Marvin and Margie Lyman

Nativity "Diary"

2011-02-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Granny had a Nativity Set and Snow Village that she set up every year. She kept a few entries regarding the setting up and taking down of these things.

1974 - Shabby little houses and trees. Very poor cotton, but the little village looked rather cute in spite of all the handicaps.

1975 - About the same. Maybe a bit better cotton and Caroline gave me some snow which helped a great deal.

1976 - Used again. Looked like home.

1977 - Looked real good.

Dec 8, 1978 - Don helped me this time. I just love to have it up. This nativity looked its best Christmas. There was more green - some rocks, the little angels.

1979 - Don helped again. It was cute.

Jan 5, 1981 - This dear little nativity is a comfort to me. This year it was the best ever because Irene (?) painted Joseph’s gray locks and painted his eyes and lips. He is handsome as he should be. Don has just helped me box it up. Granny.

Jan 5, 1981 - Don helped put the Snow Village away for another year. He loves it. Granny

Jan 6, 1982, 10:30am. - Don and Francis have helped put the Snow Village away for another year. It was fun putting them up and taking them down. I don’t know who enjoys it more, the boys or Granny.

Jan 6, 1982 - Don and Francis have helped put the Nativity set to rest for another year. It has been very enjoyable. It is now 11:00am.

Christmas 1982 - Cori and Marci brought a tiny doll to put in the manger.

Jan 4, 1983 - Don, Francis and Taylor have put the nativity set away for another ear. The have also taken the trimmings off our beautiful tree. They helped put them up earlier than usual. It is fun.

This is still 1983 - December 30, but Don and Francis have been here and helped me take down my Christmas decorations. I usually wait until after the first of the year, but this time I didn’t seem to want them up any longer. Don really does a good job for me. Works fast and to the bitter end. Boxed them and took the boxes to the basement. I can’t but wonder if I will help do it next year. I left more up to Don because I see poorly. But he loves doing it. Granny, Noon- Dec. 30, 1983

Common Sense - August 3, 1994

2011-02-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

COMMON SENSE - August 3, 1994

Joe B. Lyman

The White House. All but a very select special group of people think of Washington D.C. when someone mentions The White House. But there are some, and you know how you are, who think of another house much more special and ultimately more important. Not a house in fact, but something much more -- a home. The rest of you know it as the house across the street from Motor Parts.

For our family, many of whom have lived in The White House at one time or another, it is one of the most special places on earth. I started life there nearly 33 years ago. I remember my sister Jeanette coming home from the hospital when we lived there. All she could do was sleep and hold on to your finger real hard but that was enough. I brought my first child home there. All she could do was sleep and hold on to your finger and it was still enough. I remember playing games out on the big lawn in the shade of a messy tree, especially when the Big Cousins came up from California. I remember going there to visit my cousin Kelly when Francis’ family was making memories there. Most of all, though, I remember Granny.

Many of my memories of Granny took place in the Cliff Palace Motel that she and Grandpa built in 1955. Granny was a constant in a world of change. I remember sugar cubes, the cookie jar, honey candy and hot home made bread. Somehow that bread seemed to come out of the oven about the time the afternoon swimming session ended. I remember mountains of Spudnuts. The way I recall they numbered in the thousands. The Big Cousins could eat fifty or so at a sitting. I cherish memories of The Lyman Christmas Party during which the walls of the old house must have stretched out to allow all of us in. In the later years the center piece of the decorations was the doll she brought from Mexico. She’d rig a stand for her in the middle of the tree. Those parties would have lasted all night except they were held on Christmas Eve and Santa Claus insisted we be home by midnight. I remember playing hide-and-go-seek with your imagination because Granny was “too old and tired” to play for real. Some of you who know me have learned how to play as well. Jeanette hid in a wrinkle on Granny’s face one night. I remember those wrinkles on a kind and gentle face. I was old enough to think she should be offended but she just laughed. Her sense of humor never dimmed. I remember the box of toys reserved for her favorite grandchildren. The best of the box was the barrel of Lincoln Logs. Her eyes were always bright with love and the light of the Lord. Despite and because of her many challenges in life, Granny had a strong testimony. She loved the Lord and was meek, prayerful and humble to the last.

For myself, and at my wife’s prompting, I have wanted to dedicate this weeks column to Granny. I feel inadequate to the task. I have learned more about Granny and Grandpa by reading my copy of “Pages from the lives of Marvin and Margie Lyman” than by personal experience. I’m not sure I have it in me to write a fitting tribute to this great lady. My memories are those of a young boy taking the kindness, love and caring of a grandmother for granted. I hope she knew how much I loved her. I wonder if she felt I have in some small way given her something back. The most fitting gift would be to live up to the standards she exemplified.

She loved Grandpa more ever day as she tells it in their book. “I am grateful that the older we got the more I felt love and tenderness for him. While we were still living at the motel, he went many times each day across the street to check on the car wash and the ice machine. Each time I saw him walking back, his step getting slower, I would watch him and get a thrill of happiness. One day I told him that and he smiled slightly and said, ‘It sure don’t take much to give some people a thrill.’ But to me Marvin was much.”

I remember the day Grandpa died on October 8, 1972. It was raining that day. A warm gentle soaking rain. I think the storm was sent in honor of a great man who had spent a great deal of his life digging the tunnel through the mountain and further developing water for Blanding. It is fitting that Granny passed away on Pioneer Day. She was a pioneer indeed.

Good-bye Granny -- God be with you ‘till we meet again.

The tumult and the shouting dies;
The captains and the kings depart.
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, Lest we forget.
Rudyard Kipling

2010 Marvin and Margie Lyman Reunion - Dinner

2010-07-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

2010 Marvin and Margie Lyman Reunion - Tunnel

2010-07-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

2010 Marvin and Margie Lyman Reunion - Walking Tour

2010-07-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Walking Tour Around Town...

Aunt Dutch holding the dress that Margie made for her daughter Caroline.

Margie tatted all of the medalions.

Marjorie Christensen Jones sharing information about Granny and her tatting.

Lynette Lyman Bayles at 'The White House'

Uncle Joe sharing information about The Lyman Garage

Aunt Dutch, Kelly, Uncle Joe

The original front of Uncle Parley's Store

2010 Marvin and Margie Lyman Reunion - Temple

2010-07-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Reunion began with an endowment session for the Adults in the Monticello Temple. The Youth participated in Baptisms for the Dead as well.

Katherine Lyman received her endowments prior to departing for a mission to the Cleveland Ohio Mission - Kirtland Church History Sites. Katherine leaves on August 4th!

Caroline Lyman Christensen received her endowment at the age of 86 years. I think her parents, Marvin and Margie Lyman were 'well pleased' with their daughter.

Thank you!

2010-07-04T19:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks so all of you for attending the Lyman Family Reunion on Friday. Over the next week or so, I will post pictures of the event. We are so glad so many came and participated.

With love,

Caroline Lyman Christensen Family

The Reunion is THIS WEEK!

2010-06-28T10:05:00.001-07:00

Marvin & Margie

Margie and Marvin in front of Cliff Palace Motel - 1965

Marvin and Margie's first home

Margie in front of Cliff Palace

Helmets from WWI

Wow, what a year of blog posts and now, reunion time has arrived!

A couple of Schedule Changes...

Set-Up: Thursday evening at 7:30pm - CHRISTENSEN FAMILY - we are meeting at the South Church to set up tables, etc. Please come and join us!

Tunnel Tour: 1:30pm on Friday. If you haven't been there before, it is a dirt road. Four wheel drive vehicles and high off the ground vehicles are preferred. If you don't have this type of vehicle, just come and someone else will give you a ride!

The Walking Tour Around Town will begin at 4:00pm at the cemetery. Drive to the cemetery, then we'll drive back to the south chapel parking lot and complete the walking tour.

Scheduled Stops: White House, Motel, Garage, Blanding City Building

Reunion Information and Misc. Pictures

2010-06-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, this reunion is coming up soon! Two weeks, and it will just be a memory - a GREAT one we hope!

REMINDERS...

** The Monticello Temple is a small temple and thus you are required to bring your own temple clothes. (This does not apply to the youth who are participating in the baptism.)

** Youth need to make sure they have their limited use temple recommend

** The count for the attendance at the reunion is now at 120. Isn't this great!

** Food Assignment Reminder

Joe's Family - Main Dish (Your choice)

Caroline's Family - Salads and Bread/Rolls

Dutch's Family - Dessert and Drinks

I thought I post a few misc. pictures that I haven't used in the blog yet. Enjoy!!!

Phil & Marvin on Blue Mountain, circa 1935

Joe, Margie, and Francis

Margie's 85th Birthday Party

Caroline in a dress that Margie made for her

Family Photo circa 1946 - Caroline, Phil, Marvin, Joe, Margie, and Francis

Margie, Marvin, Phil, Francis, and Joe and ???

Several Items... so Please Read!

2010-06-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Taylor Lyman for emailing me this great picture of the Granny and Grandpa Lyman's White House! It doesn't look near this nice today!

The White House - back then...

The White House - today...

REVISED REUNION SCHEDULE

10:00am - Monticello Temple Session

Baptisms for the youth**

Endowment Session for the Adults

1:30pm - Meet at the parking lot of the South Church (by gym) and drive up to the Tunnel!

A great part of our family history!

4:00pm - Caroline's Family only - Meet at the South Church Gym and set up TABLES, etc! We need muscle!!!

4:30pm - Family meets at the Cemetery (Probably should drive over). Then we'll drive back to the south chapel and go on a walking tour of other homes/businesses in the area that are related to our family!

6:00pm - Meet at the South Chapel Gym for dinner, program, visiting, etc.

**Note we still need one individual to assist with the youth baptisms. I'm so excited that Cori suggested this. We have 10 of our family youth participating in baptisms!

See this link for more info: http://lymanreunion2010.blogspot.com/2010/06/temple-session-update-etc.html

Temple Session Update, etc.

2010-06-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello!
In addition to participating in an endowment session at the Monticello Temple, I have made arrangements for the young men and young women of our family to participate in Baptisms and Confirmations at the same time (10:00 am). If any of you have family names that you would like the youth to assist with, that would be great! (Mike and I have a few from the Christensen side!)

The extended Lyman family is required to provide priesthood support in order to make this happen. So, I am asking for five brethren to participate with the youth. Please email me as soon as possible if you would be interesting in assisting with the Youth baptisms. (Otherwise, we'll need to cancel.)

Additionally, some of you may be aware that Kent and Becky Lyman's daughter Katherine will be receiving her endowments during our family temple session. How exciting it will be to have so many of her extended family present.

Please email me as soon as possible to let me know if your are going on a session, helping with the youth, or are a youth participating in the baptism. I just had this impression that Granny and Grandpa Lyman are so pleased that we are attending the temple. Looking forward to seeing you all in person!

Mike and Sidney Christensen

PRIESTHOOD ASSISTANCE WITH BAPTISMS

1. BenFeldmeth
2. McKay Hugentobler
3. Taylor Lyman
4. Joe Lyman
5. Matt Bayles
6. Brian Bowen

NAMES OF YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN BAPTISMS

1. Nathan Hugentobler
2. Marci Hugentobler
3. Brooke Lyman
4. Jace Bayles
5. Devin Lyman
6. Colton Lyman
7. Ciara Lyman
8. Ryan Lyman
9. Chantelle Lyman
10. Jessica Beuf
11. Asa Lyman
12. Holly Fellmeth
13. Dave Fellmeth
14. Joe Fellmeth
15. Shelby Hammond
16. McKenna Blackburn
17. Lindsey Blackburn
18. Megan Blackburn
19. McKenna Bowen
20-23. Kent's four children
24. Laura Bayles
25. Jordann Lyman
26. Davin Lyman

NAMES OF FAMILY ATTENDING ENDOWMENT SESSIONS

1 - 12: Uncle Joe's count
13 & 14: Mike and Sidney Christensen
15. Cori Hugentobler
16. Scot Christensen
17. Marci Bowen
18. Julene Christensen
19 - 21: Kent, Becky and Katherine Lyman
22. Lynette Bayles
23. Kirk Christensen
24 & 25: Cori & Mark
26: Aunt Dutch
27-30 - Uncle Joe's additional Count
31. Caroline Lyman Christensen
32. Sue Christensen
33-35 - Phil, Jody and Kade Lyman
36. Tyler Christensen

Look What We Found...

