SOCIETY

Upcoming activities for Transcontinental Railroad Sesquicentennial
All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. For more information detailing the events, visit www.spike150.org.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Historian set to speak on Transcontinental Railroad photograph
   Martha A. Sandweiss, a professor of history at Princeton University, will discuss “Discovering History Through a Photograph” at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City, at 11 a.m.

Drawing with photographs
   Drawing with photographs will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City at 11:30 a.m. Limited seating, based on first come first serve.

Tuesday, Feb. 19
Lecture set to discuss Pullman Porters
   In a lecture titled, “Whistle Stop Tour: Pullman Porters,” Debra Daniels and Maurice Bowens Jr. will discuss significance of the Pullman Porters, former slaves who were hired to work on the railroads’ sleeper cars, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Weber County Library.
   For more information, call 801-626-6337, or email ssingh@weber.edu.

Friday, March 1
Featured photographs
   An exhibit of photographs of the 1919 Golden Spike parade in Ogden will be on display at the Weber State University Library until Tuesday, April 30, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Wednesday, March 6
Promontory perspectives discussion
   A lecture titled, “Promontory Perspectives: A Faculty Conversation,” will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts at 7 p.m. University of Utah faculty will give presentations about the significance of joining the transcontinental railroad.

Thursday, March 7
“Building the Rails” lecture series continues
   Utah State University Extension will host a lecture on ‘Building the Rails – Engineering and Construction’ from 7 to 8 p.m. at Utah State University-Brigham City Campus, 989 S. Main Street, in the auditorium. The event will be broadcast to the USU-Tremonton Campus, 420 W. 600 North, as well as on Aggie Cast at aggiecast.usu.edu.
   For more information, visit www.brighamcity.usu.edu/goldenspike.

Monday, March 11
“Ogden Became Junction City” lecture
   A lecture titled, “How Ogden Became the Junction City and Why Salt Lake never forgave us,” will be held at Weber State University’s Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning, from 7 to 9 p.m. Val Holley will provide insight into the train coming to Ogden and the impact the railroad had from 1869 to 1900.

“How Ogden became the Junction City and why Salt Lake never forgave us”
   Val Holley will share stories and insight into the train coming to Ogden and the impact the railroad had from 1869 to 1900, at Weber State University’s Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning, from 7 to 9 p.m.
   For more information, call 801-626-6348, or email melissasmith9@weber.edu.

Tuesday, March 12
“Ogden Became Junction City” lecture
   A second lecture titled, “How Ogden Became the Junction City and Why Salt Lake never forgave us,” will be held at Southwest Branch Library in Roy, from 7 to 9 p.m. Val Holley will provide insight into the train coming to Ogden and the impact the railroad had from 1869 to 1900.

Wednesday, March 13
“Iron ladies of the American Railroad” lecture set
   A lecture titled, “Iron ladies of the American Railroad,” will be held at the Weber County Library Southwest Branch at 7 p.m. Sarah Singh, Weber State University’s special collections curator, and Holly Andrew, Union Station Museum and program director, will discuss the hard-working women who entered the world of railroading as clerks, laundresses, engineers and more.

Tuesday, March 19
“Iron ladies of the American Railroad” lecture set
   A lecture titled, “Iron ladies of the American Railroad” will be held at the Weber County Library Southwest Branch at 7 p.m. Sarah Singh, Weber State University’s special collections curator, and Holly Andrew, Union Station Museum and program director, will discuss the hard-working women who entered the world of railroading as clerks, laundresses, engineers and more.

Wednesday, March 20
Railroad stories: community voices and regional perspectives
   A lecture titled, “Railroad Stories: Community Voices and Regional Perspectives” will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City, at 6:30 p.m. The lecture will explore the railroad’s impact on families and towns

Friday, March 22
Exhibit to feature legacy and impact of railroad
   Artwork from more than 30 Utah artists will examine the legacy and impact of the Transcontinental Railroad in an exhibit at the Museums of Rio Gallery in Salt Lake City, until Friday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Saturday, March 23
Railroad’s 150-year exhibition opens
   The Brigham City Museum of Art and History, 24 N. 300 West, will feature an exhibition of the 150 years of the railroad until Saturday, June 15.

Zhi Lin: Tracing Chinese Workers’ Footsteps to Promontory Summit
   The Brigham City Museum of Art and History, 24 N. 300 West, will feature an exhibition of art that explores the lost experiences of Chinese railroad workers. The exhibit will be open until Saturday, June 15.

Thursday, March 28
Discussing the train coming to Ogden
   A discussion based on “The Train Comes to Ogden” will be held at the Weber County Library Ogden Valley Branch, in Huntsville, will be held at 7 p.m. Former Standard-Examiner columnist Charles Trentleman will discuss the impact of the railroad, expanding Ogden.

Wednesday, April 10
Lecture on impact of photographer for the railroad
   A lecture will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City at 7 p.m. The lecture will discuss the career of photographer Charles Roscoe Savage and the global reach of the local motifs he captured.

Thursday, April 11
“Building the Rails” lecture set
   Utah State University Extension will host a lecture on “Building the Rails – The People/Key Players”’ from 7 to 8 p.m. at Utah State University-Brigham City Campus, 989 S. Main Street, in the auditorium. The event will be broadcast to the USU-Tremonton Campus, 420 W. 600 North, as well as on Aggie Cast at aggiecast.usu.edu.
   For more information, visit www.brighamcity.usu.edu/goldenspike.

Wednesday, April 24
Lecture on Japanese railroad workers, establishing lives in U.S.
   A lecture will be held at the North Branch Library in Ogden from 7 to 9 p.m. Judge Raymond Uno and Lorraine Crouse will discuss the Japanese men who came to help build the railroad and settling in America.

Thursday, May 2
All-aboard the AgeWise Express event
   All-aboard the AgeWise Express event will be held at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center in Ogden from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for senior citizens. Registration is $20.
   The event will include presentations, performances and displays that will allow event-goers to learn about local railroad history, its legacy and impact on the culture and people in Utah.
   For more information or to register, call 801-399-8393 or email wcofe@weberhs.org.

“Why Promontory” lecture set
   Utah State University Extension will host a lecture on “Why Promontory – The Joining of the Rails” from 7 to 8 p.m. at Utah State University-Brigham City Campus, 989 S. Main Street, in the auditorium. The event will be broadcast to the USU-Tremonton Campus, 420 W. 600 North, as well as on Aggie Cast at aggiecast.usu.edu.
   For more information, visit www.brighamcity.usu.edu/goldenspike.

Saturday, May 4
Golden Spike opening ceremonies
   The Golden Spike Sesquicentennial opening ceremonies will be held on Brigham City Main Street from 1 to 2 p.m. and will include a horse parade and showcase authentic dresses and equipment from 1869. A hoedown will then be held at 6 p.m. at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds, 320 N. 1000 West, Tremonton.
   For more information, call 435-734-3315 or email tourism@boxelder.org.

Tuesday, May 7
Lecture to discuss Chinese migrants and railroad
   A lecture titled, “Chinese Migrants and the Transcontinental Railroad,” will be held at the Union Station in Ogden from 6 to 8 p.m. Shelley Fishkin, a professor of English at Stanford University, will discuss how the Chinese workers labor helped to build the railroad.

Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9
Theatre performance set
   “The Crossing: Box Elder’s Golden Treasure” will be held at the Old Barn Community Theater, 3605 Bigler Road, Collinston, Utah, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, and Wednesday, May 8, and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 9. Tickets are not required.
   The performance will highlight the history of the railroad, the crossing at Hampton Ford, Native American life, stagecoach travel and the Bushnell General Military Hospital.

Wednesday, May 8
“Working on the Railroad” lecture set
   A lecture titled, “Working on the Railroad: Chinese Workers and America’s First Transcontinental Line” will be held at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City at 7 p.m. Gordon H. Chang, a professor at Stanford University, will discuss the most documented account of the Chinese workers’ history of completing the railroad.

Thursday, May 9
Family locomotive celebration
   The Treehouse Children’s Museum in Ogden will host a family locomotive celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning April 1, and will be $10 per person or free for Treehouse members.
   For more information, call 801-394-9663 or email treehouse@treehousemuseum.org.

Friday, May 10
Celebration ceremony broadcast
   The 150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike will be held at the Golden Spike National Historic Site, 6200 N. 22300 Street West, Corinne, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a broadcast on KSL, channel 5.
   To attend the ceremony in-person, (when made available) tickets are available at www.spike150.org.

“Rails and Ales” lecture set
   A lecture titled, “Rails and Ales: Hell on Wheels” will be held at the Union Grill in Ogden from 7 to 9 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dick Kreck, the author of “Hell on Wheels: Wicked Towns along the Union Pacific Railroad.”

Friday-Sunday, May 10-11
Spike 150 sesquicentennial celebration festival
   The 150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike will be held at the Golden Spike National Historic Site, 6200 N. 22300 Street West, Corinne, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include several kinds of interactive exhibits.
   Tickets can be ordered at www.spike150.org.

Dance the night away

Couples hit the dance floor at the Academy Center for the Transcontinental railroad sesquicentennial ball held on Saturday in Brigham City.

