Pick up dictating on page 66
Cover:
Journal
Inside cover:
Journal #1
Title Page:
Journal of Quenten J.Taylor
January 1 1977
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Photo of Quenten as a baby
I've been told that it was a cold, windy day on March, 11, 1919 in Loa, Wayne co Utah when as the eight (sic.) son and fourteenth child I made my appearance. After searching somewhat they gave me the name of Quenten J. Taylor.
My proud parents were Levi Allen and Rhoda Catherine Jameson Taylor. All though I was the last born in a large family I was not the least for I weighed in at near 9 Lbs. Its been said that when my sister just older than I found out what sex I was they made the comment “Oh my, another boy.” (sigh)
Before I was born mother had had to walk with the aid of a chair. Very difficult for her to move about.
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I'm grateful to her for giving me a good healthy body.
I was nutured (sic.), loved and cared for by loving parents and brothers & sister a plenty.
The house where I was born was a home that had its beginning as two rooms when mom & dad where a young married couple and as the family grew in number the house grew in size. It was made of logs cut in two. A sturdy well built home that is standing solid & durable to this date. (Jan 2 1976) My brother Thaine (who lives in the old home) and I looked under the house recently and the timbers are as good as when they were put in back in 1894. It was a home shaded by large cottonwood trees for Summer comfort and a home secure and comfortable in winter. There never was a time when a child had his own bedroom. The rooms were shared. A bedroom for brothers & one for sisters. with (sic.) two or more in a bed. That made for a good deal on a cold winter night. You were assured of keeping warm on one side. Thats why we turned a lot in the night.
It might be noted here that prior to my birth, my mother left her family for some time while she went to a school for obstetrics in Salt Lake City. She came home with a certificate in Nursing and Obstetrics.
A maternity ward was set up in her own home. She delivered the baby, cared for the mother & baby for ten days. Her usual charge was thirty five dollars. If people didn't have the dollars she would take produce or service in other areas.
One man who had received medical help
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from mother wired our home electrically in return. Not a bad exchange.
My father filled a full time mission to California in 1906. Was in Oakland during the great San Francisco earthquake.
This mission came, leaving a wife and ten children at home. T'was a mission for both.
Being raised on a farm gave me the exposure as a child to the happy experiences that came in being with animals. One unpleasant experience came to me when I was four years old. I was riding behind my older brother Stanford and he got off to put up the bars after we went through, he left me sitting alone on the horse, the horse started out, I could'nt hang on so off I went and broke my elbow. It was set without the help of x-rays, which are used today, and I have had a partially stiff elbow. I'm glad it wasn't worse.
I have always enjoyed good food. My mother was a good cook my wife is a good cook. As a young boy I enjoy, to a high degree, coming home from school and being greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread. I was happy to settle for a heel with butter & honey in it and a glass of cold milk. Another of my eating joys was when mother made donuts. I enjoyed eating the holes.
One of the joys in the life of a child is to have a pet and my brother Wayne gave me a present that I will never forget. I was six years old when Wayne gave me Jerg. Jerg was an Australian sheppard (sic.)
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puppy with a brown eye and a blue eye. Jerg was smart, he would play hide and seek, he would roll on a barrell (sic.) and when he was grown he was my constant companion as we hearded sheep on the rocky hills out from the little town of Loa. His feet would get sore from the rocks so I taught him to ride behind the saddle of my horse. He enjoyed this greatly. A great relationship was built up between me, my horse & dog. On the day that Jerg died I cried like a baby for I had trully (sic.) lost a devoted friend and pal.
Picture of “Bro's, Merlin, Stanford, Thaine. Me & Jerg”
He died giving his all giving his all on a sheep drive.
Our farm home was located about a mile from the tabernacle where we went to church. Also, about a mile from the school. As a family we rode to church but to school it was walk (sic.) Very seldom did we get a ride, Even in the snow.
When it would get down below zero it was cold to walk but we suffered no ill effects. Coming from school to a home that was warm where mother was present and where the smell of good food permeated the house, was all that my youthful heart desired at that time.
On a farm there are chores to do and little boys have theirs, too. We heated our home with pine wood gathered from the mountains. One of my tasks was to fill the wood box with wood. If I failed to do so and night came on father would see to it that I did what I had been assigned to do. I soon
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found out that it was easier to do my work in day light than in the dark.
Milking cows was a daily chore. The first assignment to a little boy was tending the calves. This meant letting them in to their mothers for a minute or so then putting them back in the calf corral. The milk would be down in the cows udders and they were ready to milk. About eight years of age was when I started milking the easy cows. Hands became strong enough by the age of ten to milk any cow in the corral. Squirting milk into the mouths of our pet cats was fun. The cats loved it. So did the milker. The cows didn't seem to mind.
We were never supposed to wear anything new to the cow corral, but one day I broke the rule and wore my new cap. On this particular day I was milking in a gallon bucket, (which was not normal) and the cow stuck her foot in the bucket. Then she kicked and the bucket flew in the air and came down bottom up on top of my head pouring milk all over me and spoiled my new cap. I learned my lesson.
In the summer we would take our cows to a common pasture that was used by many families. In the evenings we would go get the cows and bring them home for milking. One day I took the cows on my horse and on the way home I failed to remember a hole in the bridge. My horse was loping along and he stuck his foot in the hole and fell. I went flying through the air and rubbed my nose in the dirt peeling it to
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my eyebrows. Made me more caucious (sic.) and alert the next time.
Father and mother didn't send us to church, they went with us. One pleasant memory I have of this would come on Sunday morning. One half hour before priesthood meeting would start, we would hear from the belfry of the stake tabernacle, which was our meeting place, the ringing of the bell. As it pealed across the countryside we quickened our pace for our meeting started in thirty minutes.
Once in a while we would have a special treat when there was sufficient snow on the ground and we would bundle up, and crowd into the two seated sleigh. The team would be off at a good trot and from their heels cods of snow would flip into the air and we would try to catch them. It was exciting, exhilarating (sic.) and real fun. Especially for a young boy.
Having so many older brothers I was treated to some fast and exciting sleigh rides on the ice as they would skate. Needless to say spills went with it. One other winter scene was enjoyed by me and the little people with sleighs. I would ride my horse with a saddle and I would flip my lariet out and these children with their sleighs would lie face down on the sleigh and grab the rope then the one behind would grab the foot of the one in front of him. I would some times be towing five or six sleighs.
As was the case in most families during the 20s and 30s there wasn't much money around. Mother knew I had a sweet tooth
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so she would give me a couple of her eggs and I would get on my horse and ride to town and trade the eggs to Mr. Brown, at the grocery store for candy. He liked children and while I was waiting to make up my mind on what kind of candy I was going to get, he would give me a piece to chew on. Many things were purchased by trade or barter. It was a way of getting what you needed without money.
Picture of Quentin as a boy with overalls and a bow tie.
The picture you see here caused me many difficult moments when I attended school. Mother wanted me to look neat and clean, even to the point of putting on a tie. Most of the boys didn't wear ties so you can almost guess what happened. Yes, other boys would come along and pull my tie. One in particular by the name of Vern Erensen. He fliped (sic.) it one day and called me a sissy. The fight was on. He was bigger than me but we threw punches as hard as we could. He knocked me down twice and finally had me beat but he never bothered me again. He said it was one of the toughest fights he ever had.
I started driving a team of horses as a young boy. I made me feel like a big man and I wanted to make my father proud of me. All of fathers farm equipment was pulled by horses. These included ploughs harrows, bailers, mowers, rakes, binders, markers, scrapers, wagons, etc. As is usual where you work with animals every day
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you have some unusual experiences. One day I was raking hay when I noticed the throat latch on Peat's bridal was loose (Peat was a good work horse). As he walked along he would flip his head and before I could take action on the throat latch he flipped his bridal off. I knew he would run so I jumped as far as I could and just cleared the wheel as the team took off on the run. They ran around the farm knocking down grain shocks and finally came back to the barn with a badly bent hay rake. It never was the same again.
Another time I was trying to drive our milk cows home with a team of horses and that is difficult to do especially when the cows want to eat along as they go. So off I got leaving the lines tied to the standard on the wagon. The horses seemed to sense that no one was holding them so they started to walk, then trot, then they broke into a run, and I couldn't catch them. They ran a mile or so without a driver and ended up stopping at our front gate. No damage was done which was just pure luck. I had a live sheep tied down on that wagon rack and she took that wild ride without ill effect. Another ride I took will never be forgotten. Father had an old buggy with shaver (sic.) for one horse to pull. On this occasion I hooked to this buggy a mare we called Blutch. A good animal with lots of spark. The harness was not a good one and if dad had been there he would not have let me use it. He was not home, however, so
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I took off for town to give some of my friends a joy ride. I picked up Spencer Rees, Denzil Taylor and Newell Bastian (the same four that made up our quartet that sang together). We started downtown with the four of us on the buggy the back strapper didn't keep the buggy back far enough so it bumped into the mare's leg and scared her and she lunged forward and both lines broke. She immediately broke into a run. Newell & Spencer jumped off but Denzil and I were still on a buggy with a runaway horse & too scared to jump. We didnt know where we would end up. This runaway rig went between a tree & a fence post that under normal conditions you would have had to drive slow & carefully to go through without hitting one side or the other. Hollering woe didn't help one bit. The mare crossed over to the side walk and the wheels hit the fence posts and threw the buggy into a flip and through the air we flew.
