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| Blacksmith Fork Canyon from Hyrum |
Showing posts with label Hyrum Utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hyrum Utah. Show all posts
Friday, November 10, 2017
Logging Up Blacksmith Fork Canyon
I came upon some history of Blacksmith Fork Canyon, and Hyrum which I didn't know. This is from an article in "An Early History of Cache County." Apparently a lot of trees were taken out of the canyon, along with other canyons for railroad ties. they would be floated down the river in the spring, which in turn lead to the Logan River and then the Bear River. They were removed from the river in Corrine where they were used for railroad ties. Also much wood was removed for home construction as well as the other buildings in Cache Valley. This article tells the story of logging, including the deaths of several loggers. There is also a story in the Herald Journal. They are looking for more information about James Smyth, one of the loggers who was killed in a snow slide in 1877. This is a memorial to him just below Hardware Ranch. He is from Kansas. He was in the canyon logging with others from Kansas. More than that is not known. His companions from Kansas gave up after the slide and returned home to Kansas.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Mormon Handcart Rescuer: Marshall Franklin Allen
Marshall Franklin Allen 23 when he participated in the rescue of 1856. Frank at first decided not to go on the rescue. It was too dangerous to be in the mountains that time of year and the risk was too great not knowing how far he would have to travel. However he made it a matter of prayer, and had an answer before he had finished his prayer. When Frank arrived at the Martin Compny campsite, he felt the need to go farther and look for stragglers. He saw something in the hills, a speck. However on investigating he discovered a young man who had been praying to die. Frank got him on the horse and brought him to safety. Frank settled in Hyrum, Utah. Many years later he related this story to his grandchildren, with their ore grandparents present, George Housley. George recognized the story as himself being rescued, and said it was his mother's prayers which kept him alive until help arrived. George was almost 20 at the time, but small in stature,andthinfrom lack of food so looked younger.
Taken from "Tell My Story Too" by: Jolene Allphin
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Martin Handcart Pioneer: George Frederick Housley, 19
George immigrated with his mother. His mother had been the victim of domestic violence, and left her husband with her three children. He promised to amend his ways, and she went back to him. However he continued his previous behavior and the family again left him.
Georg’s older siblings had established new families, and would immigrate later while George and his mother, Harriet Cook Housley traveled with the Martin Handcart Company. At Florence George became convinced he should stay in Florence for the winter. This greatly distressed his mother. She prayed for a sign as to whether they should stay or go. The gentleman who had been talking to them of staying went hunting, and came back to the tent ill. He went to his cot and commenced singing that Harriet should take her son to the valley and everything would be alright. This to George and Harriet was a spiritual manifestation of what they should do. He remembers singing the handcart song as they left Florence. However he also recalled the hardships with company members passing away each night. One night he was with two companions, who both passed away during the night. He became so distraught he wandered off from the company and was praying by a rock that he would die or that the wolves would come and take him. One of the rescuers came upon him, and got him on his horse with a blanket, and took him into his wagon saving his life. Coincidence would have it that later he would meet this gentleman again as the father-in-law of one of his children.
George was a resident of Cache Valley, and helped build the Hyrum second ward church.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Native Americans of Hyrum, Utah
Cache Valley was the home to the Northwest Band of the Shoshone Indians. Chief Bear Hunter was leader of the division which inhabited Cache Valley. He was considered the chief leader of the Northwest Shoshone. There were two other divisions under Chief Pocatello and Chief Little Soldier.
It is interesting to note that Cache Valley was plentiful with buffalo at one time. However, the buffalo met a terrible fate before the 1800s. "This is the story told by an Indian Chief, Sagwich, to the first settlers of Cache. At the time of the telling, Sagwich was seventy-five or eighty years old, thus making his birth about 1780. He says that when he was in his fourth year, the snow began to come early in the fall to such a depth that the Indians became alarmed and began to move out of the Valley into the Valley west. By doing this, they saved their lives, for all winter the snow continued to pile up in the two Valleys until even in Salt Lake Valley it reached the depth of about fourteen feet and in Cache Valley it was worse. In the spring when the Indians returned to this Valley they counted but seven live buffaloes. These they gave chase to, killing some, and the others fled and disappeared out of the Valley to the north."
http://www.mendonutah.net/history/cache_county/02.htm
It may have been, that before having access to the horse, the inhabitants were a framing people. However the plentiful supply of buffalo, and the ability to kill them from the horse, lead to the abandonment of agriculture.