A ‘Winter Ball’ for railroad’s sesquicentennial
January 30, 2018 • Hailey Hendricks •   Staff writer

   Brigham City Recreation and Box Elder County Tourism teamed up to celebrate the third annual Winter Ball along with kicking off the first of many events around the state that will focus on the 150-year anniversary of the Golden Spike.
   “We wanted everything trains. Bringing in the old and the new,” said Joan Hammer, the tourism director of Box Elder County. “The glitz and the antique. Just making it fun for our community.”
   With a live jazz band and party-goers dancing the night away on the dance floor, some dressed in formal ball gowns, their Sunday best and others, in vintage dresses.
   Working with Mayor Vincent to promote community members to be “back in the parks and the venues,” Kristy Woolford, the city’s community activities director said events like the Winter Ball are a great way to do just that.
   “I think we’ve lost track of how we view entertainment,” Woolford said. “We’re a lot more hooked to our phones and our media; and to get back in touch with social events where you can sit across a table and meet a new friend or dance with a bunch of people you haven’t met before is what we’re pushing for.”
   Although ticket sales weren’t as high as Woolford has seen in previous years, she said the event turned out well and was a great way to kick-off the 150-year anniversary of the Golden Spike.
   Brigham City residents and good friends, Annette and Brad Barber and Richard and Jill Grover said this was their first time attending the Ball and they enjoyed it.
   “I loved the music,” Annette Barber said.
   “The band was really good and just being here with friends,” Richard Grover said.
   “Yeah, just being together is what made it fun,” Brad Barber said. “I think they ought to continue to do it.”
   And for Jill Grover, it was more than just the music and good company, it was a feeling she couldn’t explain.
   “It’s just a special feeling in here and I don’t know if it’s historic or what, but everyone’s in there on their best behavior and in their Sunday best,” Jill Grover said.
   A series of events celebrating the transcontinental railroad will be held throughout the coming months in Box Elder County and around the state. A list of events will be listed in the News Journal on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Brigham City Women’s Club officers and board members are (front) Beth Allen, corresponding secretary; Lynette Thomas, recording secretary, Margaret Pounder, president-elect; Yasmin Freed, president; (back) Sarah Yates, Mary Ellen Bischoff, Ardith Levinthal, board members; Carol Holman, GFWC state officert; Val Vellinga, treasurer; Marianne Breitenbeker, Oleta Hunter, board members, Joan Kimber, parliamentarian; Dora Hobbs, board member. Missing from the photo is Jacque Dinsmoor, vice president.

Two organizations unite to form new club
January 23, 2019 • Sarah Yates • Guest writer
Brigham City Women’s Club, recently created by combining two local century-old-plus women’s clubs, held its first official meeting on Thursday, January 10, at the Brigham City Community Center — a fitting location since both clubs were part of the community wide effort to build and equip the center dedicated in 1970.
   Civic Improvement Club and Ladies Community Club board members began meeting together last spring with the goal of uniting the two local clubs into one larger and more effective organization. Both clubs have been affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs almost since their founding and shared GFWC goals of service, so their aims, bylaws and projects were similar in nature.
     For example, both clubs followed the pattern of meetings focused on GFWC areas of study and service: fine arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public issues. They often supported the same projects and co-sponsored such events as the annual Candidates Meeting.
   The clubs met together socially for the Civic Improvement Club’s garden tea in June and then again in August for Ladies Community Club’s summer social, then in joint regular club meetings starting in September. A board was formed by alternating current officers and board members of the two clubs for installation in December.
   Yasmin Freed, Civic Improvement Club president, was elected Brigham City Women’s Club president for 2019, with Margaret Pounder, Ladies Community Club president-elect, taking on that office for the newly formed club. Breaking away from program years beginning in September, Brigham City Women’s Club will operate on a calendar year with two-year terms of office starting in 2020.
   As for programs and activities, each club dropped some of its traditional events and each club picked up some of the other group’s events and projects. The new club will continue goals and values of their original founders, and will celebrate their histories as the first two independent women’s clubs in the community.

Civic Improvement Club
   After the first successful Peach Days celebration of 1904, local business men formed the Commercial Club to follow through on holding the event annually.
   This forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution on February 13, 1906, as a Valentine’s Day gesture encouraging their “wives and sweethearts” to form an auxiliary with the purpose of encouraging local women to shop at home. A committee was formed and 13 ladies gathered to discuss the proposal. They liked the idea of an organization, but expressed doubts as to being just an auxiliary.
   The local newspaper noted the committee had been hard at work making a house-to-house canvass in the homes of Commercial Club members to invite ladies to “a little social function” in the clubrooms on March 22, 1906. The next week’s edition reported that about 40 ladies had launched a ladies auxiliary.
   This quickly blossomed into Civic Improvement Club, the first independent women’s organization in Brigham City, and it set about immediately doing civic improvement. With Mrs. Nels (Minnie) Jensen as president, the club’s first endeavor was to get cows off Main Street, clean it up, and interest people in keeping it clean. The following year, the club joined the Utah Federation of Women’s Clubs.
   Civic Club -- as it was often designated -- played a large social role in the community. Within a couple of years they initiated the “Civic Ball”, an annual highlight of the social season, as well as the club’s main fundraiser.
   But it was a continuing focus on community health and safety, plus a clean and attractive city which captured the most enthusiasm.
   In 1914, a time when many city families still had cows and livestock on their property, outhouses were not uncommon, no garbage pickup, and flies were everywhere. The club promoted a citywide fly eradication program. This included eradication of fly breeding places, emphasis on city sanitation, plus weekly fly collection...which was wildly popular.
   Local children were paid for each 100 flies collected, with a bonus free movie ticket. Kids lined up with jars and bags and tin cans full of flies. They used their ingenuity to create bigger and better fly traps, baited with everything from honey to fresh manure.
   Civic Improvement Club’s first decade ended on a sad note, as 1916-1918 brought both World War I and the Spanish Flu epidemic. Club activities were suspended, refreshments eliminated, and extra effort directed to the Red Cross. Ladies gathered to knit scarves, stockings and bandages for the boys “over there”.
   The club held its meetings in the homes of members except for special events. In 1920 they received an invitation to meet in the new Commercial Club rooms on the third floor of the First National Bank, accessible by an elevator.
   This was great for the ladies, but it was also a boon for the Commercial Club. That first year the ladies bought new curtains for the club rooms and subsequent improvements included new drapes, kitchen remodeling including a new stove and double sink, plus adding various furnishings during the next 20 years.
   Community health remained a concern of the club, which prepared maternity bundles, promoted hiring a school nurse, donated to the milk fund for Central and Lincoln schools and gave funds for the city playground.
   As a new fundraiser, in 1926-27 the club held a home show. A newly remodeled house was furnished and the public invited to visit. It was a custom revived in the 1970s on a larger scale with several homes.
   During the Depression, child nutrition remained a critical need: the school milk program was extended to include the junior high, the club supported health programs, donated to welfare projects, and funds were used to buy coal for needy families.
   City cleanup and beautification programs were sponsored, prizes given for local gardens and flowers, blue spruce trees planted at Lincoln and Central schools, and a lilac hedge planted around the cemetery—a lasting legacy.
   The club always sponsored a float in the Peach Days Parade, built by members through the years. Float costs ran into the double digits sometimes--like 13 dollars--all for materials since the work was all volunteer. In recent years, a commercial float has been rented, and the club continues to win sweepstakes.
   Civic Improvement Club joined with the entire community early 1942 as Bushnell General Army Hospital opened and war wounded were brought in by the train car load.
   Club meetings moved to evening as members responded to calls for workers in canneries, defense industries, the Army hospital, teaching school, volunteering with Red Cross and USO, welcoming families of patients into their homes, and taking over family responsibilities.
   Club meetings moved to the War Memorial Home in 1951-52 and community projects continued.The club sponsored AFS students, Girls State delegates, Hugh O’Brian leadership awards, and scholarships.In 1968 it established the “Gracious Womanhood Award” at Box Elder High School, still among the four top awards, with its name changed to Civic Young Woman Award, which includes a scholarship.“Fly the Flag” was a project begun in the early 1960s. By 1964 the number of flags sold to the community had grown to 800.
   Efforts were often in cooperation with other organizations, helping at “KO Polio” clinics, assisting the new YWCA furnish its building, and restoration of the Historic Depot. The club took on recycling as a project in 1991-92. Every other Saturday volunteers was on hand at the city shops to assist local residents. Hands-on projects have included hospital gowns for Operation Smile and hand puppets for the Fine Arts Center in recent years.
   A Holiday Home Show was begun in 1971, and has continued to the present, as have the projects it has funded: books for the new ACYI school library, trees for the cemetery, tables for the Community Center, refurbishing the baby grand piano at Box Elder High School, etc.

