THIS IS A HISTORY OF THE HISTORY OF OUR HISTORY BLOGS

I am not sure, but I think I started my love of history when I was in the 4th grade at the Central School up Track Street in Nephi, Utah, USA. Me and a co-hort was always getting in to trouble. Our mischief was fed by one another, regardless of what it was. Our teacher was Earl Bowles who had returned from fighting Germans in World War II, after which he graduated from Utah State University. He was short but stout and reminded me of a gunny sack of potatoes. Earl, like the sack of potatoes was just too heavy for a kid or even a man to pick up, but I had an Uncle that could put two sacks of potatoes on his shoulders and carry them to the truck during his days on the farm in Idaho Falls. Earl had a demeanor that he could not only man handle me, but could toss me on a train and send me to the Russian Front and nobody would notice. But me and my clone kept pushing him to the limit. There were many occasions when I remained after school and wrote multiplications on the blackboard. I don't think it taught me the discipline that Earl was taught in Boot Camp, but I was always good at math. On the one occasion I remember the most was the time me and my buddy hid in his closet during recess. We had the intentions of coming out at lunch break, thinking he would go to lunch with the kids. Nope, he ate it at is desk and only a few feet awake from the dark closet we stood. We then started to feel our way to the north and found it was where the hot steam was pumped into the old iron heaters in each of the rooms. We would touch them, but muffle the terror of pain. There was no way out other than going back on the door we entered. I  was terrified and thought my life and school days were over. I was the leader, so Mr. Bowles kept me after school, and it was a one on one lecture. He said he was going to do something to me that would teach me discipline. And he did just that. He took his thin yardstick and broke it over my head. My father was in the Army during World War II, and when he got out of line by chewing gum, the Sgt. made him dig a 6 foot deep hole to bury his gum in. The yard stick didn't hurt as in those days, they made them very thin. But the destruction of my gangster mentality was knocked senseless. And he smacked me with such ease! There was no malice, just a broken yard stick. Then came the good stuff. In detail, he told me what he had to do to the enemy of the World War.  I was intrigued or perhaps he re-arranged my brain cells. I started to love history, especially military history. I would often walk home from grade school with neighbor Don Johnson, who was dang smart so we would talk of the Nazi party. My other walking partner was Clyde Gowers, who was also a genius. We now call them Navy Seals, but they were first called "Frogman". When arriving home, I told my folks about what the teacher did to me. My mother and Dad looked at each other then asked me, "Did you deserve it". I could 't lie and said "Yes". They said they knew the Bowles brothers and they did what was appropriate, at least in those days. When I started college, my Major was History as I loved it, but when I was told that I would only wind up as a teacher, I changed it which took an extra year then graduated with a Degree in Law Enforcement and more education in Ed. Psych.; and College and Fingerprint Expert. I worked in the Criminal Justice System, and in doing so, traveled to all States of the Union, except Hawaii, and to various countries. At each location, I had to learn the history of the city; the criminals and the crime, completing 30,000 Interviews; Investigations and Interrogations. In addition, during the times I came back to Nephi to visit  folks, I asked if I could retain the family records; artifacts and journals that our family had collected since our family arrived in the 1850's. I sealed and buried them til such time I retired and would then show them to the world. I retired ten years ago and since that time, have written 877 blogs at the blog spots. Thousands of people throughout the world have viewed my chapters, and this month, I hit my goal of having more than 10,000 hits in one month. As of a few minutes ago, we had 10, 888 people look at a blog entry. My mother taught me how to type at age 12 and because of my love of history, I now have shared it with the world, including two boxes of LDS papers and journals that belonged to them, as my grandfather ran the Church and the School when Nortonville was a beautiful valley of green. I bought the scanner for $8.00 at Deseret Industries and the used Laptop for one yet, but will slow down. After I enter a blog, I then give it to families of those that may want them or to Museums in Nephi; England and Wales, as my grandfather went on an LDS mission there in the late 1800's when the photos were taken. Brigham the Young would often stop in Northville to v$100.00. But the scanner is wore out and so is my brain after several brain concussions. So I am  not disit Will Jones, and left a variety of papers there, which have now been returned to the Church. I am proud of my three brothers and a son that served in the military. I never did, but have worked with them on several occasions throughout the world and  honor those who have difficult assignments on the front lines of our country.

