Ernest Hjalmar Stjerndahl 1877-1965

B.  21 March 1877     Bottnaryd, Jonkoping, Sweden
D.  28 September 1965     Denver, Colorado
Buried:   Wheatridge, Colorado

Father:  unknown
Mother: Charlotta Anderson [Why not Andersdotter?]

Siblings:
   Thackla Alvina (aka Ellen) Peterson  1868
   Carl Victor Peterson  1873
   Frans Emil Peterson   1875
   John Walter Peterson   1878
   Olga Marie Peterson   ?

*** Thackla was Charlotta's daughter and Ernest was her son. We don't know the father.
       Carl, Frans and John were the children of John P. Peterson and Charlotta's sister Johanna.
       Olga was daughter of Charlotta and John Peterson.

Mar:  25 October 1899     Alma Christine Rudd      Ong, Nebraska
Mar:  23 July 1918            Florence Olida Moberg    Denver, Colorado

Children:
   Merrill Frithiof Sterndahl    1902
   Laurel Ernest Sterndahl     1905
   Lillian Genevieve Sterndahl     1915
   Doris Ernestine Sterndahl     after 1918

Ernest and Alma

Their home in Ong, Nebraska, l to r, Ernest, Laurel, Merrill, Alma (with two white rabbits) about 1908

1950?

[I don't have much information about Ernest, but here goes. See below for the info I was able to gather on Ernest's mother, step-father, and grandparents.]

Ernest's mother, Charlotta, immigrated from Bottnyard to the United States via Gothenberg on 1 December 1882. Her destination was recorded as Waterville, Kansas. Ernest's sister, Thackla, immigrated in August 1884. She was living with her mother.

Ernest immigrated, also through Gothenberg, on 6 April 1894. His destination was Grand Rapids. Ernest landed in Boston when he was 17 years old. He had been apprenticed to a cabinet-maker in Sweden when his mother left for the US. The dates don't work very well unless he was apprenticed at five years old. I suppose that is possible.

His mother Charlotta was living in Waterville and had married John Peterson, her sister Johanna's widower, and was raising Johanna's three children: Carl Victor, Frans Emil, and John Walter. Charlotta and John later had a daughter, Olga, together. Walter and Emil went to Murray, Utah. These are the uncles that Merrill and Laurel visited and worked with during their trip from Denver to Los Angeles.

Ernest went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and stayed with a cousin for about a year. He had been going by the last name of Johnson (Jonsson?) but in Grand Rapids he began using Stjerndahl. He dropped the "J" when living in Denver in the 1920s. The 1920 census shows the Stjerndahls - Ernst, Florence, Merrill, and Laurel - living in Ong, Clay County, Nebraska. I don't know why his daughters Lillian Genevieve and Dorris were not listed. Ernest became a naturalized US citizen in 1908.

John Peterson, Olga, Charlotta Peterson

This is Charlotta's 1915 obituary:

Mrs. Charlotta Peterson was born in Sweden, March 5, 1843, and died at her home southeast of Waterville Saturday evening, January 30th, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 25 days. She came to America and arrived at Waterville in December, 1882. January 24, 1883, she was married to Mr. J.P. Peterson. To this union two children were born, of whom one daughter, Olga, is left to mourn the loss of a beloved mother. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Sweden and was a true believer in that faith until death, being a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Cottage Hill, at which place the funeral was held Thursday, February 4, and her remains laid to rest by the side of her husband in that cemetery.

John Peterson's February 1913 obituary:

     John P. Peterson was born in Asheda parish of Kronobergsolan, January 25, 1840, and died at his home three miles and a half northeast of Cottage Hill February 9. He was one of the early settlers and one of the charter members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, to which he has always been a faithful member.
     January 24, 1883, he was married to Charlotta Anderson. To this union two children have been born. Only one, Olga Marie, remains to mourn his loss. Mr. Peterson had been married once before to the sister of Mrs. Charlotta. To that union several children were born. His wife and his sons Carl, Emil, and Walter and his daughter Olga remain to mourn him.
     For more than a year he has suffered continually and it has been known for some time that he could not last much longer. He was ready to go and had his faith in the Lord and knew that he would be taken into the everlasting and real happiness in heaven with all saints and saved ones.
     He was buried from the Swedish Lutheran Church on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Lonner conducting the funeral sermon, one in Swedish and one in English. A large gathering was present at his funeral. His boys, Emil and Walter, had come home from Utah to attend the funeral.



Anders Jonsson

B.  1 February 1801 in Bottnaryd Parish, Jonkoping, Sweden
D.  13 February 1871

He was a crofter [tenant farmer] living at Croft Klerebo under the Bottnaryd Vicarage.

He married Lisa Abrahamsdotter (B. 9 June 1811), who was also born in Bottnaryd.

Their children were:
   Johanna Cathrina Andersdotter, 6 December 1834
   Stina (Christina?) Andersdotter, 19 August 1837
   Johan Andersson, 15 April 1840
   Lotta (Charlotta) Andersdotter, 24 February 1843
   Anders Andersson, 12 January 1846
   Carl Andersson, 29 June 1848
   Thilda Andersdotter, 6 October 1853 (D. 10 April 1859)

Johanna Cathrina immigrated to the US in 1966. She was married to John Peterson. She died in 1882 and Charlotta came to the US to marry him.  I think that was a fairly common occurrence in those days.

Pearl America Garland 1897-1996

B.   21 September 1897     Lebanon, Laclede Co., Missouri
M.  21 June 1916               Los Angeles, Calilfornia
D.   4 September 1996       Arcadia, California

Father: John Alexander Garland
Mother: Mary Catherine Barber (aka Molly)

Siblings:
     Mabel Claire Garland - 1889
     Amy Ethel Garland - 1891
     Nellie Jane Garland - 1893
     Augustus Hamlin Garland - 1895
     Gordon Hickman Garland - 1899
     Hazel Glenne Garland - 1902
     Faerie Belle Garland (aka Mickie) - 1905

Husband: Charles Clifford Adams

Children:
     Phyllis Jane Adams - 1916
     Patricia Glenne Adams - 1921
     Peggy Sharon Adams - 1933

Peggy and Cliff - Wedding Picture?

1920s ?

1930s?

 Sister Hazel, brother Gordon, Peggy and sister Nellie Garland - early 1980s?

Peggy with daughters Phyllis, Sharon, and Patti - 1990?

[At my request, in the 1980s, Peggy wrote up a very nice journal of her memories for me. Just before I started this blog, I spent days writing it all into a document on my computer. Now, when it's time to share it here, I cannot find the document. I know I saved it because it took days to write it up. I hope my computer guy will be able to find it for me as soon as he returns from his holiday visit to the US.]

[Although her political beliefs were different from his, Peggy was very proud of her brother Gordon. Below is an article from the 22 May 1986 Visalia Times-Delta that describes his political career.]

FORMER ASSEMBLY SPEAKER GARLAND DIES

Woodlake - Former speaker of the state assembly Gordon Hickman Garland, who one legislator said "brought us city slickers a lot of good advice," died of a heart attack Tuesday night in Exeter Memorial Hospital.

Garland, 88, was a long-time lobbyist, grower, and a Democratic member of the California Assembly from 1936 to 1940, holding the speaker's post in 1940-42.

Garland was a member of Governor Earl Warren's cabinet and state director of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles from 1942 to 1945.
He was a lobbyist for the California Water Association, the Golden Gate Bridge District, California Chiropractic Association and a dental group.

He ran unsuccessfully for the State Board of Equilization in the 1940s and once considered running for governor.

As an Assemblyman he was one of ten sponsors of the Central Valley Project, which brought irrigation water to the San Joaquin Valley, and assisted in the organization of the Stone Corral Irrigation District.

Senator Rosa Ann Vuich, D-Dinuba, said she has known Garland for many years, living near his Woodlake area ranch.

"He was well-respected as a lobbyist, especially on water issues," she said. "I looked to him for his advice concerning water issues."

News of his death came as "quite a blow," she said.

Most recently, Garland was active locally in the effort to thwart State Reclamation Board plans to impose restrictive building regulations in the Cottonwood Creek and St. John's River floodway.

Louise Hill, who lives near the Garlands' groves and is active in the campaign, said "I'm very sorry he passed away. We needed him now. We do need Gordon. We need him bad."

He was to speak to members of the board in Visalia Wednesday evening.

In the legislature, Garland was a conservative who clashed openly with Governor Colbert Olson. After he and nine other Democrats sided with Republicans to take over the majority of the Legislature in the "Economy Bloc," Garland's first act as speaker was to rip a phone out of the podium that had a direct line to the governor's office.

He saved the phone, had it bronzed with an inscription that read, "They do not answer any more."

Later, a legislative investigation revealed the governor's office paid for the bugging of his hotel room. Garland told a reporter in 1983, "The whole country was incensed, it was very much like Watergate."

State Senator Ralph C. Dills, D-Gardena, was first elected to the State Senate in 1939 and said when Garland was named Speaker, "he kicked me off as chairman of the education committee.

"He was an advocate and a friend. He was very strong-willed and an expert in the field of water conservation. He brought us city slickers a lot of good advice and help.

"He had one of the strongest handshakes and grips. You wouldn't want to wear a ring when he shook your hand with that powerful grip. He was kind of a Western man."

Dills said Garland had a "political wisdom that was very rare... He certainly will be missed in Sacramento. His death is a great loss. He lived a wonderful life and was a happy guy."

Tulare County Historian and former Exeter Sun publisher Joe Doctor has known Garland since his days in the legislature, and said, "he was quite a congenial and gregarious kind of man. We supported him in the election. We didn't like the other guy."

Garland was also a sportsman who hunted throughout the world. Doctor said it was Garland who tracked down the body of an Army pilot who crashed his plane in the forest near Oriole Lake in the 1920s.

"He had a lot of fun in the Legislature," Doctor said.

Garland also served as chairman of the State Highway Commission, chairman of the Toll Bridge Authority, and chairman of the commission on Inter-State Cooperation.

He was a charter member of the "Derby Club" where lobbyists and legislators meet for lunch at Posey's Cottage in Sacramento every Tuesday. His picture is on the wall of the restaurant.

Vuich was the first woman invited to join the club, of which Garland remained an active member. He had last attended a meeting of the club several weeks ago.

Judge James D. Garibaldi,  a lobbyist who served in the legislature with Garland and was also a member of the Derby Club said, "He was a fine gentleman whose word was as good as his honor."

One of Garland's neighbors, Bob VanHoy hunted with him for several years. "He was an excellent shot. He was loaded with good stories."

Vuich said that when Garland spent a lot of time in Sacramento, he would stop in her office  and say, "What's new in the neighborhood? Sometimes he would come in and talk about things in the Cutler-Orosi Woodlake area."

Dills said Garland had "plenty of moxie and strength."

Lobbiest Jack Cross said Garland was a "very courtly gentleman of the old school, a distinguished elder statesman."

Garland was born in Lebanon, Missouri, and moved to Tulare County is 1918.

He is survived by his wife, Chinina, a step-son, Frederick Ronstadt of Mexico City; and three daughters, Alice Wilson of Visalia, Letha Martin of Woodlake, and Barbara Ogilvie of Sacramento.

He is also survived by three sisters, 13 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Hadley Funeral Chapel. His body will be cremated and interment will be at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno.

Charles Clifford Adams (1895 - 1954)

b.  3 January 1895    Los Angeles, California

m.  21 June 1916    Los Angeles, California  to Pearl (Peggy) America Garland
d.   18 January 1954    Glendale, California

Father:  Frank Benson Adams
Mother: Fredonia Maston Clifford

Siblings:  Allan Armstrong Adams
               Keith Kenyon Adams
               David Douglas Adams

Children:  Phyllis Jane Adams
                Patricia Glenne Adams
                Peggy Sharon Adams

Peggy and Cliff

[The following is an article from a publication called "Ambition: A Journal of Inspiration to Self Help," put out by International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was written about Clifford Adams in 1927. Sorry, it is very old and one corner of a page is missing.]

"Night Firing" in the Battle of Life by H. F. White

The artillery in the World War was seldom content to halt its work with the coming of darkness. The thunder of the guns continued into the night, and the sullen horizon was often red with the intermittent flash, flash of batteries hurling shells on enemy strongpoints.

The Allies never knew when to "call it a day." They kept pounding away at the job, knowing no time clock or five o'clock whistle, heedless of everything but the great task before them. And they got results - big results! Powerful enemy opposition broke and crumbled under the constant hammering of their shells, and victory perched on their banners.