Ladies Community Club
   Ladies Community Club was originally named Kindergarten Club, born of an effort to foster public kindergarten in Brigham City. A 1915 newspaper story notes that Kindergarten Club held a meeting in the Presbyterian chapel to discuss bylaws for the new club, which was officially organized on October 7, 1915, with Mrs. H. C. Day as president. Almost immediately, it affiliated with the GFWC.
   Programs were child-focused, including a Baby Week when mothers could bring babies for a free medical examination, speakers on pre-school education, exhibits of homemade toys, and sponsorship of school programs.
   Playground Park was a result of a 1916 community-wide effort coordinated by the club, with a 1916 newspaper article noting, “..the barren square east of the courthouse is transformed into a beautiful park and playground.”
   Club members joined in war efforts, plus relief programs during the Depression, especially child-centered health and nutrition projects. As another war brought the military hospital to the city, club members volunteered as individuals and in club efforts.
   The child-centered focus continued through the years, with support of the children’s library, school books, trees in parks, and playground equipment, including a locomotive-shaped play structure at John Adams Park, and up to the present with a donation in 2018 for the splash pad in the same location.
   The club’s longest-lasting project has been the Junior Peach Queen Pageant for five-year-old girls, which began in 1951 and continues to the present, with families now into a fourth generation of dressed-up little girls riding in the parade. For many years the club also organized the children’s parade.
   A fundraising project that began in the late 1950s to about 1980 was a community calendar listing birthdays of subscribers.
   By 1960, the Kindergarten Club name was confusing to some and the club’s goal of public kindergarten had been met. A former president related one humorous misunderstanding: the club invited an out-of-town expert on early childhood education to speak and she showed up with a flannelboard and little figures, all ready to address a group of five-year-olds!
   The club’s name was officially changed to Ladies Community Club on August 13, 1960. During this period, the club met at the War Memorial Home, then was one of the many organizations who donated toward the Community Center, where the club met monthly after its completion in 1970. The club donated a piano to the center, one still in use for events.
   Brigham City’s downtown had about ten clothing stores in the 1960s and 1970s, and for over ten years the club sponsored a spring fashion show with outfits modeled from each of the stores. This was a popular spring social highlight as well as a good fundraiser.
   Community projects, still often youth-focused, continued through the years. In the mid-1980s, the club designed and ordered fringed jacquard-knit throws depicting the Box Elder County courthouse at the center and county scenes around the edges, a highly successful fundraiser that continued many years.
   This helped fund recent club projects which can be seen throughout the city, such as the aeration fountains in the Pioneer Park Pond, benches at bus stops, a park fountain, and more. Hands-on projects included “no-no” bands for Operation Smile and “Burp and Book” kits for newborns at the local hospital.
   For both clubs, there was always a social aspect: a time for women to get away from home, a time to gather over refreshments, to visit with one another, to build friendships, to share ideas and to work together on projects.
   Brigham City Women’s Club plans to continue the legacy of its foremothers, the stalwart ladies who formed the two original organizations, as well as the spirit of service, hospitality and friendship.
   It’s well-said in the new club’s mission statement: “The purpose of this club shall be to promote the moral, social and intellectual culture of its members and to promote the general prosperity and social welfare of the people of the community.”

Beatles tribute band coming to Fine Arts Center stage

January 9, 2019 • Richard Carr   •   Staff writer

    Strawberry Fields Band, a Beatles Tribute group, is next up on stage in the Brigham City Fine Arts Center’s Music in the City concert series.
    The Strawberry Fields Band is a Utah-based ensemble, and should not to be confused with “Strawberry Fields,” a tribute band also making a name for itself in the New York area.
    Dave Martin takes the role of John Lennon as lead vocalist and bass player, Bryan Hague is lead guitar and vocalist, and brothers Eric and Jeff Jensen round out the band with Jeff on rhythm guitar and vocals and Eric on drums.
    “The Beatles are timeless. Kids of all ages really enjoy the music and vibe they continue to give” said Martin.
    For Martin, the venture started six years ago when he organized an annual “Beatlemania” concert while working as a high school choir director. He brought a few musician friends in to back up the choir group and it was very successful. Three years ago, drummer Jay Lawrence invited him to help put together a full-fledged Beatles Tribute concert at the Viridian Center in West Valley City, Utah. The group gained popularity and eventually started playing all over the state of Utah.
    In 2017, Martin took things one step further by also starting an annual “Beat ALS” benefit concert in honor of his friend, Chris Clark, who had recently been diagnosed with ALS ( amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.) The band has performed benefit concerts in April 2017 and May 2018 and hope to continue.
    The Beatles were an English rock band formed in 1960 and became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history, integral to pop music’s evolution into an art form and to the development of the counterculture of the 1960s.
    The concert is sponsored by Excellence in the Community and is free to attend, but donations are welcome to cover venue costs. Seating is limited and it is recommended to obtain tickets prior to the doors opening. Tickets can be reserved by calling 435-723-0740, or online at bcfineartscenter.org.
    Doors will open at 7 p.m. and ticket reservations will be honored through 7:20 p.m. at which time seats will be offered to those present.

Memorial lights up Bear River Cemetery

January 2, 2019   • Loni Newby   •   Associate editor
   ‘Twas the night before Christmas Eve and all through the cemetery candles twinkled on headstones leaving the community with a sense of mystery and gratitude.
   Multiple generations of the Ramsdell family gathered at the Bear River Cemetery last Monday to do something special, a tribute paid toward the final resting place of the family patriarch who had passed away this year. The family lit hundreds of tea light candles, one per headstone to light up the evening.
   Residents soon became aware of the glow and reached out to their neighbors to find out what was happening. Suddenly the cemetery, a place of peace and quiet during the evening hours, had drawn the attention of residents of Bear River City.
   It was a mystery as no one seemed to know who had placed the candles, or why. But people gathered to witness the sight, walking or driving through the cemetery that evening.
   The following morning Bear River City’s official Facebook page released a statement from one of the participating family members, making it clear that the city government was not responsible for the display, but had been contacted by someone who was part of the impromptu display. Brindee Bonanza said that altogether there were 11 family members, spanning four generations, who participated in lighting the 775 candles.
   Almost immediately comments from residents began pouring in to Facebook posts with photographs of the scene.
   Suzanne Welch wrote, “Thank you so much to the Ramsdell family. This is the first year without my husband and my kid’s dad. My family was honored that you recognized him. This was a beautiful gesture to so many Bear River City residents. Thank you so much.”
   Jacci Nye said, “I saw them from my mom’s house on main Street. So pretty. Thank you to whom ever did it.”
   “It was just beautiful, we loved the peaceful feeling that was there. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience of the lights and your love for the cemetery and those that are resting in peace!” wrote Merrilyn Nelson.
   In response to the comments, Bonanza said, “We aren’t wanting any recognition, just wanting people to know that at such a sad place there is a little bit of joy this season. Our Papa is buried there and it’s our first year without him.”
   Bonanza believes that they will continue this as an annual event since it was so well-received.
   “Pretty much my whole family is buried there, but in February we lost my grandpa and it has been pretty hard on all of us him and my grandma were high school sweethearts. Christmas was one of my grandpa’s favorites so we wanted to make the cemetery beautiful at such a hard time for us as well as others.” said Bonanza, “I had read about it on another site where somebody had done it in another state and how beautiful it was so we decided what better way to spend some family time and spread some holiday light. We sure hope it made a difference it’s going to be an every year tradition for us.”
   “Holy cow, the feedback was so heart warming just that people were going down and enjoying the lights after it got dark. And so much love came out of it we didn’t expect it to get that much attention but it did,” said Bonanza, “It was such a blessing to see the messages from others that have family buried down there and how thankful they were.”
   Another family member who participated, Chels Grover, said, “We are very happy that we were able to lift so many people’s spirits by doing this! We have all read your messages, and I know it has helped myself with the sadness of losing my papa! Merry Christmas BRC.”

Leo’s Auto gifts a car to Brigham City woman

December 26, 2018 •    Loni Newby   •   Associate editor

    An 86-year-old Brigham City woman just got an unexpected holiday gift that came from an out-of-towner’s misfortune back in October.
    Karma Huff was selected in a drawing Dec. 18 as the winner of a car from Leo’s Auto Service.
    “You have got to be kidding me.” said a tearful Huff when she was informed of her win. “Do you know how old my car is? It’s almost 22 years old. I can’t believe it!”
    At the beginning of October, the owners of Leo’s Auto Service announced a contest to give away a car to one of their customers this holiday season. The only requirement for an entry was to spend at least $1 in the shop. Using a scaled system, higher amounts spent earned more entries.    The idea was to help someone out.
    The giveaway car had been left by an out of town customer. The car’s engine had seized, and nstead of spending the money to repair the vehicle, the owner essentially walked away, abandoning the car despite multiple attempts to contact him.
    Once the title had been legally acquired by Leo owners Kevin and Chad Noorda, they decided they could put in the labor and fund the needed replacement parts as an act of goodwill and appreciation for their customers, and that they could give the car away.
    All in all, they put about $1,400 into parts, and provided the labor for free. They put in a used engine, gave it a tune up and replaced all the tires.
    Customers seemed excited. Some people scheduled multiple appointments for oil changes or maintenance in order to get more entries. In total, 796 tickets were entered. The one that ended up getting pulled was a from an oil change on Oct. 2, the second day of the contest.
    On Dec. 18, the Noordas couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome when they pulled out Huff’s name as the new owner of the 2009 Toyota Corolla.
    Huff said of her previous, 22-year-old vehicle, “You know, I thought this car isn’t going to last me much longer, I know it isn’t”
    Before giving all of the staff hugs and repeatedly thanking everyone, Huff said, “I’ve never won a thing before in my life. I’m 86 years old and I won a car.”
She spoke of how beautiful the car was, joking about its resale value when she passes.
    Leo’s mechanics knew Huff’s old car well and said that it really was on its last legs. They loved seeing Huff be blown away by simple features like a working radio.
    Leo’s Automotive shared the video of Huff being notified that she had won the vehicle, and her Huff’s family also shared the video on Facebook. Granddaughter Tiffanie Thorne commented, “So happy for her. She is so deserving of this! Sweetest human I dare say on this Earth. Love you Gram and so, so happy for you!!! Go cruise Main!”
    “That’s the best “karma” you could ask for!!” Kathy Price also commented on the Facebook video. “This couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person!! Love you Karma!!”