I rubbed my hands across a barbed wire which cut them badly. Denzil was stunned, but otherwise unhurt. The mare never stopped running for the rotten leather gave way and she ran home with just a bridal & collar on. We were two lucky boys. It could have been so much worse.
Hard work was a way of life. Dad never asked his sons to do anything that he wouldn't do or hadn't done. Keeping eight sons busy requires some organizing and plenty of work to do. Dad kept us busy. He knew it was good for us. I will say that work was
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a blessing and essential to proper growth and development. Shovels, forks, hoes, and rakes were made to fit the hand and dad saw to it that we got well acquainted with those tools.
Dicipline (sic.) was essential. If the rod or strap was necessary to get the message across, it was used. Our parents were not the kind to yell and holler at their children. If you were guilty and deserved a whipping, you got it to the extent that you did not want to get it again. This usually caused a change of behavior. An impression was made and not soon to be forgotten.
Mother & Dad were grandparents when I came along. Patterns had been formed and a way of life was pretty well set. So a red headed freckle faced boy on the tale end of this large family was not about to change these established family patterns. Doing what one was told eliminated a lot of problems. We could talk and would be heard and maybe our ideas would be followed. There was a strong patriarchal leadership in the family. It had to be or chaos would have been the end result.
Our home was heated with wood burning stoves. A kitchen range to cook, bake and heat with and a heater in the living room to keep us warm. That living room was a great gathering place on cold winter nights. Story telling, reading, joking, and eating made for a family home evening almost every night. One bill of fare that I really enjoyed was eating jerky (from deer Dad had killed) and Johnathan apples. It was also very healthy food.
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I remember on many occasions when I would sit down on the floor behind the stove, sleep would overtake me. Mother would wake me and get me up to go to bed. I didn't like to leave the comfort of the living room to go to a cold bedroom. There was no alternative, however, and it didn't take to (sic.) long to get warm in the feather tick. Especially if you covered up your head for a while. Your own breath helped to warm the bed. A continual winter problem was the lack of inside plumbing. Trips were made outside at night. The colder the night the closer to the house and the quicker the trip. Today we take this inside plumbing for granted.
As a young boy I stood in awe at the things my older brothers could do. They were strong and happy, hard workers, and full of old billy hay. I’ve seen them wrestle each other on the farm with alll the vigor and determination they could muster. It sounded like they were breaking each other apart. All in fun. Riding Broncos was part of their sport. They were good riders on mean horses. You could usually find them where the action was.
My brother Merlin seem to have a special feeling for his little brother. He knew times were tough and money almost nonexistent. When he went away to work and when he would come from home for a visit, he would put quarters in my hand to spend . That’s when they quarter was worth a quarter . You made life pleasant for me wherever he was around. Thank goodness for older brothers.
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I went through grade school at the big square farm room to story school building in Loa. Teachers were disciplinarians and did not hesitate to use the ruler or the paddle if it was needed.
At age twelve I received the Aaronic priesthood and was ordained to the office of a deacon. I enjoyed my priesthood assignments and advanced through the Aaronic with regular attendance at priesthood, sacrament, Sunday school & M. I. A. meetings. It was my good fortune to be blessed with good Bishops, by name they were Willis Willardsen, Rex Brian, And Carl Mathus.
During the teenage years I had many most pleasant experiences. One I mentioned here was singing in a quartet. My sister Viola Rees got four of us young men together and taught us to sing parts. It turned out very well. Picture of Quentin, Newill, Viola, Spencer, Denzil - the quartet and pianist
There was Newill Bastion, first tenor, Spencer Rees, second tenor, Quentin Taylor baritone and Denzil Taylor bass. Viola Reese was the pianist. We saying wherever we were asked, at sacrament meetings, at funerals, on special days like the twenty fourth of July. On one occasion we put a piano, on a flat bed truck and early in the morning (it was the twenty fourth of July) we go on this truck & traveled slowly all over town singing rousing songs. What a way to start the day.
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We received many compliments for putting a little spice to life. Another very special request for us to sing was at the dedication of the Capital Wash National Monument. We stood on the side of a mountain with vertical red rock walls in front & in back of us and sang our song. We enjoyed singing which brought us a lot of joy and good fellowship. We have from doing it. I wonder why so many young people today find it so hard to sing. I guess they need someone to take a personal interest in them. We were very fortunate to have Viola to help us. She was just great.
Picture taken when I left for the mission field June, 1940
After graduating from high school in Salina Utah in June, 1938 I helped father on the farm for two years then I was called to serve a mission to the central states mission.
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This was one of the highlights in my life. I labored in Arkansas city , Kansas in Ablene, Lyons & Hutchinson Kansas. Then I was transferred to Arkansas. I labored in Manila, Leachville, McCory, and Augusta. Arkansas in the Bible bill and revivals were commonplace. While in Manila we held, each Saturday afternoon, a street meeting. Picture Elder Taylor on Street Corner. These meetings were a real challenge to me. Before we would go to our appointment on the corner we had prayer and asked for help. We received this help and many people would stop and listen. On one occasion when I was speaking I noticed a man dressed in a white suit with a Book of Mormon under one arm and the Bible under the other. When I concluded by remarks he asked if he might have some time and reach full MS. He then proceeded to run the church down in every way he could. After he concluded, one of our good church members by name of Jessy James Sneed got up and in his humble way bore a strong testimony to this man on Joseph Smith being a prophet of God and the truth taught by the Church of Jesus Christ. Brother Sneed was uneducated but his testimony had power and the man in the white suit had no more to say. Nor did he bother us again. It is not known how much good we did, but we did our best.
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Picture McCullough Sisters Elder Taylor
Picture Earnest Johnson Sister Lude Ashebrenner, Elder Taylor
Baptisms have great significance in the lives of people. This ordinance is essential to joining the church and entering the kingdom of heaven. Each one that I performed brought me joy for I knew that heavenly father was pleased. No greater joy, no other decision, can be more important than becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. Opportunities to grow in every way are enhanced as a result of that decision.
Much of our travel was on foot. The later part of my mission saw us Elders riding bicycles. We could go farther in a shorter period of time. Much of the work we did was in the country and oft times we would go out one day and back the next Some of the places we went to were difficult to reach in the winter time for the bayous would fill with water and cover the roads.
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Picture
For every two elders we had one pair of rubber boots. As you can see from the picture one Elder would carry the other on his back and wade to the water. Rather difficult and fortunately none of us fell. The homes were not the best and the people were careless and sanitation and cooking. One experience we had was in the home of one member. Will not be forgotten. This sister was fixing dough to make biscuits for breakfast and this cow came and stuck her head in the door, the good sister took a biscuit that was left over from the night before and walked over and gave the cow the biscuit. The cow in appreciation licked her hard and the good sister came back to kneading the dough without washing her hands.
There were many real tests in eating food. Blessings were always asked on the food and we had no problems with our health.
Education plays a big part in how people act and perform. So does environment. Pumpkin Bend Arkansas was a place where of all the elders in the district wanted to go to, once.
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uOne day while preaching on the street corner I noticed two young women standing in the crowd that didn’t look like natives. They were well dressed good looking and they had all their teeth. They seemed to be interested in what was going on. We found out later that they were lady missionaries. Young sisters in the church have made great contributions in new in finding, fellowshipping and teaching. Thousands of people owe their church membership to good sisters doing their duty. However, I must add here that Sister Hardisty had something special, and as the weeks and months went by we started corresponding on the regular basis. A feeling continued to grow in both of us that when our missions were over, we should and would continue this relationship. Meetings, outings and special activities took on added enjoyment when Sister Hardisty was in attendance. We both completed honorable missions. My release came the latter part of June, 1942 and Sister Hardisty’s was, completed about the middle of July, 1942 I had asked this special person is she would marry me when our missions were completed and without reservation or hesitation she said that she would. Our missionary activities kept us busy and we enjoyed the spirit of the occasion looking forward to becoming eternal companions after our mission releases.
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While on my mission my parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Both were in good health and enjoying life. Their posterity continued to grow as grandchildren continued to come along. They enjoyed their prosperity and each child brought added joy to all members of the family. No one had too many babies, no child came unwanted, no one would ever have considered abortion. God gave each an opportunity to become parents, and each accepted and was grateful. As I write this personal history today the feelings within this family have not changed. My brothers and sisters are all grandparents and some are great grandparents and every child that has come along has been wanted and loved. Today women in many parts of the world are aborting their unwanted babies. This is a crime and is evil in the site of God. Thank goodness for loving parents who care enough to want to keep their children and bring blessings upon their heads forever.
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It is said that the most important decisions you make in this life are who you marry and where you marry. As I look back there is a feeling of gratitude that my Heavenly Father guided me to the place and time where I could meet Zola Henrietta Hardisty. She served a fruitful and faithful mission.