"Night firing" - a never-ceasing attack on the problems that confront him - is as important to the success of any individual as to that of an army. "Night firing" sweeps away obstacles. "Night firing" paves the way for advancement. "Night firing" gets results. Many successful men testify to that, and C. Clifford Adams, well-known Los Angeles electrical engineer, is one of them.

"I estimate that my evening hours, in the past seventeen years, have been worth more than $40,000 to me," says Mr. Adams, who began at a wage of $5 a week and is now owner-manager of a large and growing business. Ever since that modest beginning he has concentrated the fire of his mental batteries, night and day, on the obstacles in his way. He is still doing it, still spending many spare hours in work and study, and he means to continue. He has no intention of giving to those mental batteries the command "cease firing." For to the man who keeps pace with progress there are always new problems to meet, fresh obstacles to overcome.

"My earliest ambition was to be a locomotive engineer," says Mr. Adams, recalling the days of his boyhood. That was an ambition shared in common with the great majority of American boys. And, no wonder! To pilot a rushing monster of steel and steam is an ambition to thrill the imagination of everybody - and many men. Doubtless Mr. Adams would have made an excellent success of the great business of railroading - his bent was decidedly mechanical - but various elements were at work to turn him to other fields of activity.

"My grandfather," he says, "wanted me to be a civil engineer. I thought civil engineering included steam and electrical work and it appealed to me. But father thought a business course in high school would give me a good groundwork for whatever line I decided to follow, so I began that."

Then a chance offered to go to work in a grocery store, and he left school to get the practical experience. He had been there some months when a friend returning from Alaska stirred him with his accounts of the chances in that northern land for men trained in motorboat repair and construction work. The lad promptly enrolled for an evening course in automobile work. And there began the long years of spare-time application that have paid such handsome dividends.

Mr. Adams chuckles as he tells of his enrollment. "When I went downtown to sign up for the course, my step-mother thought I was going to enter dancing school," he says. "She had always urged me to develop the social side of my nature, and she thought dancing school would help to do it. But social affairs never held any great attraction for me, and mechanics did, so I elected to spend my evenings listening to motor music rather than to dance music."

The automobile course interested Adams so much that in 1910 he gave up the job in the grocery store and began to follow his mechanical bent by taking a job with the U. S. Electric Company, in Los Angeles. The wage, $5 a week, wasn't much, but he was doing the thing he liked to do, and he put his feet firmly on the first rungs of the ladder of success when he took that place.

He was inquisitive about the why and wherefore of everything he did, and everlastingly active in his quest for knowledge. "I made friends with the men in the shop." he says. "and they gave me a great deal of information. Later on, when I began to take on more difficult work, these friendships were increasingly valuable.

It was worth a great deal to be able to consult with men of excellence and wide experience on problems of design or construction that puzzled me. The man who makes himself agreeable to his fellow workmen in any job not only makes his daily task more pleasant, but vastly increases his opportunities for self-improvement as well."

The young man began working out designs and problems in the shop, and soon discovered that a knowledge of drafting would be of great practical value to him. So he enrolled for a drafting course. There were those in the shop, and among his friends outside, who laughed at him for thus working overtime. For them, the day was done when the whistle blew. They didn't realize the value of night firing.

"I set myself a program of two hours a night, five nights a week, for study," says Mr. Adams, "and I stuck to it. After putting in my nine hours at the shop I would go home, wash up, have my supper, and sit down at once to my books. Usually I could get to my studying about seven o'clock. I worked right through until nine or a little after, and then went to bed. I had to be at the shop at 7 A.M., and I figured I couldn't afford to cheat myself on sleep.

"Saturday night I kept open for recreation, and I guess I enjoyed it twice as much because I knew that I had put in a good, full week. A certain amount of play, of recreation, is necessary to every one, but the young fellow who gives all his evenings to enjoying himself isn't going to get far. He will come to the point where he won't have much to enjoy himself on.

"Plenty of gray-haired old fellows are working along from day to day, at a small wage, because they hadn't the foresight, and the will power, to use their spare time to advantage when they were young. They work in constant fear of the blue envelope, which usually shows up sooner or later. Old and penniless! Pretty tough, but they have only themselves to blame. They were too careless with their play hours."

Mr. Adams took on more and more work at the shop, and kept up his studying, until one evening the boss said to him: "You'd better show up with a white collar, tomorrow."

"How come?" asked Adams.

The boss explained that the company's draftsman was leaving. He had learned that Adams was studying drafting, and he asked him to bring his drafting instruments and finish a job on which the other man had been working. Adams did. He finished that job and others. He was getting $6 a week then, and this was increased to $7.

"I worked for quite a while at $7," he smiles, "and, sometimes, with the press of work, I thought I was abused. But I kept in mind my Dad's advice that experience was worth everything, and I stuck to the job at $7 and said nothing. And then, one payday, I found $12 in my pay envelope instead of $7, and I decided it had paid pretty well to keep pounding away."

In 1912 Adams enrolled for the I.C.S. course in Electrical Engineering, and with increasing knowledge came increased pay and greater responsibilities. He was working in the machine shop and in the drafting room, and when the man in charge of the winding and testing department died, he took on that job, too. But that wasn't enough. He began to be sent out on field work as well, making estimates on machinery installations and changes.

In the shop he found much interest in working out new designs. This he did partly by established principles and partly by the "cut and try" method. When the work in the drafting room, and conferences over technical points, still left doubt, he "knew his stuff" so well that he could take the job into the shop and by actually making and testing of the device discover its good and bad features, and thus work toward a perfect product. The plant is still making essentially the same motor that he designed for them.

Meantime, the night work went on. He learned how to study to the best advantage. He began to use the time spent on the street car each morning and evening in study, as well as the hours at home. Keeping up his schedule of five nights a week, two hours a night, he finished the five year I.C.S. course in Electrical Engineering in three years and ten months.

"I discovered a lot of things about studying," he said. "I taught myself to concentrate on everything I did. There would come times when I couldn't seem to do this, when I would get tired or sleepy, and my mind would wander away from my work in spite of all my efforts. I found that at such times, the best thing was to drop the work, for the time being, and pick up a fiction story or some other light reading. After a half hour or so with the story, I would be able to go back to my work with new energy and interest.

"But let me say a word of warning to those who may think of trying this method - don't get so interested in your fiction that you forget to go back to work! Use the light reading as a means to an end, but don't let it throw you off the track.

"There are so many things that will throw a man off the track unless he keeps close watch. But when the temptation comes to neglect your study, just picture in your imagination, the things you want to accomplish by that study. Picture, too, where you are likely to be at 60 if you just slide along. And don't ever think that tomorrow will do as well as today to begin plugging, because it won't.

"The thing I have always tried to do in my reading and studying is to teach myself to think. I try to get the salient facts, and to learn how to put those facts to practical application in my work. I don't try merely to learn a lot of stuff by heart. And in the manner of formulas I find it better not to cram a lot of them into my head. When I need to use a certain formula I know where I can find it, and the book is handy. Use your brain to think with, to get the meat out of what you hear and read, and not merely as a warehouse of assorted facts.

"I believe," he continued, "that the public schools would do their pupils a far greater service if they taught them to think, and to see the meaning and the practical application of the things they are studying. The brains of a lot of students are like sponges, soaking up facts and information without the slightest idea of how to use them.

"It is really surprising what a man can do with his mind if he isn't afraid to make it work. The brain is like a muscle; it grows by exercise. I found that the more I studied the more efficient I became. Things that I couldn't do at all in the beginning became easy. For example, by practice I came to be able to do the cube root of six or seven figures in my head. By concentrating I could see the figures as clearly as though they were on paper before me. What you can do with your brain depends on what you want to do with it, and how hard you are willing to work."

Mr. Adams remained with the U.S. Electric Company for five years. He was a lad of fifteen when he began; a green hand knowing virtually nothing of electrical work. When he left the company, at twenty, he was at home, and valuable, in almost any department of the business.  Night study had enabled him, in five brief years, to overcome obstacles that most men never get past in a lifetime of routine effort.

He went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he specialized in auto magneto work. He remained there five years. He kept up his correspondence courses, adding new ones from time to time. Thus he studied the subject of efficiency, character analysis, business administration, and others as well. For a time, in Phoenix, he taught a class of young shopmen, who paid him $1 per hour each for the instruction.

His I.C.S. textbooks are on the shelves of his reference library today, and they show marks of constant use. Mr. Adams never went to college, but he has a better technical library than most graduates of technical institutes, and he knows what the books contain.

He keeps his library in his shop, ready to hand at any moment. There is one large bookcase of five shelves, filled with books, and ---------------- volumes on another shelf ------------ library are the books of all the various correspondents and night school courses he has taken, and he has taken six. All of them have to do, directly or indirectly, with his business. For this member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers is a specialist. Underline that word "specialist" in red ink, for it is the secret of the success of many men of achievement - concentration on one certain line of effort, just as artillery concentrates its fire, for maximum effect.

"Let a man choose the work he likes to do, and then put the whole of himself into it, until he knows it from the inside out and from the outside in, and he will not only succeed in it, but he will find it more and more interesting as time goes on," says Mr.Adams.

"I find that a good way to avoid monotony is to try, on every job I tackle, to discover some new and better way to do it. If a man goes on, day after day, doing the same old thing in the same old way, letting his hands work while his brain sleeps, he gets sick of his job. And then he begins to think of getting some other kind of work, where he imagines there will be more interest.

"But it will be the same old story, most likely, in anything he tackles. As soon as the work becomes automatic he loses interest. If he will put his mind on what he is doing, trying to improve his method, he will do the work better and better, and it will never grow monotonous."

But of course, as Mr. Adams discovered a long time ago, you can't very well figure out better ways of doing a thing unless you have a fund of information regarding that thing, and unless you know how to think. And that brings us right back to the matter of spare time work. Mr. Adams began getting down to brass tacks with that first automobile course, and he has been digging deep into his specialty ever since.

More than $40,000 - that's the estimate he places on his spare time work. Let's figure that out. Spread over the seventeen years since he left school, it amounts to about $2,400 per annum. Of course it didn't begin yielding big money returns at once. That kind of progress takes time to gain momentum. At $7 a week this young man doubtless had moments of discouragement, when he was tempted to quit the whole thing. Then the spare time work began to pay dividends - in cold cash. It has been paying dividends ever since, bigger and bigger as the years go on.

Mary Alta Wilkins (1909-1994)

B. 15 March 1909     Washington, Utah

D.  18 August 1994   Auburn, California

Mother: Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters

Father: Judson Heber Wilkins

Siblings: Walter Bagshaw (half-brother)

              Zella Bagshaw (half-sister)

              (3 more babies died at birth)

              Heber Bensen Wilkins

              Adelia Wilkins (died at age 11)

Mar.    24 June 1929     Los Angeles, California      Laurel Ernest Sterndahl

           15 Dec 1942.     Los Angeles, California      Merrill Frithiof Sterndahl

Children: Kenneth Laurel Sterndahl

               Dennis Merrill Sterndahl

           

I don't know the year, but she was pretty young

Merrill and Alta wedding reception, 1942

Merrill and Alta

late 1980s or early 1990s

[Alta wrote this memory journal about 1990 after a request by her great-niece Pam Rogers Stinson.]

I dedicate this to my wonderful mother, Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters Bagshaw Wilkins. She was born January 27th, 1868, in Beaver, Utah. Mother was some less than five feet tall. She probably was five feet when she was young. Brownish hair. Grey eyes. Her hair would probably be on the thin side.

Mother was happy and a wonderful caring person. She was widowed for the second time when I was six years old. She was first married to Walter S. Bagshaw. They had five children. They lost three babies. They raised two, Walter and Zella Bagshaw. Their first son was Walter S. Bagshaw, born 23 December 1890. Their daughter Zella was born 7 October 1896.

Mother's second husband was Heber Judson Wilkins. Their first child was Heber Benson Wilkins born 29 November 1901. Their daughters Adelia, born 4 November 1904 and Mary Alta, 15 March 1909.

Mother had a wonderful memory. Wish I had one half as good. She did not have time for much of anything except to work as her parents had a large family. She only had two years of schooling. Remember, this was back in 1868. She used to work for a lady who paid her with material. This lady had her mop the floors with milk or cream as they didn't have such things as wax. She was a small little lady and it hurts me to think of the hard time she had raising her family. Eight children in all. She lost three at birth. She was completely honest in everything she ever did. She didn't have much but she always paid her tithing. This was very important to her. She had her home in Delta, Utah. My sister's husband built it for her with the help from my brother Heber. 

Heber worked to buy material as well as working on the house. When Zella and I had her come to California to live, she gave the home to him. He had a large family and I am getting ahead of my story. 