A Christmas wish a century in the making

Lucile Harrison, resident at Maple Springs Assisted Living fulfilled a goal in finally sitting on Santa’s lap for the first time.

December 19, 2018 • Loni Newby   •   Associate editor
   Lucile Harrison, resident of Maple Springs, celebrated her 100th birthday last month and yet she is still excited to try new things to gain life experience.
   Last Thursday, Harrison and many residents at Maple Springs Assisted Living took the time to celebrate the upcoming Christmas Holiday at their annual party where families from the community were invited to attend, meet Santa and mingle with the residents. Amber Rust of Two Color Photography was there to document a first for Harrison, as she laughed and sat upon Santas lap for the first time ever, crossing off an item on her bucket list.
   “Lucile’s quick wit and great sense of humor keeps us on our toes. She told me she had never sat on Santa’s lap, so she wanted to get that crossed off her list! She is a real pleasure and we are happy to have her at Maple Springs,” said Mike Starn, Community Relations Director of Maple Springs.
   Harrison had a big month in November as a new centenarian, she had a birthday party in her home town of Malad early in the month, and later on her actual birthday she celebrated at Maple Springs where she enjoys participating in the recreational activities and socialization.
   Harrison has resided at Maple Springs for the past two years, following an injury from a fall, the staff members report that she is a valuable asset to the social dynamic and they enjoy the stories that she shares with them.
   Harrison was born in ‘Sandridge’ Elkhorn, Idaho, where she spent her first 16 years living and working on the farm. She then moved to Malad and attended Malad High School, where she excelled at basketball for four years. After graduation, Harrison attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, where she continued her athletic pursuits on the basketball team for four years, earning her sweater as a junior. She majored in education and physical education, she was also a horseshoe champion and took 2nd place in ping pong. Harrison graduated in 1940 and began her career as a teacher in Holbrook, Idaho, at a small country school with only two teachers. They each taught four grades in one classroom. She later taught in Malad working with 5th graders the majority of her 40 year career.
   During the war, Harrison took a leave of absence from teaching from 1942-1945 to contribute to the cause, during that time she worked in California as a riveter on bomber wings at the Lockheed Aircraft Plant.
   She also worked at Ogden Supply Depot for a summer and then onto the Union Pacific Railroad as a ticket clerk when Bushnell Hospital was busy accepting patients from the Pacific for treatment and rehabilitation, she helped coordinate getting those soldiers to the medical treatment they needed in Brigham City.
   After World War II ended Harrison resumed teaching. In total she connected with 1,100 students over her teaching years. She remains in touch with many of her students who still visit with her, and have been a delight to her.
   Harrison retired in 1981, and although she hated to leave the field she had many projects for her family and the community which gained her focus. She worked diligently on genealogy and even compiled a book on family history that included several centuries of her family tree. She made a book for herself and for each of her siblings.
   Harrison became active in the Malad Boot Scooters, a line dancing group, who performed for 10 years at veterans homes, senior centers, and care centers in Pocatello, Preston, Downey and Malad. This was a particularly fun hobby for her.
   Her next project partnered with Mary Matthew, serving on the Malad Cemetery beautification committee, where she served for two years. Some of the projects included new trees, restrooms, a platform for the Memorial Day ceremony and a rose garden memorial at the entrance of the cemetery.
   She also helped initiate a finance plan that allowed former residents to donate money for the beautification work in conjunction with the city and power company.
   The final project she focused on before moving to Maple Springs, was was helping with the recreational activities at the Senior Center and helping with food distribution for the needy every month.

Cooley Memorial Building from hospital to photography studio

December 2, 2018 •    Loni Newby   •   Associate editor

   A long-vacant building sees new life with addition of photographic studio and event space for public rental in the heart of Brigham City, at 40 North 100 East.
   Amber Rust, lead photographer of Two Color Photography, and her husband, Thomas, have undertaken many home renovation projects over the past 15 years in their Brigham City home, however the scale of their latest endeavor has been at times overwhelming. Rust is primarily a newborn photographer whose office and studio are inside her home, and will remain there despite opening the doors to a new commercial studio venture.
   Last December, one of Rust’s associate photographers, Ashlee Bostwick, approached with a real estate investment option. Bostwick found the leasing information for a vacant building on 100 East and 100 North in Brigham City and was inspired by the potential for the space. Both Rust and Bostwick have used rental space for photography sessions in other cities and recognized a need for a large open gathering space in Brigham City. Annually, the most frequently requested months for multigenerational family photos occur in the winter when families gather for holidays. Large, open interior spaces are difficult to come by, and often are less than ideal visually.
   The building up for lease was formerly the Cooley Memorial Hospital, a non-emergent care facility that served the area mainly for tonsil removals, appendectomies and baby deliveries. The night before the walkthrough Rust had a dream about being surrounded with an overwhelming amount of debris, but a strong feeling that she should proceed. “The night before walking through the building I had a dream about walking through an old run down building with tons of confusing rooms and spaces with debris everywhere. In my dream I remember thinking there was a lot of work to be done on the building, but I knew I needed to be the one to do it,” said Rust.
   On site, the two photographers were mesmerized by the amount of natural light pouring in—despite the dividing walls which broke the top floor up into small recovery rooms. Although the layout and building were different than her dream Rust felt like the similarities were overwhelming. By the time they made it to the delivery room and nursery, they were couldn’t deny the desire to breathe life into the building once again. The idea of using the delivery room as a newborn studio, Rust’s first photography love sealed the deal.
   Rust was enamored with the viewing window where fathers used to get the first glance at their children, as they were not permitted in the labor and delivery room. That pane of glass was carefully removed and saved to become a display piece to honor the history of the building and the legacy of Dr. A.D. Cooley who had originally named the building for his late son. In the spirit of philanthropy, Dr. Cooley allowed some patients to pay off their medical debts with sweat equity for building improvements over the decades as a hospital, which only furthered the sense of communal investment.
   During the drawn out waiting period between signing the lease on April 1, and beginning properly permitted demolition and construction there was a need for Bostwick to pull out of the project.    Both Rust and Bostwick remain close friends and photography associates. Rust recognizes that she is in a different phase of life where her children are old enough and their financial stability allowed her to take more weighed risks, there is no animosity only empathy and understanding.
   But, despite the partnership ending, Rust feels like there is no way to tell the story of the space without mentioning Bostwick’s contributions. She initially saw the diamond in the rough, and was a co-creator for the overall vision of the space. In the end, it became easier for Rust to make decisions on the fly once the partnership was dissolved, and there were many times when that immediacy became important.
   Now, the Rusts have complete control of the studio now known as Cooley Collective Studios, a name chosen as a homage to the building’s past. And with that have had to face the obstacles that came along the way.
   The renovation process was complicated and met with plenty of red tape and construction delays. Although there were some early missteps due to miscommunication, there has been a positive working environment with the city building inspector and various contractors who have been able to find work arounds for difficult, costly repairs that could potentially sink the project if a financially feasible solution could not be found. The input and education about codes and safety regulations has been invaluable, for that the Rusts are extremely grateful.
   Cooley Collective Studios L.L.C. occupies the top floor of the building up a winding ramp that many have memories of attempting to climb while in labor. This is the most often repeated story when it comes to the old hospital. Rust has sought out input from the former patients, particularly those who were born at the hospital or who had given birth there during its operation from May of 1935 to July 20, 1976.
   Rust put out a call for those patients and former staff of the hospital to come be a part of a photographic collage project, to show the faces of the community that have a deep connection with the building, scheduling two days for those interested in being part of the future collage piece to stop by and have their photo taken, she is planning one more day and will update both her website and the company Facebook page when that is scheduled. She has received emailed photographs from those who now live out of the area and can’t make it by in person.
   Although Rust has called Brigham City home for the past fifteen years, she is somewhat envious of the connective ties that people feel with the space she has been painstakingly renovating. Some of the stories have brought joy, while others brought her to tears. Rust has been documenting not only the faces, many nameless unless they felt obliged to share their story.
   Among the heartfelt tales there were memories of parents holding newborn babies up to the glass window so that the siblings could see their new addition, since children weren’t allowed in the maternal ward. Rust photographed the last baby born at Cooley, who was then transferred to Brigham City Community Hospital once both mother and baby were safe to transport. One woman told about her own delivery in the building to a young teen mother who gave her up for adoption, and with whom she has reconnected now using DNA advancements. Others told stories of an accident at Thiokol where burn victims were brought to Cooley, although it was beyond the trauma level that the hospital was capable of handling, they were able to stabilize the patients before transport. Another woman whose mother had attempted to get their life savings from under their mattress when their house caught fire was rushed to Cooley Memorial for emergency care before being transported to a larger hospital—the daughter was not allowed in due to the age rules on premises, she said her goodbyes to her mother at the ramp, unfortunately her mother passed away during transit. Visiting the studio to have her photo taken was the first time she had stepped foot back in the building. The daughter told Rust that she felt a great deal of peace and tranquility in the space, that she had not expected to feel.
   Since 1935 the building has served many purposes; first a Hospital, then an addition and renovation happened, it was once home to the head start program, then the building was converted to apartments, a real estate investor purchased the space for residential improvement but it was soon re-zoned as commercial. There is a great deal of room for improvement and many vacant areas of the building still needing tenants, Rust is hoping that other creative types might see the space and recognize the possibilities, and become tenants as well.
   For now, the Cooley Collective Studio is still considered temporary occupancy until the remaining updates and upgrades are fulfilled to bring the building up to code. But many of the most burdensome tasks have been completed. Resurfacing the roof, all new plumbing and electrical as well as what Rust explains to be a masterful job of figuring out the heating and cooling all had to be tackled to gain approval to take occupancy. Rust tried to keep all of the contractors local, but it took ten plumbers rejecting the project before finding someone up to the daunting task. The longest delay was a six-week wait was getting an exterior lift to the main floor of the building. ADA compliance states that the handicap accessible lift must service the main floor of a building, the adjacent floors above and below would then also qualify for occupancy.
   Rust has tried to stay true to the space salvaging as many pieces of original character of the building as possible. Woodwork from the back has been saved, re-stained and mounted as a shiplap wall in the brick studio. The tiles were gathered by Rust’s youngest child as they popped off the wall, those will be incorporated into the updated design. Each of her five children have played a role in the remodel. Rust’s biggest fear was that by undertaking this monumental task task that her children would be neglected, but instead it has helped them grow together. They have been involved every step of the way and have a sense of ownership in the studio space. Rust’s daughter even bore her testimony in church about how the family has had to “overcome trials” in this renovation. Rust said that it may be an expensive way to learn that lesson, but she is glad that her children have been there through the entire process helping in the hard work. And despite not being particularly construction savvy the family, and friends, have done the majority of work themselves; excluding all labor efforts required by licensed professionals.
   After countless walls coming down, and six months of chiseling plaster to reveal just enough exposed brick for the vision-board ambiance sought, the studio space is officially open for business. Rust is excited that the memory making has already begun on top of such a rich history. Rust said she entered the space to continue some work the other day and heard angelic music being sung as the City of Enoch filmed a music video on location, she felt immediate validation that this is was the right decision to open a space to allow people to use their artistry.
   From the beginning she felt impressed to create a space that is welcoming to all: it will serve as an hourly rental space for photographers who do not have access to a formal studio which is particularly important in winter months, there are two shooting spaces available currently and a third under renovation; there are also several office spaces that will be available for monthly rental, as well as an hourly/daily rental for meetings or in-person sales; the space will soon have a kitchen for parties, as well.
   Even with the huge investments they have already undertaken, there is much to be done. Rust has sought out the help of crowdfunding with a Kickstarter project. The way that Kickstarter works is all or nothing, if the goal of $5,000 is not met by the end of the month then Cooley Collective Studios will not receive the pledged funding. Although several people have vowed to pay privately if the funding is not met. Each pledge level has rewards which include having your name printed on an original tile which will go back into the building as part of the restoration, mini photo sessions at a discounted rate, or even the opportunity to host a dinner party complete with catering.
   Rust jokes that they were lucky because there were only two trips to the urgent care required during construction, both involving stitches. It is clear that both Amber and Thomas Rust have put their blood, sweat and tears into the studio-- and clearly, a whole lot of heart, too.

