Thursday, July 5, 2012

Apostles in the Berry Patch...a Family Story!

The Fruit Farm...
Detail from Friendship Pennant
This summer, many of the bloggers I follow are exchanging pennant shaped tags that represent the personality of their blog.  Since my blog is called Zetta's Aprons in honor of my Grandma Zetta, I made my tags to reflect her life on the old Fort Canyon fruit farm. 

Apple Crate Label from Andrews Farm.
Before Mel and Zetta bought their farm they lived at the Andrews Farm and worked for Mr. Andrews and his son, Emery.  If you've read any of my "Lost Plane" posts, you will remember that Emery and Grandpa Mel were the first to find pieces of the plane. You can read about it here:  The Lost Plane

Zetta and her berry picking crew...
You notice in the picture that Zetta's workers are all young women and girls.  During World War II, they were unable to get men to work on the farm, so in the spring Mel would drive the old truck to Zetta's home town of Ferron, Utah to pick up a load of young women...and Zetta's sisters...to stay with them for the summer.  My dad would often make the trip with him.  It was a long, dusty trip in an ancient truck that...if it broke down...could not be replaced in those war years.
Visitors were always welcome to stop by and visit the raspberry patch.

Apostles in the Berry Patch... 
Tad and Jane about the time of this tale.
When Mel and Zetta first moved to the farm in Fort Canyon, he had purchased a one-half share of the place on a contract and operated the farm jointly with the other part owner.  My dad wrote, "In 1939 we were able to get a bank loan and pay off both of the former owners.  To obtain a bank loan in those days [at the end of the Depression] was quite a feat.  Now I don't know just how much he was able to borrow but it was probably less than one thousand dollars. In those days a thousand dollars was a major debt."  In the story of the Lost Plane, many men searched for months for the chance at the reward money....one thousand dollars.  Grandpa got his loan at The Peoples State Bank in American Fork.

Clifford E. Young.
The Peoples State Bank was organized by a man named Clifford E. Young.  Mr. Young was a very prominent man in town.  He was also the son-in-law of Heber J. Grant, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church.  Somehow or another, Grandpa Mel and Mr. Young became friends. 

At the time Mel applied for his loan, Mr. Young had been promoted to a high church position called Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve...which meant he worked with the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church.  These are the "rock stars" of our church.  Today there are 15 million Mormons all over the world who love and revere the current president and apostles and would love to see them and speak with them in person.  This isn't the best explanation, but I wanted to put some perspective on what happened later.

President George Albert Smith
Served from 1945 to 1951.
President  Heber J. Grant died in 1945. 

My dad continues the story," About 1946, he [Grandpa Mel] was conducting business at the bank when he was approached by Mr. Young. [He] wanted to know if Dad would be home later that afternoon.  Dad replied that he would and Mr. Young stated that he would like to bring some associates up to the farm.  He did not say who the associates would be.

 "That afternoon, Mr. Young arrived in his Model A Ford town car.  Another car had followed him up the canyon.  Dad met them at the barn and they all drove up to the farm.

Top:  Apostles Ezra Taft Benson and John A. Widstoe
Bottom: J. Ruben Clark, of the First Presidency and Apostle Harold B. Lee.
Ezra Taft Benson was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under Eisenhower.
Both Ezra Taft Benson and Harold B. Lee would later become Presidents of the Church.

"I had no idea who the men might be.  After a short time I became curious and walked up the road.  When I arrived at the strawberry patch, I found Dad and several men walking through the berry patch, occasionally stopping to pick and eat a berry.  As I approached I recognized some of the men from pictures I had seen in Church publications. On this day, there were five General Authorities in Dad's berry patch."  President George Albert Smith and the four men pictured above were those who visited Grandpa's farm.

I've only known this story for a few years, since Dad sat down and started writing the story of his life.  I am so grateful that he did.  How I would have loved to have seen those men...walking and talking to my grandfather...and eating strawberries on a sunny summer afternoon.

My Friendship Garland Pennant...
The front of the pennant...Zetta and Strawberries!

The back...the old house, baby Tad and The Lost Plane.
I was able to get most of my pennants mailed today.

Just a peek to see where Elizabeth's little bluebird is perched.

I am really looking forward to seeing what my swap partners make for their Friendship Pennants!
No hurries...no worries, though! =D








19 comments:

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Very COOL Friendship banner! Interesting story. Love your new header too!
Keep cool.
deb

donna said...