The coming of the Mormon pioneers to Cache Valley starting in 1859 alarmed the native population. They retaliated to the incursion by driving away and stealing the settlers cows and horses. A local militia was set up to combat the threat. There were conflicts in Richmond and Providence. In 1863, the Bear River Massacre took place. Colonel Patrick Connor attacked the encampment of Chief Bear Hunter with about 200 California volunteers. As a result, 23 soldiers, and over 250 Native Americans, including at least 90 women and children, were killed. Chief Bear Hunter was among the killed. After this, there were really no major conflicts with the Shoshone in Cache Valley.
http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/american_indians/shoshoniindians.html
There are a few stories of Indians in Hyrum from "Home in the Hills of Bridgerland. When they first arrived, while the men wee working on the canal, the women where confronted with a group of Indians. However they only demanded provisions and were satisfied. During the years of the fort, a group headed by Chief Pocatello came to town demanding provisions, and they were supplied. The only year "trouble" occurred shortly after the Bear River Massacre. Twelve horses were stolen from the joint corral. The militia headed out in search of them. A couple days later they came upon the camp of those who had stolen them, and stole them back.
Chief Washakie was a frequent visitor with a group of Indians. He would come in watermelon season and was allowed to pick a few. Annually, the Indians would come through, and the squaws would go door to begging for flour, while the men would visit the Bishop for meat. The general policy was it was better to feed them than to fight them.
There was an Indian Princess who became ill and died in Hyrum and was buried west of town close to the river.
For the most part, there were no hostilities in Hyrum. Many years the Indians would camp just out side of town, and Indian children would play with white children.
It is interesting to note that Cache Valley was plentiful with buffalo at one time. However, the buffalo met a terrible fate before the 1800s. "This is the story told by an Indian Chief, Sagwich, to the first settlers of Cache. At the time of the telling, Sagwich was seventy-five or eighty years old, thus making his birth about 1780. He says that when he was in his fourth year, the snow began to come early in the fall to such a depth that the Indians became alarmed and began to move out of the Valley into the Valley west. By doing this, they saved their lives, for all winter the snow continued to pile up in the two Valleys until even in Salt Lake Valley it reached the depth of about fourteen feet and in Cache Valley it was worse. In the spring when the Indians returned to this Valley they counted but seven live buffaloes. These they gave chase to, killing some, and the others fled and disappeared out of the Valley to the north."
http://www.mendonutah.net/history/cache_county/02.htm
It may have been, that before having access to the horse, the inhabitants were a framing people. However the plentiful supply of buffalo, and the ability to kill them from the horse, lead to the abandonment of agriculture.
The coming of the Mormon pioneers to Cache Valley starting in 1859 alarmed the native population. They retaliated to the incursion by driving away and stealing the settlers cows and horses. A local militia was set up to combat the threat. There were conflicts in Richmond and Providence. In 1863, the Bear River Massacre took place. Colonel Patrick Connor attacked the encampment of Chief Bear Hunter with about 200 California volunteers. As a result, 23 soldiers, and over 250 Native Americans, including at least 90 women and children, were killed. Chief Bear Hunter was among the killed. After this, there were really no major conflicts with the Shoshone in Cache Valley.
http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/american_indians/shoshoniindians.html
There are a few stories of Indians in Hyrum from "Home in the Hills of Bridgerland. When they first arrived, while the men wee working on the canal, the women where confronted with a group of Indians. However they only demanded provisions and were satisfied. During the years of the fort, a group headed by Chief Pocatello came to town demanding provisions, and they were supplied. The only year "trouble" occurred shortly after the Bear River Massacre. Twelve horses were stolen from the joint corral. The militia headed out in search of them. A couple days later they came upon the camp of those who had stolen them, and stole them back.
Chief Washakie was a frequent visitor with a group of Indians. He would come in watermelon season and was allowed to pick a few. Annually, the Indians would come through, and the squaws would go door to begging for flour, while the men would visit the Bishop for meat. The general policy was it was better to feed them than to fight them.
There was an Indian Princess who became ill and died in Hyrum and was buried west of town close to the river.
For the most part, there were no hostilities in Hyrum. Many years the Indians would camp just out side of town, and Indian children would play with white children.
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| Chief Pocatello |
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Hyrum's First Settlers
CAMP HOLLOW
On April 6, 1860 the first pioneers of Hyrum encamped on this
stream, they lived in wagon boxes, shelters dug into the banks, tilled
and planted about one hundred acres of virgin soil. Later in the fall,
following the advice of Apostle Ezra Taft Benson, they moved about one
mile south west, built a fort and named the place Hyrum in honor of the
beloved brother of the prophet Joseph Smith, both of whom were martyred
at Carthage, Illinois June 27, 1844.
HEADS OF FAMILIES
Ira Allen Niels B. Nielsen Hugh Parks Andrew A.
