Granny's 1973 Trip to Old Mexico, Part 1

While on her journey to Old Mexico and her home in Dublan, Granny wrote a letter each day to her sister Luelle. I've attempted to type them just as she wrote them.


June 25, 1973

We left Blanding at 10:00am. Just Caroline, Francis and I. We had everything in order. The car was serviced, new tires, extra fan belts, etc. I was really tense or tied up inside or whatever, but about as soon as we got down the road a few miles I relaxed and the day has been just wonderful. We drove straight to Shiprock, but I saw no old landmarks there. Of course, the road is hard surfaced all the way. No relation to the goat trail of 62 years ago. In such a few short hours we had passed Gallup, (no white dress). Then on to Luna, and Alma –saw the river with the trees, and rocks where George sent word by the town children that we were a circus. Guess we looked like it. There is no town there, just a few houses—no store, no post office. The cemetery Hill is still there, and the vivid picture of the little group walking up as the woman wailed, and the horse coming down for water we supposed when the poor woman fainted. Then we came over a beautiful stretch of road marked “Saliz Pass”, that gave me a thrill. Of course, the old hill we knew was east of it and Uncle George was told it was so me miles east of the Pass, and would either have to use a jeep or maybe walk it. Caroline is all for doing it one day and I would love it. Now at 11:00pm we are in a beautiful Holliday Inn in Silver City. I have wanted to come here since that long ago night when dad turned us around to go back and retrace about six miles to the watering place for our camp. As I remember it, though, George was not sure, was when Mary was “starving to death and we never would camp.” But when I think of the days and weeks it had taken us to get this far, and I realize that if all goes well, this time tomorrow night we will be in Dublan or maybe in a motel in Nueva Casas Grande, I have to pinch myself and say again, ‘lack a mercy on me this can’t be I.” How I wish you were with me. I wish I could just get off any place without all this fear and apprehension, but guess I can’t. Hope this brings you in tune with me thus far and more tomorrow night. Luv Ya. I should say that George and Lone, Rosemond, DalMar and Fred are here too. They left a while before we did but stopped for George to point out a few things. Mainly where he freighted to the Gray Hills or blue, which ever, while we were at Shiprock. Mercy, what a man. As you know he was just fifteen. I am so grateful to be along with him and I think Francis could listen to him indefinitely. Bye now.


June 26, 1973

Oh my! Such a little way and short time to get to Deming for breakfast, and before you had time to think we were in Columbus where the troups were stationed and our dear American flag waving us into the United States. Not the same wire fence, but another more sturdy and imposing one. A Pancho Villa Museum and State Park which were most interesting. Of course, all the old remains of the big Camp Furlong camp where Black Jack Pershing made his stand in 1916—not much at all there, only the old railroad station with they are trying to restore now. George didn’t seem to remember the little white church near our camp, but I am sure I didn’t make it up. Anyway, it is gone so no way to prove it one way or the other. Fun, should you want to call it that, started when we went through the gate into Palomas to get our birth certificates checked. We had, thank goodness, bought our car insurance in Deming. All went well until the found that DalMar’s children, 10 and 14, could not come in without certificates. They hadn’t known children would have to have them. It got pretty tense for a while with Rosemond really getting on the soapbox and expounding, and seemed to me that she was right but she made the officer mad and it looked for a while like they would not get them through and then, pity heavens, George offered him some money then the sparks did begin to fly. I went across the street and got a man who spoke English very well, don’t know if he helped, but they did finally get them through and then we were ready to be on our way only to find that the keys were locked in Uncle George’s car. Oh mercy! Well we or I should say they found some wire and the calmest person you can imagine, Francis, in the boiling hot sun, finally got it open. By that time we had an audience of little Mexican urchins selling a “chicli” gum for 10 cents and holding out their dirty little hands for nickels or dimes. We were glad enough to oblige and be on our way. A beautiful road and with two more stops by officials in about two hours we drove into Dublan. Oh memories, memories! At first I thought I would never find a familiar thing, but it was early so we got a motel at Nuevo Casas Grande and set out. It had been 15 years since George was here and many changes had taken place since then but not so many as 1911. There is no way to describe my feelings. We kinda started together, then took off in different directions. Do you know that in half an hours time we drove up to our little old house at the same time. We had been told that the Pratt house was gone, but it wasn’t and it was the landmark we both saw. Not changed at all, only it is painted which and a picket fence around the corner. Well I never expect to have a feeling quite like that when the little Mexican lady let us in. Caroline and Francis cried along with their mama. George did too, thought it was not his first time to be there and count the holes where we hung our stockings. Nothing is the same outside. The old shop is gone, the barn and the windmill—no pond with hollyhock dolls, but I walked around and felt like I was on holy ground. Of course, the little lean-to kitchen is gone, but the hole is still up on the end where the swallows came to build their nests. From there we found many familiar places, many new ones, and many old ones we were not sure of. George knew more than did I. Grandma Hurst’s house is gone, one room of Aunt Beckies is still there. Grandma Terry would be unrecognizable but for the Johanson house and Uncle Jim Youngs home. That is about all we got done today. More tomorrow.