When Zella was young she went to Salt Lake to live with my brother Walter and his wife Della. She got her first job with Sweets Candy Co. She worked dipping chocolates. She met Robert Graham and they fell in love and married. Walter and Della eventually moved back to Delta. Mother had a large piece of property that she divided into four pieces. She gave Walter his and he built his home on it. Bob and Zella in time moved back to Delta and they, in turn, built a home on theirs. Heber was to have the piece where the home stood, and of course there was a piece for me. Things changed during the years. I came to California and I gave mine to Heber. 

Our brother Walter died at 34 years old and his wife sold their home and she took her family to Idaho to live. Zella and Bob came to California. In due time they sent for me to come to them as Zella was ill. Bob asked mother to let me come to be with her. This is why I arrived in California at age 16. I am now 81 years old as of March 15, 1990. I have two sons, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

I will try to give a little history of our homes through the years.

Washington, Utah, I have no memory of as our family moved to Hinkley, Utah. My dad had a brother Fred who lived there and he wanted Dad to come there to live. It was a pretty town, old but lots of beautiful trees. Uncle Fred had a large family. He had several redheads in it. My brother Heber had red hair and no freckles. I didn't have red hair but I got the freckles.

Our home is not too clear in my mind, but I think it was a tent house. I remember Mother saying your home is your home even if you live In a tent.

When my dad died I was almost six years old. Another brother of his Uncle Jim, with Aunt Martha, wanted Mother to come to Delta to be near them. That home was a small house. I remember it had tar paper on it. It also had a cellar. 

I was still young when Bob built Mother's home. I am 14 years younger than Zella. We felt like we had a mansion and it was a beautiful house. We had only one bedroom, livingroom, and large kitchen. Heber slept in the livingroom, Mother and I in the bedroom. Years later when Mother came to California and she had given Heber the home, he built another bedroom and a bathroom. They also had running water which we didn't have. They still had the wood and coal stove. Both Mother and Eva were good cooks. Mother made wonderful pies. Zella and I took after her for pie baking but we had an easier way of baking them.

I remember when we first got electricity. Also a big thrill when Heber bought a silver tone phonograph. This came from Sears in Salt Lake City. 

(Pam, I am jumping all around with this. I am surprised at myself that I told you I would try to do this for you. Please be patient with me. At 81 this has been a big job.)

More about my mother. She was given so many names Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters plus two married names, so you can understand why she gave your Nana one [Zella]. I had two - Mary Alta. She wanted to give me only one but these circumstances came up. My mother and her sister Martha married two brothers. My dad was Jud and his brother Jim. The two sisters had babies 2 hours and 45 minutes apart. Since we were so close in time of birth, as well as blood relationship, Aunt Martha wanted us to have twin names. Mother wanted me to be Mary but Aunt Martha would not settle for Marion. So they settled on Mary Alta and James Alton. Needless to say, Alton and I grew up together and we're always very close.

My mother and father lived in Washington, Utah, when I was born. When I was two years old they moved to Hinkley, Utah. Dad had a brother Fred who lived there. Uncle Fred had a large family. I remember he had several red-headed children. My brother Heber had red hair and no freckles. I didn't have red hair but I got the pesky freckles. Oh, how I hated them!

I do not remember too much about my dad, but I do remember how I loved him. One day when I was playing in ashes left from a fire out in the yard, I lost my ring. It was only out of a Cracker Jacks or something like that, but I was broken-hearted. My dad got down on his knees and really searched for it, but needless to say we did not find it. Another time when I was in kindergarten, I came home crying and so scared and my dad took care of it. I was going home from school and some big boys told me they were going to cut my ears off. I didn't want to go back to school. My dad took me by the hand and we went back to the school. I don't know what he did about it but they never bothered me again. 

My dad died just before I turned six years old. His bother Jim persuaded Mother to bring her family to be near him and Aunt Martha. They lived in Delta, Utah. This was the couple who the two brothers married the two sisters. Uncle Jim, within a few years, passed away. This left the two sisters widowed. They were very close, like my sister Zella and I. Mother had a hard time making a living. The only thing she could do was take in washing and ironing. We had to haul our water from Aunt Martha's. There was no well on the property Mother bought. For a few years we had a large sugar factory built in Delta. Mother and Aunt Martha were lucky to get jobs. I know they sewed on large machines. I also know one of the jobs was making sugar sacks. In time the sugar beet growers and the factory owners were not able to come to an agreement and they moved the factory out of Delta.

When Heber married, he and his wife Eva lived with Mother and I. Eva was wonderful about helping Mother with the washing and ironing that Mother was forced to go back to doing. This was where Eva had most of her family. They had nine children. I speak of this again later in my writing.

Mother was a healthy little person but giving birth to her children was a very difficult time for her. I, her eighth child, was the only one she had a doctor for. Aunt Martha used to tell her how easily she gave birth but Mother was not so fortunate. I took after my mother as I nearly lost both of my babies and my own life. My Kenny and my Denny are my pride and joy. I have never stopped thanking my Heavenly Father for blessing me that I was spared to raise them. 

Laurel and I were married eleven years and at that time polio took him from us. Over two years later I married Laurel's brother Merrill. We have been married 47 years as of December 15. 

Mother was born in Beaver, Utah, and to my knowledge a team of horses and a wagon were their mode of traveling. After my dad died and we moved to Delta, walking was our way of traveling. We lived in town so we did not have far to go to church, school, markets, and post office. The train went through Delta. 

Heber taught me to dance when I was quite young and I taught my friends. I had a cousin who, through the years, thanked me over and over. He was a beautiful dancer - Robert Wilkins. He has been gone for a number of years. We had a large dance hall in town. It was also used as a skating rink. This brings to mind that I did more skating than walking. 

We lived for years with coal oil lamps and an outhouse. One Halloween it was dumped over. This was something that the boys did just for fun. 

I left Delta at age 16 and came to California to live with Zella and Bob in Los Angeles. I was not there very long when I was offered a job in a small grocery store that had a soda fountain, sundries, canned and fresh fruit and vegetables. It was quite a little market. Zella traded there and one day the owner asked her if she thought I would like to work for him and that is where I started my working years. 

I soon became home sick for Mother, Heber and my friends and wanted to return to Utah. Zella talked me into giving her enough money to come back to California if I decided I wanted to. I gave here the money but I knew in my mind I would not be back. Within two weeks, I had her send the money and I was glad to be back in L.A. I went back to work in the grocery store.

At this time Zella and I decided to have Mother come to California to live. It was two years before she made the move. I had decided to spread my wings and took the street car and went into Los Angeles. I got a job in a drugstore. I loved those big street cars and hated it when they were replaced by buses. That was years later.

Getting back to my job. One of our delivery men and I became acquainted. He wanted me to meet his friend, Lou. I was only five feet tall and did not care for tall men. Anyway, I asked him if this person he wanted me to meet was tall and he said yes. That fixed it. I refused to meet him. He kept after me for a long time. Then one day he had his wife come in and she introduced herself and we had a nice visit. She wanted very much for me to come to dinner and meet their friend. They both thought the world of him. I finally said yes. This Laurel was supposed to pick me up after work. He had a roadster. The fellow who came for me was friendly and nice and we got on our way. We only went about a mile or so and he got out and Laurel got in. These were brothers. Laurel had been getting a haircut and would have been late so he had Merrill pick me up and bring me to him. He told me it was love at first sight for him but it took me a little longer. Anyway, we met in September and were married the following June. We were deeply in love and eleven years was such a short time to be together. Laurel and I had two little sons, Kenneth Laurel and Dennis Merrill. We had so much to live for but it wasn't to be. 

Before Lou and I were married his dad wanted Merrill to come back to Denver to drive him and the family to Brockton, Massachesetts, so he was not able to stay for our wedding. During the time of our courtship, Merrill joined Lou and I on a lot of our dates as we went so many places: beaches, mountains, visiting friends of theirs in Long Beach and different places. Zella always included Mel when she had special dinners. 

Some months after Lou died, Merrill came back to California and we fell in love and married. My boys love him like a father and Mel says he couldn't love them more if they were his own. It has all worked out so beautifully. Mel was forty and I 33 when we were married and we are now 87 and 81. We have been married 47 years. Mel will be 88 on June 9, 1990.

The home Bob built for me after Lou died was a livingroom, two bedrooms, dining room. Extra large kitchen, lots of cupboards, large pantry and back porch. We had a double garage that Mel took over for a workshop. He was a machinist by trade and he had a lot of machines and tools in the garage. I don't think he had any idea of the help he was giving the boys as they grew up. They have each used a lot of what Mel taught them in their work. 

Kenneth at age 59 is retiring and buying a motor home so he and Sharon can travel and yet have their lovely home to come back to before starting all over again. Our Dennis is building a new home. The one they sold was beautiful. This one is even larger. We are so very proud of our sons and we love them and their families so much. Our two sons and their wives have given us five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Merrill and I moved to Redding, California, in 1969 after selling our home in Glendale. We bought a Fleetwood mobile home. We first lived in Park Villa mobile home park for 15 months, then we bought a lot in Summit City and had it moved to our new location. It is a 12' X 60' and has 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, livingroom, kitchen, and dining room combined. We love our home and the area. We have a market, barber shop, post office, and only 2 1/2 miles to Shasta Lake with 365 miles of shoreline. This is a beautiful lake. Mel loves to fish. He also does some fishing on the Sacramento River and Whiskytown Lake. He had no trouble retiring. He has a small workshop and always finds something to do. We never get bored. We go to Redding often. Have so many large malls and stores. Redding's population now tops 60,000 - 1990 estimate 63,412. When we came here 21 years ago, it was 18,500.

I just received a phone call from my niece Mae. She is the daughter of my brother Walter. She is the last one alive of Walter's family and I am the last one of Mother's family. Mae lives in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Walter's wife Della had Mae three months after I was born, which made me a very young aunt. When we were children, if Mae ever wanted to tease me, she would call me Aunt Alta. This is the same situation, Pam, that you and your mom had when she had Jeanne just before you had Jeff. I love hearing from Mae. 

Walter died when I was quite young and I have no pictures of him. Mae has promised she would send me one. I do not remember if Zella had any of him. He was a natural blonde and very handsome man. Your nana and he were both very good looking. I love my sister Zella so much. Mel and I speak of her often. We used to drive down and bring her up here. We did this twice a year. This was after she couldn't ride the bus anymore and she would not fly. Mel loved her like she was his sister, and when Lou was alive, he felt the same way. We have always been very close. After your Gramp died I was with her every day for one solid year. Then we rented our home and moved to downtown Glendale. We had an apartment about four blocks from her's. We spent lots of time together. I know how lonely she was as I had gone through the same experience when I lost Lou. 

In April of 1989 we drove to Southern California to be with Ken and Sharon. We were with them ten days. First we went to Palm Springs to see Tami and Kurt. Tamie had just had a new little baby girl, Ashlie, and her little brother Teter was two years old. Kurt has since married and we were with him on his wedding day. Dennis and Judy drove us to Reno for the wedding. We also went to Oceanside to see Louise and Ross. Sharon had Carl, June, and Jeanne over one evening. Then we went to Port Hueneme to see Bob, Phyllis, and their large family. Bob and Phyllis had June, Carl, and Jeanne come to be with all of us. It was wonderful seeing all of them.

When Walter died, he and Della had four children - Walter, Mar [?], Zella, and Douglas.

Bob and Zella had three - Louise, Bob, and June.

Heber had nine - Terry, Jean, Debera [?], twins Ronald Lee and Donald Lou, Arlene, Jerry, Tim, and Karen.

Lou and I had two - Kenneth Laurel and Dennis Merrill.

Lou died September 25, 1940. He was only 35 years old. I was 31. We were living in Highland Park, a suburb of Los Angeles. Mother, Kenny, Denny, and I continued to live there while Bob built out home in Glendale. Bob took time off from his carpenter job to build it. Our home was about five blocks from Zella and Bob. I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for my wonderful sister and her Bob. Mother helped me through those trying times. I loved and clung to her. She was my refuge. Kenny was nine and Denny had just turned four, and they were too young to lose their father. 

Not only Zella and Bob, but others who loved us felt that a home for us was the best thing I could do for my family with the life insurance Lou had left me. They were so right. At the time, I was not able to cope on my own. 

Merrill Frithiof Sterndahl (1902-1993)

b.   9 June 1902
m. 15 December 1942
d.   2 November 1993

Father:  Ernest Hjalmar Stjerndahl
Mother:  Alma Christine Rudd

Siblings:  Laurel Ernest Sterndahl
              Lillian Genevieve Sterndahl
              Doris Ernestine Sterndahl (half-sister)

Wife:  Mary Alta Sterndahl

Children:  Step-father to Kenneth Laurel Sterndahl and  Dennis Frithiof Sterndahl

Two years old

1919  - 17 years old

I've always loved this one, but I don't have a date for it.