Anderson
Thomas Williams George Nielsen Calvin Bingham Christopher
Olsen
Andrew A. Allen Andrew Nielsen Alonzo Bingham Soren Neilsen
Alva Benson Adam Smith Hans Monsen
Oliver McBride William Williams Noah Brimhall
David Osborn Jens Jensen Sr. Jonas Halversen
Hans E. Nielsen David Parks Rasmus Jensen
ERECTED 1962
HISTORY OF CAMP HOLLOW 125 YEARS LATER In March 1860 a group of pioneers left Cedar City to settle in Cache Valley. They explored the valley and decided to make a settlement about 5 miles east of Old Fort Wellsville, called Camp Hollow. These pioneers led by Ira Allen, arrived on April 8, 1860. At first they lived in wagon boxes or tents. Those that didn't have these, built 13 dugouts, holes in ground with logs at west end for wall. Larger logs were placed over top with thick covering over the branches. The settlers planted 100 acres of corn, wheat, oats and barley for winter. More families joined them and they decided they needed a townsite with more water and with higher and better drained land. In the fall of 1860 Camp Hollow was deserted.
Sherry Nelson wrote an article for the Hyrum Crusader as part of the U.S. Bicentennial and looking back. She added, "They were sent by Brigham Young to settle a new area that could provide an outlet for the ever growing number of Saints pouring into Salt Lake Valley, and also to provide new grazing land for the livestock. They found a beautiful valley. The foliage and greenery were a joy to them and the children loved the abundance of the wild flowers. But all was not rosy for these early settlers. They had problems with water, the freezing bitter cold and with Indians."
Sherry also wrote a brief summary of Ira Allen, Captain of the first founding party, and talks about that first summer in this manner.
"The company could not go through the canyon east of Brigham City owing to the snow in the mountains, but went by way of Collinston over the low summit eastward, then south along the foothills to Fort Mendon, (then one year old), and south to Wellsville, arrive there April 1, 1860.
Springtime was near when the company arrived at Camp Hollow but the ground was not ready to plow. Those who did not have wagon boxes and tents decided to make dugouts to live in. Everybody worked like one big, united family and within two weeks plenty of timber was down. Then part of the men and all of the ox teams rushed the plowing while the others excavated for dugouts. Cooking was done outside. The settlers lived in these dugouts, wagon boxes, tends and on log cabin.
They planted crops, but water was needed. The canal from the Little Bear River was dug, using an old spirit level for navigation, and completed by 28 men and boy in 21 working days (not eight-hour days nor a forty-hour week, but from dawn until dark, about sixteen-hour days). They camped on the ditch and Alva Benson used his son's mule team and went from family to family gathering what provisions he could get such as bread, butter and buttermilk and delivered them daily to the men.
Water reached the burning crops the first part of July, but the crops were so far gone that water didn't do much good, and crickets and grasshoppers soon made away with what was left. Because of this distressing situation most of the men had to leave for Ogden and other places south to work to get food for the remainder of the season.
As soon as houses were ready, families left Camp Hollow and moved into the fort. By late fall Camp Hollow was completely evacuated. Hyrum was born.
HISTORY OF CAMP HOLLOW 125 YEARS LATER In March 1860 a group of pioneers left Cedar City to settle in Cache Valley. They explored the valley and decided to make a settlement about 5 miles east of Old Fort Wellsville, called Camp Hollow. These pioneers led by Ira Allen, arrived on April 8, 1860. At first they lived in wagon boxes or tents. Those that didn't have these, built 13 dugouts, holes in ground with logs at west end for wall. Larger logs were placed over top with thick covering over the branches. The settlers planted 100 acres of corn, wheat, oats and barley for winter. More families joined them and they decided they needed a townsite with more water and with higher and better drained land. In the fall of 1860 Camp Hollow was deserted.
Sherry Nelson wrote an article for the Hyrum Crusader as part of the U.S. Bicentennial and looking back. She added, "They were sent by Brigham Young to settle a new area that could provide an outlet for the ever growing number of Saints pouring into Salt Lake Valley, and also to provide new grazing land for the livestock. They found a beautiful valley. The foliage and greenery were a joy to them and the children loved the abundance of the wild flowers. But all was not rosy for these early settlers. They had problems with water, the freezing bitter cold and with Indians."
Sherry also wrote a brief summary of Ira Allen, Captain of the first founding party, and talks about that first summer in this manner.
"The company could not go through the canyon east of Brigham City owing to the snow in the mountains, but went by way of Collinston over the low summit eastward, then south along the foothills to Fort Mendon, (then one year old), and south to Wellsville, arrive there April 1, 1860.
Springtime was near when the company arrived at Camp Hollow but the ground was not ready to plow. Those who did not have wagon boxes and tents decided to make dugouts to live in. Everybody worked like one big, united family and within two weeks plenty of timber was down. Then part of the men and all of the ox teams rushed the plowing while the others excavated for dugouts. Cooking was done outside. The settlers lived in these dugouts, wagon boxes, tends and on log cabin.