'Damn Hurst'

Last evening I was thinking that I hadn't even thought about what to post on today's blog. This morning, Mike shared with me a funny story that will serve as today's entry.



This morning we were talking about a few things and all of a sudden Mike stopped and said, "I don't want this conversation to become a 'Damn Hurst'. As I had no idea what he was talking about, I asked, "What is a Damn Hurst?" Mike responded, "When Granny and her siblings would all get together and talk about all of their woes. They used to call it a Damn Hurst."

Well, I cracked up laughing. Mike has told me on more than one occasion that the Hurst's were talkers, but I had no idea that they had coined terminology to describe some of their talking sessions!


(Does anyone have the photo of Granny with her siblings. I think it was taken at her parents anniversary celebration. Caroline had it, but I couldn't find it when I was in Blanding last time. I'd love to post that photo with this post!)

Lyman Garage

One of the funniest stories that Mike (eldest grandchild of Marvin and Margie) has told me is when the Lyman Garage burned. As a child, he came to Blanding in 1953 with his family. He remembers going to the Lyman Garage the pop machine at the garage. When the garage burned down a couple of years later, Mike's concern was only for one item. He desperately asked his mother, "Is the pop machine all right?"

Grayson Garage when Marvin Lyman purchased it.

After the fire in 1955

???Missing Photo???

Does anyone in the family have a photo of the temporary garage that Uncle Phil designed and built? Mike has always wanted to have a picture of it. If you have a picture, please email it to me and I'll update this post. Thanks!

The rebuilt Lyman Garage

A few links from the San Juan Record mentioning the Lyman Garage...

This is a GREAT article from the San Juan Record about the history of the Lyman Garage! Printed December 22, 1949
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=92488&CISOSHOW=92651

San Juan School District Annual Report

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=26970&CISOSHOW=27074

Ad for Lyman Garage in Blanding Paper (most of the hits were from ads that ran in the San Juan Record)

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=36316&CISOSHOW=36378

Yellowstone Trip & USU

Uncle Joe, aka Joe Finn, dad, grandpa, etc., emailed me pictures recently. Uncle Joe writes, "The trip to Yellowstone was a one day affair from Logan, when I was up there going to school. Mom and dad used to come up to visit on a regular basis. Dad made great sacrifice to send me to school in 1967. I was there for two years. Dad kept the car wash and the ice business going while I was gone. Boy oh boy, when the subject of goodly parents comes up it hits hard to home in my memories."

Grandpa, Granny, Marilyn and children.

(Someone please identify the children!)

I guess this means Uncle Joe was taking the photo.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Grandpa and Granny at their son Joe's graduation from USU in 1969.

To: My oldest grand-daughter

This letter and hankie resides in the possession of Marjorie Christensen Jones, oldest grand-daughter of Margie Hurst Lyman and Marvin F. Lyman.

Hankie tatted by Margie Hurst Lyman.

(Hankie is folded in half as it was too large to scan the entire picture.)

Close-up of the needlework

Two page note written in 1942.

Transcription of note...

June 28, 1942

My dear grand-daughter, as I sit here writing this wee note I feel that I know you.

Hope you like the little hankie with the patriotic tatting. You know we are, at the present time engaged in the 2nd World War. It is smart to use red white and blue.