2010-06-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Mike and I are now in Blanding. We've spent the last couple of mornings cleaning out the infamous 'Green Shed' at Doug and Caroline's.

Under a towel, we found Grandpa Lyman's assay equipment, which measures ore. It is in fairly good condition.

Assay - do you know the meaning?

Someone in the family has expressed an interest in this equipment, so I am attempting to reach him. If he isn't interested, we'll probably bring it to the reunion and invite anyone interested to write down their name, and then do a drawing for the equipment. Mike and I would like to see it in a place other than the dusty, green shed!

Oops!

2010-05-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Remember this post?

http://lymanreunion2010.blogspot.com/2010/04/white-house.html

Well, the pictures posted are NOT of the White House. Uncle Joe kindly pointed out our error. After looking at the pictures more closely, I immediately realized the error!

So, does anyone have pictures of the White House that they can post for us. Otherwise, I'll just have to wait until I arrive in Blanding (48 hours and counting!) and take a picture.

I guess this means that I'm not perfect....

See you in about six weeks at the Reunion!!!

Reunion 2005

2010-05-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Marvin & Margie Lyman Reunion

2005

A few pictures from our last reunion five years ago to encourage you to attend our upcoming reunion on Friday, July 2, 2010. See you there!!!

P.S. Mike and I are moving to Blanding next weekend so there will be no post. We'll have another post around June 6th. Until then...

Faith of our Mothers...

2010-05-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Maria Terry Hurst

The Egg Story as I Remember It
By Margie H. Lyman

A story that is told and retold by four or five impressionable and talkative boys and girls ranging in age from 21 years to a bit over ten can have many different angles. But the kernel of the story is true and has been one of the faith promoting stories told in our family for lo these many years. Now I want to write it as I remember it.

I was four years old – not old enough to remember very much – Phil had turned two in October, a week after Beth was born with papa away working to support his growing family. Luell was six, George was eight and Inez was 10. Well, I might add Mama was just a dark haired beautiful girl of 28 years. Carrying great responsibilities and in poor health. We were in poor circumstances.

It was Christmas time, there was no way really that Mama could get anything for us for the great event which children always look forward to from one year to the next.

A few days before Christmas a letter came from Papa with a little money. From older brother and sisters the amount was small, perhaps $10.00. But that would help a lot and Papa would be able soon to send some more. Mama called a council to say that we had the money, but our tithing was not paid in full and it was the last of th year. What should we do? Mother was a woman of great faith and integrity. She knew the answer. I know as in other things what Mama said was always right. I do not remember the family council. What I remember are the events following the decision that the right thing to do was to pay our tithing and trust in our Father in Heaven who was very real to us.

It was the day of Christmas Eve. Can you visualize a Mama watching her children looking eagerly for Santa Claus to come and there was no way? I’m sure only she could say where and how many times she was on her knees in prayer that day. We lived in a small house. In the bedroom where there was a fireplace, there were two wide beds, not queen or king size, just double beds. Mama’s and papa’s was yellow, big high head, little lower foot, stood in one corner. In the other corner was a brown bed much the same the yellow one where Inez, Luell and I slept. Between the beds under the window stood an old tin truck which had belonged to Grandpa Philip Hurst. Folded on top of the trunk were some quilts, used for beds on the floor at night. It was around this trunk I remember kneeling with Inez, a big sister in charge, having us take our turns in praying to Heavenly Father to send Santa Clause. Naturally at four years, the words of each prayer is not remembered, but the picture and the impression is very vivid on my mind.

During the course of the afternoon, Mama suggested to George that perhaps he could sell a fat hen to some one for Christmas dinner. I don’t know if Brother Clark just happened to come by or if George went to his home, but he did ask Brother Clark if he would buy a couple of good fat hens. When Brother Clark said he would George asked if he could pay for them as it was getting late. This part I quote more or less from George. “Inez and I caught the hens. I cut off the heads and we delivered them bearing proudly one dollar and fifty cents for each one.”

But the second vivid picture I have is standing in front of our kitchen door and seeing Mama coming from the barn, holding her apron to form a basket, full of eggs. Could you even think of anything more natural than that she could have been inspired to search for eggs in the hay? And that she had been led to them? She had been praying constantly for this. I feel certain, as we think how George himself just a little boy, but to me born a man and took a man’s part, went almost at closing time with Mama to the little store owned by Willard Call with the money from the hens, and eggs which could always be used for barter, and got the things which would make the Christmas I remember best. I know we had a bit of candy and nuts in our stocking which hung above the fireplace but the gift of all gifts were the little dishes that Luellie and Margie got together. A little box, maybe 5 x 7 inches and in it two plates probably the size of a silver dollar, two saucers with little cups in corresponding size, a wee tea pot and a little covered sugar bowl. White china they were with little blue and pink flowers. But glorious they were, and the Christmas was joyful, but the best of all again our prayers had been answered and we had been given one more assurance that the Lord lives. A lesson which each of us has builded on through the years and upon which we still place our faith and hopes for the future.

Random Photos

2010-05-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's a little late, but a few photos from the past...

The Tunnel

2010-05-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I was browsing through the headings of this years posts and I realized that I hadn't written anything about the Tunnel.

The Tunnel is one of the greatest legacies of Marvin F. Lyman. I just spent the last hour reading his oral history recounting the Tunnel Project. There is too much to choose from to enter into the blog, but one thing that was clear to me, even though the project stopped and started several times, Marvin never lost the desire to complete the Tunnel Project so that water would flow into Blanding. He cared about the community of Blanding and knew that water was necessary to grow the town.

Early photo of individuals involved in the Tunnel Project.

Marvin drinking 'pure water' from the spring.

In Marvin's oral history, he states, "We didn't have any pure water until we got this treatment plant in. It killed the germs all right, but as far as I'm concerned there isn't any water that is fit to drink. I never drink it. In the summer time, I take my can and go up to get the spring water in the mountains for drinking here. I can't stand that clorine taste very well. I never did get used to it."

Margie Hurst Lyman at the dedication of the Tunnel.

Marvin's father, Walter C. Lyman had been instrumental in beginning the Tunnel project. He died prior to its completion. The tunnel breakthrough occurrent in January 1952.

Favorite Colors

2010-04-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well, Mike and I have been in Blanding this past week painting Doug and Caroline's kitchen. (Why were we painting the kitchen? See this link.)This afternoon, family was over and we were talking about the reunion. Marjorie was showing us the tags she's created for the display table. Caroline then said, "Oh, red is mother's favorite color."

Did you know that RED was Margie's favorite color? I didn't.

The next obvious question was, "Did your dad have a favorite color?" Quickly Caroline responded, "Yes, Blue."

So, we quickly decided that for the reunion, except at the temple of course, we should all wear RED and/or BLUE. This shouldn't be too difficult since we are all in town for the 4th of July celebration anyway. So, come dressed in RED and/or BLUE! P.S. The dress code is casual!

Reunion...

2010-04-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mike & I have both been ill this week, so no blog posting. Instead, a repeat and reminder about the upcoming reunion!

Marvin & Margie Lyman Family Reunion
will be held on
Friday, July 2, 2010

Schedule

10:00am - Family Temple Session at the Monticello Temple. If you plan on attending, please email Mike and Sidney Christensen at slang@xmission.com so that we can obtain a count.

1:30pm - Tunnel Tour or Walking Tour of Blanding, visiting homes and buildings significant to the lives of Marvin and Margie Lyman. Meet in the large parking lot of the South Chapel at 1:30pm.

6:00pm - Dinner, program, and visiting. This will be held in the gym of the South Chapel, aka the one across the street from Caroline's home.

Family Assignments for Dinner

Joe's Family - Main Dish (Your choice)
Caroline's Family - Salads and Bread/Rolls
Dutch's Family - Dessert and Drinks

Caroline's family will take care of paper products, etc. As no mailer is going out, we hope that all family members will spread the word with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.

We look forward to seeing you on July 2nd!

The White House

2010-04-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Blanding has it's own version of 'White House', the home built by Marvin and Margie Lyman.

Front View

Side View

What memories do YOU have of the white house? Go into the comments section and leave a short post for others to view. PLEASE!!!

Writings of Margie...

2010-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

When in Blanding last time, I found this sheet of paper that Margie had begun writing some items on.

Here is what Margie wrote...

I have held many positions in the church. Teacher in the Sunday School when I was but 15 years old and secy. of the Primary about the same time. I was assistant organist to Lucy A. Harris in the S.S. for two or three years and then when I was about 17 I was put in as organist, a position I have held almost continuously since then. And after 38 years still hold this position.

For at least ten years I have been Ward oganist periodically. I have been organist in R.S. and Primary and M.I.A. At the present time I am also Primary organist.

Pres. of the San Juan Stake R.S.

Other positions I have held are:

1. Social Case Worker on the R.S. Board
2. Ward R.S. President
3. 1st Couns., 2nd Couns. and President of the Ward M.I.A.
4. President of the Ward Primary

I have been president of the PTA and Captain of the D.U.P.

Worked as County case worker on the F.E.R.A.

Been secty. of the Blanding Health Assoc. for two years.

My only formal education was the San Juan High School. I became interested in Genealogical work in 1942. I give the credit to my sister Luella for getting me interested and owe everything to Lucretia Ramey (sp?) for patiently teaching me some things about doing it.

In the past six years it has been my privilidge to travel to the Eastern sea board 4 times. In 1948 to Cumberland Maryland by train when my first grandson...

Granny's Piano

2010-03-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Margie worked for her uncle, Parley Redd in his store to earn the money to purchase this piano. The cost was $300.00. (I wonder how much money she made per hour???)

At one point, she 'gave the piano away' but it came back into the family after many years and now resides in her daughter Caroline's home.

Margie's Piano

Note: I understand that the story of the piano is in her life history, but I couldn't find it. If anyone know the page number, let me know, and I'll update this post. Thanks!

Tatting

2010-03-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Margie enjoyed tatting. She tatted a variety of items. Margie also tatted about 200 medalions and created a dress out of these medalions for her daughter Caroline. Caroline still has the medalion dress.

Medalion Dress

Medalion Grouping

Close up of the Medalion

Caroline's daughter Marjorie wore this same dress in 1974

when she participated in the Miss San Juan Pageant.

A Note to Joe...

2010-03-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

The note reads:

Joe

I had to go to Primary and so I couldn't wait for you. Dad has gone to Mexican Hat, so you will have to go down alone and settle your tithing. Here is $10.00 you said you owed.

This probably isn't all your receipts but it is all I can find. Take them with you and be sure to bring them back. What ever you do don't fail to go down.

Mom

Reunion Announcement

2010-03-03T09:18:00.001-08:00

The Marvin & Margie Lyman Family Reunion

will be held on

Friday, July 2, 2010

Schedule

10:00am - Family Temple Session at the Monticello Temple. If you plan on attending, please email Mike and Sidney Christensen at slang@xmission.com so that we can obtain a count.