They planted crops, but water was needed. The canal from the Little Bear River was dug, using an old spirit level for navigation, and completed by 28 men and boy in 21 working days (not eight-hour days nor a forty-hour week, but from dawn until dark, about sixteen-hour days). They camped on the ditch and Alva Benson used his son's mule team and went from family to family gathering what provisions he could get such as bread, butter and buttermilk and delivered them daily to the men.
Water reached the burning crops the first part of July, but the crops were so far gone that water didn't do much good, and crickets and grasshoppers soon made away with what was left. Because of this distressing situation most of the men had to leave for Ogden and other places south to work to get food for the remainder of the season.
As soon as houses were ready, families left Camp Hollow and moved into the fort. By late fall Camp Hollow was completely evacuated. Hyrum was born.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Swine Flu Epidemic of 1976
http://www.capitalcentury.com/1976.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/27/AR2009112703248.html
The swine flu epidemic was felt by millions of Americans; not because they became ill, but because of the inoculation program. There was reason to scared when a young military recruit from the flu. It was the same flu which struck in 1918-1919 and killed half a million Americans (including some of my father's family). However in the end more people died from the vaccination than the disease. (See the above links for more information.) I got my shot this evening, with a new air gun type delivery system. It didn't hurt much. This is a report on the inoculation program in rural Hyrum, Utah from the Hyrum Crusader, November 1976
Swine Flu Vaccines: Hyrum Residents Receive Shots
"No I'm not scared; I haven't really worried about it," Mrs Eldon Nielsen said as she waited her turn to be vaccinated for swine flu. Mrs. Nielsen made this comment on the evening of October 29 when she and approximately 1400 other people were vaccinated at Lincoln School in Hyrum.
Marlow Archibald said he felt it was OK that the federal government was spending money for vaccinations, but didn't know if it was a necessary precaution.
The swine flu vaccination program is being sponsored by the federal government. The vaccinations given in Hyrum were given by the Bear River District Health Department centered in Logan, with the help of several local volunteers, according to Dr Bailey, director of the Bear River District Health Department.
When asked why a special vaccination was being given this year, Bailey pointed out swine flu has not been carried in humans recently and therefore have no natural immunity to the disease. It is felt that the low resistance to the disease could be dangerous it broke out. Recent cases were reported in Kentucky last year and were the first since 1920.
Dr. Bailey also pointed out there is no correlation between this flu virus and other flu viruses. "This (swine flu shot) has no effecgt on the regular flu shot," he said.
He also said the swine flu virus has been carried in animals for some time and has only recently jumped to men.
The shots are still pretty experimental, Dr Bailey added. "They may last two or three years or just one, we'll have to wait and see." This is the first time this vaccine has been used. He explained this is why they weren't sure if people aged 18-25 would need two shots or one.
When quizzed about the use of the "gun" as a method of vaccination, Dr. Bailey felt both systems (the gun and the needle) were just as effective but the gun could give more shots faster. He said neither hurt very much.
Although approximately 1400 people were vaccinated at the Hyrum clinic, it is no indication of how many Hyrum residents received the vaccination. Hyrum citizens have gotten shots at other clinic s and also all the people who got shots in Hyrum were from Hyrum, Bailey concluded.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/27/AR2009112703248.html
The swine flu epidemic was felt by millions of Americans; not because they became ill, but because of the inoculation program. There was reason to scared when a young military recruit from the flu. It was the same flu which struck in 1918-1919 and killed half a million Americans (including some of my father's family). However in the end more people died from the vaccination than the disease. (See the above links for more information.) I got my shot this evening, with a new air gun type delivery system. It didn't hurt much. This is a report on the inoculation program in rural Hyrum, Utah from the Hyrum Crusader, November 1976
Swine Flu Vaccines: Hyrum Residents Receive Shots
"No I'm not scared; I haven't really worried about it," Mrs Eldon Nielsen said as she waited her turn to be vaccinated for swine flu. Mrs. Nielsen made this comment on the evening of October 29 when she and approximately 1400 other people were vaccinated at Lincoln School in Hyrum.
Marlow Archibald said he felt it was OK that the federal government was spending money for vaccinations, but didn't know if it was a necessary precaution.
The swine flu vaccination program is being sponsored by the federal government. The vaccinations given in Hyrum were given by the Bear River District Health Department centered in Logan, with the help of several local volunteers, according to Dr Bailey, director of the Bear River District Health Department.
When asked why a special vaccination was being given this year, Bailey pointed out swine flu has not been carried in humans recently and therefore have no natural immunity to the disease. It is felt that the low resistance to the disease could be dangerous it broke out. Recent cases were reported in Kentucky last year and were the first since 1920.
Dr. Bailey also pointed out there is no correlation between this flu virus and other flu viruses. "This (swine flu shot) has no effecgt on the regular flu shot," he said.
He also said the swine flu virus has been carried in animals for some time and has only recently jumped to men.