Alta and Mel

1980s?

June 9, 1992 - Mel's 90th birthday - with Ken and Dennis

Merrill (Mel) married his brother's widow two years after Laurel's death and was a great father to his brother's sons and a wonderful grandfather to their children.

[I have two journals written by Mel, one which he kept as he and his brother traveled and worked their way from Denver, Colorado, to Los Angeles, California, in 1927, and another, shorter one that he started in 1987 because he knew I was collecting "memories". I'll start with the shorter one because it starts at his birth. All spelling and punctuation are his.]

On this 9th day of June, 1987, on my 85th birthday, I start this journal. I was born in Ong, Clay County, Nebraska. I was born in the home of my Uncle Carl and Aunt Minnie Sandberg. Dad and Mother were living on a farm near Ong. I remember one thing about the farm. I was around three years of age. Uncle Oscar, Mother's brother, was visiting us and while they were in the house talking, our dog and I wandered off in a field near the house. When they found me, I was hanging onto the long hair of the dog. That night after supper, Dad, Mom, and Uncle Oscar were in the living room talking. Uncle Oscar was telling them about a bad disaster, and I think it was the San Francisco earthquake. While they were talking, I crawled out of my highchair and started licking on a big dish of butter. I was a grown man before I ate butter again.

Dad was an apprentice cabinet maker in Sweden and left there at the age of 17. He was born in a small town near Jonkoping. He landed in Boston, Massachusetts, after a three week trip on a steam-sail ship. Then he went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and stayed there about a year. His mother and sister Ellen had come to America and settled in Waterville, Kansas. His mother had married _______ Peterson and they had three children: Walter, Emil, and Olga. Dad moved to Kansas in ______ but I don't know how long he was there and I don't know when he went to Ong, but Dad and Mom were married there.

Ong was a small town in a very good farming country. It was about 85 miles southwest of Lincoln and 30 miles north of the Kansas line. It was a pretty little town. Lots of big trees. It had two stores, one owned by Uncle Carl and Uncle Oscar, a hotel, a barber shop, a restaurant, two banks, a garage, two grain elevators, a hardware store, a blacksmith shop, a broom factory, and at one time, a saloon. It had a population of about 200. We lived on a large lot, about 150 by 150 feet, near the school.

Dad and Mother were married in Ong and Laurel, Gen, and I were born there. Mother passed away at the age of 44 on April 30, 1917. She had a heart attack and pneumonia.

Dad and Florence Moberg were married in Chicago in July of 1918. While they were in Chicago, I got cut by a window breaking. It cut off part of my tongue and I got a bad cut on my lower lip. It took 18 stitches to stitch me up. I left Ong in the later part of July, 1919, and went to Lincoln. Just before I went there, I climbed the 75 foot flagpole they had put up in honor of the service men in World War I. As far as I know, I was the only one to climb it.

My cousin Jay [Joy?] Berquist had come home from the service and went back to work at the Nebraska Buick Auto Company. I went to Lincoln and he got me a job there. It was the second largest Buick dealer in the country. I was in the parts and shipping department. Soon after I got to Lincoln, I met a friend that I knew when we lived in Upland. Andy and I had a lot of good times together. Neither of us had a car and we used to take long walks. He worked for the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company. Later he was transferred to Kansas.

On May 19th, 1920, I got sick and had an appendicitis operation. My appendix ruptured during surgery. I had a drainage tube in me and was in the hospital for 15 days. Dad had moved to Denver, and when I was able to travel, I went there, too. It took me about a year to get over my operation. I got a job in a large printing shop as an apprentice illustrator. I worked there almost two years and then took a job as a driver and yard man for a Denver millionaire who had the Packard car agency. I got to drive two 12-cycle Packards, an electric[?] and the first Packard six roadster in Denver. I only stayed there about six months and then went to work at the McClintock office building. I was a maintenance helper there. I got some good experience there and have had to use it many times since. I went back to the Buick in Lincoln and was there about three months and then back to Denver.

I got back a few days before the 15th of June, which was opening day of fishing season on Lost Lake, near Eldora, Colorado, at over 8,500 feet elevation. Laurel, a friend Leo, and I were up there a week and sure had a good time and some good fishing.

 

The journal in two volumes

A map of the trip.

                                 

Westward Ho
California Bound
July 19 to October 24, 1927
C. W. Brynn
L. E. Sterndahl
M. F. Sterndahl
and our noble Ford, "Spirit of Denver"

July 19, 1927
After many weeks of waiting we are now ready to start on our trip to California. Everything is ready and all that is left is bid goodbye and be gone. At 10 am we left our downtown room and headed west over West Colfax, out onto the Golden road to Rock Rest where we took the Mt. Vernon Canyon Road to Bergen Park and the on to Idaho Springs. From Idaho Springs it is 510 miles to Salt Lake City. Leaving Idaho Springs we were soon climbing Berthoud Pass. Going in high all the way. We were at the top, altitude 11,306', at 1:20 where we took some pictures. We had good roads and wonderful scenery. We also showed our rear license plate to several cars going up the pass. The roads on the western side of the pass were rough so we took it easy as we planned on making Tabernash and then stop for the night. We passed through West Portal and Fraser and then we came to Tabernash. From there we drove five miles to the Just Ranch where we spent the night. The supper and breakfast that we had with them was enjoyed very much.

Wed., second day, 7/20/27
We left the Just Ranch at 9:30 AM and were soon in Cranby. We stopped there a few minutes and then drove on to the Blayney Ranch where we inquired about work. Before we got to Cranby we crossed the Fraser River and after leaving town we crossed the Colorado River, and the two join on Blayney Ranch. There are but few trees in the section and every thing is covered with sagebrush. Not a pleasant country to spend much time in. We had some good roads from Hot Sulphur Springs to Parshal and the they were fairly good, although rough in some places. After leaving Kremmling all we could see was sagebrush and no trees. As we began to climb Rabbit Ear Pass we found some trees and many flowers. We took pictures at the top and had to fix the fan pulley on the car. The altitude was 9,406 feet on the pass. After leaving the top we stopped at the bottom of a hill for water and were just starting out again when a Chevrolet tried to pass us but we ran away form it and never saw it again. We had good roads and very pretty scenery all the way to Steamboat Springs. We were high above the valley and it was a wonderful sight. The trees came to the edge of the road and were very thick. Ferns were waist high in the gulches. Then we had eight miles of bad roads and we arrived in Steamboat Springs at 5 pm. We stopped for some bread and bacon and then drove on looking for a camping place along the Bear River. We pitched our tent and then went fishing. We had several strikes and I landed a 10 inch rainbow. We fished until 8 o'clock and then came back to camp and had our supper and then went to bed.

Thur., 3rd Day, 7/21/27
We got up early and started fishing. Laurel caught a rainbow soon after starting. I had a strike and then caught one from a bridge. Didn't expect to land it from the position I was in but luck was with me. Brynn had a strike on a Royal Coachman and a hard strike on a wooden plug but couldn't hook. I hooked another one and almost had him to land and he got away. Then we had breakfast and at 11:45 we were on our way. We are now about 170 miles from Denver. After leaving Milner we saw nine oil wells and later passed through two coal mining towns, Bear River and another town near, but we did not find the name of it. We drove on to Hayden where we put up on a ranch for the night. We fished in the afternoon with no luck. Then I wrote a letter home and we went uptown and bought some grub. Later in the evening it rained hard. We may stay here a few days and work in the hay fields.

Friday, fourth day, 7/22/27
Up at 7 o'clock and went fishing. No luck with trout but Laurel caught five large suckers. One was about 18 inches long. They put up a good fight for awhile. Laurel is getting breakfast now. We all need a shave but have no mirror, will have to use a tin plate I guess. At 5 o'clock we drove out to ranch five miles east of town to see about work. After waiting two hours the foreman was still back in the hills with some cattle so we drove back to town. Had supper and then walked uptown to kill some time. Dempsey KO's Sharkey. Hurray.

Sat. fifth day, July 23, 1927
Brynn and I went hunting this morning and Brynn shot a nice young rabbit. I saw one but didn't get a shot at it. Our grub and money is running low so everything counts. There are lots of mosquitos here and they sure do like me. We had a real dinner today. Had fried rabbit, milk gravy, bacon, peas, and coffee. After dinner Laurel and I went out to a ranch to see about work but they had all the help they needed. As we left there it started to "rain". On the way back we passed two negroes who were having trouble so we pulled them into Hayden. Got a dollar for that. "Rained" hard all the way in. Brynn was going to start work at noon but the rain held them back. Wish it would quit raining so we could go to work. After we got home we played cards and then I took a nap. After supper we went downtown. The chautauqua starts tomorrow.

Sun., Sixth day, 7/24/27
Just arrived at camp from a little side trip. We left at 10 o'clock this morning and drove about 20 miles to Fish Creek. The creek is small and the willows are so thick it is very hard to fish. The fishing was disappointing as Brynn caught two small ones and Laurel got one that was too small to keep. Later we tried another place and Laurel got two in a few minutes. On the way back a rabbit crossed the road and we tried to hunt for it bit it got away in the sage brush. A few minutes later we saw another rabbit and Brynn shot it , also cleaned it with the same shot. We lost the crank pin on the motor and stopped to look for it and I saw another rabbit but didn't get a shot. We walked down the road looking for the pin and found a big rattlesnake. It looked like a big bull snake as none of us had seen a rattler of such color and spots. It was as big around as my wrist and five feet long. After driving a few miles we decided to work a dry wash looking for rabbits. Brynn spotted one but had no shells so Laurel shot at it. He had a new rear sight and was the first time he had used it. He hit the rabbit but only crippled it and it got away. We looked for it but couldn't find it so started back to the car. Laurel saw one more and I shot and cleaned it. Our shells are running low as I have only one left. Hope to get some more soon. We had a pretty good day and after our rabbit and trout supper tonight I am sure we can call the day "well spent".

Monday, Seventh day, 7/25/27
Up at 5:30 this morning to begin haying. Brynn is going to stack and I'm going to drive a buck rake. I helped repair my rake and it was noon before we finished. The afternoon went pretty good for the first day but the stacker broke down but we soon had it going again. Laurel got a job on another ranch and will start tomorrow. We may stay the rest of the week but we haven't decided yet. Hope we can hit the trail again soon.

Tuesday, Eighth day, 7/26/27
We left Denver a week ago this morning. We are busy haying now. No rain altho it tried to this afternoon. I helped Brynn on the stack for awhile this afternoon and we finished the first stack. Will finish the piece in the morning. Laurel started work this morning on the John Adair ranch. This evening Brynn and I went downtown after supper and bought some tobacco and played two games of pool. Haven't had much money so go uptown mostly to kill time when we haven't anything else to do.

Wednesday, Ninth day, 7/27/27
We finished our first stack today and started the second. It rained a little at noon but not enough to stop work. Brynn got sick this afternoon so I took his place for awhile and then the boss took it until quitting time. Laurel came in this evening. He left the car on the road and went to open the gate. When he looked around the car had run into an irrigation ditch about three feet deep. One wheel stayed in the culvert and the other one went to the bottom of the ditch. The car was twisted pretty bad but I don't think there was any damage done. If any, it would be a twisted frame. With a little help we soon got it back on the road. Laurel and I shaved and I washed a shirt. Brynn went up in the loft early and went to sleep.

Thursday, 10th day, 7/28/27
Laurel didn't work today so went fishing. They said at the ranch that they would give him a free dinner if he would bring a mess of fish to them. At 11 o'clock he had three big suckers, one trout and one grayling. He went out to dinner and then came back to town. We didn't work this afternoon as we had caught up. We finished our second stack and the stacker moved before dinner. I stayed home and mended shirts and wrote a letter. Brynn and Laurel went fishing. Laurel is gong back to work tomorrow. He is stacking. In the evening we went uptown.

Friday, 11th day, 7/29/27
It rained hard last night and this morning so we couldn't work any today. We had late breakfast and then laid around. About 11 o'clock Brynn and Laurel took the car and went fishing. I stayed home, did some sewing, made a leather hat band and also two small branding irons. I marked my hat band and my cartridge belt. The ranch brand is _____ and my last initial is S so I used the diamond for my mark. The boys got caught in a heavy rain on their trip. Had lots of mud and both the car and they were covered with  mud. They had to use chains and they helped push some cars that were stuck. They got one fish and none of us knew for sure what it was.  Believe it is a squawfish. We have seen several kinds of fish that we didn't know. After they got back Brynn and I each made an airplane spinner. Brynn is making another one now. I also made a candle lantern. We have a real blacksmith shop here. A candle for a forge, a drop or two of water to temper the hooks in. We have a drill, pliers, files, hammers, and a pair of four inch snips that we use to cut tin, wire, toenails, also cloth, paper, and thread. The boss had a nephew visit here and he was up in California Park and he came back this noon and had a fine mess of fish with him. So we had a trout supper and it sure went fine. I ate three of them myself.

