Thursday, May 31, 2012

Merkley family photos

I wanted to get these posted before I forgot how they were all labeled.
These come from the personal albums of Ellen Fletcher, and appear to be at some type of Merkley family gathering in May 1937.
Click on images to get a better view of them all.

FRONT: Ralph Merkley, Grace Colton, Sarah Colton, Bryce Merkley, Miles Colton, Kathleen Merkley, Lois Hansen, Doug Merkley, Elmo Colton.
MIDDLE: Geraldine Merkley, Kathryn Sander (just behind), Merle B Merkley, Ellis Merkley holding Delores (just behind), Jean Merkley, Mary Sander, Keturah Merkley (half face), Helen Colton, Virginia Merkley, B.O. "Bernie" Colton.
BACK: Aird Merkley holding Glade, Isabrand Sander (half face), Clair Fletcher holding Ruel, Rulon Hansen.

This one is essentially the same as above but with a few different people, so it's worth relabeling again:
FRONT: Ralph M, Grace C, Sarah C, Bryce M, Miles C, Kathleen M, Lois H, Doug M, Elmo C.
MIDDLE:Geraldine M, Kathryn S (just behind), Merle B M, Ellis M holding Delores (hidden), Jean M, Isabrand S, Mary S, Keturah (half face), Helen C, Virginia M, Bernie C.
BACK: Ellen F, Clair F holding Ruel,  Rulon H, Asher M.


FRONT: Glade Merkley, Ralph Merkley, Miles Colton, Doug Merkley, Elmo Colton, Clair Fletcher, Rulon Hansen holding Ruel, Bryce Merkley, Asher Merkley.
BACK: Ellis Merkley, Aird Merkley, Bernie Colton, Isabrand Sander.


 Ladies in FRONT: Jean Merkley, Mary Sander, Margaret Hansen, Keturah "Kate" Merkley, Helen Colton.
Gents in BACK: Ellis Merkley, Isabrand Sander, Ellen Fletcher, Clair Fletcher, Rulon Hansen, Asher Merkley.


** Additional photos of this family get-together can be found on THIS post.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Death info on Siney Lewis Sr

Siney Lewis Sr. was Birda's father.
Photo from the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak
According to these documents the following dates apply:
BIRTH: 1 Aug 1848- Council Bluffs,, Iowa
DEATH: 28 Nov 1928- Vernal, Uintah, Utah
He was 81 years old when he died.

Death Certificate:
SOURCE: familysearch.org
 Obituary:
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1929, Dec 5, p.1
Obituary transcribed:
Siney Lewis, Sr, One of Utah's Early Pioneers of 1851 Passes Away
Funeral services over the remains of Siney Lewis Sr were held in the Second ward chapel Sunday, December 1st at 2 p.m.  The body of the chapel was filled with relatives and friends and the floral tributes were profuse covering the casket and decorating the rostrum.
The music was furnished by the Second ward choir with Mrs. Lucille Calder as soloist.
The opening song was "Sweet Hour of Prayer" followed by invocation by Edward Watkins, Sr. "Oh My Father", the favorite hymn of Mr. Lewis was then rendered.
Bishop Joseph A McKee paid tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr. Lewis and told of their long friendship.  He referred to his hardships in pioneering both Salt Lake and Ashley Valleys.
Bishop M.M. Batty, also an old friend of Mr. Lewis told of his devotion to his home, family, and church, of his honesty and integrity in all business dealings.  He also referred to some of his pioneer experiences.
Mrs. Lucille Calder sang, "There is a Land I Know".
H. Walter Woolley told of the gospel plan and the reward that came to those who were faithful in the performance of their duties.  He spoke of the splendid example Mr. Lewis had set for his family and friends.
Bishop A.T. Johnson spoke a few words of consolation and also thanked all who had helped in any way during their hours of sorrow.
The closing song was "Sometime We'll Understand".  Benediction was pronounced by Bishop George E. Wilkins.  Interment was in the Maeser cemetery, where the grave was dedicated by Wm E. Pearce Jr.
The pallbearers were grandsons of Mr. Lewis.
Siney Lewis Sr., and his twin sister, Olive, were born near Council Bluffs, Iowa, August 1, 1848, the fourth and fifth children of their parents David and Duritha Trail Lewis, who crossed the plains for the sake of the gospel in 1851 before Siney was three years of age.
His early life was spent in Salt Lake Valley, where he underwent the hardships of the pioneers many times suffering for want of food and clothing.  His father died when he was six years of age, which necessitated his going to work at an early age to help support his mother and younger brothers.  He made a trip back to Omaha by ox teams to help bring back converts to the gospel when he was but 17 years of age.  They were attacked by Indians but none of them were killed.
He was married January 5, 1874 to Elizabeth Coleman.  To this union was born 12 children, 9 of whom and the widow, still survive.  They are Mrs. E.W. Evans, Mrs. Nathan Springer, Siney Jr., Franklin, Mrs. Charles Hatch, Chas P, Mrs. Asher Merkley and Mrs. H.E. Hullinger all of Vernal and Mrs. Linn McClelland of San Francisco, also 41 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He moved with his family to Ashley Valley in 1896 and settled in Glines ward where they resided until about three years ago when they sold their farm and moved to town to be near medical aid.
Mr. Lewis had not been in good health for years but was generally about to get about a little.  He was only in bed about two days when death came unexpectedly about noon, Wednesday, November 28.
He was a good, kind and generous man beloved by his whole family and friends.  Although he was retiring and quiet in disposition he was always ready to help in any worthy cause.  He will be greatly missed by all who were associated with him.
*Spelling and punctuation corrected by me wherein I was aware.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Death info on Elizabeth C. Lewis