1:30pm - Tunnel Tour or Walking Tour of Blanding, visiting homes and buildings significant to the lives of Marvin and Margie Lyman. Meet in the large parking lot of the South Chapel at 1:30pm.

6:00pm - Dinner, program, and visiting. This will be held in the gym of the South Chapel, aka the one across the street from Caroline's home.

Family Assignments for Dinner

Joe's Family - Main Dish (Your choice)

Caroline's Family - Salads and Bread/Rolls

Dutch's Family - Dessert and Drinks

Caroline's family will take care of paper products, etc.

As no mailer is going out, we hope that all family members will spread the word with children, grand children, great-grandchildren, etc. We look forward to seeing you on July 2nd!

Wedding Gifts

2010-02-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

Daughter Caroline has a couple of wedding gifts that were originally given to Marvin and Margie for their wedding.

Water Pitcher

Hot Chocolate Decanter with Cups and Saucers

Education...

2010-02-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

Marvin was proud and justly so, of his children and their accomplishments. Caroline had become a registered nurse, which was a special joy to him. He was proud to be there when she got her cap, and it was an even greater thrill when she got her certificate of graduation.

Caroline Lyman

Cadet Nurse - 1946

Phil had graduated from Saint John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, and studied two years with Frank Lloyd Wright, the truly great architect.

Phil at Taliesan West

It was a thrilling experience to be at the BYU and see Francis receive his degree in accounting, then even greater, when after some years and five children, to see him become a CPA and get his Master's degree.

Francis's Alma Mater

Joe decided that after seven years of married life and five children, he needed more education. That pleased Marvin very much and he gave Joe all the encouragement he could and was happy to give him some financial help. We loved going to Logan to visit them and it was a Red Letter Day in our lives to be there when Joe received his B.S. degree from Utah State, and Marilyn received her PHT (Putting Hubby Through).

Joe's Alma Mater

Eldest Daughter - Caroline Lyman, part 2

2010-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Caroline Lyman Christensen

Caroline

Caroline - 1940

In front of the 'White House'

Caroline in a funky costume!

Caroline and brother Phil

Nurse Cadat, Caroline Lyman - 1946

Caroline - 1949

Caroline - 1947

Caroline - Nurses Uniform - 1947

Eldest Daughter - Caroline Lyman

2010-02-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

Caroline Lyman Christensen

Born May 14, 1924

Caroline - 7 months

Caroline - 6 years

Caroline - 7 years

Caroline - in her baptism dress - 8 years of age

Caroline - 11 years old

Caroline in her Prom Dress

Caroline and her sister Suzanne

Caroline in her San Juan High School Band Uniform - 1940

Caroline in a costume

Caroline - age 14

Francis, Caroline, Phil

Photos of Uncle Phil

2010-01-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Phil, Francis, Joe Finn

Missionary Photo - 1947

Phil in Germany - 1946
Phil - Taliesan West

Taliesan West

Gotham Book Mart
New York City, NY

Phil and his cat...

Links from the San Juan Record regarding Phil:

Phil goes back to Annapolis: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=91248&CISOSHOW=91316

Phil goes to SLC: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=81525&CISOSHOW=81574

Phil returns from Mission: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=90352&CISOSHOW=90405

Phil accepted by Frank Lloyd Wright: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=104040&CISOPTR=103960

Phil Lyman Graduates: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103313&CISOSHOW=103356

Doug/Caroline Christensen move to New Jersey: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/docment.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103313&CISOSHOW=103356

Mark your Calendar!

2010-01-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

We finally have an OFFICIAL date for the Lyman Family Reunion.

Friday, July 2, 2010

More details will follow...

Blanding will be celebrating the 4th of July on Saturday, July 3rd.

Pass the word!

We look forward to seeing you all there!!!

362 Infantry

2010-01-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Marvin, front row, center

Quoting from Granny's journal...

"In the years following his [Marvin] discharge he used to speak on various occasions about his war experiences. I remember once in particular, when he had been telling some of his terrible and terrifying experiences, President Wayne H. Redd said, "Marvin, don't ever forget these things." I well remember Marvin's words, "There is no danger of me forgetting them, President Redd, although I wish I could. I close my eyes and I can still see so many awful things." Oh, if he had just written them down, how wonderful it would be to have his children and grandchildren read them in his own words. Mike, our oldest grandchild, was always so interested in the stories. Each time he came to our place, about the first thing he did was to get his grandpa's History of the 362nd and read it. There were several stories he liked, especially. One was also a story very special to Marvin called, "The Battle of Turnip Patches."

Granny gave this book to grandson, Michael Douglas Christensen, on his birthday in 1975. She wrote this inscription in the book.

Mike still enjoys reading about the 362 Infantry.

(This wasn't a posed photo)

Sidenote: Did you know that this book has photos of Marvin in it?

http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Holy-Story-Christmas/dp/1590381661

I, Sidney, actually remember this Christmas Concert by the Tabernacle Choir. Mike and I were dating and I had invited him to come with me, but he didn't accept. Walter Cronkite narrated this story and the photos of Marvin in this book were used that evening and depicted on the large screen. While I knew at the time I would marry Mike, I had no idea that his Grandfather, or my soon to be grandfather, was part of the program. It is a fond memory for me and a regret, too, that Mike wasn't there to see Grandpa Lyman 'participate' in this concert. The next Christmas - 2003 - Caroline gave all of the children this book because of her dad's pictures were in it.

How did the pictures come to be part of the program? Well, Jess Crissler (I think that's his name) was a member of the Tabernacle Choir. The directors asked members of the choir if they had any family members who had served in WWI. Jess knew that Uncle Marvin had and so he contact his daughter Caroline and Caroline provided the pictures.

Hole in the Rock

2010-01-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Lynette Lyman Bayles emailed me a link to this Hole in the Rock blogspot. It has the history of many of our ancestors who came through the Hole in the Rock and settled in this area. It's quite interesting!

Enjoy reading!!!

http://trekholeintherock.blogspot.com/

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

2010-01-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Marvin reading the newspaper, while on his mission.

Marvin, with large tomatoes, 1970.

Marvin, in front of Nevill's plaque

Home where Marvin Lyman grew up.

Marvin as a baby

Newspaper Articles about Uncle Phil

2010-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

This has been a crazy week, so I'm not spending a lot of time on this post. A few months ago, when Lynnette put together information on Uncle Phil, I found several articles in the San Juan Record regarding Uncle Phil. As the first post only went up to age 19, these articles are after that. Enjoy find out more about 'Uncle Phil'!

Phil goes back to annapolis
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=91248&CISOSHOW=91316

Phil goes to SLC
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=81525&CISOSHOW=81574

Phil returns from Mission
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=90352&CISOSHOW=90405

Phil accepted by Frank Lloyd Wright
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=104040&CISOPTR=103960

Phil Lyman Graduates
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103313&CISOSHOW=103356

Doug/Caroline Christensen move to New Jersey!
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103313&CISOSHOW=103356

Handmade Purses

2010-01-02T04:54:00.000-08:00

Marvin made, yes made, two purses. One for Caroline and one for Margie. Caroline has them in her closet at her home in Blanding. I guess we'll bring them over to the reunion this summer!

The two purses

Closeup, see the nails at the bottom. The bottom is made of wood

Purse #2. I'm not sure which purse belonged to which person. Ask Caroline!

Suzanne's Bottle Collection

2009-12-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Mike and I pulled out Suzanne's bottle collection during our last visit to Blanding. I was quite surprised at the number of bottles that a four year old had collected.

Total number of bottles: 179

Two boxes full of bottles

Box #1

Box #2 - Look at the variety of bottles!

This bottle cracked me up! It is a ladies flask. Where on earth did Suzanne find this???

It is a glass bottle with a leather covering.

The top line reads, "Ladies Drink"

(I can't remember the bottom line, "______ drink".)

This pictures gives you a sample of the height of these bottle.

The smallest was about one inc, the tallest about nine inches.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

*** MERRY CHRISTMAS ***

Grayson Garage Christmas Card

Christmas Eve - 1973

Back: Granny (Margie), Marilyn, Caroline, Doug

Front: Dutch, Francis, Joe

(I hope I named everyone correctly!)

Letter from Marvin to Margie - March 1950

2009-12-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

Note: This letter was written from Marvin to Margie, while Margie was back in Maryland at grandson, Kirk Le Christensen's birth.

San Juan Record Link:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=93227&CISOSHOW=93291&REC=4

Granny holding her second grandchild, Kirk Le Christensen

Blanding, Utah
Mar. 27, 1950

Dear Marg:

Just want to let you know we are all doing fine except the weather is miserable, the wind blows constantly up on day and back the next. I see by the paper you have been having considerable weather back there. There isn’t much news at least I don’t get to[o] much.

Last week the kids went to Cortez for a band meet. Several bands were the[re] but it was not a contest. However our band showed up exceptionally well. Now Frances tells me they have received an invitation to a band meet in Durango the 15th of April. I wish they could enter into some kind of a contest while Mr. Taylor is here.

I gave Joe $2.00 to put in his pocket book for his birthday which made him quite happy. He is still looking for your present. Yesterday was union meeting in Monticello. The Ward reunion last Friday and I was there, a nice entertainment.

Well I hope the weather will moderate a little before you have to come home so you will get a little more pleasure out of your visit. This is about all for this time.

Love to you and all the rest.

M.F.L.

Granny's 1973 Trip to Old Mexico, Part 3

2009-12-12T11:38:00.001-08:00

Margie (Granny), Francis, Mrs. Pancho Villa, Caroline

June 28th

It is Caroline’s wedding day and as we leave on our tour, just the three of us with Fredie Gonzalez, he tells us it is All Saint’s Day. I am very excited to know that if you have just one day here that a guided tour is the only way.

P.M. We are back and packed and checked out ready to leave Juarez, El Paso and home. But what a day!!! Oh My! Fredie, a man probably 45 or 50 really gave us the red carpet treatment. Chihuahua is a beautiful City. The big mansions with the gardens, you just can’t think of anything so grand elegant. Certainly they make homes we have seem like Mrs. Hoagland’s proverbial sheep sheds. Of course we saw only the outside, how I should have liked to go through some of them. But the tile and the hand caring, marble, grill work in iron… just you got[t]a see to realize it. Then in a few short minutes we were taken to the bleak extreme—such abject poverty and filth. You look at the contrast and how can you keep from saying to ourself “We are all God’s children, so why?” No wonder people rise up and revolt. It really makes one think. Our guide told us that Chihuahua was built as it were by two means—the silver and the water. Of course without the water nothing could have been built not matter how much silver. So as always, the water means much to me. For instance in our tour there was a great aqueduct 222 years old still in service. Chihuahua’s Cathedral cannot be described by such as I. It took 100 years to build. The intricate perfect carving done with Indian slave labor had to be perfect and if a mistake was made it cost a man a finger, a hand, or his life. It is now in use but as I mentioned, it was all Saint’s Day and the crowd was small. We were taken in to view as the mass, or whatever, was going on. Didn’t seem right to me, but the Priest went right on with this thing, and the plate was being passed. Fredie told us “It was the Catholics who conquered Mexico with fear.” But now even thought 95% would say they are Catholic, you see from this crowed that it means little to most of them. Time was when on such an occasion this entire area would be jammed with people, but now just a handful. We went to the State Capitol where Chihuahua’s history is shown in beautiful murals. We went in the governor’s reception room where hangs a life size portrait of Benito Juarez and one of Father Hidalgo. Hanging form the ceiling is the most exquisite crystal rock chandelier.