Saturday, 12th day, 7/30/27
This morning Brynn and I each made some more spinners. It had rained so we couldn't work. I also made a new case for my fish rod. In the afternoon we went fishing. Brynn caught a grayling. Laurel caught two suckers and a squawfish and a mud pout. They gave them to Mr. Sellers and they had them for Supper. Ed and Lou went up to Elk Head. Saw two sage hens on the way.

Sunday, 13th day, 7/31/27
We worked this afternoon in the fields but we had a breakdown and spent most of the time fixing the stacker. I was on the mower for awhile. In the morning I made another case for a fish rod. Brynn started to make a knife and broke his pliers in doing so. Two girls for San Antonio, Texas, spent the night with Ed and they also had breakfast with us this morning. They are on a long hike and are on their way home. They went through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah and Colorado. Six girls were making the hike, and to the two making the longest hike in the shortest time will be given a nine month business course by the Elks Club of San Antonio. They left at 9:30 for Denver where they expect to spend a few days and then go on home. They were two lively girls. Laurel went fishing today and caught five big fish. The longest one was 19 1/2 inches. So we had fish for supper. Tomorrow the season opens on sage hens and we hope to be able to go out and get a few. It lasts two weeks and will be our last open season on game while we are in Colorado.

Monday, 14th day, 8/1/27
Had a good day in the field. No rain and no trouble. Finished the third stack and started the next. Mrs Fulton bought a box of shells for me so last night we drove up the Elk Head road, over the hump, to hunt sage hens. But we didn't have much time as it was getting dark fast and we didn't see a chicken. A friend of the Fultons went out this morning and got some chickens so we will have some for dinner tomorrow. Brynn has been working on a knife that he is making. We keep pretty busy during our spare time.

Tues, 15th day, 8/2/27
We worked this morning but it started raining at noon so we laid off this afternoon. Ed and I were both going to cut. Brynn spent the afternoon working on his knife and I did some sewing. Made a small cloth bag to hold needles, thread, and a few other small things I have with me. After supper we went hunting. Saw a few rabbits but no chickens. It is hard to see anything in the sage when it gets dark. Laurel is staying with us tonight and we are going hunting in the morning if we don't work. Heard some coyotes howl tonight.

Wed. 16th day, 8/3/27
Brynn and Laurel went hunting this morning after breakfast. Both got two rabbits and they saw seven sage hens and a flock of turkey buzzards. Laurel went to work at noon and Brynn worked on his knife this afternoon. Ed and I cut hay. It tried to rain this afternoon but it didn't amount to very much. The mosquitos sure worked on me today. Guess I will let my beard grow so they can't get at my face. I haven't shaved for a week. Brynn and I went uptown tonight and I bought some tobacco and also some candy.

Thur. 17th day, 8/4/27
Laurel came in tonight and we went uptown and just got home. Worked most of the day. I was on the mower this morning and this afternoon I was on the buck rake. It started to rain so we laid around the stack until 4:45 and then went to work. Laurel quit his stacking job and he has a buck rake now. We have been here now just two weeks and so far I have put in 7 1/2 days. We may stay until the middle of next week. If we have good weather we should almost be through haying by then. Want to spend a day sage hen hunting before we leave here.

Fri., 18th day 8/5/27
For a change it didn't rain today. Everything went good until in the afternoon. We were setting the stacker and the stacker horse stepped on Mr. Seller's foot. It was badly sprained so he will be laid up for a few days. One of the fellows went to the house and got a fellow to come out with the car and bring him home. While this fellow was in town, his house burned down but nobody was hurt. Brynn and the boss traded jobs in the morning. Brynn took the bull rake. After the accident we went ahead with the stack. I was alone on a bull rake and it was slow going.

Sat., 19th day, 8/6/27
It was cloudy when we got up this morning and just as we started for the field it started to rain. We brought in a small load of hay and then went on the mower. The hay was wet and it was hard cutting. At noon it rained but after a late start I went to the field. It rained off and on but I kept on but had to quit at 4 o'clock. I was soaked to the skin. Laurel came in and went hunting. Got three sage hens and got them all on the fly. Getting handy with his rifle. Hope we can go hunting tomorrow if we don't work.

Sunday, 20th day, 8/7/27
Was too wet to work today so we laid around this morning. Brynn burned his initials in his knife sheath. Brynn and Laurel made ice cream and Laurel had dinner with sellers. After dinner we went hunting. Shortly after we got into the sage chicken country we saw six some distance from the road. We stopped and was trying to get close enough for a shot when about 20 flew up at our feet. Laurel and I shot but didn't get any. We raised a few more and then went back to the car and drove on. We saw some along the road and they flew across the meadow to a hill and we saw them light. Brynn and I walked along the road. "B" saw one and was going to shoot at it when it went back of a bush. A little later on Laurel saw it and I shot at it and missed. Got it on the second shot and it was my first sage hen. We drove to the bottom of a hill and left the car and went back to where we'd seen the others. We misjudged our distance and went past them. We were walking around and pretty soon they were flying from under our feet but we couldn't get a decent wing shot. At the top of the hill we split up and each covered quite a bit a ground. I raised another bunch of about a dozen and then went back to the car. Laurel took a long shot at a jackrabbit and made him duck. Brynn came in a little later with a nice young chicken. On our way back to town we saw some more but didn't shoot. With a shot gun we could really have got the limit. We saw a golden eagle along the road coming home.

Mon., 21st day, 8/8/27
No work this morning as we had a big rain here yesterday evening. Laurel and Bill went up the pot holes fishing and Brynn went down on the river. He got a nice trout, one grayling and a sucker. In the afternoon he got two more suckers. Laurel and Bill ran into a big rain and had lots of mud and it took them about 4 1/2 hours to drive 20 miles. They slid into a ditch once and then ran out of gas. In the morning I scraped a barn and in the afternoon I dug eleven post holes. Hard digging and I got some blisters on my hands. Plenty sore tonight.

Tues., 22nd day, 8/9/27
We worked today. Had fine weather and everything went good. This morning I was on the rake turning some hay and then I was on the buck rake. We finished one stack and started another. Laurel quit at Adair's tonight, and is going to work for another man for a day or so. Then he will work for Mr. Sellers. Laurel was riding a horse this morning and the horse began to buck and then reared over backward. Laurel got away so the horse didn't fall on him but as he was going back the saddle horn hit him in the chest. One shoulder hurts some, otherwise he is O.K.

Wed., 23rd day, 8/10/27
Worked all day although it tried to rain this afternoon. We finished a small stack this morning and it was the last one for Ed. Started in on Mr. Sellers this afternoon. Ed and I cut this afternoon and the hay was dry and it was fine cutting. Laurel will be working with us tomorrow. Mr. Sellers' foot is some better and he was out on his horse this afternoon.

Thur., 24th day, 8/11/27
Rained last night so we couldn't stack this morning. Brynn and Laurel went fishing after breakfast. Brynn got a 14 1/2 inch trout and 3 suckers. Laurel got a 20 inch trout that weighed nearly four pounds, one small trout and one grayling, two squawfish and two suckers. One sucker was 20 inches long. The big trout put up a good fight. I was mowing and I saw Laurel land him. We stacked this afternoon. I went down on the river after supper but didn't have any luck. Laurel started with us today.

Fri., 25th day, 8/12/27
Finished the 8th stack this morning and started the ninth. We will soon be thru if we have good weather. The wind blew pretty hard this afternoon and made stacking hard. Brynn and Laurel were on the stack together again today, and Mr. Sellers was on a buck rake all afternoon. Ed hopes to be thru cutting in 2 days. After supper we went fishing but didn't have any luck.

Sat., 26th day, 8/13/27
Worked all day. Finished another stack and also started and finished another. Moved the stacker and are all ready for Monday. Jack, Ed's dog, got in the mower and cut one foot. Had some bad land today. Pretty boggy but broke no teeth in my rake. Light hay and hard to handle.

Sun., 27th day, 8/14/27
Ed and I cut today and finished the last piece. Sure was glad to get thru. Brynn and Laurel went up to California Park fishing. Had pretty good luck. Brought back 26 nice trout. Had some very rough roads and was pretty late when they got home. After a bite to eat they went to bed and it was after 12 then.

Mon., 28th day, 8/15/27
Rained during the night and this morning so we couldn't stack. Laurel and I went with a bunch to work on an irrigation ditch. First we cut some 12 foot poles, then we had dinner and after dinner we hauled four loads of rock. Then we cut some small brush and filled in behind the wire between the piers. We put in four piers. After putting in the brush we filled in with hay. The job was not a complete success as the wire fence stretched and let some of the brush and hay go over and under. The water was belly deep on the horses and we were in the river most of the time. There were ten of us and we had seven wagons and teams. The ditch raised three inches before we left.

Tues., 29th day, 8/16/27
Back in the field today. Laurel was sick and worked until noon. I didn't feel very good either but I didn't feel bad enough to lay off. Guess we drank too much warm river water yesterday. Ollie helped Brynn on the stack. Had our first frost last night.

Wed., 30th day, 8/17/27
Laurel is still sick so didn't work this morning. Went to work at noon but was pretty weak so we traded places. He drove the bull rake and I went on the stack with "B". Henry let go of the stacker once and it came back on the stack and hit Brynn on the head, almost knocking him off the stack. I was pretty weak and was all in when night came. Ed paid me today and I sent for my camera. Our time checked up O.K. Frost again last night.

Thurs., 31st day, 8/18/27
Laurel worked this morning but didn't feel very good and was all in at noon so stayed in this afternoon. Sellers and Brynn were on the stack. We finished two stacks today and started another. If everything goes good we will finish tomorrow. Two more stacks to go up. I bought a flashlight last nite. Brynn got his pictures and they were all good. Have been doing a little work on the car, put on new hose and a clamp for the front end of the motor. Ed and his family and John Bowers left on their trip this morning. Went up to Red Park.

Fri., 32nd day, 8/19/27
Looked like rain when we got up this morning and was cloudy nearly all day. Went out early at noon to finish and it tried to rain but all we got was a light sprinkle. We finished at 4:30. We plan on going up to California Park tomorrow and then we will hit the road.

Sat., 33rd day, 8/20/27
Up this morning at 6 o'clock and went out and got a lot of worms for bait. Had breakfast uptown and bought some supplies and cooking utensils to replace the ones that were taken. At 10 o'clock we left and were up here about 12:30. Sure is a tough road for about 8 miles. Narrow, rough, and lots of rocks. We started fishing as soon as we got here and when we quit for supper we had 23 fish. Brynn and Laurel each had nine and I had five. We all caught some small ones that were too small to keep. After supper we sat around our sagebrush fire and talked. Heard some coyotes howl. About nine o'clock everything was wet as there was a heavy dew. When the fire went out we got our guns, rods, blankets, and walked about 1/2 mile to an old cabin and spent the night in it. It was cold outside but the cabin was warm. Looked like a forest ranger's cabin.

Sun., 34th day, 8/21/27
Got up at 6 o'clock this morning and went fishing. By nine o'clock I had five, Laurel had three and Brynn two. Brynn came in late for breakfast and had twelve when he quit. After breakfast Laurel got five and I got one. We left at 3:30 and got home at 5:35. It is quite a trip to California Park. A trip that one won't forget. We saw lots of quaking aspens. Tall and straight and only a few branches at the top. We took a picture on the way back. We brought back 35 fish, gave some to Mr. Sellers. We planned on sending some to Dad but got in town too late.

Mon., 35th day, 8/22/27
We spent the night at Sellers' and got up at 6 o'clock, had breakfast and then went uptown and bought some things and then packed up. Ed got back from his trip so we talked to him and at 11:20 we left. Stopped at Craig and had some lunch and bought a leaf for the rear spring. Then we started for Meeker. It was a 50 mile ride and we had pretty good roads. Got into Meeker at 3:40. Bought some bread, donuts and peaches. Best peaches I've had for a long time. Then we drove up the Trapper's Lake road about 8 miles and stopped for the night. They told us about the big fish and some of the stories were hard to believe. We got our rods ready and went down on the White River. Laurel got a small one and I got one out of the water but it got back in the river. We fished for quite a while and I lost the only hook I had with me so came in a put up the tent and built a fire. Laurel had four fish when he came in but Brynn didn't have any luck. One fish was about 8 inches, two were around 12 and one 16 inches. Laurel hooked one big one, played it awhile and then it broke the rod. He grabbed the tip and was bringing it in and had it almost to shore when it broke the hook. The fellow that owns the camp gave us six fish and we had them for supper. We are 40 miles from Trappers Lake and the White River starts at Trappers and Marvin Lakes. It is a big river and very fast.