Elizabeth Coleman Lewis was Birda's mother.
Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley
According to these documents, the following dates apply:
BIRTH: 6 Dec 1856- Buckinghamshire, England
DEATH: 18 Dec 1932- Vernal, Uintah, Utah
She was 76 years old when she died.

Obituary:
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1932, Dec 22, p.1
Obituary transcribed:
Mrs. Siney Lewis Passes To Final Rest at Home of Daughter on Sunday.
Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman Lewis, 76, died on Sunday evening, December 18, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E.W. Lewis, of diseases incident to old age.  Mrs. Lewis had been invalided for several years.
The deceases, daughter of George and Elizabeth Bailey Coleman was born December 6, 1856 in Buckinghamshire, England.  The Colemans became converts to the L.D.S. faith and in 1864 emigrated to America, coming directly to Utah.  They crossed the plains with an ox team.
On January 5, 1873 she married Siney Lewis in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City.  To this union there were born 11 children, 4 sons and 7 daughters, 9 of whom survive: Siney Jr., Frank and Chas Lewis, all of Vernal; Mrs. Leonora Evans, Mrs. Annie Springer, Mrs. Mary Hatch, Mrs. Birda Merkley, Mrs. Jennie Hullinger, all of Vernal and Mrs. Georgia McClelland, San Francisco, Calif.
There are 2 brothers and two sisters surviving all living in Heber City, but unable to attend the funeral, Lewis and Sam Coleman and Mrs. Sarah Lewis and Mrs. Annie McMillan.
Mrs. Lewis came to the Ashley valley in 1896 and her two youngest children were born in Vernal.  She remembered the driving of the golden spike at the completion of the railroad in 1869.  Her life had been one of constant activity until during the last few years when it became difficult for her to move about.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at the Glines ward chapel.
*Spelling and punctuation corrected wherein I was aware.


Death Certificate:
SOURCE: familysearch.org


Funeral notice:
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1932, Dec 29, p.1
 Funeral notice transcribed:
Funeral Rites For Pioneer Mother Held
GLINES WARD CHAPEL WELL FILLED BY THOSE PAYING RESPECTS TO WELL KNOWN PIONEER MOTHER
The funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman Lewis, 76, widow of the late Siney Lewis Sr, were held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Glines ward chapel with Bishop John B Eaton presiding.
Mrs. Lewis passed away on Sunday evening December 18, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E.W. Evans, of diseases incident to old age and had lived in Vernal sine 1896.
The opening prayer was offered by Ernest Eaton and the benediction was given by E.J. Longhurst.  Interment was made in the Maeser cemetery, with M.D. Berry, dedicating the grave.
The music was furnished by a double quartet from Glines ward and Second wards consisting of Mrs. Rose Walker, Delores Wardle, Alice Caldwell, Belle Perry, Allred Caldwell, H. Walter Woolley, John Hodgkinson and Herbert Bell who sang, "Oh My Father", "Sweet Hour of Prayer", "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", tenor solo part by Mr. Caldwell and "Beautiful Home", ladies quartet.  Accompanist was Mrs. Laura Perry.
The speakers were Bishop M.M. Batty, H. Walter Woolley and Bishop Eaton, who told of the life of the deceased and her part in the mid-pioneering times of the Ashley valley and Vernal.  They also paid tribute to her part in the rearing of a large and honored family.
For the time of the year the flowers were profuse and beautiful.
*Spelling and punctuation corrected by me wherein I was aware.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Public Schooling

It is very likely that Asher and Birda were the same year in school.
But aside from the photos of them in the Drama Club together, it's rare to see Asher in school photos.

