Pioneer Day Thoughts!

It seems like we haven't had a Pioneer Day celebration in our ward or stake for a very long time.  This photo is from a Ward Pioneer Day picnic from 1993 or 94 I think.  They asked me to be Sister Friendly and tell pioneer stories.  I was an over-achiever then, so I made a new pioneer dress.  (I am pleased to report that I can still get into it - and zip it up all the way!!)

I grew up on pioneer stories.  And I've read lots of them over the years.  I'm sure I have favorites, but I can't recall the references or details - as in names.  But I do remember reading the story about Mary Goble Pay, Sister Hinckley's great-grandmother, whose family was caught in winter snows before making it to the valley.  

I also recall the story of Brother Millet - I cannot recall his first name.  He and his family were pioneering in Southern Utah - Brigham Young sent many to colonize the various parts of the state - and they were all pretty much starving.  One family was in dire straits - Brother Millet did have some provisions - but a man came to him and said, "The Lord told me to come to Brother Millet for help."  Brother Millet shared what little he had, gratefully.  He said, "I can't tell you how good it made me feel to know that the Lord knew who Brother Millet was."

I've always found that story profound and thought-provoking.

So Happy Pioneer Day - just think, if we lived in Utah, it would be a holiday!!

Pioneer Day - 2008

I'm pretty sure I post these same pix every year - but hey, these seem to be the only Pioneer Day pictures I seem to have, so a little review won't hurt!!

Bonny and Harry in 1977 - in the cornfields outside the Cook Apartments in Centerville - the dress is still around and still making the rounds. Can't say the same for Harry's duds - although the hat lasted for a long time.

Hannah and Noah with me in '96 or '97 - or maybe '95? (You'd think that after posting these so often, I'd know the dates!!)

They had me tell pioneer stories that year, so I made the dress - and the pocket lady apron was from my stint as Sister Friendly. If you look closely, you will see a much younger Bill Card and Ruth Rannis.

And the Gutierrez family - when they were a little smaller!! (I mean their family was smaller - not John and Roseann themselves - although the kids in the picture are certainly smaller than they are now!)

Nick Tobin giving the high sign - and do you recognize Diane Seely?? Bishop Cornwall looks the same - just younger.

Rachel and Hannah - and you can see Erin McGlone in the background. I'm not sure what Hannah is doing!!

So what are you doing for Pioneer Day? I'm still playing catch up from the wedding and being gone for 3 weeks. They don't seem to have Pioneer Day celebrations anymore - at least not around here. They were a really big deal there for awhile.

But I will survive - maybe have venison stew for dinner! (j/k!!)