Disney tradition

Richard and Linda Felt stand in the cul-de-sac in front of their home which has become a landmark noted by Christmas display enthusiasts.

More than four decades of decorations draw spectators annually for family’s passion project
November 28, 2018 •    Hailey Hendricks   •   Staff writer

   The phrase “Christmas tradition” might bring a lot of things to mind, some think of putting on Christmas pajamas, going to family parties, caroling or gift exchanges. But, one Brigham City family’s annual task of setting up a yard full of handcrafted Disney characters on their front lawn, which has become a Christmas tradition for countless families to visit.
   Richard and Linda Felt live at 629 Cottonwood Circle, but better known as the “Disney house” by people in the community.
   For about 46 years now, the Felts have been adding to and putting up hand carved and painted Disney characters in front of their home for people to see.
   “More people kept coming by,” Richard Felt said, “and so it became kind of a habit each year to add a new character until we filled up the yard.”
   As their collection grew, more people began driving by.
   “We’ve had so many people that have enjoyed them over the years,” Linda Felt said, “and there’s always a line of cars that will come clear through the cul-de-sac.”
   With the Felt’s love for Disney, this long-standing Christmas tradition came about when Richard Felt was teaching a woodshop class at then-Box Elder Junior High School when a student brought in a Disney Christmas record album.
   “It [the record] had Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck and Pluto,” Richard Felt said. “I borrowed their album and traced them and then I made those and put them on the porch.”
   To get the look-alike characters identical to the originals’ shape, Richard Felt said he would use an opaque projector and project the original image of the character on the plywood board and then cut them out.
   Then, he would paint them – giving each character a winter sweater and almost every character a Christmas caroling songbook titled, ‘Noel.’
   About 90 different characters are on display outside their home, and the Felt’s say they don’t just do this for themselves, they do it as their Christmas card to the community.
   “It’s not for us, it’s a lot of work for us and it’s getting harder as we’re getting older,” Linda Felt said, “but we do it for our friends and the community that we love.”
   “My favorite part about doing this,” Richard Felt said, “is the reaction from kids and the people that come by.”
   Richard Felt remembers one year he was shoveling the snow from his driveway when a family – who didn’t speak English – drove by with smiles on their faces.
   “The nice thing about Disney is it goes across all languages,” Richard Felt said. “They enjoyed it just as much as anybody else.”
   Every year after Halloween, the Felt’s said they instantly begin getting ready for the holiday season. For them, this tradition is their way of enjoying Christmas.
   “We have so many wonderful, wonderful memories of setting up,” Linda Felt said. “Not just with our kids, and our grandkids, but we also have a great-grandson who helps us on occasion.”
   Richard Felt said he’s never dealt with any copyright issues with The Walt Disney Company, but he does recount a time when a man called him from Provo and asked if he would build him Disney characters – he told the man no.
   “First, the characters are copyrighted so I can’t make money from them, and second, I build them in a school shop, so I can’t make money using public facilities.”
   The Felt’s said they hope to continue putting up the display for many years to come because of the joy it brings to their family and the community.
   That’s all the reward you could want, is doing it so other people can enjoy it,” Linda Felt said.
   The characters can be seen at the Felt’s home, 629 Cottonwood Circle, Brigham City, until Jan. 2.

Locally filmed movie set to air on Lifetime

November 21, 2018 • Loni Newby   •   Associate editor

   The film production that turned the heat of summer into a winter wonderland in Brigham City will be airing on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. On Lifetime channel. With a working title of the Miracle of Music, residents expressed fear that it was not picked up for this holiday season; however, as with most things Hollywood related alterations were to be expected and a final title of “Jingle Belle” is what locals may want to search for to set their DVRs.
   After an overwhelming response of area residents who sought involvement as extras for the production, the production will finally air to allow participants to see if their scenes made the final cut or ended up on the editing room floor. The extras were tasked with wearing coats, scarves and other winter apparel during the hot hours of filming, many of which took place overnight.
   Clearly identifiable Brigham City storefronts and buildings have been spotted in the trailers and commercials leading up to the premier, which has generated a lot of buzz on social media. This also lead to some confusion, regarding the title change and the associated network.
   Stars of the film Tatyana Ali and Cornelius Smith Jr. were in Brigham City for filming which took place in mid July along Main Street, with interior scenes in Idle Isle Cafe and a notable change to the Historic Box Elder County Courthouse lawn which became an ice skating rink.
   Ali is most recognizable for her role as Ashley on the popular sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” while Smith is known for his role as Marcus Walker on “Scandal.” Also notably in the cast are two former child stars, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Tempest Bledsoe who portrayed Rudy and Vanessa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.”
   According toIMDB.com and trailers released by Lifetime the story follows Isabelle “Belle” (Ali) a Juilliard trained New York City based musician back to her hometown of “Masonville” where she has been tasked to write a song for the 15th anniversary Christmas Eve Pageant. When she arrives she finds that here high school sweetheart, Mike, (Smith) who is now a music teacher in their home town and director of the production. “Can Isabelle and Mike put the past behind them and reunite on stage for another showstopping duet?” questions Lifetime.
   Box Elder County in conjunction with the Utah Film Commission have put together a day for special screenings of the movie at the Capitol Theatre, due to space limitations the seats will be awarded through a drawing. To enter for a chance at winning two free tickets email events@boxeldercounty.org with name and contact information. There will be three screenings on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. These screening tickets are reserved for contest winners only.