Perhaps the high light to me was that which pertained to [Pancho] Villa and I wished I had known more, but I live with most things like water funning off a ducks back. But we aw the tome he had built for himself—beautiful but empty. His body is buried far way with no one knowing where his head is so the building stands in State. I wonder if Luz Corella Villa does, who still lives in the mansion and sits in a room full of his books and things of interest, tells his story, just parts of it of course, but she is a large pleasant gracious person. I suppose until recently she conducted the entire tour. She has set a price of 40 cents for each one who comes to see her. The money she uses for the poor, such as a big building in connection with the part of which she lives, just separated by a courtyard or garden live many of the poor class. Then there is an orphanage built and supported by her. Said Fredis, “I don’t know what a lot of them will do when she dies, if she ever does.” She doesn’t say how old she is but he says at least 91. She smiles and says “I live with my memories”. The old Dodge care in which Villa was riding when he was shot sits enshrined, full of bullet holes. There is a great case of his guns, knives, etc. Oh, I don’t know how much is true and how much is tradition and stories for the tourists, but it was an interesting and I’m like Janie, I am glad I went. I wanted to so bad. Yet I had fear and dread of it as you know, until we were in the car and on our way. I can’t seem to write more. Maybe I can say more once we get talking. I will say the story has it that Villa had 53 wives but Luz is the only one who had papers to prove it. You know, I wish we knew the really true story.

We left the great city of Chihuahua about 1:30 and headed for Ciudad Juarez. We stayed at a beautiful Roadway Inn. It was hot but our room was cool and comfortable. After resting awhile we walked around and looked in a few little shops but decided that we could probably find more things the next morning nearer the boarder. We would be rested and fresh and we knew there would be more things displayed for a tourist trap. I did buy a bag for Helen’s birthday and a cap for Taylor’s.

Since it was our last day in Mexico we figured we should have some Mexican food. On most of our trip we had eaten from our good food box which we carried along. Francis inquired as to a good Mexican restaurant but the place was some distance from our motel so we decided to eat in the café there. We were surprised when we went in to find that it was sort of a night club deal—dim lights, live music which was good, some folk were dancing. On the menu was delicious Mexican food. We were told that there would be a good show later, and that we didn’t have to buy drinks. How about that? Such a good chance to let our hair down. We didn’t like the show but we had paid for it and we weren’t about to waste our chicken dinners, so we endured the ‘screeching’ girl singer. The back ground orchestra music I think would have been good if she had shut up. It was about the time we left very mild, but you know I am certainly like what Lark said about his grandma, even more so. It was the nearest thing to night life I had ever been in.

The next morning we left at a “pretty good time”. We reached the said shops and were in and out of a jillion of them, looked and bargained. I didn’t buy a thing but a mantilla for myself. Selfish I guess, but it all seemed too futile. Frances and Caroline bought “duff” for each of their children, but I couldn’t start with the grands.

We had to go through customs and show and tell, opened our bags, etc. But it was painless and quick and easy, and we crossed the bridge into the good old United States and the very air seemed better and the ground sacred. I know it has much to be desired but still the best the Lord has to offer. A land choice above all other lands. We thought we might stop some place and come home Sunday but our dear little bishop needed to be home for his Fast Day duties so we just kept coming and got here at 1:30am.

I must finish in words of Kirk once when I went to New Jersey—“I wish grandpa could come.” Maybe grandpa wouldn’t have loved this as much as I did but, Oh Luellie, I wish you could come.

Note: According to Yahoo Maps, the round trip was 1319 miles.

Contest...

2009-12-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be aware that Granny and Grandpa Lyman's daughter Suzanne had a bottle collection.

Mike and I are in Blanding for a couple of days and I just counted the number of bottle and I couldn't BELIEVE how many there were.

So, take a guess during this week and the one who comes closest will win a prize. I'll give you a hint... There were two boxes full of bottles. Box sizes: approximately 9 x 9 x 9.

I'll post the winner next Sunday along with pictures of Suzanne's collection.

Let the competion begin!!! (respond via the comments section with a number!)

Granny's 1973 Trip to Old Mexico, Part 2

2009-12-05T09:55:00.001-08:00

June 27th

Another wonderful soul satisfying day which has been long and I am weary. The cemetery is there which you would never know with all the trees and the nice fence, but otherwise neglected and in bad repair. Many graves are not marked and oh so many of the old ones broken and pushed over. We got pictures of the Hurst monument with us by it, and it is big—the largest one in the cemetery. George has, to his own satisfaction, spotted Grandpa Terrys, Aunt Laurie’s and Naties, though he says Grandpa did not (I mean Dad) agree with him, but we had our pictures taken by the three and claimed them.

Buzzard Flat is just beautiful. It should not be called so now since it is planted with soya beans and corn as far as the eye can see, with beautiful wells of water pumping onto the ground… a far cry from the dried up well and the dead cows. There are great orchards--peaches, pears, apricots, green and glorious. We meat the son of Sister Longhurst who has been a Bishop for a long time, not now, who told us that the Old Hurst farm, meaning our Buzzard Flat Farm was being part of the Church Welfare farm. What about that? We went to Romney’s farm. There again, all vegetation, under cultivation and fenced in. Old houses are all gone, one or two Mexican houses are left but we couldn’t get down to the ponds nor the river. Bowmans store, as well as their big home is gone. Haymore’s store is there but not being used, sort of boarded up. We even went down the track to the old Farnsworth place where the Johnson boy was sick and we felt called upon to visit his funny little grandma way up stairs, but that house too is no more.

We went back to our little house again for our last stop and had pictures in front of the fire place. We went to Colonia Juarez and were shown through the academy which was nice. I had never been there. When we got back we went to the Uncle Charl’s place where we were living at the time of our departure from these parts. It hadn’t changed so much only it is a flat top and white. The pump is gone but the well is still there. Chandler’s big house is gone with a Mexican adobe affair in its stead. Yes it is more a Mexican town even with many of the big houses still standing. Now at this time I am going to bed at out Pinon Motel in Casas Grandes, which joins Dublan, no break between. We plan to go to Chihuahua City in the morning so you will be hearing from me again tomorrow night. All of this has made me feel very close to you.

June 27th (Yes, there are two dated the 27th)

We are at an old but very beautiful Hotel in Chihuahua. It has a Motel added too, but we are in the Hotel which I like better. The wide stair cases made of tile and fancy iron railings. The gardens and everything make me feel like I am in a make believe world. Our trip down was uneventful, went through much country which was bare and dry as we remember Buzzard Flat. However, before we actually left Casas Grandes and Old Casas, we took a tour of the Cases Grande ruins. We were on our own, but we wished afterwards that we had hired a guide. It was so big and different to mesa Verde, but truly Jacob was right, “At one time this country was covered with a vast amount of a great population.” We went by Galeana, a rather large Mexican village, where, as you know, there is a colonia of the Polligimists but they seem to be apart quite a way to the west and we didn’t feel free to drive over to look. I wanted to though. One thing which I had never heard of was the big colony of Mennonites. I had always thought of them as in and around Pennsylvania, but there they are in their saved and sanctified conditions. Of course we talked to no women but the men all talk Spanish. We did find one man at their big store and warehouse who spoke enough English to get by. We bought some of their cheese for which they are noted and soma cold drinks. We were surprised to see some of them smoking cigarettes. Of course, we had no way of knowing if every one we saw were Mennonites. We saw women in long dark dresses, long sleeves, high necks and wide brim hats, passed several in a horse drawn buggy like they were going to “town for fun”. Some had sort of colored shawls about their shoulders. We passed one or two sedate couples, each in a buggy, some with one horse, some with a team, but all in the same somber attire and wide hats—both men and women. I noticed that they do use some machinery such as trucks and tractors. As we drove away in our car, Caroline in a pants dress looking like a 16 year old, I in a pants suit, no hats, etc., etc. Two big boys, I should say at least 17 or 18 stood in the back door where they had been unloading a truck of flour and grain, we all thought they looked a bit wistful, but who knows—maybe it was a look of pity on the sinful folk who had come their way that day.

After we checked in, we had dinner at a very lovely café in the Hotel. Everyone was gracious and helpful, there was always someone who spoke enough English so there was no problem. After dinner we took a little walk, but there was a different feeling. There were little cards and stands all along the sidewalks—food being served without benefit of sanitation…seemed like mostly kids and teenagers out for a good time. A big picture show house with coming out and going in, but you knew they were watching us and were certainly strangers in a strange land and we were glad to get back in our room. Francis has bought tickets for a three hour tour in the morning. We found out that train trip over the mountain would take two full days and Francis just can’t be gone that long. Caroline says we will do it next time, but somehow I feel that I shall never pass this way again. Good night now.

Granny's 1973 Trip to Old Mexico, Part 1

2009-11-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-11-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T13:47:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

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

Marvin's Letters to Margie - 1953

2009-10-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Note: These letters were written by Marvin to Margie while Margie was back in New Jersey for the birth of grandson Scot Lyman Christensen.

Scot Lyman Christensen

Blanding
Dec. 4, 1953
10:00pm

Dear Ma,

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, but it’s no dream. It started snowing this morning at daylight and has never let up. There is a foot of snow now and may be six inches more by morning. I am facing it with courage and determination. Am I glad you are in New Jersey instead of waiting here to take the plane tomorrow night. I received your telegram and needless to say I am happy about the whole affair, even to getting another grand son.

I love alone to night as Jody has gone to Grand Junction to play basketball tonight and tomorrow night. I just listened to the first BYU game tonight with Idaho State. BYU won by a good margin. Grayson M-Men beat Fort Lewis College night before last in a fast game. They are also playing in Grand Junction tonight.

I received a letter from Francis. He arrived at Chaffer ___. He met a Sergeant on the bus at Oklahoma City. He told him all about where to go and how to get there. Francis said he got off to good start, was on 1 P.P. and guard duty for 24 hours as soon as he arrived. He had an appointment for an audition with the band and thot he might be kept there as their band was not up to full strength. He seed to have a desire to remain there, also he said not to write him until he sent a permanent address.

I received a letter from Phil today, written at Annapolis Nov 30 which was two days before you arrived at Woodbury, he was leaving b bus for Washington where he would take a train that night for Phoenix by way of new Orleans, of course he didn’t know you were coming so soon or he probably would have waited to see you. He seemed to be arranging his own schedule but couldn’t take to much time. He should arrive in Phoenix today. He thot you should visit Norma if you possible could as she was expecting you. I don’t know if he will come up for Christmas but he thot he might come sometime in January, after you get home. It look[s] like we have got the travelingest family I have ever saw.(seen)

We are having breakfast at 7:30 and dinner at 12:30 and just peace [piece] around for supper or go without. Am sure we will get along fine.

Well there is not much news since you left so I better close this and get to bed.

Give my love to Caroline and Doug Mike and Kirk and the rest of the family. I suppose Caroline will be home from the Hospital by now so you can start your writing.

Well, be happy and have a good time and we will try and do likewise.

Love, Dad

Blanding Utah
December 17, 1953

Dear Marg:

I just received a letter from Francis today and one yesterday. He received my letter after he wrote the first one, hence the 2nd letter. I am passing them on to you so you can see what the situation is.

I do not know if Phil has any intention of coming home. Haven’t heard from him since I wrote him.

I suppose you will be heading home as soon after Xmas as you can make connections. Don’t think it makes much difference whether you come to G.J (Grand Junction) or Cortez. You can decide that after you find out what connections you can make.

I received your welcome letter. Hope you have a good visit in New York.

We are getting along fine. Sandra keeps the house clean up and we are getting along fine with meals a day at Lynn’s. We kept two basketball boys here the other night. Also kept Term Habe the other night. He came in with a load of gas and stayed over night. Everything in town was full. The Town is certainly full of people. Another oil rig moved in and there is talk of some more coming in. I don’t know where every body will stay. The Town is full of trailer houses now.