This one is an exception:
Asher at "X marks the spot" front row, 3rd from left.
Lookin' ready to learn... but I don't think Birda is in this photo.

Besides Drama Club, it appears Asher and Birda were both involved in the Uintah Academy Chorus of 1916-1917.
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1954, Feb 18, p.1
Not transcribed because, well, it's rather a long article.
But Birda and Asher are mentioned in the 3rd column.
(Article has been grossly photoshopped to align 2 pages together.)

Apparently some time into his high school education, (sophomore year is presumed) Asher's marks started to run low, and according to family story a teacher or the principal of the school told him, "if you don't get your marks up you'd be better off working on the farm with your white-haired old man."  And in a huff, Asher dropped out of school never to go back.

Asher at Merkley homestead.  Taken about 1916.
See ya later, school.

Birda, on the other hand, LOVED to learn and continued on with her class of 1919 to graduate.

Class of 1919 (taken in 1917).
Birda is 2nd row, 2nd on left.
Man in dead-center front (with glasses is Principal Robert Sainsbury,
the man who may have offended Asher's academic career, who is otherwise said to be a very nice man.)

 Article on the advent of the new 1918-1919 school year.
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1918, Oct 11, p.8

And, it looks like Birda continued on with the Drama Club her senior year, despite Asher's absence.

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1919, Apr 25, p.4
See Birda's name in there as Millicent Merrill?
Also note future in-laws, Margaret Merkley and Harold Hullinger

Article on 1919 Commencement exercises:
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1919, May 2, p.1
Once again, NOT going to transcribe this one,
but click to enlarge if you're interested in the details.

It's also been stated that Birda intended on going to college as well, but plans changed when she married Asher and became helpmeet to him on the homestead as a farmer's wife.

Uintah Academy class of 1919,
Birda front row, 2nd from right.
Eventual brother-in-law Harold Hullinger is back row, 2nd from right.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Death info on Keturah P. Merkley

Keturah Peterson Merkley was Asher's mother.
Photo from the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak.
According to these documents, the following dates apply:
BIRTH: 8 Oct 1867- , Hart County, Kentucky
DEATH: 2 May 1950- Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Buried in the Vernal Cemetery, Vernal, Uintah, Utah
She was 82 years old when she passed away.

Obituary:
SOURCE: Deseret News 1950, May 3, p.A-14
Obituary transcribed:
Keturah P. Merkley
Mrs. Keturah P. (Aunt Kate) Merkley, 82, pioneer of Ashley Valley, Uintah County, died Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in a Salt Lake hospital from causes incident to age.
A resident of Vernal until ten years ago, she resided at the time of her death with a niece, Mrs. Lula Fletcher, 3103 Mountair Dr.
A daughter of Peter and Mary E. Thurman Peterson, Mrs. Merkley was born in Hart County KY, Oct. 8, 1867.  She was well known as a practical nurse.
At the age of 12 she moved to Ashley Valley with her family from Cedar Fort, Utah County.
Mrs. Merkley served as Relief Society president six years in Vernal First Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She was married to Nelson Merkley Jr. June 9, 1884 in Vernal.  The marriage was solemnized two years later in the Logan Temple.  Mr. Merkley was for 37 years a patriarch in Uintah Stake.  He died in 1924.
Surviving are two sons, Ellis Merkley, Salt Lake City, and Asher Merkley, Vernal.  Three daughters, Mrs. Helen M. Colton, Roosevelt, Duchesne County; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth M. Sanders, Heber City; and Mrs. Margaret Jane M. Hansen, Salt Lake City.  A niece whom Mrs. Merkley reared from infancy, Mrs. Lula Ellen Murray Fletcher; a sister, Mrs. Alice Koane, El Monte, Calif; three brothers, James O. Peterson, Neola, Duchesne County; David J. Peterson, Salt Lake City, and Henry Peterson, Ogden.  31 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday noon at 260 East South Temple St. where friends may call Thursday after 11 a.m.  Additional services will be conducted Friday at 1 p.m. in the Vernal Third Ward chapel where friends may call prior to the funeral time.
Burial will be in Vernal Cemetery.
*Spelling and punctuation corrected inasmuch as I was aware.