Tues., 36th day, 8/23/27
We got up at 4:45 this morning and went down to the river. Was pretty cold and then started to rain. We had a few strikes but didn't get anything. We went in for breakfast a little after eight and then went back to fish. I had three good strikes but couldn't land them. One was a pretty fair fish. Brynn caught one and had a big one. After quite a fight he had him to the shore and had played him out and was lifting him out of the water when the hook pulled loose and it fell back into the river. Brynn jumped in after it but couldn't get it. We packed up and left camp at 3:15 and drove to Meeker where we bought some things and then started out again. Meeker is an inland town 50 miles south of Craig and 41 miles from Rifle. It is quite a town. The White River Valley is quite a farming country. Hay and wheat mostly and there are some big ranches in the valley. We had good roads but out of Meeker there had been quite a rain but the roads there were in fair shape. We saw some queer shaped rock formations and I took two pictures and Laurel took one. We stopped to camp about 25 miles from Meeker. Have a good place near an irrigation ditch and close to the road. Plenty of sage brush near for firewood. Had trout for supper and also cherry pie. I got a paper in Meeker and we laid around the fire and read it and then turned in.

Wed., 37th day, 8/24/27
We had breakfast and then put in a leaf in the rear spring, took up the bands and greased the car. Was 11:20 when we left. The country all through here is semi-desert and not very pleasant to travel thru. We came to a sign saying Rangley was 26 miles and it was a long 26 miles. We stopped and had lunch and then drove on. Saw several oil wells and took a picture of one. Rangley is the last town in Colorado and is 19 miles from the state line and 58 miles to Vernal, Utah. We hit the line at 3 o'clock. We stopped and took a picture and Laurel saw a rabbit so we took out guns and in a few minutes we had four rabbits. The roads were fair and we had a little different scenery, it was new and interesting but we have all seen much prettier places. We drove into Vernal at 6 o'clock and bought some things and then drove on about 5 miles and found a good place to camp. Vernal is an inland town and the second largest in the U.S. Has a population of about 1,200 and is a pretty good farming country. [The only way this makes sense to me is that there must have been a definition of "inland town"  that I don't know.] Had a little rain but didn't last long. We have 188 miles to Salt Lake and are going to try and make it tomorrow.

Thurs., 38th day, 8/25/27
Up at 5:30 and had breakfast and then packed up and left at 8:20. Had about 20 miles of desert but it wasn't bad. We had some bad roads but in some places it was pretty good. Some desert country and some farming country. We stopped in Duchesne and Strawberry Rivers. We saw the Strawberry Res. and had rain there and at Fruitland. We came to the head of Daniel Canyon at an elevation of 8,000 feet and stopped there for a drink and took a picture. About 10 miles from Heber we hit a sharp rock and a tire went out and it was our first tire trouble. We stopped in Heber for lunch. We were going thru Parley Canyon but they were working on it so we decided to go on toward Provo. We saw our first railroad since leaving Craig. Just after leaving Heber it started to rain but we kept on going. Had some fine road for a while. Just before we got to Provo we turned off and hit the pavement at Orem. We saw where a passenger train hit a car. We were just a few miles form Murray when the car began to give trouble and after working for a while we took out one coil and came in on three. Was just about 10 o'clock when we got here. Had something to eat and then drove on to Camp Murray. We got a cabin and it will seem strange to sleep on a bed again. We are all tired and good nites sleep will go good.

Fri., 39th day, 8/26/27
We woke up at 7:30 so got up and went uptown and had breakfast. On the way back to camp we stopped and each got a haircut. Laurel got a new timer and the car worked pretty good and then Laurel drove out to Uncle Walt's. He had dinner with them and then came back to town and we packed our stuff and drove out with a load. I stayed and Laurel went back for the rest and Brynn came out. We had supper with them and then went down to the city. We went to a show and enjoyed it. First show we had seen for a long time. We walked around and then went to our rooms. We were tired and it was almost 12 o'clock so we went to bed. The fellows in the next room to us were on a drunk and were pretty noisy, but we went to sleep.

Sat., 40th day, 8/27/27
Got up at 8 o'clock and had a waffle for breakfast. We got the car and drove around. Then we went to the
state capitol. A very pretty place and it was well worth our time. They have quite a museum. I stopped in the office of the Fish and Game Commissioner to see about hunting on our way thru. We had dinner and then drove out to Saltair. Great Salt Lake is the largest lake I had ever seen. We saw some sailboats and one small motor boat and one large one. We got some pictures of the small motor boat. There were a few in swimming. We took a ride on the roller coaster and walked around looking the place over. Spent quite a bit of the time looking out over the lake. Sure would like to take a motor boat trip around the lake. The lake is 75 miles long and 50 miles wide. There are six islands in the lake. On the way out we passed by Salt Lake Air Mail Field. While we were at Saltair we saw a small mail plane come in. We came back to town and had supper and then drove out to Murray. Listened to a band concert for a little while and then came out to Uncle Walt's. Some friends of theirs were over for a while and Mr. Hartman played the guitar and mouth organ. It is getting late so guess we will turn in.

Sun., 41st day, 8/28/27
Stayed here all day, had a chicken dinner and it sure was fine. In the afternoon I wrote two letters. In the evening we played the phonograph and then went to bed.

Mon., 42nd day, 8/29/27
Went down to the city this morning. Looked for work but couldn't find anything to suit us. At noon we went to the organ recital at the Mormon Tabernacle and then we went thru the museum. That was pretty good. Then we went out to Liberty Park. Have quite a few animals and birds. We saw them feed while we were there. They have several African lions. In the evening we went to a show at Murray and then came home and went to bed.

Tues., 43rd day, 8/30/27
Went downtown after breakfast to look for a job. Hit all the "boards" in town but couldn't find anything to suit us. We drove up Parley Canyon but we couldn't find the boss so we went back to town and had dinner. We made the rounds again but no luck. Went to a show and then walked around some more. We decided to try once more and at the second place we found a job. Railroad construction work at Owinza, Idaho. We went out to Murray and got our things ready and Walt took us to the car line and we went to the depot, checked our packs and walked around. We left at 11:10 and were due at Owinza at 7:21 AM.

Wed., 44th day, 8/31/27
I woke up at Pocatello, Idaho and on the way we saw two coyotes, lots of jacks and one sage hen. We saw the American Falls on the Snake River. We are about 250 miles from Salt Lake and about 600 from Portland.. Ore. If we didn't have the car and some of our stuff in Murray we would go on to Portland. Plenty of sand here and they say it is fine when he wind blows. We got here at 8 o'clock, had some coffee and cake and then got our blankets and bunks ready. We had dinner and then went to work. Laurel got a job in the pit with a gas shovel, he didn't want that kind of job but that was all he could get. Brynn connected water lines, helped the skinner haul gas and then covered pipe lines. I was with the big 70 ton, 3 yard steam shovel. I covered pipe all afternoon. Just as we came in we saw an airplane circling around and he landed on hill east of camp. I went up there after supper. He was from Longview, Wash. and was on his way to Rock Springs, Wyo. He broke a water connection. He fixed it and then spent the night in camp. We were all pretty tied so we went to bed early.

Thurs., 45th day, 9/1/27
Got up at 6 o'clock this morning, had breakfast and went to work at 7 o'clock. We moved the shovel back to the end of the cut. We laid a section of track and then would pull it up after we had gone over. We finished that job soon after dinner. Then I helped the skinner haul a load of sack coal. We moved a section of dinky track that was between 200 and 300 feet long. It was on top of the cut and we brought it down to the bottom, on the same level as the shovel. The last hour or so we carried rock. A tie fell on my foot but didn't bother me much but then I got my finger between a tie and a rock and have a big blood blister along the nail. Laurel got hit by a rock this morning. Brynn got on the jack hammer crew today. Had a hard wind this afternoon and it was mean working. Lot of dust and fine sand in the air and we were yellow with it when we came in. I gets pretty hot when it doesn't blow. Nothing pleasant here.

Fri., 46th day, 9/2/27
Still laying dinky track. Had to move the tracks and then ballast. No wind and was pretty hot. I had an easy job this afternoon, riding a bar for the spikers. A big shot covered the dinky tracks on the west end and also cut several air lines. Brynn and I went for a walk after supper. Laurel put in some overtime. Saw an airplane fly over this noon.

Sat., 47th day, 9/3/27
Still working on the dinky track and I guess we will finish in the morning. Sure will be glad when it is over. I don't know what I will be doing then. Hope it won't be shovel work. I'm fed up on that. Sure was hot today.

Sun., 48th day, 9/4/27
Had a little rain last night but it didn't amount to much.  Was pretty cold when we went out this morning and then it started to rain. We got pretty wet and then it cleared up and was pretty nice. We finished our track this morning. I didn't work this afternoon but Laurel worked. I laid around the bunk house and took a shower. Then I printed a sign. They put a stove in our bunkhouse today. Two new fellows came in this afternoon so there are seven of us here now.

Mon., 49th day, 9/5/27
I got promoted today. Got a brakeman's job on one of the dinkys. Sure is a lot better than what I had. There are six dump cars in the train. I have to help the engineer, spot the cars at the shovel, keep rocks off the track and do the switching. We had it pretty easy today. Only made seven trips.

Tues., 50th day, 9/6/27
We had trouble today so spent most of the time repairing the dinky. A connecting rod came lose, tore up some ties and was badly bent. So we pulled back to the shop and started to fix it. The other rod was bent so we took it off and straightened it. We finished at 2:15 and made four loads until 5 o'clock and then two of us fixed the switch. Sure had an awful wind. Blew so hard a person could hardly stand up and many times I couldn't see past the second car of the train. Plenty of bloodshot eyes in camp tonite. While we were loading the first load I got my right hand in between two big rocks and almost had the end of my finger torn off. I went on to the dump and then came into camp and had it dressed. Was quite sore at first but feels better tonite. Somebody gets hurt here every day.

Wed., 51st day, 9/7/27
Sure a bad day. A little wind and pretty cold. I froze all day. Had a bad accident in our crew today. Gus, the section boss got hit by a big rock and was knocked down to the bottom of the fill. He landed on his head and got a bad cut on his forehead and almost had one lip cut off. No bones broken I guess. One fellow had two fingers smashed and quit a noon.

Thur., 52nd day, 9/8/27
Dressed for cold weather today but it was real warm. Everything went pretty good today. Had to repair the shovel a few times. I had a row with one of the shovel men. A bunch of new men came in today and two of them are in our crew and two are in our bunk house.

Fri., 53rd day, 9/9/27
Shortly after we started work this morning it started to blow and kept getting worse so Laurel and I quit at noon. We stayed around camp until almost three o'clock and then started to walk to Owinza. We took some pictures before we left. One of the brakemen on the west crew got hit on the knee by a switch lever and is in pretty bad shape. Was in great pain when I saw him. On the way to town it started to rain and we got pretty wet before we got there. We went in the pump house to dry our clothes. There were two more that quit when we did. Bill was on the dump at the east end and the other fellow was mucking around the "70". We took the train to Kimama. We could have caught a freight there but we wanted to cash our checks and get something to eat. Bill stayed with us. After we had something to eat we played a few games of pool. While we were playing another "drag" went thru. We mailed our stuff on to Murray so we wouldn't be bothered with it.

Sat., 54th day, 9/10/27
We spent the night in the depot and during the night four trains went thru but they were going too fast for us to catch them. Toward morning it began to get cold so Bill and I scouted around and found some wood and built a fire. We had breakfast and then went to the depot to wait for a train. They were blasting a short ways west of the depot and the trains had "slow orders" so we walked down to the cut and at 11:30 we caught a freight. We got in Pocatello about 6 o'clock. Washed and had supper and then played some pool. Then we went to the depot and asked about a passenger to McCammon. It left at 1:15 AM and we had plenty of time so we went to a show. We saw The Big Parade and it was pretty good. Then we had some coffee and pie and went to the depot. I got a magazine and spent the rest of the time reading. We got in McCammon at 2 AM. We were pretty tired and went to a hotel and got rooms and slept until 10:30.