The shots are still pretty experimental, Dr Bailey added. "They may last two or three years or just one, we'll have to wait and see." This is the first time this vaccine has been used. He explained this is why they weren't sure if people aged 18-25 would need two shots or one.
When quizzed about the use of the "gun" as a method of vaccination, Dr. Bailey felt both systems (the gun and the needle) were just as effective but the gun could give more shots faster. He said neither hurt very much.
Although approximately 1400 people were vaccinated at the Hyrum clinic, it is no indication of how many Hyrum residents received the vaccination. Hyrum citizens have gotten shots at other clinic s and also all the people who got shots in Hyrum were from Hyrum, Bailey concluded.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Camp Hollow Revisited
The sight has recently been worsened. A pipeline was put along the road in front of the sight. The upturned dirt is unbecoming. The digging also left a "grand canyon" through a hill bordering the area. A picnic table is offered at the Hollow, but to get to it one must first conquer mud, trees and leaves. The sight, located on the east of of 100 North, where Hyrum's founders settled on April 8, 1860, deserves better than it is receiving.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Garth L. Lee By: Sara Buff
This was published in the Hyrum Crusader in the series "Personality of the Month"
Garth Lee
Purchase of a stake farm, construction of a new stake house, and a joint purchase of a new recreation center are some of the things that have "come to pass" since this issue's personality, Garth Lee, has been stake president.
President Lee, now in his seventh year as stake president, was ordained March 29, 1970.
Garth Lee has been stake president for six and a half years, but his church involvement goes much further. He served a mission to the Central States Mission. He has served as a bishop twice and of Hyrum First Ward ten years. He has been a branch president in Colorado and in a branch presidency in Toronto. He has been a Sunday school president. He was once a district president in a mission. He has also served as M.I.A. secretary, home teacher, and taught many classes.
President Lee's church activities are only equalled by his educational experiences.
After graduating from the University of Utah with his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry, he went to Toronto, Canada, and earned his doctorate at the Univeristy of Toronto.
He first taught at the University of Colorado in Boulder, but since has come to Utah State. He has been at Utah State for 22 years now, teaching chemistry. Of those 22 years, he spent seven years as the head of the Chemistry Department. This year, however, he has retired form his position as Dean of Chemistry to devote more time to teaching.
Garth Lee has written and published two freshman text books. "General and Organic Chemistry" and "The Principles of Chemistry" are his works that have been published nationally. He is now in the process of rewriting "The Principles of Chemistry."
In the community, President Lee was a member of the Lions Club for several years. He also ran for mayor seven years ago, but said he was soundly beaten.
Making furniture of driftwood is one of President Lee's hobbies.
President Lee was born in Hinckley, Millard County, Utah, on September 25, 1920, to Lafayette C. and Pearl Mortenson Lee. He was raised in the south end of Salt Lake.
He married Lila Lee, who has served as Blazer Scout Leader in First Ward for ten years, and recently received the Silver Beaver for her efforts.
President Lee has nine children, six of whom are college graduates. One has a doctorate in chemistry, and another is close to receiving his doctorate in chemistry.
His children are Harold, Milton, Wayne, Larry, Claudia, Vivian, Brenda, Edgar, and Steve.
Garth Lee
Purchase of a stake farm, construction of a new stake house, and a joint purchase of a new recreation center are some of the things that have "come to pass" since this issue's personality, Garth Lee, has been stake president.
President Lee, now in his seventh year as stake president, was ordained March 29, 1970.
Garth Lee has been stake president for six and a half years, but his church involvement goes much further. He served a mission to the Central States Mission. He has served as a bishop twice and of Hyrum First Ward ten years. He has been a branch president in Colorado and in a branch presidency in Toronto. He has been a Sunday school president. He was once a district president in a mission. He has also served as M.I.A. secretary, home teacher, and taught many classes.
President Lee's church activities are only equalled by his educational experiences.
After graduating from the University of Utah with his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry, he went to Toronto, Canada, and earned his doctorate at the Univeristy of Toronto.
He first taught at the University of Colorado in Boulder, but since has come to Utah State. He has been at Utah State for 22 years now, teaching chemistry. Of those 22 years, he spent seven years as the head of the Chemistry Department. This year, however, he has retired form his position as Dean of Chemistry to devote more time to teaching.
Garth Lee has written and published two freshman text books. "General and Organic Chemistry" and "The Principles of Chemistry" are his works that have been published nationally. He is now in the process of rewriting "The Principles of Chemistry."
In the community, President Lee was a member of the Lions Club for several years. He also ran for mayor seven years ago, but said he was soundly beaten.
Making furniture of driftwood is one of President Lee's hobbies.
President Lee was born in Hinckley, Millard County, Utah, on September 25, 1920, to Lafayette C. and Pearl Mortenson Lee. He was raised in the south end of Salt Lake.
He married Lila Lee, who has served as Blazer Scout Leader in First Ward for ten years, and recently received the Silver Beaver for her efforts.
President Lee has nine children, six of whom are college graduates. One has a doctorate in chemistry, and another is close to receiving his doctorate in chemistry.
His children are Harold, Milton, Wayne, Larry, Claudia, Vivian, Brenda, Edgar, and Steve.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The Year of the Miracle
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=180&sourceId=81ded0640b96b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
This is an article published in the Ensign with regards to the year of the miracle. It mentions our stake president in Hyrum, Garth P. Lee. I actually missed this except through my mother's letters. I was on a mission to Argentina. President Lee set me apart.
I am a farmer in Cache Valley, Utah. Every farmer knows that weather has more to do with his success or failure than everything else combined. The long, dry fall of 1976 allowed us to do many things usually left unfinished in an ordinary year. We did the plowing, repaired the sagging fences, and leveled several dusty fields. Then, because there was nothing left to do, we went “rock picking”—about the only thing my usually helpful family despise. Fortunately, in their eyes, most seasons do not last long enough to schedule a “rock-picking” time. Usually we just jump, bump, and roll over the same old rocks season after season.
But December of 1976 was warm and dry. We used every Saturday in December on the hated task and even—to the family’s dismay—part of the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day. By January 1 the field was clean and smooth—but still dry. The month drew to an end with only a skiff of snow; even the mountains were bare and gray. Only the thin white covering of fluff gave our valley some semblance of winter.
During this time the stake presidents in the Logan Region were called to meet with our Regional Representative, Brother M. A. Kjar. On Sunday, January 23, the outcome of the meeting was made known to the members of the Hyrum Stake, as we met for the first stake conference in our newly completed stake house. Brother Kjar outlined plans for a special fast. Our stake president, Garth Lee, announced that the fast would begin January 26 at 6:00 p.m. and that on the evening of the 27th we would hold a prayer service.
This was the beginning of the miracle. The fast was observed with enthusiasm. Over fifty percent of the stake assembled for the prayer service—old people, men and women with young families, teenagers, and college students. We sang. President Lee led our congregation in a prayer, asking the Lord to send us the needed moisture in due time that we might plant and harvest.
The moisture did not come that night, nor did it come in the following weeks. February was warm, melting what light snow remained. I returned to the field to work down the plowed ground, hoping to take advantage of the little moisture. But the hard lumps would not give way. Obviously the Lord’s answer was “not yet,” but in our impatience we sometimes found it difficult to hear him.
In mid-February the governor declared Utah a disaster area. The whole economy was suffering. Most winter resorts had failed to open at all; others were operating at limited capacity. Tire stores featured snow tires in an ironic, never-ending sale. Communities urged citizens to use water carefully. Now the skeptics began to mock those who had put their faith in God. One such even wrote a letter to the local paper asking if we did not know that nature, not God, controlled the weather.
What the skeptics did not know was that prayers and fasting were continuing. Time and again I turned to the promise, “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
“Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Lev. 26:3–4.)
In March our faith was renewed. Several good snows came; precipitation for the month was “normal.” The last week was clear and warm, and the ground dried quickly. I returned to the fields. The once-hard lumps yielded easily to the disk and the harrows and a good seedbed presented itself. On March 21 and 22 I planted forty-six acres of barley; a week later we finished planting the grain on the stake welfare farm.
Now the testing began again. The month of April came and went without rain. At stake quarterly conference President Lee concluded, “Plant your crops; the Lord has heard your prayers.”
By now Porcupine Dam Reservoir was barely half-full and the runoff from the mountains had already stopped. March’s moisture had penetrated the ground only six or eight inches; experts gave us little hope of any crop on dry farms and less than fifty percent harvest on irrigated land. Local irrigation boards set up plans for summer rationing. We continued to pray in public meetings and private supplications.
On May 5 the answer began. From that moment, few could doubt it. It was as though the Lord had waited for the test of our faith to be completed, and then accepted it fully. Day after day the rain fell on the young crops; May was the wettest month in the recorded history of our valley. When hay-cutting time arrived, this valley had one of the best crops ever.
Statistically, 1976 is recorded as a drought. But the rains came as the manna fell for the ancient Israelites—as we needed it, but with none to spare. As each crop matured in its season, it was average or better.
As the season of the sign drew to an end, our barns were not only filled; they were running over. Our stake welfare farm yielded its best crop—so did my farm. My granaries were filled, and my heart was overflowing.
Our stake met again on September 22 at the call of our stake president, this time to express gratitude to the Lord for his mercies. Approximately fifty percent of the stake gathered once more to share in the prayer of thanksgiving.
I left the meeting calm and peaceful, my faith and testimony strengthened by the test. I would never again doubt miracles. Driving home, I recalled another scripture: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” (D&C 59:21.)
Suddenly, I realized that rain was falling against the windshield.
This is an article published in the Ensign with regards to the year of the miracle. It mentions our stake president in Hyrum, Garth P. Lee. I actually missed this except through my mother's letters. I was on a mission to Argentina. President Lee set me apart.
“Rain in Due Season”
David Carl Danielson,
“‘Rain in Due Season’,”
Ensign,
July 1978,
68–69
I often find myself pinpointing events in relation to other more
profound experiences—the year I was married, the year my father died,
the year we built the house or the dairy barn. … 1977 was such a year.
For me, it will be the year of the miracle. I am a farmer in Cache Valley, Utah. Every farmer knows that weather has more to do with his success or failure than everything else combined. The long, dry fall of 1976 allowed us to do many things usually left unfinished in an ordinary year. We did the plowing, repaired the sagging fences, and leveled several dusty fields. Then, because there was nothing left to do, we went “rock picking”—about the only thing my usually helpful family despise. Fortunately, in their eyes, most seasons do not last long enough to schedule a “rock-picking” time. Usually we just jump, bump, and roll over the same old rocks season after season.
But December of 1976 was warm and dry. We used every Saturday in December on the hated task and even—to the family’s dismay—part of the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day. By January 1 the field was clean and smooth—but still dry. The month drew to an end with only a skiff of snow; even the mountains were bare and gray. Only the thin white covering of fluff gave our valley some semblance of winter.
During this time the stake presidents in the Logan Region were called to meet with our Regional Representative, Brother M. A. Kjar. On Sunday, January 23, the outcome of the meeting was made known to the members of the Hyrum Stake, as we met for the first stake conference in our newly completed stake house. Brother Kjar outlined plans for a special fast. Our stake president, Garth Lee, announced that the fast would begin January 26 at 6:00 p.m. and that on the evening of the 27th we would hold a prayer service.
This was the beginning of the miracle. The fast was observed with enthusiasm. Over fifty percent of the stake assembled for the prayer service—old people, men and women with young families, teenagers, and college students. We sang. President Lee led our congregation in a prayer, asking the Lord to send us the needed moisture in due time that we might plant and harvest.
The moisture did not come that night, nor did it come in the following weeks. February was warm, melting what light snow remained. I returned to the field to work down the plowed ground, hoping to take advantage of the little moisture. But the hard lumps would not give way. Obviously the Lord’s answer was “not yet,” but in our impatience we sometimes found it difficult to hear him.
In mid-February the governor declared Utah a disaster area. The whole economy was suffering. Most winter resorts had failed to open at all; others were operating at limited capacity. Tire stores featured snow tires in an ironic, never-ending sale. Communities urged citizens to use water carefully. Now the skeptics began to mock those who had put their faith in God. One such even wrote a letter to the local paper asking if we did not know that nature, not God, controlled the weather.
What the skeptics did not know was that prayers and fasting were continuing. Time and again I turned to the promise, “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
“Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Lev. 26:3–4.)
In March our faith was renewed. Several good snows came; precipitation for the month was “normal.” The last week was clear and warm, and the ground dried quickly. I returned to the fields. The once-hard lumps yielded easily to the disk and the harrows and a good seedbed presented itself. On March 21 and 22 I planted forty-six acres of barley; a week later we finished planting the grain on the stake welfare farm.
Now the testing began again. The month of April came and went without rain. At stake quarterly conference President Lee concluded, “Plant your crops; the Lord has heard your prayers.”
By now Porcupine Dam Reservoir was barely half-full and the runoff from the mountains had already stopped. March’s moisture had penetrated the ground only six or eight inches; experts gave us little hope of any crop on dry farms and less than fifty percent harvest on irrigated land. Local irrigation boards set up plans for summer rationing. We continued to pray in public meetings and private supplications.
On May 5 the answer began. From that moment, few could doubt it. It was as though the Lord had waited for the test of our faith to be completed, and then accepted it fully. Day after day the rain fell on the young crops; May was the wettest month in the recorded history of our valley. When hay-cutting time arrived, this valley had one of the best crops ever.
Statistically, 1976 is recorded as a drought. But the rains came as the manna fell for the ancient Israelites—as we needed it, but with none to spare. As each crop matured in its season, it was average or better.
As the season of the sign drew to an end, our barns were not only filled; they were running over. Our stake welfare farm yielded its best crop—so did my farm. My granaries were filled, and my heart was overflowing.
Our stake met again on September 22 at the call of our stake president, this time to express gratitude to the Lord for his mercies. Approximately fifty percent of the stake gathered once more to share in the prayer of thanksgiving.
I left the meeting calm and peaceful, my faith and testimony strengthened by the test. I would never again doubt miracles. Driving home, I recalled another scripture: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” (D&C 59:21.)
Suddenly, I realized that rain was falling against the windshield.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Camp Hollow, Hyrum, Utah: When History Changes
Then one summer that history changed. This must have been 1977. A contractor decided to develop the property, the monument was moved, and the story changed to anywhere along the ridge, which runs a mile or so, was the original spot, we're not sure exactly where. The monument was moved to the rodeo grounds park, about a half mile away. No trees or picnic table; but park grass, a playground and tennis courts.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Historic Hyrum Elite Hall; Best Dance Floor in Utah
http://newscafe.ansci.usu.edu/archive/oct99/1013_elite.html
Hyrum Elite Hall is an historic building, but it is still being used. It was built in 1917 after the opera house on the same site burned down in 1915. It was used for high school basketball games for South Cache High School, before they had their own gym (before my time). It also hosted other events such as wrestling.
The big draw was the dance floor. At one time they had weekly Saturday dances. The floor bounces, because of the springs built under the floor. My brother said one time he was able to get underneath the floor with someone and see the springs. In the really old days, when cars weren't so plentiful, you could take the train to Hyrum to catch the dance. People still come from all over the Valley.
There was also a time when it was open Saturday morning for people to play basketball, or run around the balcony. This was the main court for my Bantam Basketball playing days. The Hall had large restrooms, men's and women's. Above the restrooms, off of the balcony, were two classrooms, one on each side. It was in this classroom that I took my hunter's safety. I also attended an Emergency Preparedness seminar and learned how if the Russians missed nuking Hill Air Force Base by a little bit we were toast.
One year, for our May Day dance program from the elementary school, it was held there. I think it was the back-up place for bad weather.
While I was growing up, dancing wasn't popular with me. There were regular dances held there. Sometimes they would throw saw dust on the floor to enhance the sliding motions.
They stored a drum and other instruments from band in the display case as you entered the Hall. Eventually the drum had a tear in it. The instruments have been moved to the museum.
I understand dancing is still taking place in the Hall. I saw an ad for dances two Saturdays a month with dance instruction for those who may need Swing Dancing instruction.
The big draw was the dance floor. At one time they had weekly Saturday dances. The floor bounces, because of the springs built under the floor. My brother said one time he was able to get underneath the floor with someone and see the springs. In the really old days, when cars weren't so plentiful, you could take the train to Hyrum to catch the dance. People still come from all over the Valley.
There was also a time when it was open Saturday morning for people to play basketball, or run around the balcony. This was the main court for my Bantam Basketball playing days. The Hall had large restrooms, men's and women's. Above the restrooms, off of the balcony, were two classrooms, one on each side. It was in this classroom that I took my hunter's safety. I also attended an Emergency Preparedness seminar and learned how if the Russians missed nuking Hill Air Force Base by a little bit we were toast.
One year, for our May Day dance program from the elementary school, it was held there. I think it was the back-up place for bad weather.
While I was growing up, dancing wasn't popular with me. There were regular dances held there. Sometimes they would throw saw dust on the floor to enhance the sliding motions.
They stored a drum and other instruments from band in the display case as you entered the Hall. Eventually the drum had a tear in it. The instruments have been moved to the museum.
I understand dancing is still taking place in the Hall. I saw an ad for dances two Saturdays a month with dance instruction for those who may need Swing Dancing instruction.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Brief History of Hyrum, Utah
Hyrum is a small community in the Southern part of Cache Valley, Utah.
History of Hyrum
A party of pioneers lead by Ira Allen established a settlement in Hyrum in the spring of 1860. They used logs and constructed 13 dugouts and one log home in a hill side where there was a water supply in the east bench. Permanent settlement had come to Cache Valley the year before, with the initial settlement in 1856 in Wellsville. This was abandoned for a time because of the Utah War.
Peter Maughn, church leader, visited Hyrum and suggested the community be moved to drier ground. A fort type construction was made along the current main street. This was with houses lining the street with windows and doors facing inward. By the fall of 1860 there were over 120 residents at Fort Hyrum.
After ground was plowed and crops put in, the next item of community business was establishing a canal for irrigation. Using only a spirit level and shovels they brought water from the Little Bear River, a distance of nine miles, in 21 working days. (Allen et al.)
Cache Valley was Shoshone Bannock country. The Native Americans continued to hunt and live in this area after the settlers arrived. The settlement was an encroachment upon their territory which they tolerated. The general policy was to feed the Indians rather than fight them. Several different parties came through the area, gathering choke cherries, or hunting. One time a group stole several horses. A group of “Minutemen” from Hyrum were able to recover them. Native American issues continued until the Bear River Massacre of 1863. Colonel Patrick Connor led a group of 400 troops from Fort Douglas in Salt Lake and attacked the Indians in the northern part of Cache Valley. After this the residents of Hyrum no longer had to live in the fort.
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