WANT TO LIVE TOGETHER OR TAKE THE WEDDING VOWS OF A HUNDRED YEAR AGO?

During life on earth, it seems that through the ages, all things change, except for Mother Nature and Love. All things appear to change or subject to discussion by so called "the know-it-alls". One thing that appears to never change is "Love", regardless of what or who it is for. We were reminded of that as we discovered an old typewritten instructions for an Elder in the LDS Church to marry people. I suppose now a days, things have changed, so one should contact the local County Clerk for up to day changes. I suppose now a days one would call this writer a "Jack Mormon", as I can't deny the spiritual things I have witnessed and felt, and yes, I like to Sin. Nothing better than my wake up coffee! Anywho, as the Designated Leader while on an LDS Mission, I was given the authority by the local government to push the button to "Cremate" a member of the LDS church, who had specified that act occur in her last will and testament and it to be done by the local "Elder" in charge. When the Church of England Pastor told me, the first thing I thought was "Holy Hell" . I conferred with the Mission President, and he said I was the Chieftain Elder, and to follow through. I did, but it was a weird feeling that still gives me the Chilly Wiley's. I thought of that when I discovered a missionary diary from the late 1800's and the Church writing down the information to read for an earthly marriage. Hopefully, the reader can view that which is attached, but not able to secure the first part of it. Also, I think I listed it reverse and can't find the computer clutch to switch them. So sorry!

WAR IS HELL, REGARDLESS OF WHO THE WINNER IS OR ISN'T

World War One started in 1914 and ended in 1918. The leader of the German forces was Wilhelm Kaiser. America didn't get involved until April 6, 1917. President Wilson ask Congress to declare war on Germany, mainly because the US had private merchants shipping supplies to England and they were being sunk and a lot of our civilians were being killed. Little does history books show that there was an additional reason that we will bring to light, and that was because Germany had made an alliance with Mexico that if the Mexicans joined the Germans, they could invade the U.S. and it would be theirs's like they wanted at the time of the Alamo and our first war with Mexico. The US declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, and many a man from Juab County jumped in line to help fight oppression's. The Nephi Lions Club have placed a Veterans Memorial in Nephi, Utah, up Track Street to honor the local area Veterans who served. As a kid, I remember many of the old Veterans, and loved hearing their stories when I was passing papers to them. One of my hero's was Dell Jones, son of Wm. and Elizabeth Tolley Jones of downtown Nortonville. He fought in the trenches and came back home "physically" safe and settled in Idaho Falls, as a potato man. His big brother wasn't quite as lucky. Vic Jones was shot in the hip and it seemed to never heal right, but delivered the mail in Nephi for many years, and held on his earth life until his mid 90's. Both of those guys were among the tough ones who could kill if they had to, but hearts as big as a train load of gold. I pay respect to them and the piece of paper they were given  of a "Soldiers Memories". May we all cherish the Veterans of America. We don't have to like their Commanders, but we MUST honor what they were called to do. The photo and Memories were presented to Dell's niece, whose late husband was a Marine and has a grandson that was a Wing Man.