Zola is the eldest child in a family of six; three boys, three girls. She was born in Canada and moved to the United States with her parents as a young girl. She is by nature a happy person, dedicated to her wife and mother responsibilities. She loves the church and all that it means to her and hers. Faithful is the word that the best describes her for that is what she has been from the time I met her. She has been and still is an excellent cook and having family and friends in to dinner always brings out the best in Zola. She loves to serve a good meal and she enjoys the conversation that goes with it.
Zola and I have found our greatest joy in serving our fellow men. The church provides us with great opportunities to grow through service. Also, our community gives us the opportunities to serve.
It was on the 31st of July, 1942 that our marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple. Our courtship was short but our plans were long and we were ready to set sail on the sea of matrimony. We firmly believed that procrastination is the thief of time.
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It had been our plan to stay in on the farm and help Dad, for he was then in his seventies, but Uncle Sam had different ideas and drafted me into the Air Force in October, 1942. The crops had all been harvested and all was secure for the winter but after my call to serve my country father could see the handwriting on the wall and the next year he sold the farm and the home, where we had all grown up, to my brother Thaine. It was a good move for all concerned. Though I enjoyed the animals and out-of-doors, I did not really care for farming.
I had my basic training at Kearns field just out of Salt Lake City. After completing basic my assignment was to the air force at the Airport near Salt Lake City.
After completing the Air Force intelligence school at Salt Lake I was sent to Pyote Texas which at that time was a B-17 bomber base. My particular army classification was overloaded with people so I found myself sitting around with nothing to do and that was getting to me. There were schools open and one that appealed to me was a noncommissioned officer physical training school in Miami beach Florida, which I went to. I then came back to Pyote and spent the next 24 months working a physical training program with commissioned officers which was thoroughly enjoyed.
It was while stationed in Texas that Zola gave birth to our first child, a son in Salt Lake City.
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I was there at the time of birth. She had a very difficult delivery with much artificial force being applied to the aid the delivery. Gary Wayne was a beautiful child a well developed baby and everything appeared to be normal but four days after birth he developed a cerebral hemorrhage and died. It was a test and trial to both of us in losing our first born son. We worried not about his eternal welfare for we felt assured that he would enjoy the blessings the reserved for the faithful.
Zola came down to Texas after Gary Wayne’s passing. And we lived in a trailer home on base during our time in Pyote. We attended church in Monahaus and met many wonderful latter day saints. Good times were had under pleasant surroundings. We remember of the Pratt family, doctor and sister Miller and in particular the Burt James family from Monahaus. Muriel and B.D. became the finest of friends and one visit back to Texas in 1955, with a continual correspondence, has kept us in touch with these fine people.
in January of 1945 hours transferred from your course to meet infantry and by name, rank and serial number and found ways of ship to camp how the Texas will for advanced infantry training . After completing the course there, the account to meet on as Cadre For an instructor. While at camp hall is where it was received from Oakland California, where Zola was living with her faults , that we were blessed with a new love label grow only named Kathleen . The child that loved life and those things that are of great worth . But she has always been faithful to her family her church and her god
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Picked for Sterling and Kathleen Taylor born November 05, 1946 born May 14, 1945
I’m not about Kathleen . When I owned and operated a barbershop in San Juan Bautista California there were times when cutting error was difficult. This was one of a little child would cry and move all over the place. I would call for Kathleen, for we’ve lived in back of the barbershop, and she would come into the barber shop and sings songs. She was only about six or seven and she would sing primary songs and others she knew to try to get the child’s the tension so you wouldn’t cry. She did a bang up job on those assignments on leading camp housing Texas I wish it to fort Ord California awaiting an assignment to invade Japan well as for it and the Japanese surrender and world war two came to an end. Four days after surrender we were put aboard ships and dispatched to the Philippine islands .
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My stay on the island of late lasted from August, 1945 to February, 1946.
One memorable event that took place while on this Philippine island was the dedication of U.S. they at cemetery number one on January 13, 1946 there are many pound D. S. Servicemen buried at this cemetery and the to church desired without we dedicate the spot for investing place to go into man who had given they’re all many file D. S. serviceman were in attendance but those listed below where the participants in this service .
Picture seven men
From left to right now in will often Quentin Taylor Sterling Webber Ross pie were George deputy junior Charles Sandberg pass George Powell’s worth of U.S. Chaplains
Marvin Ogden and I became very good family and in joining many good experiences will, Leach
Bands, “
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the war was over her and time on the heavy while waiting to be shipped back home. It was during this time that I had a desire to do a level barbering so I requested from my wife , back in the states, a set of barber to Wells, which she sent to me without delay. I set up shop under a poultry and when to work. The finished product left something to be desired but it was good enough that they returned the second time. We were sent home in February, 1946 and while others played cards into dice I can’t hear and enlisted man in the morning and officers in the afternoon. By the time we arrived in San Francisco I had made close to $800.00 about 50 at haircut it had been our plan to go back to Utah to live but our plans quickly changed for I enrolled, under event G. I. bill, at well as Barbara college in San Francisco. It took me six months to complete that training, in which many interesting experiences were enjoyed, and some were not. Barbara college used to be located near skid row. That way you’ve got a chance to work on people who were not fussy about how they look. Sometimes the outer were pretty strong but we’ve all survived. After passing my state board by found a job in a barbershop and went to work.
During this period of time was a lot and I made in a small apartment in Berkeley California. Her sister and husband also lived in the same apartment. Which created a very crowded condition, so as soon as we could we bat a Harlem in welling wed. Mayor Sam Howe below and found one was cookbook with Billy Lott though room.
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Photograph sterling Taylor
I wasn't making a lot of money but with the help of a VAT trend loan we were able to get our home. Our son sterling was born 1151946 just before we moved into our home and a great little guy he proved to be. So healthy and happy and filled with the joy of living. The addition of babies in the home just made for a more joyous life. For without children in a home there is missing those ingredients that fill a person's life. We wanted the children we had and loved them.
18 months after receiving my apprentice license to barber I went again before the state board of barber examiners and passed the test and received my barber license which allowed me to own, manage and operate my own barbershop.
It was during this time that we were approached by Willard Ashton and Eldred Holloway and told about a group of latter day saints buying 8000 acres of land and building their homes on it. Helping one another and creating an ideal environment to raise our families in. We thought it was a good idea after much prayer and fought so we sold our home in rolling wood and moved to harmony hills near San Juan Bautista, California. During the summer of 1948 we've lived in a large tent which had a wooden floor and our children enjoyed it, but in September we rented a barbershop and apartment combined in San Juan and moved in out of the weather and we were very grateful. This was the real beginning of owning and operating my own barbershop.
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With two other barbershops in San Juan it made for some difficult times until one barber move out. The population was about 1000 people.
The original beginning of the harmony hills branch of the church took place in march of 1948. We move to harmony hills in July and I was immediately put in as second counselor in the branch presidency. At that time we were meeting in the old Fellows building four which we were grateful. We decided it was time to start raising money for our own chapel to be built on land donated to the church by the harmony hills cooperative corporation, of which we were members.
It was a stormy February 1, 1949 when a cute little girl was born to us whom we named Ruth. She brought with her, her own special set of attributes and personality traits. She added much to the joy of our home. We were thankful to have her.
Picture Ruth Taylor
After kathleen's normal birth it was necessary for the rest of our children to be born caesarean. Solo was willing to go through these painful experiences in order to have a family. So each child was special to us and we were so happy to have them.
From September 1948 to July 4, 1952 we lived in back of the barbershop. The size of our apartment was small consisting of one fairly large living room, bedroom combination, a small kitchen and small bathroom.
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Times were difficult financially for us as during this time, so too augment our income I would go out at night and sell low heat stainless steel cookware. We also, had eight pickup and delivery for Spencer Clarence our friends and neighbor would bring that close they wanted cleaned it to the barbershop, we would check them and, they cleaners would come and pick them up, taken to Gilroy, clean them and bring them back. We made a few dollars doing that. I also, acted as a part time casualty agent for farmers insurance group. In addition to this Zola worked wherever she could to help our finances.
During this. We purchased the building our barbershop and home was in from Mason have attacked for $2700. It was an old building made of old would. In 1951 we used it as collateral to start building our home in harmony hills. John dusk in, a friend and contractor assisted us in getting the house framed then power friends in harmony hills, along with our own labor, finished our home so we could move in in 1952. Moving from our small crowded apartment two and three bedroom home in a peaceful quiet surrounding was a great blessing to our family. Of our children could now run and play, climb trees, have pets and feel a freedom that have not been possible while living and back of the barbershop on a busy, noisy street. The quiet woke us up the first few nights we slept in our new home. It was a great place to be with our family which now included Anne.
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And was born in Hollister California on October 1, 1951 and brought additional joy and happiness to our home. There was always a lot of life wherever she was and she loved hats and be out of door things including helping her dad wherever needed.
It was during these years that we enjoyed peaceful living provided, in part, by owl rural surroundings. Without a Cal, a dog, cat and at one time or another tried our luck at raising chickens, rabbits and even a horse. The Cal was our best investment for she faithfully gave us good now while our children were growing. We raise the garden most years and enjoyed home grown vegetables.
It was, also, part of our practice to buy five or six steer in February, keep them on lush grass until the 1st of June and sell all but one which usually paid off the note and left us with one to butcher for our own use. And worked quite well.