We got the razor for Francis and Burt got the kodac for Joe, he couldn’t get the kind Joe ordered but a better one. We are planning a little surprise for Joe. I think Joe is doing pretty good in basketball. They played Moab in Moab night before last, got beat. They played Green River in Moab last night in Moab. I don’t know how they made out. Hoe isn’t up yet.

Well it seven o’clock and I will have to get up and get to the garage. We have all the business we can handle. Have kept Howard all day part of the time.

They took Phil to Salt Lake the other day to be treated for ulcers of the stomach. Haven’t heard from him since he went up there.

Will ___ now.
We love you and will be glad to have you home.

Dad

I just got the mail and your letter of the 16th. Phil is back from Salt Lake. Ulcers are better but he’s having some bladder trouble.

Write soon. M.F.L

Link to San Juan Record artictle regarding Francis signing to the Concert Band

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=104296&CISOPTR=104249

Basic Training Surprise! http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=103960&CISOSHOW=104020 (Link also mentions that Granny had a quilt day at her home. Good news for myself as I'm a quilter!)

This is the letter from Francis that Grandpa sent to Granny with this letter which was dated December 17, 1953.

Camp Polk, Louisiana
Friday Night

Dear Dad and Joe,

Here I am at another separation center at Camp Polk. I have been stationed at the 63rd Army band here though, and will move over there Monday. I sure will be glad to get settled down.

The weather here is pretty nice now. At least it’s good and warm. I suspect it will get plenty warm here in the summer. I can think of places I’d rather be, but I should have a good deal here. The band has no KP or guard and that always looks good to me.

There is a branch of the church at Alexandria, about 60 miles away and if I can find a ride out, I should be able to do quite a little work there. I can’t make it their Sunday though because I’ve got KP. All we do while we are waiting for orders is pull KP and guard and other details. It isn’t bad though.

This is a pretty nice post and an awful big one. The main PX here is almost like Macy’s in New York. They have an electric train setup there with one of those big multi-transform that can run 3 or 4 trains at the same time, and I’ve been up and played with it a couple of times. It sure is confusing trying to run three trains at once. I think there are 4 theatres on the post and 2 or 3 service clubs and a post office, etc., etc. There are no big towns close around so the boys stay pretty much at camp. The camp is located 6 miles south of a little town called Seesville which is 60 miles west of Alexandria, if you want to locate me on the map.

I guess mom has gone to New Jersey by now hasn’t she. Would you send me Carolyn’s address so I can write to them. My address is:

Pvt Francis M. Lyman
US 56 214 214
63rd Army Band
Camp Polk, Louisiana

It looks like I might be coming home again for Christmas. The band is getting a blanket 15 day leave and I would be left down here alone. I think I can catch a ___ to Hill Field on an army flight and come free. Nothing is definite yet, though, so I’ll let you know.

Well it’s time for lights out so I’d best quit for now.

Love, Frances

Blanding Utah
Dec 26, 1950

Dear Margie

I just received your letter. It made me very sad to hear about the little fellers trouble. It don’t seem right for such a little one to have to have such an operation. We hope and pray that everything turns out for the best. Am glad you were there and you must keep me posted of his condition. I don’t know what you have heard from the boys. Anyway Francis didn’t come for Christmas. Will leave there about the 1st of January. Will have 15 days. Have we sent his elokes (__lean) him. Phil thinks he can come up for a few days while Francis is here but I daren’t make any definite plans until we are more sure what they can do.

We are doing O.K. here. I went to Salt Lake 2 days this week. Got back Christmas Eve. Joe and I were invited down to Br. Roots for Christmas Dinner. Sure had a delicious dinner and a nice visit till about 6:00 in the evening. Joe got up early and went to Tohatikee, N.M. this morning with Ellis Palmer. I don’t know exactly what for. I suppose he will be back tonight.

I’ll have to stop to get this in the mail. Hope the little feller will be O.K. and you won’t have to stay too much longer. Love, M.F.L.

Philip Lyman

2009-10-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

High School photo of Phil

Francis, Caroline, and Phil

Phil & Caroline

June 1931

Note: These entries about Uncle Phil were compiled from Margie Hurst Lyman's journal by granddaughter Lynette Lyman Bayles.

When Caroline was 22 months old I was blessed with a dear baby boy also born in the Moab Hospital on 17th March 1926. We named our boy Philip H. for my brother. Phil was small and didn’t gain weight as he should and would have had a hard pull but for the kind help of Dolly Bayles who nursed him for several months.

When Phil was 18 months old he became very seriously ill with intestinal flue and it seemed that he could not live. I will always appreciate the kindness of Joe Redd in driving his car up to our door and telling us to take it and get our baby at once to Moab and dear Dr. I.W. Allen. When we left home Phil was so distended and in so much pain that he could not stand to be moved. Patriarch’s Wayne H. Redd and Benjiman Black administered to him just before we left and he lay quiet all the way to Moab except on a few occasions when the car would jolt him too much and then he would cry out with pain. The little chap pulled through under the expert care of Dr. Allen and our faith and prayers but he was never a robust child.

On the 7th of June 1931 prior to my trip to SLC The four of us made a little trip to the natural bridges which stands out in my life as one of the “High Lights.” Caroline was 7 and Phil was just 5 but they made the entire hike from the Edwin to the Augusta up to the ruins down white canyon to the Carolina and back to the Edwin. It was better then a 13 mile hike but they stood it fine. Mr. L.H. Shore of the Beneficial Life Insurance Co. sent them each a pair of hiking boots in recognition of what they had accomplished. They still have the boots among their treasures.

I took Phil and Caroline and went to Grand Junction on the truck with Ray Lyman, Marvin’s brother. We did have the best time. We bought some chairs a little bench and table also a high chair. About this time we moved back up to Dora’s house by the Garage where we stayed until Feb. 1936 when we moved into Oscar Johnson’s house up by the High school.

We were living there when my dear boy Phil was taken ill with pneumonia. We rushed him to the hospital. He was kept in an oxygen tent for several days and had food and water in the veins or he could never have lived.

I brought Phil home from the hospital on the 18th of March the day after he turned 10 years old. A very thin weak child but lucky to be alive.

March 17, 1939 To-day is Phil’s birthday he didn’t have a party but we had a nice birthday dinner for him. Lyn Thompson made him a beautiful cake decorated with shamrocks. To-night he is at a class dancing party. Caroline, Arthur Rogers and Joe Sherman are playing for the said dance. Phil had to make punch.

Nov. 12. Phil gave a very interesting little talk on the part of Youth in genealogical work. I was very proud to have a son who could do as well.

July 6, 1942

Arthur Rogers is trying to encourage Phil to play the piano for the orchestra. I hope he will do it. They have been practicing here to-night. Arthur claims that Phil is good.

Marvin and Phil went to West Water yesterday to stake off a mill site for the Blanding mines. We all went along. While they worked we gathered pine gum for Caroline.

Arthur Rogers and Phil went to Monticello with me and practiced with Wyman Redd. Wyman is Jay and Marie Redds boy and plays a trumpet. Art played the saxophone and Phil the piano. Arthur is trying to start a young orchestra and wants Wyman to play with them.

Phil went down to play a couple of numbers with the orchestra, hope he doesn’t get cold feet and back out. Right now I can hear them playing “don’t sit under the apple tree” that is one of the songs he is supposed to play.

I must not forget to mention that Phil played for the entire dance Friday night Aug. 21st.

Dec. 13 Phil was sustained as Pres. Of the teachers quorum.

Jan. 3 1943 Just came home from a Christmas Cantata given by the San Juan High School chorus class. It was “Chimes of the Holy Night.” My son Phil played the entire piano accompaniment. I was very proud of him. He did a fine as did the chorus.

Jan. 10 My Philip was ordained a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood this morning. I am happy to say he is just as good and clean as when he was ordained a deacon. I hope he will always be worthy of advancement in the Priesthood and I think that he will.

Jan. 17 Philip administered the Sacrament at Sunday School and in meeting. I had a big lump in my throat when I looked at him and heard his manly voice. My mind went back when he was a wee chap. He was so little and under nourished. Many a time I have put him in the bath tub and cried over his little thin body. I thot most every day of his life that he would never grow to maturity. Things are so funny, I always thot Suzanne so husky and well and she was taken so quick. We surely can’t tell just how the Lord will do things. Perhaps it is best we can’t. Marvin told Phil quite a little story tonight that I feel like writing here. I quote.

(Story Marvin told about priesthood worthiness)
“I learned the blessings on the bread and water when first I was ordained a priest and never forgot them. When I was in Camp Lewis during World War one some of us fellows decided one Sunday to find the Mormon church if we could. We walked for a long long way and finally came to a small church. There was a real small congregation. We had never been there before and had never seen anyone there. The presiding Elder was quite an old man. Just as we came in and sat down in the rear of the building he walked down the isle and asked me to come up and administer the sacrament, didn’t even ask me if I was a Mormon. I was certainly thankful that I could do it. They didn’t have a book, card or anything.”

I feel sure that Phil will learn them now.

Jan 24 I was very thrilled this morning because Phil accompanied the San Juan High School glee club. They furnished the music for the 1st meeting of Stake conference.

With the world in such a mess with this terrible war, no telling what she will be doing next winter. God grant that peace may soon come to the earth.

Friday 28 Went to the Presidents Birthday Ball. Had a nice crowd. John McDonald who had things in charge said they cleared “171.00 for the crippled children in America. The school orchestra furnished the music and it was real good. Phil played the piano and it was his first experience playing for an entire dance.

Phil has gone to the fireside chat at the home of Dr. Wesley Bayles.

Phil graduated from High School and has been working for my brothers, George and Phil at their saw mill.

Phil, Caroline and I have been making a fence back at the north end of the house. It looks real nice.

July 29, 1943 Put up the first lunch I ever put up for a working man. Phil had to take his lunch to the mill today.

Sept. 12 Sunday night – Just arrived from Salt Lake where we have been to put Caroline and Phil in the University of Utah. It seems very lonely

1944

March A week ago tonight Marvin and I came from Salt Lake where we had been to attend Caroline’s capping at the L.D.S. Hospital. She got her cap Thursday night march 16th. It was very thrilling. Exercises were held at the Ensign Ward. Marvin gave Caroline and Wanda each a lovely corsage. After the service we all went to the Coon Chicken Inn and had dinner. Beth, Sil and Betty were with us. Oh yes and of course Phil. Friday was Phil’s birthday he turned 18. Saturday we went with him to the Utah Oil building where he registered for selective service.

Marvin was not home when Joe Fin broke his arms. He had gone to Thompson to get a load of salt for the Blanding mines. Phil went with him. He is learning to drive the truck this is his third day driving. He came home from the University last Saturday June 3rd. He will stay home I suppose unitl he enters the army probably in July some time.

Marvin and Phil have gone up to Venices and Barts to Barts birthday party.

Phil talked in church tonight. Then he went to the Fireside chat at Garda Adams and played quite a number of piano selections.

1945 Phil is working as stock tracer at Hill Field. He was accepted for limited service only and so far hasn’t been called. The war continues to be more terrible we have had several causalities and have several prisoners of war. We spent Christmas in Salt Lake and really had a marvelous time. Phil nor Caroline could come home so we took Joe and Francis and loads of candy, nuts, doughnuts, gifts etc, etc. Even a dear little Cedar tree and took up our abode at New America Motor Lodge where we had a real little home for a week. Caroline has been home once since then. I am certainly doing my share of work these days.

Saturday, March 17th was my dear Phils birthday. 19 yrs. old.

Links from the San Juan Record about Uncle Phil during his youth...

