jim, Gordon and Val picked up Ray's athletic greatness with Ray playing in the American Legion baseball. Ray was also an avid promoter of the Juab Wasps; served on the Nephi City Council; Juab County Sheriff's Patrol and served in the military during World War II. I couldn't help pay tribute to Ray Kelson after I had breakfast today at Lisa's restaurant, which is near where Ray's used to be. I sat in the booth below the photo of the late Gordon Kelson wearing his Juab Letterman jacket, and to be served by Ray's granddaughter. The father and three sons were a man's man and adored by the ladies as well. Ray passed away of a heart attack in 1975, at age 59. The ads and photos are taken from issues of The Times News and The Nebonian.

Achtung! Achtung! In case you didn't see the lawn flags, today is Presidents Day in America!

Although I didn't vote for him personally, I believe that eventually-historians will conclude he was one of the best Presidents we ever had! My concern, however, he ordered a pension cut for us old timers. Oh wait a minute, I got the Salt Lake Tribune mixed up. I guess the paper is from April 2, 1933. If you read that paper, it looks like Americans were in the Great Depression, but perhaps not as bad as Germany, who was hit hard in 1929. It was so bad there, they were willing to put anybody in office, and Adolf Hitler was organizing the Nazi regime in a still standing Munich bar, not far from the abandoned hotel where this German paper was found by this writer. Although Social Security keeps cutting my pension, it is much better than using a wheelbarrow full of worthless Marks to buy a loaf of bread like the German people had to do. All in All, God Bless America and whoever serves our country as the President.

Juab High are the State Champs in Wrestling for 2017; now get ready for the basketball tournament set for 46 years ago.

As many people hoped, Juab High School became the State Wrestling Champs in the 3-A Division. We now turn our attention to the basketball team who are geared up for the Class A Tournament. The Juab Wasps are ready to take on the Millard Eagles on Thursday at 4:30 on March 4, 1971. Juab has Brent Anderson who is averaging 19 points a game, then in comes Kevin Stanley with 15 points a game. If you didn't get your program, we will share ours.

America has lost a true hero in the passing of Lt. General Hal Moore who led his men in the first Vietnam Battle

He was considered one of the top battlefield commanders in world history. Lt. General Hal Moore established his place in military history in 1965 when he led his vastly outnumbered troops to prevail in the first major battle of the Vietnam War. Both on the battlefield and off, he has spent his life studying and encouraging strong, principled leadership as a soldier and a human being. He died in his sleep last week at the age of 94. If you have the chance, watch the 2002 movie "We Were Soldiers", which portrays him commanding the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment at the battle of la Drang in Vietnam. During it's filming, he was on set to ascertain the accuracy of the details. After the war, he was a motivating speaker and if you get find his lecture, it is heartwarming to see this hero walk and talk the line of one hell of an ideal American. Here are his 17 leadership precepts:
1. Three Strikes and you're not out! There is always one more thing you can do to influence any situation in your favor.
2. A leader must ask, "What am I doing that I should not be doing, and what am I not doing that I should be doing."
3. A leader must always be visible and exhibit confidence under any set of circumstances. The determination to prevail must be felt by all.
4. A leader must always be ready! When there is nothing going wrong, there's nothing going except there is nothing going wrong.
5. Trust your instincts. Instincts and intuition give you an immediate estimation of a situation.
6. Everything in leadership boils down to judgment. Intelligence and good character does not imply you have good judgment.
7. Study history and leadership qualities. Pay special attention to why leaders fail.
8. A person in a position of authority does not automatically become immediately respected or trusted. This is earned.
9. Every person in an organization is as important and necessary to a mission as the next person. That goes from the top to the bottom.
10. Instill the will to win. There can be no second place trophies on display-awarded or accepted.
11. Never deprive a person of their self-respect. NEVER.
12. To do well in any field of endeavor, it is an advantage to work with good people.
13. Strive to have one or two people around you who are totally trustworthy.
14. Spend quality time with the team, learning who they are and what motivates them. Create a family.
15. Great leaders lead self first. Before you can lead others, leading self successfully must be accomplished day in and day out.
16. Successful leaders create the future.
17. Leaders must lead. Be the first boots on the ground and the last boots off.

What good is the Utah National Guard? Well, from my view.....it is Plenty Good!

The constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state mission and the only US military force empowered to function in a state. In 1847,when the Mormons arrived in the valley, the land actually belonged to Mexico, so the new arrivals used the "Nauvoo Legion" as their Utah Militia or protective force. That continued when we became a U.S. Territory after our short lived Mexican War. All was well and good until our Mormon Battalion was reported to have been over zealous in joining with Indians to kill 120 immigrants at the Mt. Meadows Massacre of 1857. The who did what is still being debated, even in the Jones family who did research on the battleground when it was private land. In comes the National Guard in 1903, and has been a Nephi, Utah mainstay since. In World War I, we had the 145th Field Artillery Battalion here, and for further information, you can read what Major Ray Jackson wrote about it in the local history book called "They Left A Record".  The 145th Coat of Arms is on the scanned page with various other Guard items including the medal for assisting in Deseret Storm. The National Guard in Nephi not only provided America with a backup military force, but provided income to local families, even if it was only $6.00 for Monday drill nights in the 1960's. In addition, the Nephi Armory was a central place for locals to play basketball; get your hunter safety training from Wally Fackerell, and have fun at the "Hunters Hoedown".  Since the National Guard was formed in Nephi, there is a long list of great people who has served to protect America throughout the World. This is our chance to tell all of them, living and passed-thanks. The next time you take a load out to the landfill, remember it was the Guard that built that road, with Dennis Steele being the explosive expert. In the flooding of 1984, it was the Guard who saved our homes and business' from damage. The photo is of retired Guard guys Wes Jones and Ken Ingram. Ken served in the Guard for 43 years, about the same amount of time as Boyd Howarth.