The pipeline that carried our water was originally a metal line. But it rested out and caused such a continual maintenance problem that we converted over to plastic. The pressures on the line were so great that we had problems continually with a plastic. Day and night we were repairing lines. Much water was lost through broken lines. Where the pressure was the greatest we eventually installed new galvanized pipe and this solved most of our problems.
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However to this day there is much maintenance and that is required.
In 1949 I was called to serve in the Monterey Bay District presidency with Fred Khrushchev president and Vivian Jane on first counselor. We were then in the Northern California Mission. Our area covered mountain view, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Gilroy, harmony hills, Pacific grove, seaside and Salinas. We were busy most Sundays and some weeknights taking care of the business of the church.
In 1952 on November 30 the first San Jose state was formed out of the mission. Bernard L beck strand was the stake president and I was called at that time to sit and work on the high council. I was ordained a high priest by Henry D morial, an apostle of the lord, on November 30 1952
During this time the harmony hills branch chapel was started with the members during most of the work as well as raising the money in may of 1955 the chapel was dedicated with elder George que Maurice of the council of the 12 giving the data could Torrey prayer.
The harmony hills branch consisted mainly of those church members who belonged to the harmony hills cooperative corporation the families who resided in harmony hills, at that time, were Phil and Laura here's one family Willard and Gladys Ashton, Le grand and Maria Joe safe, surely and Ruth Larson, maina and Howard Joe prince, Eldred and Charlotte hall the way, Wendel and one of these grow, one and Linda Pearson, Helen and mobile day, Quentin and Zola Taylor and all their families.
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In 1957 I was called to fill a special assignment as branch president of the Hollister branch. This was done while serving on the high council and residing in the harmony hills branch. During this time we remodeled an old house and made it into a chapel. It worked fine for the small number of members we had. The hailstones Kim burr day and cracks and quinn's were our mainstays during that time. I enjoyed this assignment, it was a real challenge.
In March 1958 the Monterey Bay State was formed with James and Wallace president and George Wheatley and Quinton Taylor as counselors. We used the service man center in seaside as a chapel and found ourselves busy carrying out the many assignments we had this was a most agreeable work with great rewards when we worked in harmony and under the spirit of the lord.
The barber business continued to grow and in 1958 I moved into a new building with a new shop. It was very nice. The building was owned by the odd Fellows lodge and the rent was most reasonable. I have now 82 chair shop and had an apprentice working for me. This allowed me to get away and do my church assignments without the pressure. San Juan Bautista was a small town and still is so it was difficult to keep 822 are shop going. So I had to go back to one and this kept me real busy.
We desired to expand our home in harmony hills which we did and ended up with a lovely for bedroom to bath house
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Picture our home in harmony hills
Our children enjoyed bringing their friends to our home which we liked. There was always room for activities and parties.
Before we started our home there was nothing but a brush three covered piece of ground that required much bulldozing to clear and level and it was nice to see the change that took place as we applied ourselves to the task of building a home. With shrubs and trees, grass and flowers we turned our lot into a place of enjoyment for not only our cells but for our friends and family as they came to see us. There were many oak trees for our children to climb and to build a tree house in. Sterling and his neighbor friend Larry had a fine tree house which they built.
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Save it was the source of many fund times where food was consumed and great strategy sessions and problem solving solutions were were held and arrived at.
I was released from a position as counselor in the state presidency in December 1960. A call was extended to me to be the scoutmaster of troop 114. This position was held for a year and a call came to be the harmony hills branch president. This was a most enjoyable call for the devotion of the people made it a joy in serving. I held the position for about two years, then was called to serve on the state high council hundred Donald reaper our state president. It was indeed a joy to serve under this fine man whose personal life typified how a priest had bearer should live.
After approximately two years under president creeper called me to be his second counselor in the state presidency. My second call to that position.
For health reasons present reaper was released as a stake president and a real C. Merrell was sustained as president of the Monterey California State and I was called as his first counselor. This took place in May 1965 and I served in that capacity until May 1971. Others who served as counselors during that time work row seat pace and and Ramon hands and. These were fine men dependable, dedicated and willing to serve their fellow man.
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In April of 1971 I was called to be the bishop of the San Benito ward. At that time we were still meeting in the chapel at harmony hills because so many of our members had moved away from harmony hills, and the bulk of our lord membership lived in Hollister, it was felt that we should sell the chapel and prepared to build a new chapel on our building lot in Hollister. By September we had sold the chapel and found ourselves in need of a place to worship. On the property that we owned was an old house and a building that had been used to cut and sold for paper cots prior to drying. It was just a shed with two storerooms. The prayerful request for guidance was given and then a decision was made to turn they shed into a chapel. Never have I seen people work harder and San Benito ward members did at this time. In one month we framed all open places in the walls lowered the ceilings, installed electricity, the sound system, she dropped and taped all the walls. Painted inside and out built a podium, and rostrum. And with a special gift from a wonderful woman in the com unity, we purchased eight carpet that covered the entire floor of our building. This was installed the day before our first meeting in the building. Curtains were made and hung over the windows and hall was in readiness for our first meeting which was the testimony meeting. The spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving was poured out upon the people.
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The people of the committee were astonished that we could make us the chapel out of an old shed in one month. We did it with a blessing from the lord. That building was dedicated by president Ariel C Monday all to all phases of church service. I can testify in this history that the spirit of the lord was with us as we met and worship in our reconstructed building. Those who came to visit felt that spirit and were moved to comment on the spirit of our ward.
For November 1973 ground was broken for our new chapel in Hollister.
Picture shed two chapel used for years groundbreaking for new chapel
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When a new building is desired and needed much is required. The required acreage is needed and must be purchased in paid four, money, of course, must be raised in large amounts. Applications all sent in to the church with proper signatures. Architects enlisted to see that the building and all the plans are carried out as required by the church. Contractors give their bids to see who will build the chapel. The bids are opened and the lowest bidder gets the job.
The membership of the ward were excited for the per cent of attendance at our meetings had been reached and maintained, the money was there, with great help from the state building fund and now it was time to break ground.
During construction work members visited regularly the site to see the progress that had been made. Work parties were called to assist in keeping the place clean an orderly so that work was not hindered in any degree.
The people of the community of Hollister enjoyed seeing the change that was taking place as construction progressed.
The spirituality of the ward increased as members became involved it physically financially and emotionally. This was the case with the San Benito ward. There were conversions and increased devotion to serving.
On September 21, 1975 the chapel and grounds were in readiness, all appointments were in, beautiful carpet late throughout the building, an excellent sound system made listening easy. This was the date to dedicate the building to the lord for the use of his children. All the Robert D Halsey assistant to the council of the 12 was here and gave the data to Tory prayer.
I conducted the service as bishop and Speight my feelings about how this blessing came to be. Ariel C. Merrell, former state president, also spoke. A large crowd was in attendance. It was a lovely and spiritual experience.
One week later I was released as bishop and Ronald Dailey was made our new bishop. An excellent young Dr. Recently moved in from Canada. I had the feeling when he first moved in to the ward that he would be my replacement for he had a special spirit about him. Receives promptings about things like that. It seemed that my assignment was to move award from the harmony hills branch chapel into the converted shed then into the new chapel. This was accomplished and I was released.
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I enjoyed so much my service as a bishop. There is no other call like that. In no other calling do you get as close to the people as a bishop does. I mention here the names of good man who served as counselors to me over my 4 1/2 years service.
Stanley L manes first counselor
Timothy J corn's second counselor
Charles D weaver second counselor
Gary R. Cameron II counselor
Glenn Dee Butterfield I counselor
Alan PS Poland second counselor
John jay Atkinson first counselor
Richard the jacks second counselor
From October 1946 until June 1 to 1965 I was a barber. And honorable profession that provided income to build my home and take care of my family. The nature of the business keeps you tide pretty close to one spot and there are limits to what you can do and when many times I had to turn people away at the door for there was a meeting I had to get two somewhere in the state and the only so many haircuts before I had to leave. There were two expressions we use a lot all in the barber business. One was quote come on in we live on Perrin whiskers quote. The other quote we need your head to run our busines quote.
The barber business was good to us and I tried real hard to do the best work I knew how. Pride of work should be part of every person's work. As elder mark Seay Peterson put it quote beware of good at enough for only your best is good enough quote.
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During that time from 1960 to 1965 I was approached many times by a good friend of mine, while Davies, to become a Life Insurance salesman. I was not interested in that was for sure. However he persisted and I found out later that he was being encouraged by my wife Zola. I was not ready to make any changes at that time. But quiet persistence on his part got me to a point where I would listen. I've finally agreed to have an interview with A. O. Stephenson a general agent for guarantee Mutual Life. After that interview Zola and I talked about it and made it a matter of prayer in decided to give the insurance business a real try. To start with it meant taking a cut in pay from about 800 a month to 500. But GM page gave me the incentive to go all out and with Lyle Davies helping me get ready pie signed a contract and started in.