Phil in a school Operetta:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=35629&CISOSHOW=35729

Phil bicycled to Bluff:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=49271&CISOPTR=49193

Sunday Meeting:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=67472&CISOSHOW=67513

Phil's piano lessons? ( didn't know he played the piano)
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=67928&CISOSHOW=67961

Phil played the piano:

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69027&CISOSHOW=69068

Phil home for a few days:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69090&CISOSHOW=69130

Phil recommended to ordination to Elder:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=69922&CISOSHOW=69935

Pictures...

2009-10-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Taylor Lyman for sending these pictures!

Walter C. Lyman

(Marvin's Father)

Elizabeth Finlinson Lyman with children Ethel, Zola, and Marvin.

Elizabeth Finlinson Lyman

(Marvin's mother)

Lyman Brothers (standing) Bart, George, Lynn, Ray, and Marvin

Father (sitting) Walter C. Lyman

The Rest of the Story....

Last week while in Blanding, I found out a little more information on why Granny (Margie Hurst Lyman) ended up on Salt Lake for six weeks. In speaking with her daughter Caroline, she recalled that it was during the depression and the church had invited Relief Society Presidents from all over to a training in Social Work. During these six weeks, Caroline remembers her dad (Marvin) holding a piece of bread against the pot belly stove and toasting it. Caroline said, "I have never forgotten how good the toast smelled when he put butter on the bread." She also remembers him cooking meat this way.

Caroline also mentioned that when they went to pick up her mother in Salt Lake, that this was the VERY FIRST TRIP that she and Phil had ever taken to Salt Lake. This was a BIG DEAL for she and Phil. They were so excited! She said that when they were driving up to Salt Lake, it was winter; and in Price Canyon the car skidded on some ice and turned clear around. They stayed in a little apartment while in Salt Lake and she remembers that she and Phil were running in the hall of this apartment complex and they got in a little trouble!

Certificate that Margie Hurst Lyman was given at the completion of her training.

Picture of the Woman who participated in the six-week training.

Granny is in the front row, third from the right.

Granny has listed each woman who is in this picture and where they are from in her Book of Remembrance that is now in the possession of her daughter, Caroline Lyman Christensen.

P.S. Next week update is on eldest son Phil.

Beehive House letters - Part 3

2009-10-09T08:18:00.001-07:00

This is the final installment of the Beehive House Letters. As I mentioned before, I could just see how much Grandpa Lyman loved Granny and how he missed her! Enjoy!!!

Marvin with his Bow Tie

(For some reason, I really like this picture!)

Margie Hurst Lyman

Nov. 4, 1931

Dearest Marg:

I am just writing a few lines to tell you I received your letter today stating that you are feeling better for which I am glad.

It seems kinda lonesome tonight as I sold the radio today to Eli_es Dalton, he took it to Bluff to keep him company this winter. You know he stays in Bluff now for the next 2 or 3 months. The mail leaves here 8:30 in the morning going north.

Lynn Thompson went to Grand J. (Junction) with Ray today to look for a stove. The kids have gone over to sleep with Ethel tonight so I will have the house to myself.

Same is about ready to start building a house. She is getting the lumber from Rowley’s on my acct, if she gets all of it she has ordered it will about pay their account here and will also pay Sam what I owe her.

I hear today that Aunt Caroline is holding her own and has a fair chance for recovery

The American Legion and Aux. are planning quite a celebration on the 11th.

See Link: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=16849&CISOSHOW=16867

They came after me to make another speech in school. I told them I had told my story three or four times and they had better get someone else this time. Of course, I was the main guy in the war but I think some of the others could say a few words on the subject.

Well I didn’t intend to write much when I started and I guess you’ll get tired of reading all this stuff, so I’d better pull in my neck and look to the bed.

I hope you are entirely recovered by now. Take good care of yourself.

I think of you always.

Lots of love,

Marvin

Nov. 10, 1931
Tuesday Morning

Dearest Marg,

First a few lines to give you the latest developments. We had a nice day yesterday but it is all cloudy today. I don’t think it will storm much however so we will not alter the plan.

In case De should call for you to bring you home tell him to go to the Devil. He has been telling around that he is going to bring you home and I thot ma[y]by when he heard I was coming after you he might rush up there and tell you I sent him for you. That’s the way he does business.

I started to tell you in yesterday’s letter about the kids, if I is at all feasible to bring them I will have to do it, they have been counting the days for a lone time and it would surely be a disappointment if I didn’t bring them.

I looked for a letter from you yesterday but was disappointed perhaps I’ll get one today. There is no news so will close my remarks with much love for you.

Marvin

I will drop you a line in the morning, which I suppose will be the last word till I come up.

Nov. 11, 1931
Wednesday Morning

Well Margie my Darling: I will drop you another daily bulletin of conditions. I received your letter yesterday and surely appreciated it.

It rained nearly all night and is all foggy today. The roads are in bad shape now but if it doesn’t rain any more I think we will start Friday. Of course it might keep storming until it will be impossible to come then so if we don’t arrive there Friday night you will know we are delayed on account of storms.

I will not write you again. Am hopeful I beat this letter there. If we are delayed more than a day or t[w]o I may wire you when we will come but you can depend on me getting their as soon as possible as I am sure anxious to see you and with a hug and kiss I greet you.

Until then I am yours. With a heap of Love.

Marvin

Link to San Juan Record stating Margie’s return to Blanding from Salt Lake City:
http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=16941&CISOSHOW=16957

Beehive House letters - Part 2

2009-10-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Oct. 23, 1931

My Dear Margie:

I am setting up till twelve a clock tonight watching the lights. Lynn has never come back from Cortez but he called up tonight and reported that they had a girl, so I guess he’ll be home soon.

Caroline has gone down to Marion’s to sleep and I made Phil a bed here on the counter, he is sound asleep. I’m in the garage and have been interrupted about fifteen times since I started this letter. There’s a dance on and quite a bit of business and of course I keep the radio going all the time. I certainly get lots of good programs.

Phil is all O.K. again. I think he has asked me about 1000 questions today so I think he is back to normal. He sticks pretty close around with me most of the time I will see about getting him some warm underwear.

I do not know how many checks you have written, and will not know until I get my statement from the bank but I am not afraid of you spending money for anything unnecessarily or foolishly and I want you to have anything you need.

I wish you would let me know just when your school will be finished. I don’t know of any chance for you to come home and unless a right good chance turns up I may come up for you. I don’t want you to be inconvenienced in getting home. Of course I would love to come after you if I feel financially able. I would come anyway if I thot you would have any trouble in finding a right good chance. In case I should come I would probably come the day your school closed and stay one or two days or what would you suggest. Well it will be quite a long time yet. Guess we will have plenty time to make arrangements. I have put in all my spare time fixing the car here and there and everywhere. I’ll soon everything done to it that I can think of. Every time the kids see me working on it they want to know if I am getting it ready to go to Salt Lake.

Marion came down today to see me about going on with the lay. She said she had a letter from you yesterday. She wants me to take the part with Effie. I told her I would if the rest wanted to go on with it.

Well my dear I guess this will be about enough for this time. Please write right back. I love to hear from you.

Lovingly Yours

Marvin

Oct. 28, 1931

Margie Dear:

I just received your welcome letter. Am glad you are feeling better. We are all feeling fine. I think Phil is eating better than he ever did in his life. Caroline’s school is putting on an Operetta tonight. We are all going, that is Phil and me. She is going to be lettuce[e], has a green costume made.

Link: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16651&REC=0&CISOBOX=marvin+lyman

Well they resurrected the play the other day and again it has died. I told them they couldn’t put it on by the 6th but they had to rehearse for a week before they would believe me. They couldn’t get another night before January so I doubt if the old play will see another resurrection day and I think it is O.K. with me.

It has turned quite cold as north wind is blowing and it feels like winter is just around the corner. I put up the heater in the house the other night. It looks like I would probably have to come up and bring you home. I don’t know of any chance on this end and unless you get a chance to come right straight thru I think I will come and get you. I don’t think the bus a very durable means of travel and I doubt if you could find anyone coming straight thru. So unless something else shows up I will probably leave here the morning of the 13th.

I don’t think there is any news to speak of everything going on about as usual. So I guess this will be about all for this time. Write soon.

Much love,

Marvin

Nov. 3, 1931

My Dear Margie:

I received your letter today, was very sorry to learn of your affliction. I hope you are better by this time; am glad you are in such good hands, and I hope you will not hesitate to get what ever medical attention you need.

We are all well and feeling fine, but I was a little worried about you as your letter seemed later than I expected to hear from you. We have been having election today and Lucretia just came by and told me I was again elected to the Town Board. The ballots were all blank and you could vote for anybody you pleased for any office. There were about eighty votes cast, I received 66 for councilman and some for Mayor, so I guess I got my share. The lineup is as follows: H.D. Bayles, Mayor. M.F. Lyman, John D. Rogers, Arthur Hurst and B.D. Black, Councilman.

I received my bank statement today and your checks came in so I have a chance to check up on you. I will say that I think you have been very modest about writing checks so far. Perhaps you have been figuring a little too close. If you need any more clothes or permanent waves or anything else you would like, just help yourself. We want you to be fixed up all O.K. when you come home.

They started for Salt Lake with Aunt Caroline Redd Sunday morning but only got as far as Price when they had to stop and operate, they took our several galls tones, her condition was quite serious the last I heard. I haven’t heard today.

I went to Caroline’s Operetta. It was real good. Caroline did as well as any of them but her costume started to come to pieces when they were dancing and confused her some.

We have just pass thru another epidemic of Halloween. They didn’t do us much damage except the tip the back house over so we thot it was a good time to give it a new location farther away from the house which we did without the aid of a Specialist.

I still don’t know of a chance for you to come home so from appearances I will probably come after you.

Well I have exhausted my supply of news so guess I better stop while I have nothing more to say. Am looking for a letter tomorrow saying you are better.

Much love,

Marvin

Nov. 4, 1931

Dear Margie Girl

I am so worried over you and will be so glad when I can see your dear face again. I do hope and trust you are better. We are all just fine. I am getting better fast now.

I is a beautiful morning it makes one feel good they are alive.

Well the Town Board was elected yesterday. Bishop is Mayor, Marvin, Dad, Johnnie, and Bro. Ben Black are the councilmen.

I went to meeting yesterday and gave the lesson for Luella. I sure did get comp. but I did not do it alone for I was afraid to give it and I sure did plead with the Lord to help me.

Lulla is in the turkey killing. I am worried over her. I do wish she did not have to work so hard.

I saw little Phil yesterday. He is fine he says. He was with Platt D. I saw them both to S.S. [Sunday School] Caroline and Phil.

They gave up the play and they are putting on some kind of entertainment Friday nite. Dora and Reed are fine. He is down nearly every nite.

Nedra is sure doing fine in school. I am so glad. I to not want her to get through but I am afraid she can’t go on. Riley is sure doing good to. I don’t know how long they will keep him out but I don’t see how we can keep him going another year. Dora says Pa_l told her he did not think he would keep her on nay longer than after the holidays and the boys have no work. Dad is not able to do much but we will just leave it to the Lord. He does all things well. I guess you no Aunt Caroline is very sick in price. They started to S.L. [Salt Lake] but she got so bad they could not go on. She had gall stones and gangrene very serious.

Did you see the account of Glen Bailey’s death they had his funeral in Monticello. Dad and Oscar went, also Aunt Onie.

Well, I will close. I do love you.