  

We found another 1960's Juab High student publication, so we thought we would share it.

Last week we found a copy of the "Juab Wasp" which was published by students of Juab High School in the 1960's. Today, we found another one from 1964, so in case you didn't get yours of yesteryear, here it is. When the remodel of the Snak Shak Café took place that year, my father was able to negotiate for the cinder block, and we still have some of them. Also, if you are wondering what the last names of the Senior gals who gave the Bakers store static, it could have been Vicky Andreason, Beverly Myers, Kathy Worthington, Marilynn Christensen, Carol Ostler and Connie Kendall, but no worries, the Statute of Limitations covers them. And yes, it was Kent Jones who fell asleep in class, and the teacher had all of the students come in and out quietly and let me go into shock to wake up to other students.

We don't need a groundhog to tell us that Spring is coming soon, then rodeo time.

Juab County is considered the "Key County" of Utah as it's borders resemble a giant key and it has all that one needs to thrive and be alive. With our pre-spring Spring thaw, one can't help but think that the Ute Stampede is just around the corner. We thought we would show a program from a few years ago and yes, some of the folks listed are very much alive and kicking.

Here are some diary notes from 1895 then 1942

Can you remember what you did yesterday, or last week! I don't, but know what my father-Alma Jones was doing on Feb. 1st, 1942, and what his father-Wm. Jones was doing in Feb., 1895. Wm. Jones was on an LDS mission in England at the time of his entries. Although married, he and and Elder McPherson, both of Juab County, were called to England, and expected to search out relatives for food, lodging and then convert people to the Mormon church. The photos are from their journal era.
Feb. 1, 1942. The weather is fine today. I and father went to meeting. We had a play practice. This afternoon LaVon & I went to a good show tonite.
Feb. 2, 1942. Warm but cloudy today. Funeral services were held for Clarence Brough today at 2 o'clock. Military funeral & was wonderful. Large attendance. Snow is all melted.
Feb. 3, 1942. Cold and stormy during the forenoon but cleared up in afternoon. We took the play(Depend on Me) up to Payson tonite. There was a good crowd turned out. Got home at 11:30 O'clock.
Feb. 4, 1942. A little cold and cloudy today. I was down to Irvin Johnson Wednesday morning putting in a little cement. I have been splitting wood at home today. Budget play tonight.
Feb. 5, 1942. Snowed about 3 inches during the nite. Cloudy today. Sugar is being rationed out in the U.S. Same with tires and rubber goods. I have been over to H.S. carpenter shop tonight.
Feb. 6, 1942. Has been cold & cloudy today. I have been working for Irvin Johnson this afternoon laying up a chimney. Was over to HS shop again tonight.
Feb. 7, 1942. Still cold and cloudy. Snowed a little in afternoon. Pearl(Ockey) has been out helping with house work. I have been down to Irvin Johnson today on house. We had a dinner at Sudweeks tonite.
Feb. 1, 1895. I wrote a letter to my mother(Martha Jackson Jones) then I went down to see Bro and Sister Roberts. Spent the afternoon with them then I went on Banks Lane to see Brother Barrows. Spent a pleasant evening. There was a young lady there. We had a gospel conversation then back to my cousin on Blum St. No. 53.
Feb. 2, 1895. I started for the Stockhart Station got to Manchester then went to see Mrs. Haws on Miller Lane. Found them well and they treated me kindly and had dinner there. Then I called to see Aunt Fitzgerald. Found them well though their daughter Eunice had been poorly. I had tea there then for Oldham. Called to see Bro. Howarth. Found them all well. I received a letter from Jane Jackson, then to No. 7, Radcliff. Bro. Nielson and I went up to Bro. Betley.

Slow Down-Save A Buck.

When we encourage folks to slow their vehicles down, it is not about the gas they may save, but by the deer that are wandering where their winter range used to be. In the late 1950's, it was the Utah deer hunter that convinced the Utah Fish and Game officials to hunt for Buck only, rather than what it used to be, including does. In the harsh winter of 1983-84, once again it was the Utah deer hunter who eventually convinced Wildlife officials we needed to work together to feed the deer. It took a long time to convince their biologists there were times when the deer can't paw through the frozen tundra to find their natural food source. This year they recognized the need and The Times News recently reported they are doing just that. Deer hunters and groups such as the Mule Deer Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are the ones helping to save the deer. Although some developers and groups don't like to admit it, the major source of killed deer is what we call progress.....folks that build homes, businesses and roads where Utah deer used to roam in the winter. So this Utah deer hunter recommends to slow the cars down-to keep the bucks for the family gathering on the deer hunt this fall.