THIS IS A PHOTO OF THE GRADUATES OF NEPHI HIGH SCHOOL

We are not sure of the exact year of this graduation ceremony, but we figure it is about 1914, and the photo is thought to be at the "Central School", which was up Track Street a block and a half. We do know two of the people pictured, so perhaps some of the readers can figure out the others. At the time, Nephi High was the third High School in Utah, and the first one built in a rural location. It was built on demand of Nephi residents, who wanted more education for their kids, who were not destined to be farmers like most kids back then. School officials listened to the people, and it was built around 1900, but many changes occurred including the bell tower, whish is now sitting by the soccer field waiting to be put on display at Town Square Park. The school building had two stories, the top one being for those continuing their education after the normal six grades on the bottom floor. It was built out of Blue Adobe, and some folks called it the "Pink School". We do recognize the Principle, who was George A. Sperry,  standing on the back row, first one on the left. He lived in the red sandstone home on Center and second east. We also know that Principal Sperry hired his two well educated sisters-Alean Pace and Mable Sperry to be teachers, and both those teachers taught some of the folks that are reading this. We also recognize the female student who is sitting on the front row to the far right. She is Lorena Pay, who was born in Nephi in 1896. She married Roy Bowles of Nephi. While walking home she was killed walking across Main Street(Highway 91) when hit by a car in front of Lynn's Market. She was a very quite woman, but a devoted wife and mother and liked to cook for anybody that needed a bite to eat, including kids walking home from school. She was 71.

LIVE YOUR LIFE NOW. THE END IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

 My "older" brother and I went fishing the other day, taking his "Green Turtle" side by side on a bumpy road up American Fork Canyon where it is reported that money mongers want to connect the beauty of Mother Nature to the jet set folks on the other side. It was a long trip, but exciting to be outside without city folks trying to pass us. As we fished and spoke we thought of how many of us "old geezers'" were still kicking. Hal is the Juab High Class of 64, and like each of the classes back then, we were family with the other students. Juab County has outgrown the capacity of rural towns, but many politicians have the addiction for more money, and without working for it. I was excited to hear that he and the remaining members of his boyhood friends or all getting together and heading for Branson, Missouri. Each of the guys are taking their wives, and the widows of their childhood forever buddies. Hal had no tears when I told him that Lawrence Welk was no longer alive. We laughed as the only time of the week we were forbidden to intervene with TV was Saturday night when Lawrence would pop the cork of his Champagne glass and have old folks music that only now we enjoy. They will enjoy the theaters lined up to entertain and they may even see the Titanic, which somehow got lost in the Ozarks. I pay tribute to this gang from the Class of 64 so they can all pay tribute to the other classmates who have taken the sublime ride through the puffy clouds above us. Chopper and Scott will be with you all.

JUAB LDS STAKE SEMINARY GRADUATION-1964

My Neurologist say that a part of my memory loss is due to several brain concussions, one of which was a subdural hematoma, relieved only by drilling a burr hole in my head. Others maintain that is only related to my aging factor. Now, if I can just remember what we were going to write about! Oh yeah, 1964 "Cemetery" graduation! I think we have already submitted this, but before I discard it, I thought I would put it on, just in case. On the program, it shows that I somehow gave a student talk titled "Danger-Curves Ahead". My mother must have wrote that for me when I was an innocent kid, as I didn't even know what a real honest to goodness Curves was until way too late. Oh well, I do recall "If one wants to find a Devil, one must wander a while in Hell". I think I have been at its edge, so perhaps I will find the right Curves once I get to the Nursing Home!

NEPHI UTAH LDS STAKES-1993 GRADUATION EXCERCISES

 Perhaps it is only a personal issue of mine, but never could understand why we call a graduation an "Exercise"! I thought that is what we did at the Gym. And if you have a chance to check with the Utah State Bar, look at the list of Attorneys that are still "Practicing" to be a Lawyer. What the Hell?  And if you ask friends who is the Doctor they recommend for a body ailment, they may refer you to the "best" along with them as "top of their class". Or is it like some of our Little League kids that have to get a Trophy, even if they came in dead last. Anyway, look at the program, but don't panic if your name is not there. Some of the most Christ like people have never set a foot inside a Chapel or Synagogue. I once had the chance to cook for a village of blind kids in a far away land. The kids were discarded by their biological parents and lived at a Buddhist refugee camp. The Buddha Monks taught me how to cook for the kids, and through a military interpreter, the kids liked by humor and laughed at my singing, but hated the food I cooked. That was my Buddha "Awakening". 