Write soon,

Marv

1931 Beehive House Letters, Part 1

2009-09-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Link and explanation of Margie’s trip to Salt Lake: http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16272&REC=0&CISOBOX=margie+lyman

Margie & Marvin - 1920

Oct. 3, 1931

Dear Marg:

I just have time to dash off a few lines before the mail gets here. We received your letter yesterday, and was surely glad to hear from you. I hope by this time you are rested up so you can begin to enjoy life, but I can’t imagine anyone getting any rest up there at Conf. time. Everything is about as usual here, we are getting along fine. Ethel is doing very well by us. The young ones are doing fine even to the cat and pigeon.

The windows of heaven have surely been open for a couple of day, the rain has poured down till water runs in every direction, the drouth is sure busted. I guess you know that John recovered O.K.

I went up to Marion’s last night for rehearsal, the first one we have had and since no one came but me the rehearsal was a fiz, but we had a nice visit. I heard them announce Coranton over the radio. I wish I could go with you to see it and further more I think you better not miss any good shows. Well I’ll have to quit if I get this on the mail and I think I have done pretty well since this is the first letter I have written in ten years. Don’t worry about things at home and get anything you need. The Lord will provide.

Enjoy yourself and have a good time.

With much love

From pap and the kids

P.S. Would like to hear from you often and will try and reciprocate.

Marvin Lyman

Goosenecks of the San Juan

Oct. 7, 1931

Dear Marg:

I just received your letter and I perceive that you have not read the first letter I wrote you several days ago, however you may have received it by this time, and if you have I hope it cheered you up some. I don’t want you to feel sad or discouraged while you have such a fine chance to be doing something that should be a pleasure to you. We surely do miss you, and will be very glad to have you home again.

We are getting along fine and as far as I know you should not have any cause to worry about us. Ethel is taking good care of us and we are all well and happy so to speak.

I listened to every speaker on Sunday over the radio. There were certainly some wonderful sermons. I think I got more out of them than I ever did trying to hear them in the Tabernacle. Bro. Shumway came over and listened to the afternoon session. He thot it was fine.

We have a crowd here every day to listen to the World Series Baseball game. It comes in fine and I am getting to be a seal fan. I wouldn't miss one for anything. They have two more games to play.

We have nearly all the first coat of stucco on the Garage, it helps the looks considerable. The weather is idea, hasn’t frosted ye and we haven’t put the heater up. I went to Monticello yesterday, called at the bank and arranged for them to pay our checks. I don’t think it makes much difference whose name you make them in. You can write your own name if you prefer. I don’t believe there is much news and I am a poor hand at gossip so I don’t think of anything else to write about. I suppose by this time you will be deeply engaged in your studies and won’t have time to get lonesome or homesick anyway. We don’t want you to be. Treat yourself to a good time and write to us when you can spare the time.

With much love

Marvin

P.S. If you don’t receive this letter write and let me know.

Margie H Lyman - 1921

Oct. 14, 1931

Dear Marg:

Your welcome letter received. Am glad you are getting along so well in your work, but I don’t think I would like your job. Everything is about as usual here, lots of bad colds in town. Phil’s has been afflicted with a cold but I think he is on the improve. Otherwise, we are all O.K. Lynn Thompson came home from La Sal the other day. He has quit over there and is our cook now.

We had a wonderful Conference here last Sunday. I attended every session. I guess that is why I liked it so much. Apostle Merrill was in attendance but it seemed like he didn’t get a chance to speak as much as I would like. There were so many others to speak.

We are going to have a talking picture here tomorrow night, an outfit traveling thru the country. The kids are planning big on it. I told Phil if he didn’t get better he couldn’t go, so he is making a desperate effort, wears his shows and stockings every day. We have him a dose of Magnesia this morning.

I don’t think of many more news to speak of so I guess I’ll have to sign off.

I have been wondering how you are standing up to the work (Physically. How are your aches and pains. I hope you don’t have to be on your feet too much.

Well be good and write soon.

With much love

From your Old Man

I see by the paper that your school lasts till the 13th of next month. That’s a long time.

Margie Hurst - 1919

Oct. 19, 1931

Dear Margie Dear,

I received your letter today and it seemed awfully good to hear from you again. I am setting here by the stove along trying to keep warm. The little ones have gone to bed and I am watching the lights as Lynn has gone to Cortez but don’t think they have had any results yet in the way of increase. Today has been rather dismal, it started to rain last night and has kept it up nearly all day and still is. The garage has been full of bums all day and there is heaps of mud everywhere.

I am glad you enjoy your work and have the opportunity to meet lots of nice people, they will surely expect much from you when you get home after the splendid training you are receiving.

We are all doing very nicely. Phil had quite a bad dose of earaches but is allright now. He still has some sores on his lips but he is able to hold his own with Caroline when it comes to fighting which they do most of the time when they are together. (Sidney here, I had to laugh at this comment!) I think Caroline is doing alright in school. She is in the best class. Yes I guess the play blowed up at any rate we haven’t had any rehe[a]rsals. I don’t know whether they have given it up entirely or not.

If Garda is home I haven’t heard of it I don’t hardly think she is.

Ethel and Lynn have rented apartments in Blacks house and are located there now. Lynn has been picking some of the apples down on the lot. He is doing most of the cooking. We had a real banquet the other day when Geo. came in off the Survey. The Survey has quit and they have all gone home.

The mail has changed the schedule. He stays in Bluff now and goes north in the morning which should make quicker service between here and Salt Lake.

Well I have about exhausted my supply of news which is very limited at the most. Anyway, I don’t think there is much happening. The deer season opens tomorrow and most of the Blanding men have gone or are going hunting. If I was going hunting for dears I think I would go to Salt Lake.

Write again soon

Heaps of love.
Marvin

Misc. Items...

2009-09-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've had a wonderful afternoon typing up several letters that Grandpa Lyman wrote Granny in October/November 1931 while Granny was in Salt Lake at the Beehive House. I caught a glimpse of the love Grandpa had for Granny. Granny evidently stayed at the Beehive house while in Salt Lake.

Link explaining Granny's trip to Salt Lake:

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fsjr&CISOPTR=16272&REC=0&CISOBOX=margie+lyman

When Mike and I found these letters from Grandpa to Granny a few months ago, they were gathered together and tied with a blue ribbon. We found this note among the letters...

Marvin's Letter to Margie - 15 May 1955

2009-09-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Note: I probably should have typed all the letters at one time because I just realized there is an 'order' to them!

Blanding, Utah

15 May 1955

Dear Margie:

Sunday night again so will try and bring yo up to 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 go 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 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 Caorline 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 ver 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 fugures 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. (Where is/was 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

Patriarchal Blessings of Marjie Hurst Lyman

2009-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

I've been transcribing more the letters between Margie and Marvin and found in the group four patriarchal blessings received by Margie Hurst Lyman. After discussing this with Mike, we decided that we probably shouldn't post these blessings. But, if you are interested in reading them, I have transcribed them and would be happy to email you a copy. Please email me at slang@xmission.com if you are interested in her patriarchal blessings.

Thanks!

Mike & Sidney Christensen

Letter Written Shortly after Suzanne's Death

2009-09-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

Background...

Lynette Lyman Bayles has a copy of this letter in her possession. Lynette writes, "I hope you will all feel of the great love Granny had for her family and also of her great testimony and faith. I’m glad I can share this sweet letter with you all. Love Lynette Lyman Bayles"

Lynette also told me in the email that there are areas in the letter that are blotched with Granny's tear stains, and so the words cannot be read.

Link to Suzanne's obituary...

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=63170&CISOSHOW=63186&REC=1

Explanation of the Letter...

This is a letter written by Margie Lyman shortly after the death of her little Suzanne. It came into my possession through Margaret Wright who lives here in Mesa. I am so grateful that she called me to tell me of its existence and she felt our family should have it. Margaret’s cousin, Lynn Melville, gave the letter to her, and she passed it on to me, along with this letter of explanation of its origin:

Rachel Melville (addressee on envelope) is Lynn Melville’s (the cousin who brought the letter to me) mother.

Rachel’s mother, also named Rachel, is a sister to Grandma Libbie.

Elma (the letter is written to her) is a sister to Rachel Melville.

Theil Roberts, (the return address label on the envelope) is a daughter of Elma’s. She probably sent the letter to Rachel to give to Lynn when her mom died and they went through her things.

This is a great piece of history and a special piece of Aunt Marg and her strong testimony and strength. I’m glad I got to read it.

Margaret Wright

The Letter...

Blanding, Utah
Oct. 11, 1942

Dear Elma, before I write a word let me tell you that it will be a poor affair. I am a dumb letter writer at the best and it is oh so hard for me to write about the death of our dear little Suzanne.

Your letter was grand and oh you don’t know how much it meant to Marvin & I. It is funny how we go along and didn’t realize just what our dear ones suffer. I was impressed with you and Boyd. Had you pictured as having faith and living up to church standards but I didn’t realize some of the things that bound you so securely. It is so had to have a little darling snatched right away from you but still it is a great satisfaction to me that Suzie suffered very little. I will tell you all about it in detail as near as I can.

On Saturday the 5th of September, she seemed to have a very slight cold. Not the least bit sick but a little hoarse. She played all day and went me and the boys to pick pears. I told Francis and Joe Fin that I would give them a nickel for helping. We had been picking just a few minutes when De Bayles came along with some other little kids on their way to the field. He asked Suzanne to go along. Of course we were all through and home before she got back. She was so cute as usual. She came in and said “I want the nickel I earned picking pears.” I said “you didn’t pick” but I gave it to her thank goodness and she got an ice cream cone. She wanted to go the show but it was a little cold so I coaxed her to stay home. She said she would if I would tell her some stories. I did for an hour or two. She seemed a little tighter in her lungs so I steamed her and rubbed her chest. Heavens I have had children much worse and never been much alarmed.

Sunday morning she insisted on going to Sunday School. So Carolyn got her ready then talked her out of it because she was still breathing real hard. Carolyn stayed with her as I had to play the piano in the Junior Sunday School. They just had a good time all the while I was gone, played chop sticks on the piano sang songs etc. It was about 1:30 when I got home. She was lying down but didn’t seem sick. I continued to steam her and tried to loosen up her throat. Aunt Ellen came in to see her and told her to be at Sunday school next Sunday. I felt like saying “She won’t be there aunt Ellen.” But I tried to put the thot out of my mind but it just stayed in spite of every thing. It was fast day and I had intended going to meeting but felt impressed to stay with my baby. Every one else went.

About 3 o-clock I was sitting on the edge of her bed putting wet towels on her throat because aunt Ellen said she had croup. All of a sudden she had a bad choking spell. I said “honey put your finger in your throat and make yourself vomit.” The little thing tried but nothing came up. She got real dark and needless to say I was terrified. I ran to the door and screamed. Carolyn just happened to be passing. I thot she was at meeting. I sent her for Marvin. The Dr. wasn’t in town but I got Dorthy Bayles, one of the best nurses the Lord ever blessed the world with. By the time they got here Suzie was real white and lying still seemingly in no pain except for the difficulty in breathing. Dorthy said she had asthma and that I was doing all that she could do, but to call her if Suzanne choked again. The rest of the after-noon she just lay there wanting me to tell her stories which I did.

About 5:30 she got up and went into the bath-room by herself just as she got back into bed she vomited a little. I changed her pajamas and just straightened her bed when she went into another very very bad choking spell. I grabbed her up and screamed for Phil to run for Daddy and Dorthy. I carried her into the bath room and dashed cold water into her sweet little face and fanned her and she reached her little arms up and said, “oh mama I’m choking to death” and Elma she was doing just that and there I was helpless. I said out loud, “Oh Father in Heaven you are taking my baby aren’t you?” I knew that he was. We had her administered to earlier in the afternoon but it didn’t make any difference.