My contract was dated June 1, 1965 it is now 12 years later and I am most grateful that I made the change. One club within the company that I was encouraged to attend was the rough riders club. This means by writing 10 applications each month and doing a consistently you stay on that club. At the end of May 1977 I have completed 125 months without missing a month as a man of the rough riders club.
There has been much satisfaction in being a Life Insurance agent. I can manage my time so that church in community can receive more of it.
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There is no one telling me when to get to work and when to stop. I am my own boss.
We have enjoyed a good living with many benefits that we did not have and could not have as a barber. We have had trips to places we would never have seen had we not been in the insurance business.
These are the trips we have taken, paid for mainly by guaranteeing Mutual Life. The first one was in 1966 to Washington, DC for a convention. The next on was to Hawaii in 1968. The convention was on Oahu, after it was over the president’s cabinet and the top 12 agents on premiums went to Maui for four additional days. This was marvelous. In 1970 we had a fine convention in Miami Beach. In 1972 weeks rattled two B a NFF Canada by car with Ruth Ann and to the convention. This was a great trip for we got to stop along the way and visit scenic spots as well as all was relatives in Canada. We were treated royally the scenery was most beautiful and hard to describe. Played golf on the course at pa NFF and the scenery beat my gulf no end. In 1974 we took a turn south of the border and had our convention in Mexico City. We stayed at the marina Isabelle a a large and beautiful hotel in downtown Mexico City the tours are great, the food was questionable but we enjoyed a great trip just the same.
In 1976 it was our good fortune to travel to Rome for our convention.
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This was a marvelous trip. Good food no worries, beautiful tours of the great historical spots. Rome is filled with history from the church buildings to the coliseum. One needs time to see what there is to see. We took one tour to Florence, the city of art, which was just great. Michelangelo's David was a piece of sculpture that I will never forgets. There was genius in that piece of work.
Flying home from Rome was a long and Carson journey. We were all glad to be back.
Three other trips as members of the president's cabinet we were all able to take were to Victoria, British Columbia. This was a marvelous trip. Zola's mother went with us. We went to New Orleans and to phoenix Arizona on the other trips. All were lovely. And we were grateful to be able to see so much and do so many things as a direct result of being in their great business. The people who have been and still are the leaders of the company have become are personal friends. They know we are mormon that we have certain standards and they admire us for what we stand for.
To mention a few by name LH Anderson president, and now chairman of the board. Floyd for Reynolds vice president. Gene Conley president. Harvill sunder, butch harms, Marion Mitchell and many others whom we have come to love and appreciate as good friends in wonderful people.
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In March 1976 I was voted in to office as the City Council men in Hollister California. I had been approached by citizens who wanted me to run for they felt that I could add something worthwhile. The campaign was spirited and victory was the end result.
Much joy can be had in public service if you have a congenial group to work with. Each have their own opinions, which is so necessary, and one does not always win. It also helps to have an affectionate city manager. The man at present is roger Campbell.
In March 1977 we changed some positions. I was made vice mayor of the city. Someone jokingly said that I was in charge of all flights. If things go as they have in the past I should be appointed mayor in 1978 the city of Hollister has a population of over 8000 and growing. Because the climate is ideal the area is now BC aged by those who want to build homes. We have a restriction on how many permits are granted each month. Because our sewer system is overtaxed. We are now in the process of rectifying that problem by the construction of a much larger system. It should be completed in early 1979.
Our son sterling found that life with his first companion was not joyful so by mutual agreement he and rail in separated and in May 1977 he married Julie a girl who loves people and shows it. We are most happy to have her in the family and know that when they put their personal lives in proper order, great blessings will be in store.
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Sterling's son mark is a delightful little fellow and he lives with his mother, not too many miles from his dad.
One choice experience recently had was the great privilege of having a personal priesthood interview with my three married daughters. They are each marvelous women, so faithful two husbands and families, so dedicated to the church. Tears filled our guys as we discussed their husbands, children, goals, and decisions, wants and wishes. They bring no lines of worry to me for they are proving on a daily basis, their devotion to things they hold dear. They are not only did women, they are beautiful.
In April 1977 I went to general conference with some ward members and spent most of the time Mr. Ling. A very strong spirit kept urging me on and I could not relax, nor could I return home until high I had expressed my deep love for him and counseled him with respect to his life. He has so much to offer and the opposing forces work so hard to keep him from attaining life's most important goals. It is hard to say what will bring those changes that are required if the trial blessings are to be had. But each day, in humble prayer, we remember our son and ask for divine help to assist our son in finding jewels that money cannot buy. No greater joy can be had then to marry the right person in the right place by the ride authority. In July in 1977 AM Levi Allen Taylor reunion was held in Lola Utah. Not much accomplished. It is apparent that to be effective in to any logical research and promote personal histories, them lease will need to organize on an immediate family basis. Grande parental and ancestral will not do it.
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In November 1977 the Quentin J. Taylor family organization came to be. Each of my four children is a vice president in charge of something worthwhile. Genealogy, personal histories, family welfare, finances and social activities. Hopefully we will get this rolling in 1978 two other special events took place in 1977 in April roof had her second son Bjorn, a beautiful help the child and in may and had Mullin that our first granddaughter after seven super grandsons. And she is a super little girl. It's nice to have both kinds. We do enjoy our grandchildren and look for an excuse to go and see them or have them come and with us.
We have always enjoyed raising a garden. Our 1977 garden was very successful. We had two gardens. One at home and one at the church. The one in back of the church was on a plot of ground shared by other ward members. It was nice to see families enjoyed their gardens. We raised corn, beans, cucumbers, beets, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and peace. We enjoyed the fresh vegetables. Our profit has advised us to do as much as we can to provide for our own. We will grow a garden every year. That is just part of our way of life. Fishing in Utah is special to me. I like to catch fish but I enjoy the atmosphere of my home country. Each time I go back I soak it up.
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These places with names are all in Wayne County Utah and most near the town of law. Rhoda creek where I caught fish as a boy, mount puny Chi where I played in the rocks and looked for arrowheads, Fremont River a fine fishing area. Fremont res of war many fishing trips here Parker mountain where my father took me as a boy to enjoy the out of doors. Also where I first hunted deer long hollow where I hauled wood from and herded sheep in, south springs where our cows would stay, fresh lake and unexpected fishing spot in place of beauty, little mountain mean where dad was usually successful at getting his dear, spring creek warmer water that hardly ever froze in the coldest winter also, a fine fishing stream, and many many more.
January 1978 -in is now time to start recording the history of my life on a more regular basis. It has taken me and longtime to do and keep doing what we have been counseled to do. I like to read the life stories of my for fathers and mothers and I suppose the day will come when someone may be interested in reading mine.
Just before Christmas we started to get a little rain which was most welcome after two years dropped. The hills have turned green and lakes and streams are rising, showing signs of returning to a more normal weather pattern. How much we depend on moisture from the skies. It is becoming and is a severe winter in the eastern part of the nation with people being trapped in their cars and freezing to death. Latter day saints family's in the east who have been snowbound are finding that proper storage of needed supplies has been a lifesaver.
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We have had sufficient council on starring a year supply. There are so many ways that supplies can be cut off. We just need to follow the council of our profits. As the scriptures say. If he are prepared ye shall not fear.
Our children keep in touch with us which brings mutual enjoyment we like to know how they are doing they seem to be accepting the challenges of life. By so doing they grow in wisdom and understanding. It appears that Richard and an with daughter Melinda, will be moving to the high Utah within a few weeks. They are buying a home that there , And desire to further Rick Santa education. Sounds like a good move.
Zola has had to struggle with her help, scenes that the flu settled in her lungs and has been difficult to get cleaned up. However she continues the to improve even though it be slow.
I go out early every other morning and jog for about 20 minutes. This makes me feel good, keeps me from putting on extra pounds, think use my system toned up. When I first started it was difficult to john ¼ mile. Now it is not too difficult to java 1½ mile. We can do by doing.
1977 was a good year in the insurance business. In fact it was my best year ever. Shortly after the first of the year and telegram was sent to me from the home office of guarantee Mutual Life informing me that I had made the president’s cabinet for the fifth time. I was 12 out of 19 who were the top agents of the company.
Age 46
Quite an honor. The president’s cabinet will meet in Monterey this April 78 for four days, all expenses paid. We only have to travel 40 miles to get there. These are the little extra benefits that come to us as we striver a little harder to achieve. Also, December 1977 marked 11 years that I had written 10 or more applications each month without a miss. I am proud of that record which is second highest or longest in novel company. I have worked hard but the insurance business has been good to me.
February 1978. We’ve received having news that the first two weeks of February all the moisture has helped to end the drought. The San Benito river ran high and watched how crossings. Also it cut into banks causing damage. You can’t get as much rain as we got without doing some damage.
Zola and I had the privilege of going to see proof and Eric in Los Angeles. We enjoyed our visit with them. They are doing fine.
The trip to Los Angeles was enjoyed scenic lee. Water, green grass, grazing sheep and cattle. Nature really changes when moisture comes.
Visited the high priest group in L.a.. Doesn’t have the life that our group habits. I’m happy to be working with the high priests of Hollister word. They are a fine bunch of men.
Age 47
Listening to a well fire seminar in January prompted me to make some changes in my backyard. I took out some plants and gave them away, that planted a nectarine, peach, taper,, and apple tree. Might as well have something productive. Doesn’t take away any more water.