The Davis home, 1319 North Kotter Drive, Brigham City.

Civic Improvement Club’s Holiday Home Show approaches

November 21, 2018 •    Sarah Yates   •   Editor emeritus

   This year’s Holiday Home Show on Saturday, December 1, features a simple 1885 home and an 1898 local mansion, two mid-century homes with special features inside, a patio home and four newly-built modern homes. They will be open to ticket-holders from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and may be a visited in any order.
   Hosted by Civic Improvement Club, the annual home show is a fundraiser for the club’s scholarship program. Tickets are available at each location or in advance at Drewes Floral, 28 South Main, or Consignology at 95 South Main.
   Carl and Darla Wheeler start decorating for Christmas early in the season. Really early. After all, they have not only their home at 997 Lombardy to dress up, but an entire village, actually, two or three villages.
   A once-bedroom in their home is filled with a village of doll house size structures including not only homes but a store, greenhouse, doctor’s office, cafe, church, school and barn. Each tiny room is fully furnished, as well as decorated for the holidays with miniature wreaths, trees, garlands, gifts, cookies and candy made by Darla with FIMO craft clay. For an idea of scale, think wicker furniture woven with upholstery thread.
   Darla makes the furnishings, and Carl is the guy who wires and keeps the lights on in each tiny room. If that’s not enough, open the closet door to that dollhouse village’s more miniature Christmas Village of its own!
   Every room in their normal sized house is decorated, as well. Darla is a collector and carefully groups each type, so they are orderly, not cluttered. Right inside the living room door is a cabinet full of Frosty Friends figurines, starting with her first from 1980. There are Possible Dreams, Cherish Teddies and Coca Cola Santas, just to name a few. Atop the kitchen cabinets is a lighted original Snow Village.
   Even the bedroom boasts everything from a holiday bedcover to various holiday singing and talking figures and toys. And, yes, occasionally one of them decides to burst into song in the night.
   They’ve lived in the house since 1966 and enclosed their patio into a room in the early 1990s, a favorite room for relaxing by the TV and a place for Darla to make clay jewelry, ornaments, furniture and figurines…such as elves which “take on a personality of their own” as she works. She had a business called Darla’s Clay Crafts for 14 years, but it’s just for fun now.
   Also located in the southwest part of Brigham City is the patio home of Glen and Christine Elgan at 936 West 1025 South, offering great one-story living just right for retirees. About 13 years old, the home was the model house for the subdivision.
   As a visitor enters the living room, eyes immediately go to an intricate scroll saw wood clock on the mantle. It’s treasured by Christine, not just because of its beauty, but because it was made by her dad.
   This couple has a blended family of 18 children and stepchildren, and 41 grandchildren at last count. There’s not enough mantle space for that many stockings, so they created a stocking tree. Two more “trees” grace the living room - one built to hold village houses which took up too much room, plus another which features tiers of nativity scenes. A larger olive wood nativity scene they purchased in Bethlehem last year has its own special location.
   The Elgans like the warmth of wood, so a living room and master bedroom wall are faced with wood, and they love the warm wood of the kitchen cabinetry. The dining area opens onto a covered patio just right for viewing the sunset over the pasture to the west.
There are three bedrooms, but this couple uses one as an office, and another as a playroom for grandkids—who aren’t allowed in the sauna that takes up one wall. And that little room by the entry? It is a “man cave” for some of Glen’s guy belongings, plus a steel plated area to hold the magnets they’ve collected on their travels.
   Drive on up to Mantua, then south to the three-story home of Trevor and Tami Jeppesen at 683 South 100 East. Acting as their own general contractors, they chose favorite features from various house plans, and were ready to move into their new home in August 2017.
   A vaulted ceiling and window-filled wall of the living room provide just the right location for a flocked tree with natural touches of tiny log slabs, pine cones and faux fur ribbon set among white, silver and gold ornaments. They loved their leather couch and love seats, but not the dark brown color, so Tami literally painted them a soft camel. Geometric black and white pillows add a classy touch, and the gas fireplace a comfy one.
   The main floor includes the living room and white country-style kitchen, dining area, master suite, office, laundry and mud room. A loft overlooking the living room is a game room for the five children, ages 5 to 15, with four bedrooms and a bath opening onto the area. Each of the kids will have their own theme tree: Legos, robots, soccer, etc.
   In the basement are a second living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms, bath, gym, and a sports court for basketball and volleyball—a favorite spot for the neighbor kids, as well. Both the main floor and basement have outdoor access.
   Tami makes designer signs as a business, so her home is filled with fun signs. They are made to order as Roxie Flair, primarily via the internet. She also loves greenery, so had to find places to put plants to make way for holiday decor which includes wreaths she made to adorn doors, backs of the kitchen bar stools, and many other locations.
           A favorite spot to decorate for each season is a wall in the traffic area that goes from living room to kitchen, which is now covered with natural holiday materials including a crooked branch with hanging winter items. It all adds up to a great home for this active family.

November 14, 2018 •    Sarah Yates •   Editor Emeritus
    It’s become a local tradition, and this year’s Civic Improvement Club’s Holiday Home Show will help usher in the season on Saturday, December 1, from 12 to 5 p.m. Eight homes ranging from an 1885 pioneer home to brand new homes, plus a business located in an historic home, will be open to visitors during those hours. Tickets are a $10 donation to the club’s scholarship fund. Homes can be visited in any order, with tickets available at each location or downtown at Drewes Floral, 28 South Main, or Consignology at 95 South Main.
   Not only does the family of Dustin and Rachel Davis enjoy the modern convenience of their home at 1319 North Kotter Drive (a loop off Highland) but they have a wonderful panorama of the valley and mountains to the west of the hillside home they have lived in for a year and a half. They moved from Farmington to live in a quieter, more peaceful neighborhood and definitely found it.
   Visitors are welcomed in a light, bright entry which opens onto an office on one side and the hallway to the master bedroom on the other, and leads into the great room with its magnificent view. One end is the living room, with a fireplace centered between built-in cabinets. Neutral furnishings are complemented by pops of gold, teal and green accent pillows and casual decor.
   The other side is a white kitchen, featuring subway tile with a sparkling inlaid glass tile as the backdrop above the range. It’s not only efficient with its stainless steel appliances, but Rachel enjoys being part of the family as she prepares and cleans up after meals.
   The walk-in pantry is a delight of textures and colors, since Rachel transfers most dry foods into clear containers. The dining area features a teardrop chandelier.
   With five children ranging from age four to 16 in this family, the home has four bedrooms on the lower level, as well as a family room, game room and guest bedroom. It’s a walkout level, as well, to a beautifully landscaped yard terraced to provide play space on the steep hillside.
   It’s a step into the past to visit the center-of-town pioneer era home of Lynette Reeder, 122 North 100 West. The small entryway offers a peek into a world of old-fashioned charm representing years of gradual change, but retaining its simple beginnings.
   The home was built in 1885 for Lauritz and Mattie Berg, a plain Scandinavian adobe house. It was love at first sight when Lynette bought the home in 2005. The early pine floors remain throughout that original block, not stained but varnished to add their warmth to each room. Windows, woodwork, doors and original hardware reflect those early days, as well.
   As with older homes, there were modifications as electricity, indoor plumbing and central heating were added, such as a bathroom and additional bedroom. Sometime during the craftsman period, doorways were arched and built-ins added, but they magnify the charm of the house. Lynette loves those, such as the mail slot and laundry chute.
   She has furnished her home with a combination of family heirlooms, yard sale and thrift store buys, and castaways from friends and neighbors…such as a faux fireplace from the Moskowitz home. Some items have been cleaned or painted and treated, but retain their true nature as treasures from the past. Her walls are filled with family art including that of her mother, Coleen Bradford, as well as recent paintings of her own.
   Walk through the pantry to a sunny glassed-in porch where Lynette loves to catch rays in the wintertime, and where she has the supplies to make her soap and lotion. Then head upstairs where there is a sewing room, guest room, bathroom and the best: a long toy room with a slanted roof, all of which her grandkids think is magical and want to stay forever.
   Coming back into the modern era, Bryan and Jesenia Walker’s home high on the Perry hillside at 1867 South Maple Hills Drive (75 East) is a three-story house designed by the couple as a place to raise their four children, ages 5 to 13. They have lived in the home for two and one-half years, and love the neighborhood and their neighbors.
   The main floor entry opens onto an office, then leads into the living area of a great room with a view of the close-by mountainside. White walls, a vaulted ceiling and plenty of windows create a light and airy look enhanced by comfy neutral furnishings near a warm gas fireplace.
   Overlooking the living room is a loft, which is the upstairs common area onto which the four children’s bedrooms open, plus creating the ceiling of a modern kitchen with subway tile above the counter space. Cupboards and decor give the kitchen a combined country and craftsman atmosphere. A pot-filler faucet over the range, walk-in pantry, main floor laundry and central vacuum system help this busy mother with the housekeeping.
   The main floor also houses the master bedroom and bath, while the finished basement has a large family room, home gym, a guest bedroom and bath. That level also is a walkout to the back yard, tiered into play areas.
   Visitors will notice unusual and attractive lighting throughout the house. Jesenia has a degree in interior design with lighting as a speciality, and her parents have a lighting store, so she goes to a lighting market annually. Her design touches can be seen throughout the house, and she also uses her talents for demonstrations, weddings, home lighting and special events.
   Homes which will be open for the show include those of Carl and Darla Wheeler, 997 Lombardy; Julie Anderson, 934 Grandview; Lynette Reeder, 122 North 100 West; Glen and Christine Elgan, 936 West 1025 South, Dustin and Rachel Davis.1319 North Kotter Drive (via Highland), and the Mermaid Birth Center (former Knudson home) at 48 South 100 East, all in Brigham City; Trevor and Tami Jeppesen, 683 S 100 East; Ron & Kerry Nelson, 137 East 400 South, both in Mantua; Bryan and Jesenia Walker, 1867 South Maple Hills (75 East) in Perry.

The Reeder home, 122 North 100 West, Brigham City.

The Walker home, 1867 South Maple Hills (75 East), Perry.

Objects in photo may be smaller than they appear, this living area is part of one of the model displays at the Wheeler home.

Glen and Christine Elgan, 936 West 1025 South

Veteran’s Day honors military service
November 14, 2018 •    Loni Newby   •   Associate editor

   Donald “Donnie” Banks, Sergeant in the United States Army who worked as Military Police. Banks is now the Computer Network Architect for the Information Technology Department at Box Elder School District.
   “I served 10 years from Jan 1991 to Jan 2001 as an 18 year old boy wanting to serve my country in the Gulf war. Unfortunately the war was over before I finished basic training, so I was sent to Korea instead. I was mainly stationed at Ft Campbell, KY with 101st Airborne Division, but served two tours to Korea, and deployed to Panama twice. While I was in the military I was Air Assault trained, customs certified, received 2 army achievement medals, an army Commendation medal, Joint Meritorious Unit award, 2 army good conduct medals, National Defense service medal, Humanitarian service medal, NCO Professional development ribbon, 2 overseas Service ribbons. I learned a lot from the military that shaped me into the person that I am today, I learned how to treat others, lead, take ownership of my responsibilities, and to be a man. I learned that there was more to life than just myself. I loved some of the things I was able to do that you don’t normally get to do in the civilian life like rappelling out of a helicopter, and all the different weapons I was able to shoot on a regular basis.”
   Johnny Krey, Staff Sergeant for the United States Army National Guard, is now a janitor at Bear River High School.
   Krey was drafted in 1966 to the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War, he was sent to Korea where he served for 13 months. After returning home he got out of the Army and joined the National Guard where he continued to serve for 19 years, reaching the E6 rank of Staff Sergeant. In all he has 21 years of military service.
   His time in the military taught him patience that he applies daily with students at BRHS. “I know that they are good people, and I like to encourage them to do good.” When students ask him about the prospect of joining the military he realizes that it is a deeply personal decision and tells them to investigate and research for themselves to find out if it is a good fit. Krey is proud that when his number was called he stood up and served his country.
   Darrell Christensen served in the United States Army for three years, from 1966-1969. During that time he spent one year in Vietnam from 1967-1968, a tour for which he volunteered. He served as support for the 1st Air Calvary, supporting helicopters and gunships for nine months in An Khe. Christensen was not an infantry soldier, but was there to help support the continued missions. After An Khe he made a unit move and served an additional three months in Vietam before returning stateside. Following that he served out the remainder of his orders in California.
   Christensen is a custodian at Bear River High School and is proud of his time in service. He said that it has been influential throughout his life. “It mold your personality,” Christensen said, “In the military you find out you can do things that you didn’t think that you can do.”

The lodge room where meetings are held, here the altar holding a Holy Bible is featured, the secretary’s desk is also illuminated in the background.

Mysterious happenings at the Masonic Lodge: haunted or historic?

In the lounge area the electricity was not working, Mike Nelson held a lighter to illuminate some of the large framed pieces of artwork that serve as ciphers to Masonic members.

October 31, 2018 •   Loni Newby •   Associate editor

   The Corinne Masonic Lodge #5 has a storied past as one of the longest continually occupied Masonic Lodge in the United States, chartered in 1873, only four years after Corinne was founded. Age and rumor have led many residents to believe that the building could be haunted, along with personal experiences that cannot be explained.
   The Masonic Lodge is nestled along the once booming Montana Street, where saloons, package stores and hotels were prevalent in the wild days of the newly established city. The Freemasons shared building space with the Odd Fellows until the teen years of the 1900s and have since allowed other businesses to rent space, the organization has continued to function in that location since the heyday of Corinne’s checkered past.
   Throughout the years the rolls have held names of prominent, influential residents some of whom allegedly have a lingering presence in the space, although they have long been deceased. There are a few areas of the lodge that have had energy shifts that have not been able to be explained away.
   Mike Nelson, a member and former Grand Master Mason, takes his personal experiences with possible paranormal activity with a healthy dose of skepticism. He logically tries to debunk any outside environmental factors that could be an influence on certain unusual happenings. The typical issues that occur are when lights shut off for no reason. Lighting in the building doesn’t always function properly, which is often dismissed due to old wiring. A door near the back staircase frequently opens despite members intentionally jamming it shut to prevent it from swinging open. Recently, Nelson was alone in the dimly lit lodge room and heard a slow creak as the door shifted on its hinges opening wider than he left it. Nelson looked for a cause but was not successful. The old building it could easily be the building settling, or even a shift in air pressure due to a door opening downstairs. And although he brushed it off, the feeling still lingered enough to be notable.
   Nelson sometimes sends out a verbal greeting when he enters the building, recognizing that he may not be alone even though he is the only living person present. Nelson said it is actually kind of comforting to never feel fully alone in that space as he performs a number of general maintenance tasks and upkeep for the lodge. He doesn’t believe that there is anything malevolent about any presences that may be around the building.
   Other local residents have felt or experienced moments that are cemented in their memories. Brigham City woman, Amanda Tea, had an unusual occurrence in the late 90s when she was doing homework downstairs while her mother and grandmother attended an Eastern Star meeting upstairs. Eastern Star is a co-ed appendant body to the Masons.
   “I’d sit down on the main floor in the kitchen and do school work while they went to meetings upstairs. While downstairs, I’d hear people walking around in the main entrance even though the doors were locked and everyone was upstairs. Chairs would move, papers would fly off counters and you’d hear footsteps,” said Tea.
   One evening she was wandering in the banquet room looking over the historical images and memorabilia before returning to her seat in the kitchen to finish her homework. Tea said, “Not even a minute later, I heard a noise from the other room. It sounded like heavy boots on the wooden floors.”    Tea said that she assumed that the meeting was over and that someone had returned down the stairs. But when she walked back into the banquet area she found herself alone. “No one was there, but a few brochures that had been on a counter were now in the middle of the doorway leading to the stairs.”
   There were brochures that had been on a counter spread out on the floor. Tea said she had no explanation for why they would be on the floor in that way as the air wasn’t on and there were no other people nearby. Tea said, “I put them back, went back into the kitchen and closed the door behind me. When the meeting was done and the members came downstairs, not one person had on any kind of heavy boot.”
   Tea also shared a story that her mother had recounted about an evening when she was not feeling well during a meeting. Tea’s mother went downstairs, where she was alone, but soon felt the pressure of a hand on her shoulder which gave her a chill down her spine.
   Upstairs there is a lounge area just outside of the lodge room where breaks are taken during meetings. This room holds many historic books and does not always have electrical lighting available. This area, along with a hall and powder room located to the north of this space were used in an independent film, many of the crew experienced similar claims: feeling a presence, hearing unexplained sounds or even physical pressure on their persons.
   Some lodge members reference a specific deceased member when they feel anything paranormal, but of course there is no way to prove it. But, their best guesses are based on that member’s personality traits and his commitment to the Masons brotherhood.
   Outside of possible paranormal experiences what take place within the walls of the lodge is cloaked in mystery-- but only for those who don’t ask. Sometimes referred to as a secret society, Masons often joke that there is more that they can talk about than what they can’t. Despite an overwhelming amount of symbolism, cipher and ritual Masons often hold events, and even open houses welcoming the public for tours, events and fundraisers.
   The Masonic organization is often misunderstood. Most Freemasons argue that it is strictly a secular social club for men, while others find the organization to be spiritual in nature and would argue that it could be formally recognized as a religious entity. There certainly is religious influence. One of the requirements to gain membership, men must acknowledge the existence of a supreme being; although the organization dictate or influence what members religious beliefs should be beyond belief in God.
   Even within the hierarchy of leadership within the Freemasons, there is civil disagreement about whether or not the secular organization crosses into a spiritual realm which could qualify as a religion. This argument is fueled by the incorporation of biblical text, ritual and service.
   The main text that guides the Masons is the Holy Bible, used as a historical, secular guide. Through levels of study and advancement degrees are granted. Rituals for advancement, include stanzas which must be repeated word for word. Symbols and ciphers throughout the lodge directly refer to a higher power. A theme of a celestial guidance has direct impact on the Earth, with particular attention paid to the Sun is prevalent in Masonic themes. Even the lodge room is based on the structure of Solomon’s Temple from the Hebrew Bible, where direction plays a significant role in defining the leadership structure, not unlike Christian theology’s repeated reference to rising in the East.
   Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations. Masons played important roles in the foundation of this country, and the governmental structure of our modern society. George Washington was a noted Mason, among other important notables during the American revolution and well beyond, including one-third of U.S. Presidents.
   According to Utahgrandlodge.org, the overall goal is that of making good men better. “The mission of Freemasonry in Utah is to teach and perpetuate a way of life that promotes brotherhood, self-improvement through education, high moral standards, charitable action, and community involvement.”
   Beyond the Masons cultural impact, through charity and service, the building itself is a monument to a simpler time. Although improvements have been made the lodge is host to a great many original embellishments like lighting fixtures, architectural details on the mason work outside, and furnishings including the altar still used today that were brought in by Alexander Topance in 1872 from Helena, Montana. Tribute is also paid to the Corinne Lodge’s founding father was Judge Edmund Pelton Johnson, who conferred 59 degrees, the largest number by any Master Mason in the jurisdiction, who went on to be elected Grand Master of Utah in 1876. After passing he was buried in Corinne.         An opportunity to learn more about the building or the fraternal organization will take place at a fundraising dinner on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 4:30-8 p.m. Following their local tradition the Masons will be hosting a dinner of freshly delivered Oregon oysters, served fried, along with honey baked ham, fried green tomatoes, various salads, ice cream and homemade desserts. The dinner is a donation of $15 per person, the proceeds go directly to the restoration and renovation of the lodge building, 4055 Montana Street, Corinne.

Thurl Bailey to perform in Brigham City

October 24, 2018 •    Nancy Browne     •   Staff writer

   Some have said Thurl Bailey’s towering 7-foot height is miniscule compared to his talent as a singer and inspirational speaker.
   Area residents will have the chance to experience it for themselves at his concert Nov. 15, at the Academy Conference Center in Brigham City, which will include a professionally catered dinner.
   Tickets are $40 for those ages 10 and over and are going fast, according to event organizer Bob Cosgrove. There will be a meet and greet at 5 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m. at the center that holds 250 people.
   Cosgrove said he wants people to see this as a date night out and is planning similar concerts at the center with first-class talent “so that people come to know that these events are not just garage bands.”
   He said his friendship with Bailey goes back 10 years, “and so I’m excited he’s coming up here to do this.”
   Bailey said in an interview he will be choosing from original songs and from other contemporary artists that will touch an inspiring chord in listeners.
   “The music I choose covers a broad scope that has meaning,” he said. “I want people to feel joy and inspiration from the lyrics and music that is attractive to all ages. Sometimes people come to my concerts out of curiosity because they know me as a basketball player.”
   He played for both the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves from 1983 to 1999, after winning the 1983 NCAA championship under coach Jim Valvano at North Carolina State University.
   He said even during his time playing ball he wrote or co-wrote music with friends. “My career always kept me quite busy but I always knew I would someday go into my first love, music.”
   His first album, “Faith in your Heart,” released in 2000 was a best seller. His second album, “The Gift of Christmas,” released the following year, also experienced record sales. His latest released CD, entitled “I’m Not the Same,” is a selection of uplifting R & B tunes.
   Among his many musical awards are the 2000 Pearl Awards of Best Contemporary Recording and Best New Artist of the Year.
   Although Bailey also plays the trombone and tuba he said as he got older his love for singing outweighed everything else.
   “I want to share my talent and maybe make somebody smile,” he said. At one concert that was in front of all men, I sang ‘Cats in the Cradle’ and everyone was just bawling. It just struck a chord.”
   Just like he did on the basketball court, Bailey said his work as a singer, inspirational speaker and humanitarian, are all about inspiring people to become their best selves. “Most of us contemplate the purpose of life. We’re all really here to serve people.”
   Bailey, who grew up as one of five kids in a stormy environment in Washington, D.C., eventually converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1995. He and his wife, Sindi, have three children.
   This will be Bailey’s third performance in Brigham City in the last six or seven years, he said. The other two were at the Heritage Arts Festival and during Peach Days.
   The Nov. 15 concert is the second of a new dinner concert series that will be scheduled at the Academy Conference Center. The first was last month with “A Toast to Bread.”
   “The city reached out to me to do these concerts in an effort to breathe some life into the Academy Center,” said Cosgrove. “Idle Isle will cater the Thurl Bailey event, with five other restaurants rotating for other concerts.”
   Drewes Floral owner Kelly Driscoll, who is working with Cosgrove on the series said, “We didn’t want the academy to sit idle, although it’s used weekly, but there is always room for more events. The city has really been trying to find new avenues for its use.”
   The first concert in the series held earlier this month and featuring the band A Toast to Bread, sold out two shows. At the shows, about half of the attendees were from out of the area, according to Cosgrove.
   As of press time, there were 48 tickets (out of 240) available for the show. Tickets can be purchased by calling Cosgrove at 435-720-3177, or at Drewes Floral & Gift, 28 S. Main St., Brigham City, or by calling Drewes at 435-723-8571.

Trilobites, fossils, and artifacts displayed at BC Museum

October 24, 2018 •    Hailey Hendricks   •   Staff writer
    The largest trilobite collection a person can see publicly in the Western United States is located right here, in Brigham City, at the Box Elder Natural History Museum.
   The museum has trilobites from every continent in the world except Antarctica, but this museum isn’t only for trilobite collections- it has fossils, fluorescent rocks, minerals and artifacts from abandoned mines.
   “People come here from other places because they know we have this awesome museum,” said Kaia Landon, the museum coordinator, “and somehow people in Washington know this, but people in Brigham City do not unless they’ve come here with a special group.”
   Landon said what makes the museum unique for locals is that the overall collections are worldwide, but yet, it has items that have been discovered not far from Brigham City that are rare finds.
   The mineral, variscite is one of those things that Box Elder County has that’s not found many other places in the world.
   “Variscite only comes from parts of Northern Utah and Central Utah, as well as Russia,” Landon said.
   “Variscite is so valuable, that they put it in the crown jewels of the Russian Tsars,” said Ron Cefalo, the museum’s curator. “It’s a gem-quality mineral that’s really important.”
   Finding fascination in the items the museum has to offer, Cefalo said he hopes that those who visit get to experience “what a great world we live in.”
   “If you just look down and see what you can find, you will appreciate it,” Cefalo said. “I hope people really do get to see and appreciate the things in their county, country, and world.”
   From getting to feel different textures of what a dinosaur may have felt like, to seeing rocks that glow under fluorescent lights, Landon said her goal for the museum is for people to come and be educated, while also making it interactive for kids.
   “I hope that they [people] learn that there’s a lot of variation in the natural world and that there’s things worth exploring and that this is kinda just a taste of what you can see,” Landon said.
   Cefalo said what once started out as Brigham City resident Lloyd Gunther’s collection of historical items, later turned into the beginning of the museum. He said Gunther’s donations used to be the main contribution, and now, they’re only a small fraction of what’s been collected.
   “It’s gone from one man’s vision to many,” Cefalo said. “Over the years, the museum has grown in quantity and quality.”
   Both, Cefalo and Landon hope to continue to collect items that will develop the history of the museum and can be enjoyed by the public for years to come.
   The museum is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Special tours can be made by appointment.

Domestic Violence Awareness events bring attention

Rylee Jorgensen, 8, and Kasen Jorgensen, 11, children of Amanda Poulsen, lead the walk down Main Street in Brigham City.

October 17, 2018 •    Loni Newby   •   Associate editor

   The crowd at the Domestic Violence Awareness and Candlelight vigil held at the Box Elder County Courthouse was small, due to a last minute rescheduling for weather, but spirited. Many with personal stories to tell, and others who have worked as a support system for those facing crisis conditions.
   Amanda Poulsen had every reason to miss the Domestic Violence Awareness walk held in downtown Brigham City on Wednesday, she underwent a surgical procedure that morning, but nothing was going to stop her from giving her support to New Hope Crisis Center and raising awareness in the community for a cause near to her heart.
   Poulsen is grateful for the services she received when she faced a crisis situation. Poulsen said, “New Hope offered a secure place for me and my children where we were fed, clothed, and out of danger. They offered many resources from therapy to life skills and personal development.”
   “The aftermath of domestic violence is a hard thing to recover from. I took the first full year and a half out of the shelter starting over, building a new life for me and my children. We continued in therapy, slowly learned to trust again, and built a stronger love within the walls of our home.” Poulsen said, “With the services provided by New Hope, I was able to identify abusive behaviors. I learned the cycle of abuse and how to avoid being vulnerable to those types of relationships.”
   Education, therapy and faith allowed Poulsen to move forward in life and in love. Poulsen said, “Because of their help, I can confidently say that 4 months ago I married a man who I fully trust to keep me safe and never put me in harms way.”
   Her husband was at her side, along with her son and daughter at the walk held last week. Poulsen believes that by allowing her children to be involved in the outreach community efforts will enable them to be allies to those in need. “Keeping them involved reminds them that it’s okay to speak out against abuse of any kind, that they as well have a voice to be heard. It also keeps their hearts open to helping other people which is something I’ve been instilling in my children for many years,” said Poulsen.