Sun., 55th day, 9/11/27
After we got up we had breakfast and then sat around and waited for a train. We got one at 2:40. At Cache Junction we got off. Walked about a mile to the other end of the yards, and waited for the train to pull out. We saw the "yard bull" and kept out of his way. He got three or four fellows there and knew we were around but we beat him by going up the track after the train started. The brakeman saw us and told us to get on. Had a pretty fair ride into Ogden in a gondola. We got there at 10 o'clock. We walked from the end of the yards to the city and then we had supper and then went back to the yards again. Only had to wait a few minutes and we saw a train pulling out. Was picking up speed as it went by but we got it O.K. and we thought we were on out way to the lake. It was 12:30. sky clear and starting to get cold when we left. Eight miles from Ogden we went thru Uintah [?] and then Bill said we must be on the wrong train. So we got out our timetable and sure enuf, we were heading east into Wyoming instead of south to the lake. The train was going too fast for us to get off without breaking our necks, so we decided to stay on until it slowed down or stopped for water. It was pretty cold riding on that tank car, and knowing we were going the wrong way didn't make us feel very good. We were in Weber Canyon and it was a pretty ride although we could have enjoyed it more. Went thru several tunnels. We thought the train might slow down at Morgan or Devil's Slide but kept up to same speed. The two engines were moving right along with no signs of stopping. We were getting pretty cold and we were wondering how much further we could go on without stopping for water. First thing we knew the train was slowing down and it a few minutes it had stopped. We were at Echo and were just 29 miles from the Wyoming line. We walked around to get warm and then went over to the river and found some wood and built a fire. I went to sleep as soon as I got real warm and slept pretty good. A few minutes after 6AM a train pulled in and we decided to take it. We put out the fire and went up to the tracks and tried to find a car. They were all refers and most of them were full, and we were trying to find an empty when the train pulled out. We spotted a car and soon were down in the ice boxes. Was nice and warm in there and we felt pretty good. It was rough riding but better than walking. We thought we were about half way when Laurel looked out and we were almost in the yards. We were all surprised as we were only on the road and hour and a half. We walked uptown and washed and had breakfast. Laurel and I decided to take the electric train in and Bill went in on a freight. We left Ogden at 10:30 AM and were in the lake at 11:45. Sure glad to get back. None of us thought very much of the country we went thru. Some of it was not so bad. All around Owinza it is desert and the wind blows most of the time. Sometimes the sand was so thick in the air that we could hardly see. We were south of the Sawtooth Range. A few miles south is pretty good potatoe country. A letter was waiting us there from Brynn. Arbon Valley, Idaho working in the oil field. He may be down in a day or so. Also got a letter from Gen. We were lucky when we got to Murray. Walt happened to be in town so we got a ride out.

Tues., 57th day, 9/13/27
Went uptown this morning. Went over to Sugar House with Walt and then took the street car. Walked around and went to two shows. Went to the Orepheum Bowlings and watched some fellows bowl. I had three rolls of film developed and they turned out pretty good. It rained quite a bit and was raining hard when we started back. Was still raining when we got to Murray. We went to the pool hall and played a few games of pool and when it quit raining we started home. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were here. I got a letter form Brynn. He had been in an accident and got handled pretty rough. Hit in the back by a cable and also got a cut on his head. He may be in here in a week or so.

Wed., 58th day, 9/14/27
We stayed out here all day. We cut some corn, picked prunes and plums and tomatoes. I printed some pictures and had pretty fair luck. We culled the chickens tonite. There were 238 chickens in the flock.

Thur., 59th day, 9/15/27
Spent the day here again. Picked some more fruit and vegetables.

Fri., 60th day, 9/16/27
Laurel and I drove over to Murray this morning for some tobacco. At 10 0'clock Walt and I went over to Mr. Williams and I started to cut his alfalfa. Made seven rounds and the sickle broke so I came back here and had dinner and then went back with Walt's mower. Had pretty good cutting and finished at 6:30.

Sat., 61st day, 9/17/27
Someone drove into the fence in the front yard last night and tore some of it down. Laurel cleaned up the remains. Mr. Hartman is spending the day in the Lake. I made a hammer handle this morning. Laurel and I cut six more rows of corn. I also trimmed the pictures I had printed. I made a holder for my flashlight, and started to make a foot accelerator for the car. Went downtown this evening.

Sun., 62nd day, 9/18/27
We shocked corn today but it didn't take very long with the three of us working. Had a fine chicken dinner. In the afternoon we drove out to Emil's. Had watermelon, cantalope, plums and peaches while we were there. Then we drove around and came home. I read some and then wrote a letter.

Mon., 63rd day, 9/19/27
I raked the alfalfa this morning and Laurel started shocking. I helped in the afternoon and we finished at 6:45. It is Walt's birthday today and we had a little party tonite. A good time was had by all.

Tues., 64th day, 9/20/27
Got up late this morning. Was pretty late when we went to bed and am pretty tired. I worked on the car today. I put on another choke control on the dash, worked on the accelerator and started to put on a dash control for the cut-out. Was pretty hot today. I tried to take a nap this afternoon but the flies were too bad and I couldn't sleep. We hauled a load of sand and one of gravel.

Wed., 65th day, 9/21/27
We helped Mr. Ackley put up his hay today. Hauled five loads to his barn and then loaded another. Finished reading a book and worked on a crossword puzzle. It is early but I'm tired so I guess I'll go to bed.

Thur., 66th day, 9/22/27
We helped Mr. Williams haul his hay today. Had five big loads. We put the hay in his barn and finished at 4:30. After supper we went over to Mr. Williams again and listened to the fight returns over the radio. Sure was exciting. It is getting late and we are going to mix concrete tomorrow so am going to bed.

Fri., 67th day, 9/23/27
We put in the concrete floor in the chicken coup today. Had a fellow helping us with a mixer. Ran out of gravel in the afternoon and had to go after two more loads. We finished about 5:30. It was a little rough as the gravel was coarse but it should make a good floor.

Sat., 68th day, 9/24/27
Laurel and Ackley went over to Midvale after two loads of hay. Walt and I drove to Draper after a load of chicken mash. This afternoon I shoveled some gravel and then I started work on a pack sack. I had the use of a sewing machine and I got it nearly finished. Have a few rings to put on and am going to put in some copper rivets in places where there is heavy strain. We had planned on going in to the Lake tonite but the wind was blowing so hard and it was so cold we just went to Murray and took in a show. Coming home the lights went out but I had my flashlight handy.

Sun., 69th day, 9/25/27
Laurel helped Emil put up his alfalfa. Coming in Laurel ran out of gas just before he got home. We pushed him into the yard. Had company for dinner. Miss Marie Daniels, Emil, Louie and another young fellow were here. Had young fried chicken. In the afternoon we had watermelon and cantalope. After supper we took Marie to the car line and then came home. Guess I will write a letter to Dad and then go to bed.

Mon., 70th day, 9/26/27
We spent the day in town. Got in about 10 o'clock. Laurel left a roll of film to be developed and printed. They were all pretty good. I went to a show. Saw Lon Chaney in "The Unknown". We played a few games of pool and walked around. Went over to the bowling alleys and one of the fellows there wanted to know if we wanted to bowl in a league. There were several short at the time and wanted us to drop around later. We had supper and then walked over to the car and drove over to the bowling alley. They were full up so we didn't get to bowl in the league. We bowled four games apiece. Did pretty good for not having bowled all summer. Was pretty cold when we drove home.

Tues., 71st day, 9/27/27
When we got up this morning there was snow on both mountain ranges. About 9 o'clock we went over to Ackley's and Laurel and Ackley went to Midvale for two more loads of hay and I shocked hay. They got back at 12:30 and then we had dinner and unloaded. We hauled one load in and then finished shocking. There are three or four more loads and we will finish sometime tomorrow. I have a big boil under my right arm and it is pretty sore. Bothered me all day.

Wed., 72nd day, 9/28/27
It was blowing hard this morning and had rained during the night. It rained again about 9 o'clock and it was too wet to put up the hay. So we laid around. Laurel went in to the city. I finished my pack. Put in the rivets and straps. We had a big chili supper tonite. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were over. We had a real feed and the chili sure did hit the right spot.

Thur., 73rd day, 9/29/27
Pretty cold this morning and some more snow on the mountains. We finished haying at noon. It rained most of the time. I was pretty tired and my arm was sore when we got thru so I came home and laid down. Mr. Ackley and Laurel went over and cut some corn. It kept raining so after cutting six rows they quit. The wind started blowing again and it turned real cold. Looks like snow here any time. Dave Wright was over for a little visit tonite. My arm is some better tonite but is still plenty sore. The Denver mud is sure doing it's stuff.

Fri., 74th day, 9/30/27
Rained and was cold so we didn't work. I wrote a letter to Uncle Oscar, Mildred and Ann. Laurel and I went to town this morning and went down again at noon to get some things for Opal.

Sat., 75th day, 10/1/27
We cut corn all day and should finish in an hour or so tomorrow morning. Went to town at noon and got my boots. This evening we went in again and got haircuts and then went to a show. I got a letter form Dean today. Same old story at the camp. Plenty of wind and they had a big rain. Mr. Hartman went in to the Lake today for a visit.

Sun., 76th day, 10/2/27
We finished cutting the corn about 10:30 and then hauled in a load before dinner. After dinner we hauled three more loads. Some of the corn was pretty green and heavy and my arms are tired and sore tonite. Opal went in to the city at noon. After supper we went to the city and saw the Tunney-Dempsey fight picture. It was pretty good. Sure had a cold ride coming home. Am pretty tired so will hit the hay.

Mon., 77th day, 10/3/27
Hauled corn again today. Guess we will be able to finish tomorrow. We saw several pheasants in the field. There are quite a few of them and also some quail. I got a letter from Flo today.

Tues., 78th day, 10/4/27
We finished hauling the corn this afternoon. He is planning on cutting it and filling the silo on Thursday. So tomorrow we will have a day off. We may go to the fair. He has another field and we may snap it and cut it for him. I got some mail from Denver today. I got two letters and some magazines.

Wed., 79th day, 10/5/27
No work today as we did a few things around here. I put on some new light wires on the barn and Laurel worked on the car. Gave the front axle a good greasing and now the car has the shimmies. We went to the city and then went out to the fair. Was pretty good only was too cold to be comfortable.

Thur., 80th day, 10/6/27
Laurel helped Ackley today. They cut the corn for the silo. Had a little hard luck so didn't get to finish. I tore down a wooden fence and tomorrow I'm going to put up a wire fence. Laurel bought an auxiliary chamber for his rifle. We tried it out this morning and it worked good but cracked on the third shot. Had a heavy frost last night. Walt and Opal went to the fair this afternoon. Laurel and I had supper in Murray tonite. I wrote a letter to Dad and am sending for our sheepskins. We sure need them.

Fri., 81st day, 10/7/27
Laurel didn't work today but I put up the fence and hauled in the old boards and brush. Finished about 2:30. Ackleys went to the fair. Had quite a time starting his car so I pulled him around with the team. This afternoon we put in new bushing in the steering arms and hope it will take out the shimmy.

Sat., 82nd day, 10/8/27
We snapped the corn today. Finished at 5 o'clock. Sure was tired as I had to reach for most of the corn. Some of it was over my head. We went into the city and saw the Gorilla and it sure was good. Got a letter from Gen and Uncle Oscar today. I got  new shirt tonite. Going to the city again tomorrow.

Sun., 83rd day, 10/9/27
I started to make a pattern for the spring shackle this morning. About 11 o'clock we went into the city and had dinner at Opal's Aunt. After dinner we walked uptown and then bowled two games. I bowled 200 on my second game. Had a fine start and then blew up in the 8th frame. It was my highest game. In the evening we went to a show. Saw "the Cat and the Canary". It was a mystery show and was pretty good.

Mon., 84th day, 10/10/27
By showing some speed we cut the corn today. Ackley cut 20 rows yesterday and we finished around 3 o'clock. Then we ran some corn thru the cutter and that cleaned up what was left from the other day. That took almost an hour and then we came home.

Tues., 85th day, 10/11/27
We started to haul in the corn today. It was hard work and pretty hot. Had a little trouble with the machine but we did pretty good. Laurel went in to the city and went to the Bluebird. First time he had been to a dance for some time.

Wed., 86th day, 10/12/27
We finished the corn this afternoon about 3:30. Then we took down the pipe and loaded the cutter on the wagon. After we came home we helped carry in some apples. Guess we start digging the potatoe cellar tomorrow.