Dorthy came and sent for Ann Hatch the public health nurse. They got here and gave her shots of adrenlin about 6:30 and Marvin ran and called our dear Dr. Allan in Moab. He told us to bring her down. At 7 she had her third choking spell and a slight convulsion but after it she was rational. Miss Hatch was holding her by the window, the little black cat was sitting on the sill out side and she waved and smiled at it. I just thot my heart would break right in two. At 7:30 we with Miss Hatch were in the car on our way to Moab. We made it in 1 hr. and 15 min. Dr. Allen and his Brother Dr. D.K Allen of Salt Lake were both there ready to operate or any thing necessary but could find nothing wrong. No temperature, no evidence of pain they tapped her spine and it revealed absolutely nothing. They did everything possible but she never did respond to a single thing. She never seemed conscious after reaching the hospital and passed away at eleven o’clock. We wrapped her in a blanket and retraced our sad path home. We got here about 2 o’clock.

All of our family both mine and Marvin’s were here and they were so good and kind. What oh what would we do without loved ones? We buried her on Monday. Had a beautiful service at 4 o’clock. She was indeed a wax doll. Her little clothes were perfect. Ray went to Cortez and got a lovely little peach color casket and we put our baby girl to rest in a (?) silken down bed. Hazel curled her hair just the way I had kept it all Summer. Oh Elma this is a mess I can’t see (? words smeared and unreadable) You will never be able to read this terribly written epistle but please excuse me and let any of our folks read this if they care to because I can never write it again to anyone. I don’t question the Lord in it neither do I want her back but you know how we miss her and I just have to cry sometime. Thanks a million for your letter give our kind love and regards to all of our dear folks. Love Marg and Marvin

Letters from Marvin to Margie, #2

2009-09-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

This letter was also written while Margie was back in New Jersey visiting her daughter Caroline Lyman Christensen and her family, at the birth of Caroline's daughter, Marjorie Christensen Jones.

(I find these letters fun because Grandpa Lyman write about everyone in the family. We receive a glimpse into the life of the family as well!)

Blanding
May 25, 1955

Suzanne Lyman - 1938-1942

2009-08-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

I confess, I'm a little tired today so I need an easy blog. Here are photographs of Margie & Marvin's youngest daughter, Suzanne, who died when she was 4 1/2 years of age. I'm sure there are stories of her, but I'm wondering if any of you (the readers of this blog) have heard stories of her. If so, please write them in the comments or on facebook. Thanks!

Margie & Suzanne - 1940

Suzanne Lyman

One year old

Suzanne - 1941

Nineth Wedding Anniversary

2009-08-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures in a scrapbook at Caroline's.

Natural Bridges 1931
Phil, Caroline and Margie

Caroline & Phil

Then, I found this article from the digitized newspaper project... (Scroll down until you find the paragraph and Marvin & Margie Lyman!)

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=14727&CISOSHOW=14793

Letters from Marvin to Margie

2009-08-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

When Mike and I were visiting Caroline over the 4th of July, we discovered letters that Granny had kept, that were written by Marvin. I was transcribing one today and decided I would just post them randomly.

Here's one letter written by Marvin to Margie on May 1, 1955. Margie was back in New Jersey with daughter Caroline and her family, awaiting the arrive of Caroline & Doug's fourth child (Marjorie). Hopefully, I've transcribed it accurately. While I think Grandpa Lyman has nice handwriting, I still had a problem reading a few words!

Page 1

Page 2

Letter transcribes...

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 sure 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 _____. 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

Priesthood Worthiness

2009-08-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today's entry is from one of Granny's journals. Granddaughter Lynette Lyman Bayles has Granny's journals in her possession. Thanks Lynette for suggesting this story! This story was told by Marvin to Margie and she entered it into her journal.

Marvin in uniform - WWI

“I learned the blessings on the bread and water when first I was ordained a priest and never forgot them. When I was in Camp Lewis during World War One some of us fellows decided one Sunday to find the Mormon church if we could. We walked for a long long way and finally came to a small church. There was a real small congregation. We had never been there before and had never seen anyone there. The presiding Elder was quite an old man. Just as we came in and sat down in the rear of the building he walked down the isle and asked me to come up and administer the sacrament, didn’t even ask me if I was a Mormon. I was certainly thankful that I could do it. They didn’t have a book, card or anything.”

Northern States Mission 1914-1916

2009-08-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Marvin F. Lyman - 1915

Missionaries had photos taken of themselves that they gave to other missionaries.

Back of postcard. Doesn't Grandpa Lyman have beautiful handwriting!?!

Q: Where did Marvin Lyman serve his mission?

A: Northern States Mission and the same mission that his father served in

"Marvin said that the first thing he was conscious of was a letter from Box "B" in Salt Lake City. Anyone with a letter from Box "B" knew what is meant and that they were expected to be ready to accept a call to preach the gospel whever they were called."

Marvin F. Lyman, 2nd row, center

I'm wondering why Marvin is dressed as a catholic priest?

Are these 'priests' trying to convert Elder Lyman???

"We didn't fly to our destination, we went by train. We were not provided a car, not even a bicycle to take us where we were sent. We met our new companion, were assigned a district and set out on our mission largely without purse or script. We walked miles each day and knocked on many doors, but as any missionary will tell you, there are almost always good people who will take you in."

Group photo of missionaries. Where is Marvin F. Lyman?

Granny's Crocks

2009-08-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

For Christmas in 2006, Caroline Lyman Christensen, daughter of Marvin and Margie Lyman, gave to us - Michael Douglas Christensen (Grandson) and Sidney Ann Lang Christensen - a set of painted crockery. These crocks are a part of the Lyman family history. Mike and Sidney gathered this information in January 2007 from Caroline.

Grandpa and Granny Lyman - Marvin Finlinson Lyman and Margie Jeanette Hurst - were married on June 07, 1922. Just after Thanksgiving in 1922, they moved to the Blue Mountain, the mountain range north of Blanding, Utah. They lived in a cabin on the mountain. The cabin was an old cowboy cabin that had been used by for years. Marvin went up to work with his father who was hoping to find gold so that he could finance a water tunnel to bring water into Blanding. Margie states that, “She enjoyed the winter. While living in the cabin on the mountain, I found these two little containers that looked like vases in a garbage dump.” Margie liked them and brought them home with her when she and Marvin left the mountain in April 1923. The two vases remained in her home after she came down from the mountain.

Several years later, when Caroline was very young, not over six years old, Caroline remembers the crockery being colored. “Someone came into Blanding and had developed a way of coloring. We went over to the church and somewhere in the church there were placed these deep, big containers, that were filled with water. On top of the water, all different colors of paint was then put on top of the water. The paint didn’t sink into the water. They would take the container that you wanted colored, hold it in the inside someway and twist it as you put the item down into the water. You never knew how the item you were coloring would turn out. Maybe it was a Relief Society thing that someone introduced.”

Margie also colored some candlesticks that Caroline still has. An interesting fact about the candlesticks is that they were a wedding gift to Margie and Marvin, and she chose to dip those as well.

Question...

2009-08-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

This morning, Mike and I (Sidney) were sitting in the Celestial Room in the Salt Lake Temple. Mike asked this question, "I wonder which room Granny (Margie) and Grandpa (Marvin) Lyman were married in?" Does anyone know? Did anyone ever ask them?

Marvin & Margie's First Date

2009-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

According to Marvin's History, written by Margie, aka Aunt Marg or Granny or Granny-great,

"Our first actual date was the New Years dance." This would have been the 1922. They were married six months later, on June 7, 1922 in the Salt Lake Temple by Apostle Richard R. Lyman."

Marvin writes about his marriage...

"When we got married, it was necessary that I get a load of passengers in order to pay my expenses to Salt Lake City. Being married any place but in the Salt Lake Temple had never been considered. I drove a car owned by my brother Fred and cousin Edward. With my girl Margie Hurst, my father, and a load of passengers we set out. We made it to Price the first day only to find the bridge washed out at Colton, so the next morning we went by way of Salina and stayed in Mayfield the second night with Uncle Jody and Aunt Nellie Lyman. We made it on into Salt Lake the third day. I paid thirteen dollars for a wedding ring. There had been no diamond for an engagement ring, that was simply out of the question."

We we married in the Salt Lake Temple which was the important thing. We went to a few picture shows, went to Saltair, and enjoyed all of the ries and concessions. In all, we were gone about a week. that was our honeymoon.

Questions to think about...

1. How long does it take to drive from Blanding to Salt Lake City today, in 2009?

2. Why did it take three days to drive from Blanding to Salt Lake City? What were the road conditions like? Do you know what type of car Marvin drove at that time?

Post your thoughts on the blog or facebook for others to think about and read.

Granny's Doll

2009-07-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Margie Hurst Lyman, recounting the story of her doll.

(Notice, she took her shoes off!)

At the time, Margie was living in Dublan, Mexico. "Mama's baby sister and Dad's baby sister, were about the same age, and they both worked at this big store...Bowman's Union Mercantile. I'd go there every da and Aunt Dencie, that was Mom's sister, let me look at this doll. Oh, I wanted that doll so bad. I was twelve years old and I knew that I couldn't have that doll...

"I'd got there and ask Dencie if she'd let me look at the doll. She wouldn't let me play with it, of course, but I'd just stand and worship it.

"One day, when I was coming home from school, I went by and the doll was gone. I guess I was about as disappointed as anyone could be, though I'dknown that I wasn't going to get it; I knew that. She said, "Margie, the doll's been sold today," and then she tried to get me interested in something else. "Oh, no, I don't care about anything else." I was just crushed because the doll was gone. I don't remember going there anymore before Christmas. I don't remember that I kept going back, but up until the doll was sold, I went every day. Christmas morning when I got up, that doll was in the top of our tree. That was the most beautiful sight that I'd ever seen in my life.

Margie Hurst Lyman brought the doll with her to Grayson, Utah. For many years, it resided with her daughter, Caroline Lyman Christensen. It now resides with her Granddaughter, Lynette Lyman Bayles of Mesa, Arizona.

Thank you!

2009-07-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

A special thank to Cori Jones Carpenter, great-granddaughter of Marvin and Margie Lyman for creating the header for this blog. In fact, she created the background to! Thanks Cori for an improved look to the blog!!!

San Juan Record - Digitized Version 1919-1953

2009-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Utah Digital Newspaper, a project done at the University of Utah, has digitized versions of the San Juan Record from 1919 - 1921 and 1930-1953.

Find out more about Marvin and Margie (Marge) Lyman and the things they did around Blanding. Margie Lyman used to contribute a weekly 'column' to the paper letting people know what had happened in town.

An early mention (1919) of Marvin Lyman in the San Juan Record is found at :

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOPTR=12501&CISOSHOW=12648

The first mention of Margie Hurst Lyman in the San Juan Record is in 1930:

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/sjr&CISOSHOW=11943&CISOPTR=11830

To do your own search, click on this link:

http://digitalnewspapers.org/newspaper/?paper=San+Juan+Record

Enjoy the exploration as you learn more at Marvin & Margie Lyman!

Welcome!

2009-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

This blog is being created to reach the descendent's of Marvin F. and Margie H. Lyman. Family Reunions are held every five years in Blanding, Utah in conjunction with the 4th of July. The next reunion will be held in 2010.

The 2010 Reunion is being planned by the family of Caroline Lyman Christensen, eldest daughter of Marvin & Margie Lyman.

Periodic posts containing vignette's of Marvin and Margie's life will be placed on this blog and facebook. If you have stories, pictures, or anything else you'd like to contribute, please let us know and we'll add it! This will be a great way for those who did not know Marvin and Margie personally to 'meet' them.

A group on facebook has been established as well. Please invite family members to join or contact Mike or Sidney Christensen at slang@xmission.com.

Enjoy the year as we learn more about Granny and Grandpa Lyman