Oh my gosh what a wonderful story. Love your pennant of your grandma. So sweet.
Hugs
donna

Sarah said...

What a neat story! How interesting that they showed up there. You never know who you may end up "serving" in life!

I love the spirit of those women who took over to help out during the war.

Your pennant looks wonderful, also. I love how you combine things!

Sarah

My Vintage Mending said...

Amazing story. A few years back I had a small situation with one of our youth pastors and I remember asking one of the older ladies for some wisdom. I rather clearly remember words that resonate with me always..."they are only men among men." While they hold very wonderful positions of grace and authority it humbled me to realize they too were human. Strawberry picking men too...how blessed you are. Smiles...Renee

vintage grey said...

What a beautiful family story!! Love it, and what great photos!! It is so refreshing to hear these stories, and remember when days were simpler, and sweet! Love your pennant!! xo Heather

Tammy's in Love said...

You're so quick on the banner! I spent three days looking for graphics but finally got started tonight with production! I'm hoping to mail by next weekend!

Tammy

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh my Shirley, can you imagine 5 apostles in your grandfathers patch. How wonderful would that be? Love your blog and happy that you found me. Awesome that we are neighbors and we must meet up sometime. The minute I saw your profile pic I know that I have seen you before. I wrote a long reply to your comment on my blog but I think I lost it before I hit send. If so, I lived in Highland 22 years before moving to Alpine. I also grew up in P.G. I scrolled down to your previous post. I love visiting Mt. Pleasant. It's such a quaint town. Something else we have in common, I have a sister living in Ferron.
Hugs,
Jann

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Forgot to tell you how cute your banner was. Love it!
Hugs,
Jann

LBP said...

What a wonderful story and you are such a wonderful storyteller! I love your banner! The colors are perfect!

Blessings!

Linda

DearHelenHartman said...

A charming story illustrated with charming photos! It brightened my day like a visit in a berry patch.

Unknown said...

Oh, Shirley what a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing. When I saw your new header the other day, I thought perhaps that the picture of the banner might be what you were trading...so special!! I am working on mine this weekend!!
Hugs, chris

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Shirley, That is a great pennant! I love your Grandma Zetta and her apron! You made this your header and it is perfect!! What an amazing story about your Grandpa. Isn't it so fun to hear these kind of stories. I often wish I could travel back in time to take some visits, too. Thanks as always for your wonderful story. I guess I missed out on who was doing that swap. Sounds like it was a lot of fun!!
Blessings,
Susie

Lynn said...

Hi Shirley,
Awesome stories and the banner is just wonderful! mine arrived today!
Thank you so much! I hope to have mine in the mail one day next week!
Hugs,
Lynn

Unknown said...

Shirley, Your wonderful Zetta banner arrived today. I shared her story with my husband who enjoyed seeing the apple label. He was worried you had sent valuable "old" things to me. LOL! He doesn't know what us scrappers can accomplish. I can't wait to hang your banner in my room. I will share it when I receive a few others. I have all of mine made, but it will take several weeks to send then all out. Again, you have made my day! Thank you so much! E

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your pendant is perfect and I enjoyed hearing some of the history of your family. We lose so much after awhile...it's wonderful when someone keeps the stories and memories alive!

Linda Ruthie said...

Shirley, Thank you so much for your wonderful friendship triangle. I love the colors and details and the stories that go with it. I've started on my crafting but I'm still searching for a few 'perfect' images to add. It will be so much fun to show our garlands and think of our blog buddies while we create.

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh, Shirley! I can't believe I missed your amazing post! What a wonderful story about your family! I am thriiled to hear more about Ezra Taft Benson! My gramma was a wonderful story teller and she passed many tales on to us as children. Sometime in the future, I will post photos of my great grandfather, James Monroe Benson.
And, by the way...I think you are a gifted story teller, too!
Blessings, my sweet friend,
Carolynn xo

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh, fiddesticks...I nearly forgot to compliment you on your sweet pennants! What treasures they are...Be sure and save one for your grandkids!
Hugs,
Carolynn

Chenille Cottage said...

It's me again, Margret!
Ooops...James Monroe Benson was my "great great" grandfather. I think he was born in 1829 and I know he died in 1911 in Oregon. I have visited his grave in a little pioneer cemetery many years ago.
Blessings, Shirley :)