Thur., 87th day, 10/13/27
We started digging the potatoe cellar this morning. I went in to the city about 10:30 and got back a little after one o'clock. Mr. Ackley went to Idaho to look over a farm so he asked if we would do the chores and milking. It has been 10 years since I did much milking and 8 years for Laurel so we had quite a job on our hands when we took the job of milking fourteen cows. We worked on the cellar until 3 o'clock and then rested till 4 and then started to do the chores. It took us two hours to do the milking and we were pretty tired. We got our sheepskins from Denver today so we are ready for the cold weather now.

Fri., 88th day, 10/14/27
It took us two hours to milk again this morning. I helped Earl Williams haul two loads of alfalfa. I got back at 1:30. Worked on the cellar until 3:30. We haven't very much more to do now. Laurel went in to Murray to get some smoking. We did the milking in an hour and 40 minutes tonite. Getting better every time. Tomorrow morning should be the last time as he expects to be in tomorrow sometime. Laurel got a milk bath this morning and I got one last night.

Sat., 89th day, 10/15/27
Milking went pretty good this morning. After we finished the chores we came home and dug the cellar. We dug down about six inches more. About 4 o'clock Walt and I went in to the city and got some ties. Jack Andrews came down and he took 17 ties in the first load and about 20 in the second load. I stayed there while they came home with the first load. I hauled four over to a fellow's place and then sat around until they got back. We loaded and started back about 8:15. I was driving the truck and Walt and Jack went together. I had quite a bit of trouble with the lights but got home at last. We unloaded and then had supper. Went to bed about 11:15 and was pretty tired.

Sun., 90th day, 10/16/27
Mr. Ackley got back last night so we didn't have to milk this morning, and we were sure glad for that. I made a panel for the horn I have and then we went out to Emil's for dinner. In the afternoon we drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Sure was pretty up there and it made us think of home. The folks are going into the city but I guess we will stay home and go to bed.

Mon., 91st day, 10/17/27
We went to the city today. We found that we could have the spring shackles fixed so will bring them in tomorrow. We bought a motor bracket, hose connection and a water pipe. I also got some solder. When we got home we started to put on the bracket. It was quite a job to saw the old one off and put the new one on. We took the under-sling parts off the rear axle and then took the shackles off. We had quite a time to get them off. Laurel put the hose connections on then we helped Walt with the cellar. We put in tiles for the plate and got it leveled up. After supper Walt made a halter rope and made a small rope for me and one for Laurel. It was made of white wrapping string.

Tues., 92nd day, 10/18/27
Laurel and I cut ties for the roof today. Didn't have enough to finish tho. Had a big chili supper tonite. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews and Eleanor were over. They just left so I am going to bed now.

Wed., 93rd day, 10/19/27
Got up earlier than usual this morning. Walt went to get some more ties and Laurel and I walked over to Murray. Cashed our check from Ackley and I got some tobacco and walked home. Laurel went in to the city. He brought the spring shackles with him and had them fixed. Also got two new water bags. Walt brought home twelve ties so we put them on. This afternoon he went over and got 11 more and that should be enuf to finish the cellar roof. Just before noon Walt and I picked four rows of spuds. Laurel and I put the rear axle parts on when he got home. I started to make a leather case this evening. Will use it to carry camera parts.

Thur., 94th day, 10/20/27
We spent most of the morning working on the car. Laurel put on some shims on the rear axle. I put some rings in one of the water bags so we can carry it inside the tire carrier. Then we went down town. I got my rifle. We had the radiator fixed and got a shell and an inner tube. On our way back we stopped in Murray and bought some grub and some stuff for our first aid kit. We're going to pack the car so we can get an early start in the morning.

Fri., 95th day, 10/21/27
Got up at 6 o'clock, had breakfast and finished packing the car. At 8 o'clock we said good bye to the folks and pulled out. Stopped at Murray for air and it was just 8:15 when we left there. Made it to Provo in an hour and a half. All farming country thru here. Mostly beets and potatoes. We stopped at Nephi for lunch. About five miles form Nephi the old tire blew out. It went a lot further than we expected when we started out. We had pavement to Nephi and the roads were pretty good all the way. The deer hunters were coming in and we saw 22 deer. We stopped at Cove Fort for water. Saw the old fort and wanted to take a picture of it but it was pretty dark. As the sun went down the mountains turned purple and that gave it the name of The Land of the Purple Sage. We pulled into Beaver at 6 o'clock and went to the camp grounds. We camped on the same spot that the folks did three years ago.  We met a party there that lived in Denver some time ago.

Sat., 96th day, 10/22/27
Laurel got up at 5 o'clock and fixed a tire and I got up at 6 and we had breakfast. We filled up with gas and started out at 8 o'clock. Had good roads most of the way to St. George. A few miles were pretty rough. We got in St. George at 12:30 and had lunch. Sure was warm there. For the next 50 miles we had some awful roads. During this time we passed thru the corner of Arizona.  At Mesquite, Nevada, we hit good roads again. There were some pretty steep hills around Littlefield, Arizona, and had to make a couple on low. First low work since we left Salt Lake. We decided to make Las Vegas and kept on going. It gets dark early and it was 8 o'clock when we pulled in to the camp. About 20 miles from Vegas we gave some oil to some former Denver people. They were having trouble with their oil pump. All thru here there are beacon lights to guide the night air mail pilots. We rolled our blankets on the ground, are ready to go to bed.

Sun., 97th day, 10/23/27
Got up at 6 o'clock and ate a loaf of bread and some jam and at 8 o'clock we started out. About 25 miles from Vegas we hit some deep gravel and the crankcase was dragging in it for quite a ways. We kept looking back for signs of oil but couldn't see any but I happened to look down and saw the apron and back wheels covered with oil so we stopped and got out just in time to see the last of our oil run out. The gravel had worked the oil plug loose. Laurel walked back quite a ways and found the plug. We stopped the next three cars but none of them had any oil to spare. So I rode in with one of them to Jean and got two quarts. I had to walk back six miles and it sure was hot. I had the nose bleed and my lips were cracked and starting to bleed. Just a little ways from the car I met another car and they offered to take me back but it wasn't very far so I told then I would make it alright. They gave me a drink and I felt pretty good. Just as I got to the car the Florida people pulled up. We had been playing tag all the way from Provo. A car from Los Angeles was still back of us. We spent the night at Beaver together and they got out ahead of us but we passed them before we got to Littlefield, Arizona. They stopped at Mesquite and we went on to Las Vegas. He almost wrecked his car. Hit some sand and smashed into a fence. Running out of oil didn't do any harm so we drove on to Jean and got two more quarts. Got out of the gravel and had hard roads and made good time. At State Line Service the bus caught up with us. Just after leaving here we drove over an old lake bed and it was like riding over a table. We came to the state line about 2 o'clock. Two men from Denver trailed us for a long ways and then had tire trouble and got behind. We stopped at Mountain Pass for water as we had a long hill from State Line Service. At Baker we stopped for lunch and water. The Florida car was there and the L.A. car and the Denver car pulled in just before we left. They all stayed there for the night. We starred out again and had planned on driving to Victorville. We stopped at Yermo for oil and water and then drove on to Dagget. We were inspected here and got thru fine. Didn't have to unpack. Just looked us over and gave us our slip. The inspector said we may have trouble about our lights at Barstow so we decided to camp for the night. We slept under a beacon light.

Mon., 98th day, 10/24/27
Up at 6 and had breakfast and then got ready to go. Two busses and several other cars were at the inspection office. They sure went thru them. Had to unpack everything. Just before we left the Florida car pulled in. We had pavement all the way in and made good time. Stopped in San Bernardino for about half an hour and had lunch. Then we started out on the last 60 miles of our trip. Sure was pretty all the way. Grape vines and orange groves on both sides of the road and quite a few palm trees. San B. is sure a pretty place. We drove thru Pasadena and then into the city. It is the largest place I have ever been in and it is quite a place. Traffic was pretty heavy so it took us quite a while to drive down Broadway. We drove up to the ice cream plant and Laurel talked to Will's brother and then we decided to drive out to Inglewood. Joker was off duty so we didn't get to see him but we saw Mrs. Rundberg. Harold and Ruby were at work so we didn't get to see them either. After leaving Mrs. Rundberg's we tried to find a camp grounds in Inglewood. There were none and it was getting dark and we didn't know where to go. One fellow told us about a place but didn't know what he was talking about. So we stopped and asked again. Nobody seemed to know where a camp was and one fellow said it was across the city. We couldn't drive on account of our lights. He said the best thing we could do was to drive back about a mile and camp on some vacant lot. So we had a little lunch and drove back. We found a place and rolled up in our blankets. It rained a little during the night but we didn't get very wet. Got up at 6:30 and drove on into the city. We got a room for a week. We had breakfast and Laurel is asleep now.  Our suitcases should come tonight or tomorrow and then we can step out and look for work. Laurel is going to try the ice cream plant in the morning.  Now that we are here I hope that we will get work and like it. Our trip is over and must settle down and work for awhile.

                                                                       THE END

P.S. Our little Ford gave up the ghost a few days after we got here. A fellow from the ice cream plant bought it for the underslung parts.


October 24, 1928 - A year has passed since we arrived here, and we are planning on spending the winter here. We are both working and now we have quite a few things to show for our labor. Our first few months were very bad but after both of us got work things have gone pretty good. Have heard nothing from Brynn for some time. In his last letter he said he was planning on going up North, so I guess he's up there now. We both miss Denver, and I hope we can go back soon if it is only a visit.

July 19, 1929 - Just two years ago this morning we left on our trip west. During these two years we had our share of pleasures and disappointments, but the trip was well worth while. Laurel is married now and is still in Los Angeles. Brynn is in Salt Lake and I am back in Denver again. Am now looking forward again to the next trip which may be this fall or the next spring.

October 24, 1930 - Three years ago today we arrived in Los Angeles. Time has made many changes in these three years.

July 19, 1932 - Five years ago this morning we started on our trip. Time is flying fast, it doesn't seem possible that time has gone by so fast. Laurel is still in Los Angeles, Brynn is in Salt Lake and I am still in Denver. Laurel has a boy almost 18 months old now. It has been over three years since I saw him and Brynn. Would have liked to have made the trip again this year but things have been too unsettled.

October 24, 1940 - It was just 13 years ago today that Lou and I arrived in Los Angeles, and what changes life has brought to us in this time. Lou is gone now. He passed away September 25, 1940, after a short illness. Just a month ago today. It started with a sore throat but turned out to be Infantile Paralysis. It was a terrible shock to all of us because he had been in good health and looked so good when we saw him last. Alta had an operation and got out of the hospital the day Lou went in. Received a card from her today and she is getting along nicely. Besides Alta, Lou left two fine boys, Kenneth and Dennis. I saw them last in Colorado Springs on March 3rd. They spent about a week with the folks and we drove down to see them and had a wonderful visit but it was much too short. Gen had been there a short time before and we all got to see her and little Gary. Lou and Clair had planned on starting up a business of their own in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but they had to give it up and they all returned to Los Angeles. Now to go back a few more years. On May 13th 1935 the folks left for Brockton, Mass. In August 1938 they returned to Denver and then in October 1938 Dad got work in Colorado Springs and went down there. Florence and Doris stayed up here for about a month and then they went down there. We go down as often as we can and they come up here quite often. Doris is in Nurses Training now and likes it fine. The folks hope to be up here soon. As for myself I have been in pretty good health except for my feet and legs. At times I get along fine but have some bad spells and get pretty badly crippled. But still trying to carry on. Brynn had been unheard of for some years now and with Lou gone I may be the last of the Three.

July 19, 1967 - It was forty years ago today that Lou, Brynn and I started for California. Much has happened in this time. I'm in pretty good health and still working. Alta and I have been married for almost 25 years and are very happy.

October 24, 1977 - Lou and I arrived in Los Angeles 50 years ago today.

July 19, 1980 - It was 53 years ago today that Lou, Brynn and I started on our trip to L.A.

November 24, 1980 - On this day 53 years, 1 month ago, Laurel and I arrived in Los Angeles, and today I finished copying my diary of 98 days and am giving the original to Kathy.
                                                                  Summit City, California


Wages for our Nebraska and California Trip [I don't know anything about the Nebraska part.]
Nebraska Trip 1500 M. California Trip:
   Mr. K Restaurant                           10.00
   Shocking Wheat Ong, Neb             13.25
   Tinting picture - Will Carlson             1.50
   Tinting picture - Pearl                        1.00
   Ed Fulton, haying-21 days               42.00
   L. R. Wattis Const. Co - 8.5 days   16.32 (clear)
   Mr. Williams - 2.5 days                     9.00
   Mr. Ackley                                     35.00
   E. Williams                                        3.00