Have made progress in studying the scriptures after I get to work each morning, before any other work is done, I pick up the standard works and read and mark. I’m enjoying his very much. When the scriptures are read daily they become a part of your life. If right now I have just completed mormon with in the book of mormon. These great men tried too worn and help the people. They were quick to turn from the lord. And they paid the supreme sacrifice. It could parallel our day if people do not become better in their way of living. There are lots of good people upon the earth, but there is much wickedness and seven.
March 1978
The 5th of March was fast Sunday so after fast and testimony meaning is a lot and I left for Haskell on two visit the Crockett family. Kathleen still has some nausea her baby will be doing about the 1st of September these sisters go through a lot to bring the special little spirit since the world.
Monday at work to outside with the two smallest lawyers Ryan and Robert. If we fixed load the long rakes and finn the shrubs. Gave the plays a going over. Had a good day. Enjoy define evening meal then watched Jason and Doug practice wrestling. After that Zoll and I drove home. It takes 2 hours to make the drive.
Age 48
On Thursday, March 9 Zola and I left a real early for Utah. It looks stormy and we were concerned with going over Donner summit. At the last moment we decided to go that way. It was a lovely ride. As we near the Donner summit we found the roads clear went deep snow all around. Quite a sight to behold.
We had food to eat as we drove along. That’s one of the joys of traveling. Crossing Nevada we had seen following most of the way. Also, snowing at times when lee got to ELY we stopped for the night. Zola was very tired. We’ve got a motel and she went to bed.
We were on our way the next morning at 5:00 AM. Arrived at sister gloria’s at 9:30 AM in SIG fayed Utah.
This turn out to be a special day. I had called, written letters and planned with Gloria and Norma for my brother and sister and their companions to meet this day, having lunch and gloria’s and dinner at norman’s, to discuss where we stood on the fourth generation program if and where we were on our personal histories. Hagler is we had Gloria, viola, Lola and Harold, Leonard, 01, fain and the two CIA, Zola and I. We had a grand time. Pat Carey a has preserved family records that were an inspiration to see. Much work has been done, much is left to be done. I left feeling even closer to my brother and sister.
From Sigrid we drove to Provo then to aurum where Norma print to see my sister Prentiss see had prepared a lovely evening with dinner and all the trimmings.
Age 49
Who had known as we had Stafford and Athol, Nola, Norma, Zola and I. Same old songs, danced some jigs and just had a real good time.
Again we discussed before generation program and personal histories. More needs to be done to catch up. My first day March 11 spent Saturday with Rick and Melinda and mark in quorum and the Lehigh. The Meyers bought a home in Lehigh. Should be settled soon.
Saturday evening we went to 2 inches and spent the evening and night. And Hendrik came to salt Lake City Sunday. We all went to church and had dinner at the sterling’s. Enjoyed the day with our kids.
Sunday evening we visited with Zola’s sister queenie and has been Clyde. They are happy to be living in salt lake. Monday mornings ole and I left for Las Vegas where her Brother Vernon and family live. It was a lovely drive. No road problems. We arrived in Las Vegas about 2:30 PM. Spent a pleasant afternoon and evening. Left Tuesday 7:00 AM four home. Arrived home about 4:00 PM.
Tonight, Tuesday March 14 was special to me for on this night at our specially called City Council meeting I was sworn in as mayor of the city of Hollister California for a one year term. I felt and still feel honored to fill this position.
Hollister is a city of between eight and 9000 people with with the many and varied problems that go with a growing city. We will do our best to serve well and faithfully.
Page 50 th
Newspaper article
Changing of the guards, Taylor new city mayor, March 14, 1978,
Two new Councilman Anna vetch and city treasurer were sworn into office and a new mayor elected during a special organizational meeting of the Hollister city council Tuesday night in City Hall.
For number one songs and Leonard already were at Mr. the oath of office by the city clerk frank Ferris as the city treasurer frank Val si, just one week after the municipal election. Councilman Quentin Taylor, a two year member of the council was elected mayor and Paul levy was elected vice mayor.
Mayor Henry solorio, before stepping down so the council could be organized, recommended that certificates of appreciation be sent to pat Pickering and Al Ledford outgoing council members.
Council and Gordon Machado moved that the council named Taylor as mayor. It carried unanimously, and Gonzalez move that a Levee been named vice mayor, which also carried an immensely. Taylor as the user to the good of appreciation be drafted for solorio an appreciation of his term as mayor. The installation election followed an official canvass of votes cast in the March 7 city election. The total 1990 ballots were cast, including 51 absentee ballots.
In accepting the mayor’s post jail and declare the Hollister is a very special place to live, and he pledged to do everything in the power of his office to keep it that way.
For city treasurer of LC the swearing in ceremony was the third since 1968 when he was appointed to succeed the late RD molting he ran successfully for office in 1970 and has twice been reelected.
Every council meeting also saw the appointment of council representatives to four public agencies.
Mayor Taylor was appointed to represent the city of the local agency formation commission, although the two of the council for criminal justice, Gonzalez to the veterans memorial building commission, ancillary OM one Machado the council of governments.
And oracle
The mayor’s alternated each year on long the City Council members. The council chooses its own mayor.
Hollister has a City Council, city manager type of government.
My year will land at a special meeting in March 1979. Until then we will serve our fellow man.
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With the exception of July and August I have some thing special planned for each month of the year during my tenure as mayor. Would like to put pump a little extra life into the city. As an example the month of April is beautification month may is support your police, june is physical fitness month and so on. But little spice in your life.
I brought back from Utah some very special histories of my grandfather and Grandmother Taylor. The lessons in our high priest group the following Sunday was on personal histories. I was moved to hear testimony and also tell some of my grandfather’s story. He was a personal bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph Smith and a scout and company leader for Brigham young. He was a true lectured a saint. I’m finding that personal histories of those long gone are an inspiration to those living today. Helps us to do better and live better. I’m grateful for my heritage.
Saturday, March 25 Zola and I spent a lovely day. We rode two new load Rea where the mourners live. All was green with wild flowers blooming, cattle grazing. Had a tour of the branch in a four wheel drive pickup. Sought hillsides of colorful bloom nature shows her loveliest colors this time of year. Enjoy a lovely picnic. Last Monday, March 27, many members of the old harmony hills group got together at four server. Had a fine evening recalling old times and showing and telling of our children, grandchildren Exeter. We are all good friends.
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The month of march has been looking up with trips, assignments and special activities. The insurance business has struggled trying to break in a new secretary. Nancy is not working out so I’ve got to start again. I need someone who can step in and do a job and now. Hopefully paddy Warner can do it. She starts April 3.
Sola has taken care of the Darby children while their parents are at general conference. We were privileged to hear every session of general conference by Jon Recht wire in our chapel. It was great. What great and marvelous leaders we have in the church. They do a great work and we are grateful for them. President Spencer W. Campbell continues to challenge us to Lincoln our stride as he beat only has done. What a great leader.
April 2
Business has been somewhat routine during this time a certain challenge to keep writing my 10 applications a month. More of my time is taken up in city business. I don’t mind, for service to community is service for those who hold public office.
April 9 Zola and I went to Monterey and stayed until Wednesday with the president’s cabinet of guarantee Mutual Life. 19 men with their wives were there. We stayed at the Delmont a high it. Which has the best accommodations. The food was excellent.
On Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th we had the privilege of playing too famous golf courses.
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Spyglass and pebble beach. They’re tough courses, but we had a real good time. Our foursome for the two days was Floyd Reynolds: palm leaf locks and myself.
All these goodies paid for by the guarantee Mutual Life.
On April 8 we went to the temple with peg and George Stevens and their family four endowments and ceilings. It was special they are fine people. They are growing in knowledge and understanding of the awful.
People 13th called for a special assignment to the temple. Five high priests and their sisters did two and 40 in Asia to raise at the Oakland temple at tape. We enjoyed it very much and a special spirit seemed to be present. How privileged we are to enter that sicker house and bring blessings to others enjoy it to ourselves. April 14 and 15th was a regional jenny logical seminar in San Jose. Took in part of it. We must continue to push forward in this area.
SAC remaining on Sunday, April 16 was very good with a plea from the ship weaver to cleanse our lives of anything that makes us less than what we should be. His talk was filled with deep love and humility.
Monday evening April 17 was City Council meeting along agenda which include a public hearing and a executive session cause the meeting to run 3 hours. That’s longer than I like to me that sometimes it’s difficult to cut it shorter.
Our decision to not alter the lottery system for the construction of homes and businesses did not please everyone present, but we vote our conscience and take advice from legal counsel.
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I will serve a fully for four years and now well into my political service has a comment councilman for the city of Mostar. I have two years to go.
Wednesday PM Calvin Sorensen and I settled two fine horses and took a beautiful ride from his home to within ½ mile of harmony hills. It was the most beautiful country you can imagine. No cattle to chew up the soil. A green carpet undisturbed underfoot. Never have I seen it so beautiful. I love horses and H a T a R is a dandy so the ride was special. We were gone 3 ½ hours and I enjoyed every minute of it.
It put the money. Ruth and Eric and sons late of them be word came in today from Los Angeles what a treat to have our children want to come home and CS.
We were at a spaghetti dinner at the board when they arrived. They came to the ward, enjoyed a nice dinner and saw many of their friends.
Friday the 21st Zola and Ruth drove two kathleen’s to spend the night. They had a good visit.
Derek and I went to see sun, shade, and rain, a musical trip. They were very good. All bill DS the volume was the part they got to me. Just too much of it. Saturday Derek and I joined Cal and Becky Sorensen for a horseback ride. It was delightful. Derek had not made it worse for a long time.
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April 23. Enjoyed a pleasant Sabbath with the added joy of having our children with us. April 24. Today was the day that the remodeling of our home was started.
We’re taking out part of the porch and adding it to our living room. It will make a great difference in our home. That is where we have fire sides and family gatherings. We do need the space.
Went to a luncheon of cancer society volunteers new form the nucleus of a speaker bureau. A very worthy cause.
A second public hearing was held on a housing grant for people in Hollister.
Had a good turnout.
April 27. Attended rotary at Gilroy. They had a large crowd because it was secretaries day. The program was by an airline stewardess she showed us have to travel and pack our bags. A good program.
When Tom teaching in the evening a pleasant and rewarding assignment in the church.
April 28. Helped Sola and Harriett Atkinson set up and serve a meal to the Elders quorum presidencies of the Morgan hill stake. It went well. Spiced rolled roast. Always a favorite dish.
April 29. Was lucky early Sunday morning setting up a booth for the family fun of error in back of the chapel. And wasn’t the heart and balloons but if we had a good crowd with all types of fun and good food available. The purpose was to raise money for new chapel.
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That was over a about 4:00 PM. Spent the rest of the day resting. Guess I’m not getting any younger.
April 30. Our lesson the priesthood was helping our family maintain its agency. It was a pleasure to give the brother and they’re needed. I’m privileged to work with all fine men. I enjoyed being their instructor.
May 1. Add an early breakfast with cliff Johnson. He is my general agent with guarantee Mutual Life. He gave me some good help in my contracts with people and ways to improve selling myself as well as by product.
I feel real good about the approaches and he showed me. I plan to use them. I also ordered a P PAC which should improve the quality of work I do. We will be able to program a person or family assets and liabilities and show them very clearly where they are and where they are going.
Had a busy 2 hours City Council meeting. I want to do a better job. So I must study more thoroughly and no item on the agenda better.
May 2. Had breakfast with Vince Cardo and wrote my first 500,000 Life Insurance policy.
May 3 left this morning for a new council, new mayors convention in San Diego. Fernando Gonzalez, leotard public tea and myself flew from San Jose and arrived in San Diego at noon. We stayed at the hair born island hotel of Sheraton. Very fine accommodation. Had a fine afternoon of training, then went to another for dinner. I had a rap tunes the light. All kinds of seafood. I would rather have beef or bread and milk any time.
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May 4. Had breakfast with a group of small cities under 10,000. It was very productive with exchange of ideas. Spent the day invaluable give and take.
Went to Reuben E lee’s or dinner. A restaurant on a ship in the harbor. It was very nice.
May 5. And you have and garment breakfast was enjoyed.
Had a find lunch and an interesting speaker. He told a joke about the Mormons that did not raise my esteem for the man.
And we flew home Friday evening. Got home at 9:00 PM. All was well. I was tired and happy to be hall.
Saturday, May 6, 1978. Called called Sorensen and he and I went to the ship weavers and spent 4 hours cleaning around his yard. He rarely needed the help. We were glad to be of service.
Mode my lawn and enjoyed a genuine beautiful spring day.
May 7. Past Sunday. A special day for Zola and I. We are fasting with a purpose that sterling will get his life in order and enjoy his life now. That he and Julie will be able to resolve their problems. Also, the Zola will be able to get over this congestion in her chest. Her taste and smell argon must the time. Of flying fast meeting was had great for testimonies.
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Tried many times until it finally succeeded in reaching claim Wilcox. He is only a few days from death with cancer. I enjoyed a short visit. His wife has been informed that he has had best only a few days to go. He is a great man who loves righteousness and all that encompass is. At his passing I will fly to Idaho and BS speaker at his service.
Info prints on the sands of time will be made by warned souls his will leave a deep in print.
May 8. I was informed today that Claire Wilcox had passed away in Kona Idaho a marvelous person of great love and devotion who used to live in our word here and Hollister.
Painted a large portion of our new living room. The goings just fine.
May 9 routine day at work. Grateful for each new day and the opportunities it brings.
May 10 was at the chapel in Gilroy at 6:30 AM to speak to the seminary students on the history of the church in this area. I enjoyed it. Darrow foot is the seminarian teacher.
May 11. Left early today for San Jose were a copy 7:00 AM flight to Salt Lake City Utah. The purpose of this trip was to speak at Claire wilcox’s funeral on Saturday. And to help and Hendrik with the land skating of their new home.
And met me at the Airport and we went directly to her home in alpine Utah. It is located in a lovely area among the scrub oaks with beautiful melons right behind them. Big mountains snowcapped and beautiful.
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I worked all afternoon and the next morning doing what I could inlaying out a plan and cutting brush and trees.
May 12
So enjoyed this visit with an rich and little happy Melinda.
Stopped on my way to Travor falls driving and old ford, to see and visit with Sterling at Parsons ready mix plant.
He is going through deep trials in regards to his life with and without Julie. It is part of our fathers plan to help us in getting things right in our life.
He asked for a father's blessing which I gave him. May God bless him. Drove on to Travis Falls arriving at 6:30 PM.
Spend the evening with Bonnie and Dan Houston. Staying all night with them. Saw that deacons and mayors.
May 13
Left early for Kona with Houston's deacons went also.
the funeral for Larry Wilcox was at the chapel at 10 AM. Return visit with family ahead of time. The service went well. Ron Wilcox spoke at his father's service. Had great control.
I felt blessed in delivering my thoughts and in quoting from the Scriptures. Had lunch, prepared by the relief society, at the Wilcox home. Had sister Wilcox sign for the insurance proceeds of a life insurance policy that Claire had with our company.
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Road back to Travers falls on a scenic route. It was nice. felt impressed to drive on back to the ends that evening. Left Travis Falls at 6 PM and arrives at ends at 10:45 PM. No problems.
May 14
Mother's Day and Kathleen's birthday. Drove to Temple Square with the mayors and enjoy the great Tabernacle choir broadcast. Couldn't have been nicer. Met Sterlingdaire. He is in a loan and saddened state. Very unhappy. Wants Jackie back. I hope this can be accomplished by his rededication and determination to serve the Lord.
We all went back to Alpine and had a lovely meal.
Had a good visit ending with prayers and then sterling drove me to the airport in Salt Lake. I wish them well and flew to San Jose where Zola picked me up at 9 PM drove home and all is well.
May 15
City Council meeting tonight with an executive session on conflict of interest involving me. I can only say I have hid nothing, told the truth, but yet there is a conflict. It was stormy at times. After returning to General Counsel session power of attorney read the report and another meeting will be held at 5 PM tomorrow.
Maybe 2 1/2 hours sleep. Tonight very emotionally drained. My conscience is clear and I stand avoid of offense.
May 16
When you are a servant of the Community you better have no areas where you might receive a benefit for if you do there's a conflict of interest. I was issuing a long-term disability policy on city employees.
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I'm somewhat like my son, Sterling. I have to learn everything the hard way. Our beautiful new carpet was late today and the furniture was placed back in place. It was beautiful. Our home is now ready to have larger groups come in. Zola left today with you to Karnis for Idaho and Utah. They will be gone 10 days. Visiting friends and love ones, getting personal histories and doing research. Rested at home after cleaning up the patio area.
Tired tonight, retired early. The article in the Freelance about the conflict of interest was fair to all concerned.
May 17
Very easy to see why newspapers are unsettling to all, for the article is in the San Jose Mercury, with picture, was less kind and made it looks like some things had been hidden or covered up. Not so. All decisions that were made, were made with other council members, staff, or legal counsel present. I am too sensitive to what people feel and of course no one likes to look bad in any capacity they have. I have served faithfully and will continue to do so.
You will notice that I am repeating something I wrote a few days ago that one term will be all for me as a city councilman. I guess that political life is difficult and subject to challenge at anytime. One finds himself subject to challenge and criticism. I guess that's why so many people will not run for public office.
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May 18
I'll survive.
A difficult day to work.
I went to Rotary in Gilroy as a makeup. While in Gilroy I wrote a good policy on Don Miller. He manages Nobhill market. The six o'clock channel 8 news carried the story of my conflict of interest. It made me look bad and feel worse. Be careful of advice from attorneys. It could be wrong. That was my case, I followed wrong advice.
May 19
At 1 AM I was still awake so I got up and dressed and went for a walk in the moonlight. When emotions are involved sleep does not come. I got back about 2 AM and prayed to my father to let me know if I had done wrong. I received my answer. Your record is clean, no lying, deceit nor a cover-up. I went to sleep for two hours, laid awake for hours, then got up. Started early to paint the outside of our new addition.
Drove to Marina and visited the Marvin Cook's family.
May 20
Got up early and left for Gilroy or I was one of three mayors acting as harmony chairman for the march of dimes marathon. Only Yours truly showed up.
After arriving I decided to walk the three farmers or 18 miles. Started at 7:40 AM and finished at 1:15 PM. Have blisters on Eashille but enjoyed the effort and the causes truly incredible.
Mama Boyle, a 14 years old girl, latched onto me and we walked it together. She was real little trooper.
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Freckled face and red nose. A real American girl. Came home showered, then went to the stake conference priesthood meeting in Morgan Hill steak.
Glad to get in tonight after I'm most rewarding day. All was positive.
May 21
Left early for the the Crocketts in Casalon. Spent a lovely day with loved ones. Kathy looks fine. I will deliver for fifth child in September. Hoping for a daughter after four wonderful boys.
Kristen and sacrum meetings were very enjoyable.
I babysat while the Crocketts went to a fireside put on by the day goes Mitch and Julie.
May 22
Cut Robbie's and Ryan's hair. Got home in time for notary at noon. Friend for the splash in the paper. Have using meal at Cal and Becky Sorensons. Find friends.
Show their new Anaheim call. He's a dandy.
Are
May 23
Not much report today. Broke two policies on that Gary Baldwin family.
May 24
Took a good horseback ride today on Hatter. Seems to clean the brain to get away occasionally. Counseling today I rode the service bottom then out to Ron right place and back. Painted part of the garage floor this evening. Trying to get divorce ready for Zola's return.
May 25 new line was asked to ride in the parade on June 22.
Accepted and will write it works.
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Worked around the yard trimming and shaping the plants and hedges. I thoroughly enjoyed keeping my place up. It should look attractive and the garden should be productive. My plants are growing nicely. We'll have many vegetables this summer. Not much today.
May 27
Left early for Marina where I wrote to apps for life insurance. Return and was putting the final touches on the home when Zola came in from Utah. I was happy to have her home and she seemed happy to be home. The home is not complete without a woman wife mother.
She had had a good successful trip.
May 30
City Hall at 5 PM open the bids for the city employees disability insurance. It went to the same company has had it under me. Happy to have this settled.
May 31
Went to the Carlsbad Temple today. A breakdown of the sound and film mechanically but not the spirit. Most enjoyable service.
June 1
A new month with new challenges. We'll continue to write 10 apps a month with help. I recognize the need for blessings in my work. I could not make it without father in heaven's blessings. Absolutely essential.
June 2
Drove Zola out to Mexican Dennis. Enjoyed it so much.
June 3
Help Cal Sorensen plant some gardens seeds when they came home and mow the lawn and want to make things look nice.
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Helped Daniel foot barbecue 35 chickens for the super Saturday for seminary students. Had dinner at Pioneer Park. It turned out great.
June 4
Fasting and often early high priests sacrament meeting in San Jose. They are good meetings. This figured today stressed involving ourselves in the public sector and how to handle things. It was very timely.
Forecast wanted to the power of prayer today in fascinating. Many needs and many answers to prayers this last month. Some bastard out. Players funeral, Sterling's prayer at Rick's and bands, the answer to my city dilemma, Tom Sparling's funeral which was June 2.
June 2
Hey 47-year-old man dad from extreme alcohol consumption, he could have been wealthy for you had everything but willpower. Sad to see waste. I was the only speaker at his funeral which overflowed the mortuary. He was anon member of his former wife and children are all members.
June 5
It was quite an experience. Appeared as a trial Jerger at Superior Court, was selected but dismissed because I knew the defendant.
Rowlands program was on earthquakes. Better not be caught in the kind that we saw pictures of.
City Council tonight. Along agenda, no problems developed. We do have two eat your new counseling. Time will tell how they will do. So aggressive now.
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June 6
Election day. Pleased indeed for the privilege of voting my choices.
Proposition 13 is the tax initiative which is a big issue. I hope it passes. We are spending too much money. 9 PM. It passed. We will now see how those who are responsible adjust to cutbacks in personel and in the spending of dollars. It is good in deed to see that the little guy, the private citizen can, by his single vote, work is such a change in government. It's great.
June 7
Drove to Salinas for some training. When I got it down it will improve my presentation a great deal. Make me a better and more effective insurance man. Going through a down period now need to work myself out of it.
June 8
Spent a good deal of time in San Juan Bautista today. Made some good appointments for the future. People still need insurance if I will but ask them. Must not be reluctant to ask and seek.
A special dinner was held for Bill Larson who has 20 years in as a police officer in Hollister. It was nice. He is a good officer.
June 9 I'll read letter day. The news media bought the word that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had lifted it's been on denying the priesthood to the Negroes. Buy direct revelation president Spencer W Kimball informs the world that all worthy men may now hold the priesthood regardless of race, color or national origin. This will bring great joy to millions for missionary work will now be stepped up among these people.
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It's great to be upon the earth and see these marvelous steps taken. I sustain this announcement and change in policy with all the fervor of my soul.
I also know and soda clear again that Spencer W Kimball is a living prophet entitled to receive the word from god and to advance it without reservation to eight waiting people. Me I do my part to bring light and truth to those who desire the same.
I bear my testimony to these things written here in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
June 12
The North County school District had asked me to speak to their graduates this Monday evening. I was introduced as mayor and spoke to a large audience for about 12 minutes. I gave graduates and parents a real challenge which seem to be well accepted. I enjoy the specialist limits.
June 14 and 15
Both nights we had budget hearings. Most cities have a problem balancing the budget since Gervis gann past in California. Taxes must now be cut. So budgets must be cut. We can do it and survived just fine.
June 16
Zola lefy this a.m. for Los Angeles to visit. I am so involved that she would spend so much time alone that it wouldn't be fair. She will come back next Tuesday. tonight I spoke at the Methodist Church to all of their graduates.
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We were served a nice spaghetti dinner first. This was a most pleasant assignment. The talk seemed to be well received.
June 17
Held our regional conference in the San Jose for 1987. Well attended with much received that can bring us blessings. in the evening I attended a potluck dinner talk session. Leon Panetta our congressmen and Laona England assemblywoman from this district where our speakers. It mostly had to do with a adjustment of priorities and making the dollar stretch.
June 18
A lovely Father's Day with children and grandchildren calling my phone love them dearly.
Our primary children singing at Sacrament meeting never heard a better group of singers. Loud and on key. My first time to teach three year olds in Sunday school. What marvelous little scripts.
June 19
Was a pinch-hitter for Zola. Rotarians are not much different than other people. I get careless. Today about 15 of them got up and left the meeting before the program started. Being program chairman it bothered me some. We had a good program when young, a descendent of Brigham Young, put on a genealogy program. It was well done and well received.
June 20 and 21
Each evening the city Council has meant to balance the budget. Which is not easy. We have to cut somewhere for this is what the people said in voting proposition 13 in, we cut the fat out of spending. We are trying to do just that.
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June 22
Had my chance to ride in a parade today.
My method of transportation was a washed and groomed and manicured 12-year-old Arabian horse named Hector. Today I enjoyed it is an understatement. It was delightful. Hector showed his stuff beautifully. He seemed to like the crowd. There was a big crowd downtown and they watched was not his. Oh for the fun life of a cowboy.
June 23
Today was opening day at the San Bennito County horse show and rodeo. My job was to Usher, which I did. Juanita Arena and Angel Garcia were married tonight at the church. They are both fine people and will be going to the temple in a year. each has children from a previous marriage.
June 24
Ushered at the horse show and rodeo then saw the show. It was good but it seemed to me that I wasted too much time.
June 25
How are priesthood lesson was on Zion condition in your home and in your life. It is a desire that I have and a Life that I seek.
Spoke at the elders fireside on city organization and responsibility six or present.
June 26 and 27
On each of these days the City Councilman to resolve our budget problems. There seems to be a levelheaded approach to fixing fiscal problems.
June 28 cot up on last-minute details of my business then left for the Crocketts in Escalon. While we were there we got word that Anne was in labor so after a find dinner we left with grandson Ryan for Utah. Got as far as Loverock Nevada and then got a motel for six hours of disturbed rest. Dogs and truckers where the disturbance.
June 29 arrived in Utah at 5 PM and had a fine boy this day at 1:30 AM. His name is Richard John. He is a good looking baby. And came home the same day. This feeling fine. Had a fine dinner supplied by relief society.
June 30
Ryan and I left for Loa. He is nearly 5 years old and delightful traveling companion.
Stopped in Salinas and saw Owen and his new wife for a few minutes, then drove on to Lola. Had nice visits with Viola, Leonard I'll forward and new wife Leah also serine and Patra. Stayed the night with Harold and go up before leaving and took Ryan to Road Creek and helped him catch his first three fish. He had a ball and so tonight.
July 1
Reunion today. Met at the church at 10 AM. Had business meeting. I volunteered to be chairman for the year. Erda Will be secretary. We want to do something differently next year. Maybe a bus trip. Played some games after a fine program and dinner. Had a lot of good laughs. Went with Stanford an asshole to see the little theater down in Groves. Thank you Papa was very delightful. A real good crowd. Father 109 years birthday today
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