I was a young girl during World War No.1 and now I have a son almost old enough to serve his country.

My sincere prayer is that when you read this, the world will be at peace.

Lots of love from your grand-mother

Margie Hurst Lyman

Letters from Marvin to Margie - May 1955

Note: I decided to post all of the letters Marvin wrote to Margie while she was back visiting Caroline and her family at Marjorie's birth in May of 1955. I had posted the some of the letters, and randomly at that. This post covers all of them. It's long, but interesting!

Granny, Marjorie (7 days), Caroline

Blanding, Utah
May 1, 1955

Dear Margie:

This is Sunday night, about the first time I have had to do any writing since I received your letter. Was glad you had such a nice trip. I suppose you are now a confirmed air traveler. Was glad you found things B.Y. in N.J. (New Jersey). What a day we have had here today. The wind has blown all day just as bad or worse than any day we had this spring. You could hardly see across the street for the dust. I feel like I’d crawl into a hole some place and never come out.

I ordained Joe an Elder in Priesthood meeting this morning. I believe he was quite thrilled. Phil is still coughing and has been awful miserable. I believe he is a little better the last two days. I’ve never seen anything hang on as tenaciously as this flue.

Phil and me have been working in the statements some this after noon. I guess it is a good thing you are not here you sue would be mad. It seems like we have got more _____ accts than ever. Business has been pretty good most of the time. Cash sales have been better than before the fire.

We are getting long fine, so far. We eat breakfast and dinner at Lymans, sometimes a malt and hamburger for supper.

Well it’s Monday morning and snowing to beat the bared. Has turned quite cold. I don’t’ know what we have done to deserve such weather. I guess it’s the judgments of the last days.

I don’t know when the blessed event was supposed to happen, but seems like we should be hearing something right away. Haven’t heard from Frances since you left. So didn’t know what’s going on down there.

Well I guess I’ve told about everything I can think of for this week.

Give my love to Caroline, Doug, and the little fellows and write when you get time.

Much love, Dad

Blanding, Utah
May 7, 1955

Dear Margie,

This is Sunday night again. Will try and get up to date on the goings on around here. Last night two of Phil’s pals from Taliesin drove in and stayed with us over night. One of them was the boy from India, the other one I didn’t know. Yesterday we started the rain maker and it is still running. Today is Conference in Monticello. I went over along this morning. Joe had to stay and watch the rain maker and Phil had to take care of his company. I came home at noon to let Joe and Phil go over for the Afternoon session. Phil came home after the afternoon session but Joe had to sing in a quartet at the night meeting. He hasn’t got home yet. Adam S. Bennion was in attendance. He is a wonderful man. I really enjoyed his talks Saturday night and today.

Cordell Bowen died suddenly of a h[e]art attack last Thursday. I went down to his funeral which was conducted by the Masons. Bro. McKonkie and the Baptist Minister were the speakers. It was quite a nice affair. I think it was a blessing as the dr. just told him he would soon be totally blind.

I was glad to hear of the save arrival of the little one (Marjorie Christensen). The message was repeated to me long distance about all I could hear was that Caroline and baby were fine.

We may go to Salt Lake this week to talk to some builders about the Motel. I walked to Sonderegen today. He said he might get on to it in 30 or60 days. But Phil thinks we better no wait. I think we will go over and talk to him again tomorrow night.

We have had some real nice weather the last few days. Had some pretty good showers yesterday and today.

I finally got the plumbers to install the fixtures in the rest rooms. As soon as we get the doors in and painted they will be ready for use. Seems like we are doing a little more business all the time. Sold 900 gal[lons] Saturday, quite a lot of cash sales.

I haven’t heard from Francis since you left. It must be getting about time for something to happen down there.

I can’t think of any more to say so will close for now.

We love you and all the rest of the family and will be looking forward to your home coming. Hope you are all O.K.

Dad

Blanding, Utah
May 15, 1955

Dear Margie:

Sunday night again so will try and bring you up date on the news which is rather scarce this week. I hate to keep complaining about the weather but we have had three days of wind and dust till we can hardly keep on top. I went to Mex[ican] Hat yesterday to dig up a tank and when I got home I washed a half a cup full of sand out of my eyes and nose and hair. Phil thinks we should move if we can find a place that doesn’t blow but I don’t know where that would be.