Funeral announcement:
SOURCE: Vernal Express 1950, May 11, p.5
Funeral announcement transcribed:
Funeral Held Friday for Keturah Merkley
Bishop Orion Jones conducted funeral services for Mrs. Keturah P. (Aunt Kate) Merkley last Friday at 1 p.m. in the Third ward chapel.  Prayer in the home was offered by Fred G. Bingham.
Invocation was by Aird Merkley of Beaver. George Roth, Chellus Caldwell, Mrs. Harold Lundell and Mrs. Leo Hacking sang, "Oh My Father", "Abide With Me" and "Lead Me Gently Home Father" with Mrs. Mable Stagg at the piano; Mrs. John Jorgenseon sang "Just a Wearin' For You" accompanied by Mrs. Stagg.
Speakers were Pres. Archie Johnson, Harmon S. Sowards and Mrs. DeGraff of Heber City.  Benediction was by B.O. Colton of Roosevelt.  Ellis Merkley of Salt Lake City dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Leo E. Hacking, Warren, Amos, Ward, Bryce and Sid Merkley.  Burial was in the Vernal City cemetery under the direction of the Swain Funeral Home.
*Spelling and punctuation corrected wherein I was aware.

Death Certificate:
SOURCE: familysearch.org

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Death info on Nelson Merkley Jr.

Nelson Merkley Jr. was Asher's father.
Photo from the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak.
Photo cropped from a larger image.
Based on these documents, the following dates apply:
BIRTH: 24 Mar 1857- Carson Valley, Nevada
DEATH: 18 Apr 1924- Vernal, Uintah, Utah
He was 67 years old when he died of pneumonia.

Newspaper obituary:
SOURCE: Deseret News 1924, Apr 22, p.7
Obituary transcribed:
Patriarch Nelson Merkley Is Laid at Final Rest
VERNAL, April 22 (Special)-- Patriarch Nelson Merkley died at his home here Friday after a week's illness with pneumonia.  He was believed to be recovering when death suddenly came.
Funeral services were held in the Uintah stake tabernacle Sunday afternoon.
*Spelling corrected wherein I was aware.