NEPHI UTAH HOMECOMING BANQUET-1984

We are not sure if we have put this on our history blog before or not, but before we discard it, we thought we would give it a whirl. What is fun to see if you or your family were involved in this. And if you know anybody that thinks they know the Nephi(Juab) High School Song, test them and see if they know the first line. It has been a "quite" debate since Jim McCune wrote the words, who was the Nephi High scholar of 1928. When those graduates had their 50th Graduation Reunion, my mother was in charge of the program, and maintained it was "Guard" of Nebo, but through the years, some "school" folks changed it to "Heart". LaVon Jones was good friends with Jim as well as the School Board, so let the debate continue! Most of the McCune family are not around, but when I talked to Jim's daughter, Pam wasn't sure either. Perhaps the "Heart" was Willow Creek, when Pioneers first set up camp way up above the present Mona! Perhaps, only the........"Shadow Knows"! When they built the new high school on Main, Jim McCune gave permission to change it to Juab High instead of Nephi High.

TODAY'S LESSON CONSISTS OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEPHI BOWLES FAMILY

You don't have to be a relative of the Bowles Pioneers of Nephi, but some of the readers may be Enlighted by what Mormon's endured to get to Nephi during Pioneer times. The first wave arrived in Salt Lake in 1847, although some of Brother Brigham's Scouts arrived earlier than July 24, 1847, to pave the way. I chose the Bowles family in respect to Dean Bowles, who has written several history books and notes. Dean's Great Grandparents were Thomas and Susannah Washburn Bowles. Tom was born August 18, 1836 in Calne, Wiltshire, England. His father supported the family by weaving and selling baskets. The family met Mormon missionaries and baptized members about 1842. When 19 years of age, Tom and family (except for an older brother) set sail for America, as the LDS Church advised new members to "come to Zion", but nowadays, most are told to stay put and work to organize the church where they are. They boarded the Ship called "Thornton" and departed the usual place where many set sail, which was where the "Beatles" set sail, both being Liverpool. The ship arrived in New York, but Yankee Stadium hadn't been built yet. They took a train to Iowa City, where many a convert found the end of the railroad. Only a thousand miles to go to "Zion". They were given Handcarts, and their leader was James Willie, who was also the Church Captain on their ship, and leader of that Handcart company. The group had 500 members; 120 Handcarts and five wagons. Each person was limited to 17 pounds of clothing and bedding. The trip was so long; food was rationed to 4 ounces per person a day. An early snowstorm hit them in Oct. and if you died, you were buried in the snow, and forbidden to turn around and watch the wolves tear up the grave and eat the earthly remains. Tom  learned how to heat up Buffalo hoofs and eat them. A rescue party from the City of Salt arrived at Hells Gate, and they made it to Utah in November, 1856. They were directed to Nephi and have set up shop here ever since. In 1859, 23 year old Tom did what my buddies did in the 1960's. We headed to Sanpete to dance with the gals. Tom did the same, but brought his bride-Susannah Washburn back on a rented donkey. Well, at least it was a convertible! Tom was a hard worker, like many of the Bowles family are now. He fought in the Black Hawk War, but later became a friend of the Indians. He ran a butcher shop; farm; help build log homes; Juab Stake Tabernacle and graded roads. I have neglected to find the scan of Dean's parents, but can tell you about them. They are Roy and Lorene Pay Bowles. I liked Roy as I delivered newspapers to him when I was a kid He treated me like an adult and very friendly and honest. He worked hard on the farm, and taught his kids the importance of good work ethics, but also to serve their country and get an education. He and his wife were the pushers and workers for the 3rd Ward Reunion's and as the LDS Church often times did, they would call a guy on a mission, even if they were married and had kids at home. Such was the case for Roy and Lorene. Roy was 55 years old, but directed to the Dakota area, where he worked and peached among the Indian villages. While he was gone, his wife and their three younger daughters worked at Carters Cafe washing dishes on the south side of Nephi. I called Dean Bowles today and said how much I appreciated all that he and his ancestors did to build up Nephi and for his enlightenment on his books. As both he and his wife are in their 90's, he was encouraged to come back home to Nephi, and is getting help from a son and other friends for that. He has already got his last placement in order at Vinebluff, in case he doesn't make it to a century. I tip my hat to all of the Nephi Bowles family. They came from excellent and mighty tough stock.

 

UNLESS YOU ENJOY BUMPER TO BUMPER DRIVING, WE HAVE A SOLUTION

Perhaps it is the old age factor or just the generation that wants everything now and yet don't want to work for it. Perhaps we can plant a seed in them by taking "the road less traveled" as written by American Poet - Robert Frost. In the early days of Nephi history, Pioneers needed tree logs to build their homes in Juab County. One of the young businessmen who accomplished the cutting of those trees was my grandfather-Evan Harris, who was an ethical and hard worker. He and wife Eliza lived in the flat area just below the Ockey farm in Nephi Canyon, where the town of Heberville was and enough people lived there to have Heber Ockey permit kids to attend a school in his barn. In the 1800s, there were people working on building a railroad from Nephi to Wales in Sanpete County, where they discovered coal. There were Salt Mines that turned out to be 99 percent pure. Then came the Andrews Family who found Red Sandstone which was sent throughout the world to make large castle type homes. One still remains in Nephi called the Whitmore Mansion. "Ev" Harris had a team of horses that would bring the cut logs from "Millcreek Canyon" along the Nebo Scenic Highway, as well as from the Red Cliffs to the south. In 1933, when America was in a deep Depression, President FDR came up with a plan to feed everybody by putting them to work (yup, just like your folks taught you). The CCC Boys or Civilian Conservation Corp, were assigned to build a road between Nephi Canyon, behind Nebo to Payson. It was a great road until they paved it, and then it was slicker than a greased pig. But years later, they paved it, and now a beautiful scenic drive for all American Taxpayers, as they are the ones that paid for it. There are times when both Juab and Utah County have to remind the U.S Forest Managers of that in DC, as many of them have that "let it burn" mentality, which happened a couple years ago and killed hundreds of cattle, deer, elk and scenic views. Never the less, Mother Nature is fighting back and making in a beautiful, but SLOW DRIVE. People have been killed driving down the Juab side, which has a hairpin turn. Payson Lakes are fun for fishing and frocking, and campsites(if you pay a fee). Hopefully, there is a map attached which shows the 38 mile Bi-way. And please, know the difference between shooting an elk, bear or a horse. It is an open range. If you see a monument at the top, that is where we buried the guy who was measuring how high we could jump the road on snowmobiles. Mt. Nebo is named after a Biblical place where Moses was buried, or he is still wandering between Jericho on the West or Jerusalem on the East. He is the one with the long hair and beard and hangs out near the Petticoats! He never did like Hell's Kitchen! 