We didn’t go to Salt Lake, went over and talked to Sandergar (sp?) and he thot he could do this building for us. Phil is working on the details of the place so that he can give us our internals, we might be able to start within about eight rooms.

Sandergar said Frank Hall’s motel cost $56,000.00 and when it was about ready for use the inspector condemned the plumbing and they have to take it all out and do it over. I think Sandergar was quite impressed with Phil’s plan.

Well I suppose Caroline is home now and I think it is wonderful that she gets along so well. It just doesn’t seem possible that they [have] such a big family, and such a fine one. I am very proud of them.

We are getting along very nicely. Ethel and Lynn are taking good care of us. I am only eating 2 meals a day and sometimes one. I feel fine no heartburn or upset stomach from eating too much and too often. The boys fix up a little on the side here at home quite often. Marilyn is buying things in good condition.

We finally heard from France and Dutch and according to their calculation we should just about have another grandchild by now. According to their figures they should be homeward bound in about three weeks which will be about the same time as your home run. You will all be very welcome.

Next Sunday I must go to Moab for High Council Visit and the next Sunday to Lockerby. It will be a terrible rely. When it is ___ it is wonderful to be on the High Council if I didn’t feel so incompetent and I feel less competent as time goes on.

Well I don’t seem to think of any more to say so might as well close.

Much love to you and the family. Dad

Blanding
May 25, 1955

Dear Marg:

Two days late. Will try and dash off a few lines to let you know we are o.k. I went to Moab Sunday might was late getting home. Seems like Sunday is about the only time I have to write. Received a telegram from Francis yesterday announcing the arrival of a boy. This was quite a relief as I was beginning to get a little worries about them being a week past due. Will be going to Locherby next Sunday. That will be another worry of my mind, so I can start on some thing else.

Phil wants to go to Salt Lake tomorrow to see some special shows, etc, this weekend and suddenly Joe has got a lot of things there he wants to see about, so it looks like I will have to let them go.

If you wait till the 5th of June to see the baby blessed it will be a couple of weeks yet before you leave for home. That will be entirely up to you, but remember we are anxiously waiting. Will try and hold out till you decide to come. Will have to close now to get this in the mail.

Much Love to you and the rest.


M.F.L.

Blanding, Utah
May 29, 1955

Dear Margie,

This is Sunday night 10:30, just got home from the garage. I just thot [thought] I would go over there for a few minutes after church and I got caught in the rush of Memorial Day traffic coming back from Monument Valley. I was the only place in town open and they really swamped me but it was good business all cash and no cut rate price.

I made a bad mistake in my letter last week. I was 2 days late getting it written and in my rush to get it posted I forgot to air mail it so you might get this one first.

I went to Lockerby today go my visit over, so maybe I can relax for a few days. Phil and Joe got back from Salt Lake this morning about 7:00 o’clock. Phil said his trip was successful.

I bought a transport load of gad from that Western States Co. who have the refinery at Farmington, N.M. They made me a special price of 21 ½ center delivered in Blanding. Looks like I would almost have to live up with them as they beat WR Halls price by about 2 cents a gallon. On one transport load of 7200 gallon that would represent a saving of $146.50.

I received your letter announcing your schedulal for the return trip. Unless you notify me otherwise I will meet you in Cortez June 7 about noon. Would probably be better if you could call from Farmington. I could be ready to go on a moments notice. Imagine Francis will be leaving Texas about as soon as he is discharged. Seems like 3 weeks should be long enough for Dutch to recover.

May 30. The wind is blowing again today. We have had two or three good days since you left. Joe just left for Less Ferry to bring some of Frank Wright’s customers back to Blanding.

Well I must close and get this in the mail. Will see you in a week.

Much love,


Dad

GENERATIONS

This would have been a great four generations photo if Marilyn and I had the presence of minde to be in the picture. On the right are Marilyn's parents and her Grandmother. Of course you all recognize M & M and Granny Hurst. Who are the three kids?

Joe F. Lyman