Local newspaper obituary:
SOURCE: Vernal Express  1924, Apr 25, p.1-1
 Obituary transcribed:
Nelson Merkley Pioneer of 1879 Buried Sunday
AMBITION OF A LIFE TIME WAS BEAUTIFUL HOME BUILT ON ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD MADE 45 YEARS AGO AND ON WHICH NO MORTGAGE HAD EVER BEEN PLACED.
At 12:30 a.m. Friday morning there passed from this life the spirit of Patriarch Nelson Merkley, peaceful and quiet as the life he had lived.  He was conscious to the very last moment fully realizing his time had come for his departing from this life and his loved ones.  His house was truly in order at the time of his departure.  His counsel and presence will be sorely missed by his family and many friends, for few indeed ever found fault with this just and Godly man, whose life has been an inspiration to all who came in touch with him.  The cause of death was pneumonia and the eight time to have the disease.
Nelson Merkley, the oldest son of Nelson and Sarah Jane Sanders Merkley, way born March 24, 1857, at Carson Valley, Nevada.  His parents were Utah pioneers of 1848 and had 13 children, seven only who are now living.  Mr. Merkley was the third to pass away in the last three months.  John Merkley of Tridell died in January and Mrs. G.F. Britt April 7.  Those who survive are George D., Vernal; Mrs. W.P. Coltharp, Vernal; C.E., Duchesne, Utah; Charles, Vernal; Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, Wellington, Utah, and only one not in attendance at funeral; Henry, Gusher, Utah; William S., Vernal.  His mother, in her 83rd year, still survives and lives at his home.  His father died 22 years ago.
In July 1879, he and his chum, James Hacking, came to the Ashley valley built cabins on their present homesteads and returned for their families and a company of others, arriving here in October and spent the hard winter when nearly all were starved when their provisions ran out.
On June 9, 1884, he was married to Miss Keturah Peterson, who was also one of the pioneers of the same company and who survives him.  To them were born 9 children, three of whom died in infancy, and one 6 years ago.  Ellis, Ezra who died in 1919 of flu; Mrs. Helen Colton, Gusher, Utah; Milton and Sarah, who died in infancy; Mrs. Mary E. Sander, Asher, and Miss Margaret Merkley and Kate who died in infancy.
Of the original homestead he gave 40 acres to his father as did also his brother George D. that their father could give each of the younger brothers 20 acres of land.  On the remaining 120 acres the deceased has made one of the finest farms in the country.  He has never placed a mortgage on the land or sold an acre of the ground.  Never from the first crop in 1880 has he been out of hay for his stock or wheat for the family.
When a young man his one ambition was to own a farm and build a home.  He never passed by a good home with stacks of hay, he did not declare to himself he would have the same.  How well he accomplished his mission his family and neighbors can testify.  On his homestead a deep ravine ran diagonally across and was the drain of the entire section.  This he filled up and the land is now watered directly across it.  Most of this was accomplished within the first few years of his residence.
In the spring of 1880 his horses were so poor it was only possible to plow a round or so a day and then turn them out to pick the green grass.  From then on he never allowed stock to suffer on his farm.  When the Reservation was first opened he had considerable hay which sold at a high market price.  Of the many who came to his place for hay and grain he never charged them for their horse feed or meals at the home where they always ate as many as seven in a single night.
At one time they were requested to store wheat which he did, many thousands of bushels.  When the time came to dispose of it when the country was without in place of charging a high price he gave the wheat away to those in need.  He built the first brick house in the Ashley valley.  His one object in life being the making of a real home.  He left no great accumulated wealth but rather a legacy rich in good deeds with his family in a comfortable home.
He plowed the furrow for the Ashley Central Canal, unsurveyed, directly in front of his land, and when told the water would not run that way said that it had to as he needed the water.  He built good roads and maintained them around his farm to keep teamsters from being stuck in the mud and swearing.  The trees planted around the farm were secured at the Green River.  He was water master of the Central canal and worked all day to 4 o'clock to fix a break, on the day of his marriage.
He was second counselor to Bishop George Freestone, was made a Patriarch in 1894 and also served as high counselor.  He gave 403 patriarchal blessings, the first Feb. 10, 1896, and the last Dec. 30, 1923.  At the time of his death he was president of the High Priest quorum.
The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Uintah stake tabernacle with Bishop Hyrum B. Calder of Vernal First ward presiding.  An extremely large crowd from every ward in the Uintah stake and practically all of the towns of the Basin were present to pay their last respects to the beloved Patriarch and pioneer, their friend, and to so many a counselor as well.
The flowers covered the casket and for the time of year were profuse.  The decoration of potted plants including Easter lillies gave a serene setting for the last rites, peaceful as were his closing hours.  The pall bearers were of the High Priests quorum.  County Assessor James M. Shaffer, County Road Agent John L. McConkie, M.M. Batty, bishop of Glines ward; George E. Wilkins, bishop of Vernal Second ward; Andrew Dudley, Jr., of Jensen, and Charles A. Hardy of the High council.
A special double quartet composed of Miss Mima Davis, Miss Gus Davis, Miss Alice Olson, Mrs. Hallor Witbeck, Byron Goodrich, Warren Jones, Fernando Ellingford and H. Walter Woolley, with Miss Pearl Shimmin at the organ, sang "Come Come Ye Saints", "Oh My Father", "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire" and "Though Deepening Trials".
President A.G. Goodrich offered the opening prayer and Patriarch Harmon Sowards pronounced the benediction.
James Hacking, a lifetime chum of the departed from boyhood days, was the first speaker.  Choking with emotion and grief only controlled by the greatest effort the speaker told of the life of his chum and friend for 56 years, having known the departed since 11 years of age.  The tribute paid by him only bore the impression of those who came in contact with the deceased in this life.  Among other things he stated that he never in his life heard an oath uttered by him, no matter what the provocation never heard him speak an unclean word or speak evil of any person.
Forty-five years ago they came to the Ashley valley together, suffered together with their companions during the hard winter of 1879-80 and never heard a word of complaint from his friend.  He lived like he died with a full trust in the Lord and His goodness.
Alfred H. Powell was the next speaker and told of his associations with the deceased for the past 40 years and of the upright character of his friend.
President Wallace Calder with words of consolation to the bereaved family spoke of the faithfulness of Patriarch Merkley.  He stated that at any appointment made whether in ward or stake affairs, that it was always known if his seat was vacant that sickness or some unavoidable accident had kept him away, is it was said of him that he was always at his post of duty.
Bishop Hyrum B. Calder spoke a short time.  Mr. Merkley had always been found doing his duty and was loved by all which was testified by the immense throng, many who had come from long distances to pay their love and respect to their friend.
Interment was made in the Vernal cemetery with President Ernest Eaton dedicating the grave.
*Punctuation and spelling adjusted wherein I was aware.