TESTING YOUR MARRIAGE-By Dean Bowles

The institute or habit of "Marriage" has been around since the beginning of our life on earth. The first part of todays story is only my guess of what I have read; studied or watched, will then will re-write the test of marriage by Dean. I was brought up in a religious home and community where a marriage was a big deal, with a full array of beautiful dresses; flowers and a reception. In my college days, we found ourselves bored and would drive along Highland Drive in Salt Lake, as that is where most of the big receptions were held. Four of us single guys would walk through the line and hug all the brides maid, not knowing any of them, but the line folks didn't want to ask, so we played the role and got our full body hugs, then ate their cookies and traveled back to our dorms. But our youthful teachings got to us and we all eventually got married as we were brought up to think that was proper. Nowadays, marriage isn't viewed as important, and various sides can chat up a storm as which way is right. I am still not sure, but do believe a partnership has to begin with physical attraction; similar interests and a devotion to keep together. On the other hand, I have witnessed some kids are so emotionally disturbed with a divorce, there just may be complications. I am afraid our schools missed the boat in teaching our kids the things that really count in life, and commitment is one of them, regardless if it is to person or employer! Anywho, here is a story of togetherness as Dean and Nedra have been hitched for more years than most of us have been alive. I personally know another local couple that have been together for several years and they have a perfect love of togetherness for each other. You decide what is best for you and yours and I will support your decision while I look for my future ex-wife!

TESTING YOUR MARRIAGE-By Dean Bowles

It was July of 1972. My mother-in-law was about to have a  hip replacement. Nedra and I with our 6 children climbed into our small camper and went to Beaver Dam, Utah(in Box Elder County)to be with her mother during her operation. Two days later after our arrival Nedra drove her mother to Ogden to the Holy Cross Hospital. Each day Nedra would go visit her while I tended the children. Four days later Nedra brought her mother home. After a week of tending those little angels I felt I needed a break. Jeff and David were helping Uncle Ralph on the farm. I said to my other two sons, Darryl who was 10 or 11 and Mark who was about 8 years of age, "Lets drive over to Bear Lake". They were happy about that so we got into the camper and headed out. We saw Bear Lake from the top of the mountain on the west and the winding road heading to the small town at the bottom. When we arrived we saw a big sign "FIRE WORKS". I said "what do you think guys?"  "Lets get some Dad". After a large purchase we drove north thru Lake Town ad found a road leading up a small canyon. We soon had our own fireworks show. You have never seen such big miles and excitement on the faces of those boys. A little ground hog poked his head up thru a hole and I shot him. When Darryl saw this little dead animal I knew he did not like what he saw. I did not shoot any more animals. It was getting sundown so I fixed supper and we stayed there for the night. The next morning, half joking, I said, "I don't believe you boys have ever seen Yellowstone Park". Well, after the excited look on their faces I could not disappoint them. We were soon on the road again--headed for Yellowstone Park. When we came to Afton, Wyoming I called a friend, Clyde Stock, who was an Oral Surgeon practicing in Visalia, California, but was there at his ranch in Freedom, Wyoming. I said, "what ae you doing Clyde". He said, "where are you?" I said "here in Afton". He said, "come on down, we are loaded and ready to float down the Snake River --come and go with us". We hit a few rough spots and lost our motor and got a little wet. When we arrived back in Freedom later that evening Rea's mother fixed supper for us. We were very tired so spent the night with them. Rea's father, Ernest Brog, started The Star Valley Cheese Factory. The next morning we started for home. As we drove along I remembered my friend, Ray Ostler, who had a cattle ranch at Gray's Lake, Idaho. We were very good friends and partners in crime. There was a group of us that were dubbed "The Wild Horse Gang". The Gang robbed a train in Nephi and John Winn's grandfather, Ed Winn, who was the Sheriff, tracked us down. But that is another story. After spending the day at the ranch with my boys catching stinky snakes, looking at horses and cattle, and Ray and I reminiscing about our early days with the gang, we again headed home. We passed the ranch of Harmon Killebrew, who was the big hitter on the Milwaukee Braves baseball team. We continued on home passing thru Grace, Idaho, the little town where Ray and his family would go for the winter when the snow came and he kids needed to be in school, continuing thru Preston, Idaho, Logan, Utah and on to Beaver Dam arriving in early evening. As we pulled up in front of Grandma's house my family were standing outside. The first words out of Nedra's mouth were, "where the "samhell" have you been? Why didn't you call us?" When she said "samhell" I knew I was in trouble. I thought they would say "welcome home; We are glad to see you. Did you have a good time". But we worked it out!