Death certificate:
SOURCE: familysearch.org

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Asher the Equestrian

Asher loved horses. He also loved tractors.  So I'm thinking Asher picked an excellent occupation for himself as a farmer with the ability to work with two of his favorite species.  But this post is specifically about the horses that he loved SO much, he even had his photo taken with them.
Some are named and labeled, others are unknown.  If anyone out there knows the names of these lovely animals, please leave a comment so I can update.
(All photos, unless otherwise stated, are from the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak).

Labeled, "Maybe Colt, Asher. 1923"

Labeled, "Asher on Clydesdale horse bought in Price, Vernal Main Street, 1930s"
Identified as, "Asher driving a team"

Identified as, "Asher and a horse"

Labeled as "Asher and horse Charm- Sunday Sept 22, 1918"

Labeled as, "Asher on a tiller, maybe"
from the personal album of Doug Merkley
(Bryce Merkley indicates that it's not a tiller, but a
Roller Marker, used for making furrows for irrigation.)

Labeled as, "Asher on a horse"
from the personal album of Doug Merkley
(Bryce Merkley indicates the pinto horse's name is "Flash")


Asher's son, Bryce, had this to say in his "Memories of Asher" written July 1995:


"...He was born in the era of the horse.  And even though cars and planes became the standard for transportation his love was deeply embedded in the horse throughout his life.  Of course, in the early years of his life, the horse was “THE” main mode of transportation.  Dad never got over his love of horses throughout his life.  He loved to saddle up his horses and take children, especially his grandchildren, for rides..."


And just to show how he tried to pass down his love of horses to his posterity:
Labeled, "David and Asher, 1952"
(Bryce Merkley indicates this horse's name is "Cloudy")

Labeled as, "Vernal 1935- Doug on back, Genevieve, Robert, and Patty Lewis,
Kathleen & Bryce Merkley- on the old family calico horse"

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Birda camping

The following are several photos of Birda and company camping together (courtesy of the personal collection of David Ahrnsbrak.)  Most of them are assumed taken in the year 1917, either because writing on the front or back of the photo indicates such, or the age of those pictured fits that timeframe.

Mr. Ahrnsbrak related to me as he shared these photos that Birda was not a true camper.  She insisted on bringing her mattress from home along with them and having it tied to the top of the car (in later camping trips) and making sure her comfort necessities were covered when they reached their destination.
In this regard, I feel a true descendant of hers, as camping is NOT my cup of tea either.  Born into a whole family of campers, and I'd rather stay in a hotel.













These two state they were taken in 1918 on yet another camping expedition.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Drama Club

I came across this photo a few years ago and found it interesting that Asher was involved in acting in his younger years.
Lookin' good, Asher.
But I don't know the girl with him though...

I then recently came across this group shot which had written on the back, 
"Presented April 21 & 22, 1917, Dramatic Club of 1917, taken Mar 28, 1917"
See anybody familiar in there?...
Asher, back row, 3rd from right.  Birda, middle row, 2nd from right.  Mary Merkley, first row, 2nd from left.
It appears Asher and Birda were both involved in the Dramatic Arts in their early days.  I don't know if that's how they met, but it would make for a wonderful story...

Birda on far right.
(Man next to Birda is identified as Jesse Haws,
who was later in the Stake Presidency in Vernal.)

Asher in white sweater.
Photo indicates man next to him as, "Mike C."

Thus, this photo of them in later years now seems more appropriate and understandable.

Photo from the personal album of David Ahrnsbrak
Labeled as, "Asher and Birda in California"
(Bryce Merkley indicates this photo was taken on a
family trip to visit new granddaughter, Tamera,
born in CA in 1941.)

 All of these photos are from the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak.