Transcript for Juanita Brooks' Correspondence, 1968
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January 11, 1968
Dear Juanita:
Thanks for stepping in and helping us out when we needed some help at the table at our Statehood Day open house. Sorry if you were caused any inconvenience but we do appreciate your assistance.
Sincerely,
Everett
Everett L. Cooley
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Printed by the Junior League of Salt Lake City, Inc. in cooperation with the Utah State Historical Society.
Fort Douglas—Salt Lake City, Utah (photo)
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Western Review
A Journal of the Humanities
WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO
88061
Jan. 12, 1968
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George
Utah
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
The forthcoming WESTERN REVIEW will carry a symposium on the Mormon intellectual--his background, his role, his achievements, and his problems,
Mrs. Gwen Mulder, who is teaching at Western New Mexico University now, has told me that you can speak with authority on this subject. So would you write a short statement (to up 1,000 words) on your experiences?
Please do. We consider this one of the most important symposiums we have attempted.
We should be most grateful to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Irma Safford
(Mrs.) Irma Saffold
Executive Assistant
(Isn’t Gwen Charming!)
Deadline for the issue is February 15, but if we know we have a statement coming from you, we shall keep a spot for it.
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WESTERN REVIEW
Western New Mexico University
SILVER CITY NEW MEXICO 88061
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George
Utah
SILVER CITY
JAN 12 ‘68
- MEX.
Ans enclosed
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Box 303, St. George, Utah
January 17, 1968
Mrs. Irma Saffold
Executive Assistant
WESTERN REVIEW
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
88601
Dear Mrs. Saffold:
I have just written my friend, Gwen, asking for a bit more detail on your projected symposium. Who is participating? Have any designated their titles? Is this to be personal experience or observations and discussion of general policy?
As I told her, I escaped at the publication of my Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1950 with only the "silent treatment", when I well might have received a public rebuke and total excommunication. The loyalty of my husband and family spared me this, I think.
Only now-- or in the last two years-- have my books been sold at, the Deseret Book Store or displayed anywhere in ZCMI, though the three universities of the state have used this first one as required reading in all Western History
courses.
Give me a bit more of detail on your plans, and I'll try to fit in.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
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Box 303
St. George, Utah 84770
February 7, 1968
Dr. Eugene E. Campbell
Department of History
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Dear Dr. Campbell:
I have read with much interest your article, "Authority Conflicts in the Mormon Battalion,” in the last issue of B.Y.U. Studies. Congratulations! You have handled your subject well, indeed, for certainly there were power pulls and authority conflicts from the first day out.
I do not pretend to be any authority on this subject, though I did edit John D. Lee's "Mormon Battalion Journal"--a copy of which I am sending under separate cover. I'm sure you may find some errors in it. I had access to Tyler, Standage, the Journal History of the Church (in part), but have not seen the William Hyde or the William Coray records. Recently I have secured a fragment of the "George Deliverence Wilson record of doings at Pueblo--a most different account of the goings-on.
What I am saying is that I think you did an excellent job here until right near the end when you said that "THREE men had died! Surely this must have been a mis-print. I counted eighteen in just a brief scan, and that did not include the three elderly persons who were along, nor the teamster hired by Bro. Davis, nor Jesse D. Hunter's wife, or the two babies at Pueblo.
I should like to find the list of twelve men who went to guard Fremont; I must confess that I haven't really set out to find it, but have come across a name here and there as I have been reading for something else. I have also been anxious to get the names of the group which came back over the present US91-- approximately. As I remember, there were about 35 men with some cattle and ONE wagon, the first to cover the route. I know they were largely from Bro. Davis' group, but am under the impressing that Brother Boyle was in charge. Some one of that company gave the name to the "Giant Joshua" forest south of St. George, saving that it looked like Joshua leading his men into the promised land. Afyer 1852 this name was common in the diaries.
Forgive me. My machine got out of hand. I can find these answers if I want them bad enough to put in a little time. I am glad to see research done on any phase of our history, so long as it faces up to the facts.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Founded, in 1850 SALT LAKE CITY 84112
WESTERN HISTORY CENTER
February 14, 1968
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah 84770
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
I am delighted you have consented to talk to the Utah Westerners on Tuesday, March 19. Our dinner meeting will be held at the Alta Club, 100 East South Temple, at 6:30 p.m. Will Brooks is cordially invited to attend the meeting. Incidentally, this will be ladies' night, so you will have a large and enthusiastic audience.
The group, consisting of about 35-40+ interested historians of all kinds, will be very pleased to hear you talk to the matter of the little known, colonial expedition led by William H. Dame to Nevada in 1858.
If you will permit me to do so, I will bill your talk as follows: "Place of Refuge, or, We Never Failed: Some Observations on Mormon Colonization beyond Salt Lake Valley." I would hope, then, in your talk you would give us the outlines of the Dame expedition and use it as a classic example of the directed colonization by the Mormons. If, in your own inimitable way, you would spice your talk with remarks about other colonial ventures, this would add greatly to the talk. It would not be necessary for you to have a paper ready for publication, though I think we would like to have such a paper for publication in our annual volume. The group is serious and interested in Utah and western history, but it also likes to be entertained with asides, informal insights, and a sprinkling of humor.
Please call me when you come into town, and I will see to it that you and Will are escorted to the Alta Club.
I am pleased that we will also be able to involve you in the plans now being developed for our field trip to southern Utah. We hope to make a circle tour on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, from Cedar City over the Spanish Trail to Mountain Meadows, to St. George and return via Silver Reef to Cedar City. Hopefully, we can count on you for guide services part of the way, and I am pleased to know that we might also involve your brother Dudley Leavitt.
With the best of wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Greg
- Gregory Crampton
Director
CGC:mh
+ nearly double that with ladies
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CRAMPTON.
WESTERN HISTORY CENTER
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84112
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah 84770
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
14 FEB
1968
Speech March 19
Ans enclosed March 5
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Box 303, St. George, Utah
March 5, 1968
Dr. C. Gregory Crampton
Director, Western History Center
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Dear Dr. Crampton:
I have just re-read your letter and checked for some notes, for I have looked forward to meeting with the group on March 19th. I accepted so readily because our grand-daughter, Katie Brooks, is being married on Thursday, March 21, in Salt Lake City. Of course, we must attend the wedding, so why not come two or three days earlier, meet with the Westerners, consult with Dr. Zucker, and celebrate the wedding all in one trip? Wonderful!!!
I knew that Will's heart attack of January 26 meant something, but he bounced back so well from it that I just assumed that with some caution, he should soon be as well as ever. And for some time he was.
But now--today-- I know that he is definitely slipping. A bad night after 2:00 a.m., swollen ankles and feet, a short trip to the hospital with him today, make me conscious of the uncertainty.
We still say to each other that we will go up to the wedding, stop as usual at the Belvedere where there is quiet and privacy and a chance for him to rest. He cannot attend the Westerners' Dinner, nor can he walk more than through the halls to the elevator, and out to a car. He can only be at the wedding ceremony, and not stay through the reception, but surely he can do that much.
So we hopefully plan, and so I should like to carry it out. I shall have my things organize--I hope—
But there is so much uncertainty that you yourself may have to be ready to step in.... If Will were actually in a hospital where he could get instant help, I would be more secure, and up to today I have felt comparatively safe.
Strange how instantly a whole pattern of living can be changed in In a split second! He has been so vigorous, has taken such delight in working about the yard, about attending every ball game and funeral and SUP Meeting, and concerned with my having time to work at this machine. Now I do all the chores that were his and watch around the clock for what seems too near.
I must not panic. Tnis has been just one bad day, and we may have a change tomorrow.
After all, it is still two full weeks away. I shall contact you
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WESTERN HISTORY CENTER
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84112
March 28, 1968
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main
St. George, Utah
Dear Juanita:
Let me thank you again for appearing before the Utah Westerners. I know they were most appreciative to hear from one of Utah's ranking historians. It was a splendid show.
On May 18th-19th fifteen or twenty members will be field tripping down your way, and I would like to invite you and Will to join us for dinner (it may be a cook-out or barbeque) that evening in St. George. We will probably want to invite you also to provide some guide service during the day, but I will say more about that later.
Dr. Cooley, who manages our finances, will send you a little something one of these days; it will be small enough compensation for the entertainment you provided.
With every good wish to you and to Will.
Sincerely,
Greg
- Gregory Crampton
Director
CGC:kh
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Box 303, St. George, Utah
February 20, 1968
Mr. A. 0. Knoth
P.O. Box 1114
Sonora, California
95370
Dear Mr. Knoth:
Please forgive my delay in answering your letter forwarded to me by the Arthur H. Clark Company. I was out of town when it arrived, and my husband had a heart attack soon after, so that much of my mail has been neglected.
I am interested to learn that you have a picture of John D. Lee sitting on his coffin. I wonder if it is the same one that is in the second edition of THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE. The first edition, put out by Stanford Press, had no pictures at all, but the second edition, put out by the University of Oklahoma Press has several in it. The photographer was James Fennimore, who had lived in the home of John D. Lee and his wife Emma Lee at Lonely Pell for several weeks. He had been photographer for the Powell Expedition down the Colorado River, but became ill, and was put off there to recuperate.
Would you have any other items regarding John D. Lee? Letters, accounts, diaries, etc. Or would you know where any others are?
I am still interested in this man, although I wrote his Biography as well as the account of the Massacre.
Thank you again for writing to me,
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
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The general business climate in Salt Lake City in the summer of 1854 is reflected in the Deseret News, the only newspaper. Here on July 17 Livingston, Kinkead & Company state that their mule train of eleven wagons had arrived on July 10, and that their third, fourth, fifth, and sixth which they expected weekly thereafter would carry goods of all kinds. Here also in a long, narrow column, Nixons, advertised a little of everything, with a liberal allowance made to country dealers & peddlers. For the traveling public the Reese Brothers, John & Enoch, gave assurance of all kinds of supplies at their Mormon Station in Carson Valley. The only accommodation in the Salt Lake valley was the Union Hotel, opposite union Square on the California & Oregon Road, where board and room and feed for cattle were for sale by David Wilkin. These ads were run weekly through the season.
Another business of considerable size was that advertised by J.M. Horner & Company. They held forth in the Tithing Office building opposite the State house and "have received 336 wagons of general merchandise, while 37 more are shortly expected to arrive." Their list of stock included dry goods, dress trimming, notions,
perfume & jewelry, boots & shoes, hats & caps, clothing, stationery, Queensware , hardware, Drugs & Paints, groceries, stoves & castings.
Perhaps the most consistent advertiser of all was Wm. C. Staines, the liquor merchant, whos announcement of Brandy, Whiskey, and fancy wines ran regularly and with little change, except that through the summer months an added line "Garden vegetables for sale at reasonable prices" was added.
By 1855 many were closing out or restricting business, some goods were being sold at auction, and more items were accepted as barter
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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540
WILLIAM S. DIX, Librarian
HOWARD C. RICE, JR., Assistant Librarian
for Rare Books & Special Collections
23 February 1968
Its been far too long, Juanita,
since I've had any word of you. And its about time I put some of the most essential of my questions to paper. How goes the Jews in Utah? Have you returned to the Hamblin biography? How are you and Will?
It was splendid to see your Lee in the New Mexico Historical Review. Its a handsome journal -- and your handling of the diary characteristically skilled and solid. Is there anything to the rumors of the U wanting to bring out a new edition of all the Lee diaries?
I am more and more diverted from my little Utah projects by an accelerating interest in the Navajo and Hopi country. I was in the Hopi villages again last summer for the snake ceremonials and when I returned to Princeton I discovered that the new member of the anthropology faculty here was a Tewa from San Juan Pueblo who has Hopi cousins. Under his guidance I have dived into the history and world view of the Hopi area and am already making plans for a pedestrian tour of the Rio Grande Pueblos in August. But the following summer I must refocus on Salt Lake City and get back to pushing that bibliography of Utah's territorial printing toward completion.
I'm amused by the current issue of BYU Studies which you have probably seen. Richard Anderson's review of Donegan's tract against Brodie is another preview of what his own book is to be like. The obvious rejoinder doesn't occurr to him: that the only reasonable criticism of Brodie's biography would be a more acceptable biography of Joseph Smith -- something that in the two decades since No Man appeared hasn't even been attempted.
And then the Nibley presentation of the papyri: It was easy to guess that he would be forced into an even more gnostic position than ever: the evidence leads directly and unmistakably to a conclusion and Nibley backs directly away. However overwhelmingly the evidence that what Smith "translated" as the works of Abraham and Joseph are instead the very late and corrupt versions of the most ordinary funeral texts -- and Nibley admits the latter -- he grabs for the moon to save Smith by attacking the foundations of all Egyptology and proposes that behind the apparent translation of the Book of the Dead
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lies an esoteric meaning -- inaccessible to us now -- which Smith apprehended! But Dialogue did little better in its presentation.
You've probably learned that still another portion of the Auerbach Collection was sold at auction in New York City the first week of this month. It contained less than a hundred items -- but some exciting materials were included. The prices went high, but we were able to purchase a handful of things including what I think may be the only surviving copy of the first Utah brand book. It is a "List of Recorded Brands" printed in late 1850. Its only 20 pages, but reads like a Whos Who of Utah. The brands range from Brigham Young's own to that of "Bridger and Vasquez". I'll be describing it in some detail for the library Chronicle and will, of course, see that you get a copy of the note. One of the fascinating aspects of it -- and one which brought you to mind even more forcefully -- is a signature in pencil on one of the interior pages: Hosea Stout!
I do hope all is running smoothly there -- that the history of the Jews is soon to be complete so you can jump again into Hamblin.
Warmest and best wishes to you and Will.
Great cheer,
Alf
Alfred L. Bush, Curator
Princeton Collections of Western
Americana
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Bush
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540
Mrs. Will Brooks
346 North Main
St. George, Utah
PRINCETOWN
FEB 23 ‘68
N.J.
(Ans enclosed)
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Horses
St. George, Utah
Feb. 23, 1968
Dear Leonard & Daisy:
I thought I should write down something for the record, or at least so that we should not have to trust entirely to memory on dates, etc.
As I have it down, Archie Gubler delivered at your place the Mare, April, and the just-past-a year-old filly. Now that I count, the colt is a year and a half old. We have called her Queen. He took them down on Monday morning, February 19th.
I'm sorry that I didn't take some time a week or two earlier to start loading her into a trailer. I knew her mother would go without any trouble, and thought the colt would follow her. I did get her with one foot inside, but she bumped her head on the bottom of the sliding door and reared back. I should have had some oats in a pan.
Anyway, we did finally get her in through the shute, with Walt pushing her up by force backwards. Then the truck wasn't up close enough and one hind leg got down between and cut it quite a gash, it looked to me. I understand that you had some difficulty unloading her.
Anyway, we hope that you can pasture them--or pasture-and- feed, as you see fit. We didn't talk much about prices, but I enclose a check for twenty dollars to start off with, and will pay again as time passes.
I don't know about disposing of them, either or both. The mare is supposed to be in foal, with the colt due in July, but no one seems entirely certain, about this. The colt has been trained to lead, and has great respech for a rope across her back. While she was too young to ride, Roger did put the saddle blanket across her back and a piece of a bale of hay or s trap. He spent a lot of time currying her and leading her about, and would have ridden her if she hadn't been so little then, and he so extra large. She is getting to where she needs some preliminary lessons, but we had perhaps better wait and sell her and het her new master do this.
I do appreciate your pasturing them for us.
Will is not at all well--that heart attack was evidently worse than we thought at first.
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1116 Stage Coach Road,
Little Rock, Arkansas
March 7, 1968
Dear Mrs. Brooks...
At last I'm getting around to writing a letter to you. My work and time spent at this typewritter has been so heavy I hardly have time to write my family and friends. I have enjoyed your letters and was so happy to share the Edgar Cayce books with you...that you received them and enjoyed them.
The book, "THE SLEEPING PROPHET", by Jess Stearn has come out in paper-back...it is probably condensed. It was one of the five best sellers last year. I have just finished reading it and they told me at the book store, last week that they had sold truck loads of books on Edgar Cayce. . this book, the SLEEPING PROPHET actually stimulated the sales. I guess people are really searching everyway possible for some philosophy on life and the hereafter. If you can't find this book in your area, I will send you a copy; or maybe you have already found it. But its the book to read as it gives much on the remedies (health) Cayce gave in his reports...also Stearn seems to think Cayce made his best prophecies with reference to the Earth's Crust; earthquakes... and the islands which will reappear out in the oceans; earthquakes...and the cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York will eventually submerge during the last 40 years of this century. Cayce said it started in 1958...and the scientists are now studying his prophecies, reports, as he had a stenographer to take down what he said while in trance. The scientists agree...geologists, etc., say it did start in 1958. Also Cayce says that 1968, and 1969...will be the years of great changes...oceans, earth's crust. And from the standpoint of Astrology, I believe this to be true... 1969, will make history in many ways... political and social problems; changes in the courts, law, jusidiary, as well as peace and war. Thisk will begin if we want to speak of right down to the day, on the 28th of September, 1968...we may or may not be able to see it right off, but by the 1st of January, 1969... it will be seen.
So we can expect many changes, politically this year... and I feel it is very doubtful if Johnson will be back in there and we should see some indications of the political upsets the further we move into March, this month and by the middle of April. April is the month, when the U. S. has declared war, or been drawn into conflicts with other nations...and the next few weeks, with the world situation right now, can set off anything. We have an eclipse coming up the 28th of March...and Eclipses have been known to set off world catrasopes (sp)…. particularly with the oceans, but this one points to war, firearms, fire and water... and affects the Horoscope of the United States drastically...to some of our National leaders. The Titanic went down just before an eclipse; the Korean war started on the day of an eclipse and it ended on the day of an eclipse. The influences of the New moon priods, full moon periods; as well eclipses prove the validity... of Astrological Law. Many Astrologers specialize in the study
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page 2,
of eclipse periods, of which we have at least 2 every year, and can have as many as 4 Or 5. It is said these periods are the climaxes because it, the moon shuts off part of the solar (sun) rays to the earth, even for a few seconds, it affects the life on our planet. And of course, history is filled with dates and events which have taken place around these periods...in days gone by, many people would not start an ocean voyage in and around the period of an eclipse. It is also said that if you start a new venture just before an eclipse, it will fowl out.... nothing will come of it. I have not done too much research on this...but it must be quite interesting if Astrologers make it one of their special studies.
I did not feel that Romney would hold out, for several reasons. His birth sign was adverse at this time...and so is Rockafellers of New york...they are borth born under the sign of Cancer. And I don't put much stock in Nixon, but He will have a bt more coming in his favor after the middle of June, this year... and as we move into the summer months. Regan of California was popular for awhile, and he may come out more later on. But the real fellow maybe hasn't shown yet...the upsets we can expect after the last of September this year maybe appalling, and startling. The homes and basic roots of the American people will be very upset... after then and there could be the hints of war coming right here to our own shores, but of course this could be riots and civil strife. Wallace maybe the man to watch, because the DARK HORSE could certainly come in this fall. Had Romney held out and actually won... I wonder what it would have done, how it would have affect the Mormon Church. His political enemies would have thrown this at him in the fact...there is still supposed to be racial predijuice in his church and they would have thrown the Black Power against him, perhaps in the most vicious way...how he kept this hidden as long as he did; we never heard anything about this, or atleast we didn't. Isn't it true that negroes are not permitted in the Priesthood. And incidently I have come to believe there is ak good reason for this...which may go back as far as the sinking of the two continents, Atlantis and Lemuria; the reason for the curse on the black man, maybe deeper than we know. I would love to discuss tis with you, as there are many, many angles brought out on this... Theosophical Teachings bring out something on this, which I read many years ago.
While traveling through Mexico, you can see a lost culture down there...something very, very deep and mysterious which I believe is linked with what Joseph Smith received...and it all maybe tied in with these two lost continents. This is why I am so interested in Edgar Cayce readings. I wish we could have a long talk about this. By all means, if you haven't read the Sleeping Prophet...I want you to because I would like to hear your version of it.
saw something interesting in the paper sunday...in the STRANGE AS IT MY SEEM column. Quote: The Mormon "BOOK OF ABRAHAM," First published in 1842, is a translation of a papyrus scroll taken from the tomb of an EGYPTIAN MUMMY. I wonder what this all means and just how true it is...and just who had it put in there like this. I thought I would find this book of Abraham in my book of Mormon, but it is not in there...not under that title. I wonder if the Mormons would verify this. Of if this BOOK OF ABRAHAM is now in print. I would surely like to read it, as it might shed more light on not only the Egyptians, but again these two lost continents which were suppose to have submerged. Even
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page 3,
the newspapers in this area are beginning to print articles on these two continents...one article, quite lengthy...tells of what they are finding off the coast of Florida and around the Bahammas...this is where Cayce says was part of the rement of the continent of Atlantis. I surely believe that Joseph Smith was in touch with something...and that it is all tied in some- way.
I keep thinking about John D. Lee's Diary...and his dreams. The book you showed me there. Didn't you compile this. And could I buy a copy of this. His Diary which took so long in your research...isn't there a copy available. Please let me know about this because I surely want a copy for my Library. Just let me know the price and where I can send for it. I know that it was a remarkable piece of work; research on your part. And regardless of how Lee's life turned out...he was a remarkable man; courage, faith and character...devotion to his Church and its leaders; he was inspired. And I feel that big changes is coming to Mormonism...its going to play heavily in the news during the next few years; and particularly during the next 3 years.
We still haven't been able to get up to see Mr. Fancher as yet. I got a Christmas Card from him with a letter...and would just love to have a long visit with him. But we have been so busy and especially since Christmas. Our daughter became engaged at Christmas...with the wedding to be in February. We had to rush this up, as she married (February 3, a nice home wedding (a boy who is a Lieutent in the Army and he would be sent to Germany by the middle of February. She is to join him now as soon as they can get the papers through. We were glad to have her marry here at home, as this is the only home she has ever known and there was a sentimental value in this. She married a real nice boy... local boy and from a nice family. So we are pleased...and the trip to Germany now will be quite an experience; education for her. So we are just waiting for her to get off, and then maybe my husband and I can get away on some trips, and especially up to Harrison and the Northern part of the state.
During the past several weeks and when I can catch the time I have been studying up on the "Hanging Judge" of Arkansas. This was Judge Isaac C. Parker, one of the most outstanding cases of courts and Law...I guess in the history of the world It was a toss up as to whetehr Parker would go out to Utah to the U. S. Court there (in 1875), or whetehr he would come to Arkansas to take care of the crime on the Oklahoma Frontier ... and with the Indian Country. He came to Arkansas; Fort Smith. And of course you probably have read about the history made. It isksaid that 88 men hung during his years as Judge over this U.S. court. But he saved the Frontier and was a remarkable man. It is my opinion that we are going to be faced with situations such as then if something isn't done to curb the crime which is building again. These things will be part of our problems after September, 1968... a 7 year cycle of many changes to law, courts, juries, etc. And if something isn't done within months, I am afraid that lynchings, or conditions worse, will return. So Judges are going to play heavily in the news; past, present and consideration for the future. I may write a magazine article on Judge Parker...some
real history was made in Ft. Smith, Arkansas... Iron 1875, till 1896.
Guess I'd better bring this to a close. If I start another page, ...will just keep going. Remember me to your husband. And I surely hope we can all get together and have many, many, hours visit. Have so many things I would like to talk about. Write when you can...love to hear from you. Know you are very busy in; your research and study; writing.
Best Regards- to both of you-
Caryl Homes + husband
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AFTER FIVE DAYS RETURN TO
Caryl Holmes,
1116 Stage Coach Road,
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Mrs. Juanita Brooks,
Box 303
St. George, Utah
84770
Personal! IMPORTANT! !
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Box 303
St. George, Utah
March 12, 1968
Mr. Chad Flake
Special Collections
BYU Library
Provo, Utah
Dear Chad:
Thank you so much for the use of this Master's Thesis: (Frank Thomas More, Simon Bamberger,... M.SA. Thesis, 1966.) It has been of great help to me indeed, and I do so appreciate getting it.
I'll hope to do something for you sometime.
Grate fully,
Juanita
Juanita Brooks
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Box 303, St. George, Utah
84770
March 15, 1968
Mrs. Arabell Lee Hefner
Overton, Nevada
Dear Mrs. Hefner:
From Mrs Effie Syphus I learn that you have published a book on the history of the Muddy Valley. I should like to get a copy.
I enclose my check for seven dollars ($7.00)
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
Juanita Brooks
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Box 303
St. George, Utah
March 24, 1968
Mr. Paul G. Salisbury
2180 East 9 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Paul:
I address this to you because you are the only one of the DIALOGUE staff that I know.
Last December 15 I ordered the magazine for myself and for each of my three sons, with the understanding that they would receive the Winter issue and the others as they appeared. This was to be my Christmas to them.
When no magazine arrived--no acknowledgment of the order or word that it was not filled— I began to wonder if perhaps my letter had not been mailed. This morning my canceled check arrives to show that it has been through some five or six processes, and was honored here on March 5 or 15, 1968.
I had ordered immediately upon receiving the advertising packet, and in full confidence that the order would be filled.
After the experience with my "lost" manuscript on ONE OTHER MAN, can you wonder if I am a bit disturbed? I thought rejected articles were returned to the author. Of course, I have the carbon, and have since found some pertinent and very important material on Nathaniel Thomas Brown, with references from contemporary diaries.
May I assume now that my order has been activated and we shall all receive copies of the remaining issues of DIALOGUE? I hate to ask for a refund of the money; I wanted the magazine beginning with the winter issue.
I note now that I do have my winter issue as vol. 4 of the 1967 set. Perhaps I read the advertising wrong, and no gift subscrition could be expected before the Spring issue. Should not the boys, then, have received a card to say that this gift had been made and they should receive it in due time???
Please return the enclosed check, and thank you for letting me scold a little.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 24-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah
Tuesday, March 26, 1968
My dear Lady,
I arrived home Sunday evening at 8:30--got a slow, local bus that stopped at so many stations, even at Riverside, that we were two hours longer than I might have been had I taken Trailways express through. But then it was fine; I relaxed and ate prunes until I thought I would be sick, but I wasn't. And I read the current Reader's Digest from cover to cover. I've let my subscription lapse, but now decided that the one article on the Viet Nam Situation with a short one following it, were worth the price of the magazine.
I found Will quite well, and he has continued to improve. Wants to go down and get a haircut this afternoon early and then go to the Senior Citizen's meeting later. He's never before considered himself old enough to be a Senior Citizen before!
I've taken time to find the date of John D. Lee's marriage— to Emmoline Woolsey (spelling his)— It was Sunday, Dec. 21, 1846, at Winter Quarters, the ceremony being performed by Brigham Young, for which he was given a can of sardines as a reward. They had trouble, and she left early in the spring. She did not come to Utah at all, and of course did not bear a Lee child.
I haven't taken time to hunt it up, but I think that Manetta's book will likely have her birth date and perhaps her death date.
While I was disappointed not to find any real genealogy that would help to establish the Ralph Lee line, I was still rewarded by spending a good part of the day reading the Lee correspondence. Some of the letters were just beautiful in spite of their sadness.
Most of all, I was glad to visit with you again, but more and more impressed that you are driving yourself too hard. I know that there are many things that need to be done, some that only you can do, but still they are too much. With proper care, there's no reason why you should not be another renowned centenarian, as Sir Moses Montefior of England was. He was so busy using his great wealth to ameloriate the conditions among the Jews in all parts of the world that he couldn't find a place to stop until he was 102 years old.
I feel so deeply indebted to you for all your help—in getting me to your place from the Library and to the bus station, the delicious dinner and the comfortable bed and sleeping quarters. Then this lovely watch! It keeps perfect time and stays put, and is lovely. My other I have considered as a precious jewel, not to be worn except upon dress-up occasions, when I exhibit it with much pride. This one I shall wear constantly.
My love and gratitude go out to you constantly, and my prayers for well being.
[-PAGE 25-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah
March 26, Tuesday noon
Dear Kay, Jeannie & Brian:
No letter again today! We had thought that just maybe you could steal a minute on Sunday to get a word out. Or is that your very busiest day? We do hope that you found everything well at home.
The wedding was very pretty—not so impressive as a temple wedding, but still very nice. The bride came up the aisle on her father's arm, the groom came down the steps from the stage to take her, and her long train fell from her neck or veil. The mother was in a yellow- green over-lace dress; the three bridesmaids in lavender taffeta with pink boquets; the two little flower girls (who carried the train out)- in pink taffets also with pink flowers. The preliminary organ music was excellent, the wedding march also, and the very young-looking bishop gave the couple a most impressive talk, with lots of good advice. The only thing that troubled me a bit— the groom chewed gum the whole time, not so niticeable when he first stepped out, but growing in vigor as the bride approached, and continuing slower during the lecture. Maybe that was what made the kiss so stic kt!
Karl was receptionist and Carla cut the wedding cake. Most of the people we didn’t know, but the Brookses clan together, as you know. Aunt Winnie & Aunt Edith were there first with Beverly and her husband; we were next with Daddy & me, Bob & Florence, and Nita; Aunt Cornelia with Sam & his wife and Joseph's wife. I had hoped April would be there, but she didn’t come. Mar & Pacita brought their little girl and came, though, which pleased us.
Well, we rested or Friday, and Daddy had a good night following the reception--I forgot to say that after the ceremony we took him back to the Belvedere, where we gave him a warm supper and let him rest. Nita came with us; Bob & Florence brought us down & took us back, but went out to see the town and take dinner.
Friday evening I took the plane to L.A. to look at that John Lee material that they had found. Daddy was to stay with Karl until Sunday, and then Karl was to put him on the bus. I was to come home Saturday night and beat him here. Well, it worked out that Daddy had a ride down with Uncle Ed & Ora & her husband I waited to take a morning bus instead of the mid-night one. But everything worked out OK and I'm now engaged in catching up with myself. Laundry, irrigating, dusting, and generally keeping busy.
Daddy is improving each day, I think. Right now he's down getting his hair cut, planning to go to the Senior Citizens' meeting. He has never before admitted that he was a senior citizen. He hasn't had a bad smothering time since he got home and is walking about a lot more and much more alert.
[-PAGE 26-]
The material at Huntington was good, but not that, I had hoped to find. The family have never been able to go farther back than his father, Ralph Lee, and I thought this migh give us that. Instead it was his genealogy of his own family, the wives and their children
and the marriages of the older ones.
Must stop—Daddy's back for dinner now at 3 p.m.
Do let us hear from you.
Best Love,
MOM
[-PAGE 27-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah84770
April 3, 1968
Alfred, you wonderful person
Your letter of 23 February arrived about the time Will had a relapse. He had a heart attack on the last day of January, from which he rallied after about three weeks until we began to feel more assured. Then near the end of February he had smothering spells in which he had great difficulty to breathe. Anyway, the instant change from an active man, shoveling, raking, hauling manure in a wheelbarrow, to a bed-to-chair patient made a great adjustment for both of us.
Again he rallied until we attending the wedding of our granddaughter (Clair's oldest girl, Katie) in Salt Lake City. Since that time --March 21— he has continued to improve until he now walks around out of doors, goes up two doors to visit his brother, Ed, drives the old car to take Mother to the Temple and to get the mail, remaining in the car while I get out for any necessary errands.
I'm telling you this so you'll understand why my correspondence has been so sadly neglected. I really was glad to hear from you and thought of so many things to write back about: Your interest in the Hopi country for instance. Two of my best friends, Pep Gregory, and her husband, Reginald, are great friends of the Hopi. They have sponsored students in school, encouraged the native craftsmen, and built a rapport with leading men of the tribe strong enough that she took me with her to a home where we ate our evening meal with the family. The Gregorys attend the ceremonial dances each year, I think.
interesting people in their own right. She was Dr. Clelland's secretary who did his work on the CHRONlCLE. An expert editor, she was employed for some years at China Lake getting out their pamphlets and reports. He worked there as a scientist during the years when we put our first sputnicks into orbit. They live in Albuquerque, and are people you'd enjoy knowing. Since my son Antone is also there, I have a double reason for visiting the area. She is now an editor on the N.M. Hist, Review.
Re. the BYU Studies--- They do not amuse me as much as they make me more determined not to be a Mormon Historian. The Brodie review, the whole fiasco of their dealing with the papyri simply disgust me. The Campbell article on the Mormon Battalion seems logical enough for the aspect he chose to discuss, but when in his summary he states that three men died, I couldn't help protesting. "Did you not mean TWENTY-three?" I asked him. I could count eighteen deaths without Jesse D. Hunter's wife, the babies at Pueblo, and the non-Mormon who was along. They must stop repeating Brother Brigham's promise that they should all return safely.
[-PAGE 28-]
This 1850 Brand Book intrigues me no end. I think we have Brand Books of the southern part of the state in our County Court House files, but certainly of a much later date. It would indeed be an interesting thing to examine. Was the official Church brand the same as the one used later for the Church herds of the Hebron area and the Pine Springs herd-- and the later Canan Co-op herd, I wonder? Lee somewhere describes it in his discussion of the cattle which were taken from the Mountain Meadows-- Perhaps it was not Lee, after all, but Winsor or someone else who handled the Church herds—the Pulsiphers had many in charge at Hebron. Anyway, as you say, this book must be extremely interesting.
As to my work on the Jews. I think perhaps I was wrong to accept that assignment prepared and unfitted as I was to undertake it. I have certainly wasted much time—got off onto tnagerts--hunted for material everywhere from City Directories to newspaper files. I have secured photostats of some things from their libraries. At any rate, I have sent in ten of the twelve projected chapters, since Dr. Zucker wants to go through them and "rewrite" them. At first I rather resented this, but now I we come anything he wants to do to it. I'm just eager to be through with the thing, and be free to get at something in which I feel at home.
Now, let's keep in touch. Just maybe we might attend the same convention somewhere and at least get in a few minutes' talk.
Aoo good wishes,
Juanita
[-PAGE 29-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah
April 26, 1968
Let's see— where were we, Alfred? I've told you of Will's illness and his slow recovery, haven't I? I'm sure he is coming back, but it has been slow, the Doctor told us that his heart is OK—which has given us both a great lift.
Did I ever thank you for the item on the work on Israel Benjamin, or Benjamin II, as he called himself? It was done in German, but the library at Salt Lake City—the Historical Society Library— has a good American translation which I have used to very good advantage.
I spoke to you of the Gregorys in my last note, I believe. One from her today says that she has been fired, along with all the other members of the staff of the University of New Mexico Press. Seems that a new Director took over literally, bringing all his help with him. She is so good, though, that I'm sure she can get all the work she wants.
But with everything changed, they'll have to sell their lovely home and live in something less expensive, and make many other adjustments. In the letter today she says:
For goodness' sake, if Alfred Bush is coming to this part of the country in August, put him in touch with us. I know some real experts by now, and I will be free, and we should be able to be of help to him.
So use your judgement. Their present address, in case I didn’t send it before, is
3623 Calle Del Sol N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87110
We have planned to go to Salt Lake City tomorrow, Will and I. Each morning when we first get up we feel just fine and ready to set out, but by noon he begins to wilt, and by evening we think it cannot be done. As of now (3:30 p.m.) I have my doubts, but he still says we are going to go. He has a brand new suit, and a brand-new cane, and a new piece of luggage for his birthday, so just maybe we'll make it.
Take this as an excuse for this a very short note--and thanks for being my friend through all these long years.
Juanita
[-PAGE 30-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah
84770
April 4, 1968
Dear Mrs. Rampton,
You will remember our mention of the last number presented by the Dixie College choir at the Dedicatory Services last week. At the time I was annoyed with myself that the author from whom the words were taken did not come readily to my mind. This morning as I threw away the large boquet of wilted lilacs, I knew instantly: "That was from Walt Whitman's 'When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed, the elegy he wrote at the death of President Lincoln. I should have known that instantly, without any prompting," I told myself,
The number is now called "The Ballad of Brotherhood, with the imagry indeed from Whitman and the music by Joseph Wagner, and done in the pattern set by the earlier composer, Richard Wagner, a German Jew. Whether there is a blood relationship, I do not know.
I hope your research on the transfer of the Governor's Mansion to the Utah State Historical Society. I doubt that much of it was formally entered into the minutes, but I feel sure that Dr. Mortensen used Governor Lee's desire to get out to further his own desire to have a place where the Society would have room to expand. The members of the board and the workers all were elated to have this beautiful new home.
Feel no responsibility to answer this. I just had to get it off my mind.
I'm sure that all of us who have supported the president so whole-heartedly felt the same jolt at his announcement that he would not run again. I'm pretty rudderless myself.
All good wishes,
Juanita
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 31-]
UTAH HERITAGE FOUNDATION
603 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE / SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84102
14 May 1968
Dear Utah Heritage Foundation Member:
May 25th will be a memorable day for residents of Utah. The governor has proclaimed that day as Utah Heritage Day. Utah's first lady, Mrs. Lucybeth Rampton, will be hostess for the day's events. (2:00 - 5:00 p. m.)
Our Utah Heritage Foundation is now two years old. You will remember the great success of our Heritage Tea last year which was held to help raise money for the projects taken on by the Heritage Foundation, namely, the Historical American Building Survey and to acquaint more Utahns with the objectives of the Foundation.
The lovely old historical mansion at 603 East South Temple will again be the scene of the Heritage Day festivities. The fashions of the 1900 period will come alive as ladies from Utah's twenty-nine counties display the lovely gowns worn by their grandmothers; a doll collection will also be on exhibit.
A musical review of the "Old Salt Lake Theater", written by Mrs. Harold P. Fabian will be presented by Ethel Hogan Heinz and Virginia Barker Clark at 3:00 p. m., in the "ballroom" of the mansion. The public is invited.
To add interest for the men, antique guns, coins and stamps will be on display in the mansion's interesting old carriagehouse, and vintage automobiles will be shown.
We request you to extend an invitation to your families and your friends to attend the Foundation's Utah Heritage Day open house. We hope to see you May 25th from 2:00 to 5:00 p. m.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Vernon Romney
Mrs. Vernon Romney
Chairman
HHR:kh
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- L. V. BROADBENT, CEDAR CITY
HAROLD P. PABIAN, SALT LAKE CITY
JAMES IVERS, JR., SALT LAKE CITY
- GRANT IVERSON, SALT LAKE CITY
ROBERT L. BLISS, SALT LAKE CITY, PRESIDENT
- S. LYMAN TYLER, SALT LAKE CITY, VICE PRESIDENT
JAMES D. MOYLE, SALT LAKE CITY, SECRETARY & TREASURER
FRED L. MARKHAM, SALT LAKE CITY, PAST PRESIDENT
CHARLES REDD, LA SAL
THOMAS T. TAYLOR, SALT LAKE CITY
HELEN H. ROMNEY, BOUNTIFUL
- Z. KASTLER, JR., SALT LAKE CITY
[-PAGE 32-]
UTAH HERITAGE FOUNDATION
MEMBERSHIP DAY
Saturday, May 25, 1968 — 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Historical Society Mansion
603 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP
Individual $5.00 Family $10.00
[-PAGE 33-]
UTAH HERITAGE FOUNDATION
603 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE / SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84102
Mr. & Mrs. Will Brooks
346 North Main
Box 303
St. George, Utah
98 U Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
84103
CENTERVILLE, UT
MAY 15
PM
1968
84014
Check Sent
[-PAGE 34-]
Tuesday, 21 May 1968
Dear Mrs. Brooks,
Its been more than two months now since you wrote me that your husband had had a heart attack—and you were fighting off some bug. Needless to say how very concerned I was—and do hope that Will continues on the mend—and you are fully recovered from the virus.
Since last I wrote, my very dearest friend has been stricken with malignant cancer of the small intestines—she had to take three months sick leave from teaching and from he brief "Medical Notes" its as she says: "I hurt. The doctor says the medicine makes the tumors sore, but thats O.K." She is a brave woman but this close brush with the grim reaper takes a heap out of anyone.
Bob's grandmother, Vilate Berry Jacobsen died last month—just after her 84th birthday. We were in no position to attend the funeral but did call Bob's mother when we received the news. Its through the Berry family Bob is related, as he says, to about a third of the people in southern Utah.
How goes it with your work on the Jews in Utah? I often think of you as I edit and type out Bob's articles—he has fisnished (as of April) the first half on the old pioneer road and it is in the hands of publishers. The second installment, on the Deseret Telegraph Line, is just taking form, although he has all the illustrations ready to go—pictures he took before leaving Pipe Spring. The road article should be printed soon in the California Archaeological Magazine.
Bob has had a busy spring—and two rewarding trips away—the first in April to an "hysterical" Society Meeting in Spokane and then, the first weekend in May in Portland, Vancouver and Tacoma. He arrived back in WaWa from that trip, just about four hours before Mother and a friend of hers, drove in from Salt Lake. Mother bedded on the cot in the livingroom and her friend stayed at the Three Flags Motel, just two doors away. She came first of all, to celebrate birthdays—hers is 7th and mine the 20th. But also
Bob says I should have included Blackburn as you would know Elias Hicks B. first bishop of Provo
[-PAGE 35-]
II
to see exactly what she had bought for me—namely a used upright cabinet grand piano I found for sale here. It is a wonderful instrument and I am continually losing myself playing. Its been so many years since I have made a serious effort in this direction, that at first, when I sat playing for a two hour stretch, I'd wake up that night (and the next) with a toothache that started at the wrists and ran playfully up my arms to end at the base of my skull. Now I limit playing time to 45 minutes and am getting along much better. The Mozart A Minor Sonata almost sounds right.
John-R. had a retake on his Small Pox vaccination the tenth—and this time it TOOK. When we took him in for the vaccination, he began to sob just inside the door, "Oh no thank you Mama, NO THANK YOU!" But this time a polite no thank you just didn't work. He has had a fever, upset stomach and generally been miserable since Mother's Day. I think that this afternoon he is getting back to normal—no fever and his appetite is back. But the pox place is inflamed about a half dollar size and dribbles a bit of blood and pus. Since the tenth, I've not averaged even half an hour a day at the piano—
Bob is hoping to have his oldest daughter here to spend the summer If it works out, probably his parents will drive her here and then at the end of August, we will return her to Salt Lake, which will also give him a chance to see the other children.
I do hope that things are marching well with you now and that you will find time for peace, rest and some relaxation this summer. —and maybe a note to us—its always an Event when we have a letter from you!
Love, Lauri
[-PAGE 36-]
[PHOTO POSTCARD]
[-PAGE 37-]
CARNEGIE LAKE, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRINCETON, N. J.
Princeton University crews on the waters of Carnegie Lake, with the class of 1887 Boat House in the background. the lake 3 1/2 miles long, has a straightaway racing course 1 2/4 miles in length. Formed by damming the Millstone River, it was given by Andrew Carnegie in 1906. Extachrome by William Vandivert
Thanks Juanita for sending on The clipping and for your note. Its happy to hear that Will is improving. I'm hoping too that the present book will soon be behind you, so you can dive into the next. Affections, Alfred
Juanita Brooks
Box 303
St. George
Utah 84770
AIR MAIL
POSTCARD
PRINCETON, NJ
JUN 4
[-PAGE 38-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah 84770
July 1, 1968
Dear Marie Harris:
Congratulations on your story of John Perkins! You are doing very well, indeed, and it is a most interesting story in itself. I like the idea of making it really HIS, by using his language
My husband, Will Brooks, says "Tell John to describe a stampede. These are things that just don't happen any more, since cattle are not moved in the same way or in such large numbers. I remember hearing 'Soany' tell of some of these exnerierces in a way that would raisethe hair on the back of my neck."
I can see that you have more to do on this. I like the way you insert the dates as you go, and think that von should keep that up--though an occasional flash-back or "I forgot to say" is very acceptable.
Re: having it printed. I think that the very least that should be done would be to have it reproduced by mimeograph. Most any master cony will reproduce thirty to forty copies well; some will run off mere. The expense is the raster copy--then the paper is not more than a penny-a-page. This cover is adequate, also if he doesn't care to go into something more elaborate. But it would certainly be too bad to have only the three carbons!
Thank you for letting us see this. Will grabbed it the minute it came into the house and hardly set it down until he had finished. Of course, he knew most of the people and the area--especially the Old Posey story-- and thoroughly enjoyed it all.
It had started me thinking that I must drop other things and get busy myself.
Sincere good wishes,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 39-]
P.O. Box 303, S t. George, Utah
July 1, 1968
Mrs. Marie Harris
Box 1142
Monticello, Utah
84535
Dear Mrs. Harris:
Congratulations on you work on the life of John Perkins. Will grabbed it the minute it came and hardly set it down until he had finished it.
We can both see that there is much to add to it, but I like the way you are doing, using his language and wording. It's almost like visiting with him to read it. Will says, "Tell John to describe some of those big cattle stampeded.. These are things that don't happen any more, since cattle are not moved in the sane way or in such large numbers. I remember how I've heard him describe a stampede till it raised the hair on the back of my neck,"
I know that our minds don't often run in a chronological line; we mix the near pest with the far past sometimes. So you may have to write incidents as he remembers them and while they are on his mind, keep them separate, and place them where they belong in sequence. I don't think an occasional back-flash or a "That reminds me," properly placed is bad, but in general the story should move along with the life stream. Also even an approximate date helps, if he doesn't remember the exact one. This was good in the Posey Indian story..
An Old Man Gillispie was in cur house a few weeks ago telling that same story, except that he made himself the real hero who followed Posey's trail.
[-PAGE 40-]
July 17, 1968
Mr. John M. Bollwinkle
Blackfoot, Idaho
Dear Mr. Bollwinkle:
I am here in Salt Lake City doing some historical research, actually trying to locate material on Oliver Overstreet, who named as one of his friends John M. Bollwinkle.
In looking up this man, I found several items of purchase and trade of land in the field and in town. Then on 21 July I860 he purchased from Margaret France, widow of Dr. William France, for $1100.00 the west portion of lot 8 Block 86 (he already owned property adjacent to this) "contintuing thirty square rods, one large dwelling house, outhouses, sheds, fences, trees, etc..." This was witnessed by James Townsend and Robert Brown.
John M. Bollwinkle lived only a short time after this purchase, or the cemetary records say that he was interred on 9 January 1881 in Plat B Blk 10 Lot 5 on that day. But the home evidently became a family center for years.
In almost every family there is at least one person interested in its history and genealogy. If you know anything of this early John M. Bollwinkle--date & place of birth, parents, children, name of wife, etc.etc. I would be happy to get the information.
Or if you would hand this letter on to someone who is interested, I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
Box 303, St. George, Utah 84770
[-PAGE 41-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah 84770
August 20, 1968
4:30 p.m.
Dear Brother Anderson:
Before mailing my epistle written so early yesterday morning, I have re-read yours to me and my answer. It seems that we are both on the defensive more than we need to be.
I want to make clear that I do not claim to be an historian in anything like you professionals are historians: Dale L. Morgan (who for me is tops), Leonard J. Arrington, and you other young men who are making this your career. I am older in years, but a novice in many ways.
Nor do I wish to become an "onery", acid-tongged Old Woman who stands on the side-lines and ridicules the efforts of others. I confess that at times it is difficult NOT to do this, like the one when the clean-cut, youthful new Seminary teacher, speaking in our ward Sacrament Meeting, said in such a mellifluous tones of the Sacrament Service, "And they sometimes used the pure, unfermented juice of the grape." Well, you should have seen what an electric effect that had on the elderly in the audience! If it had been in any other situation, he would have been literally booed from the stand. Some of the hard-hearing said to each other out loud, "Did you hear that?" They couldn't wait to crowd to the stand and tell him how wrong he was. They used WINE, good wine, and don't let anyone pretend that they didn't!
Or the sweet wife of another of our most successful seminary teachers, after speaking in Sacrament Meeting on Emma Smith, came to me and said, "Yes, Sister Brooks, I know that Emma's problems were far deeper than just sick children and frequent moves. But, you know, we are not allowed to even say the word Polygamy in our teachings?" This is the kind of mis-representation to which I object. Or the descendant of Thales Haskell upon reading of his offer a square of chewing tobacco to anyone who would take his turn at night herd, and "I had plenty of offers." Surely, she thought,I should not put that in. I could only answer that I did not put it in, but I must leave it in, and that if her children's testimonies would be destroyed by this, she should help them to get a broader concept.
No need to extend this endlessly. I think we must each grant the other the right to do his own work in his own way. I shall continue the protest against ignoring or omitting what seem pertinent facts, and you may go on trying to explain away in the life of Oliver Cowdery happenings which to me seem logical and reasonable and to be expected under the circumstances.
Good wishes,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 42-]
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ
University of California 100 Years 1868-1968
A Tribute to the People of California
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF COMPARATIVE FOLKLORE AND MYTHOLOGY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
September 3, 1968
Mrs. Juanita Brooks, Author
St. George, Utah
Dear Juanita:
It was so good to see you in Logan recently and to hear you talk on folklore. Your ideas always inspire me.
I hope that my own paper gave you some notion of the kinds of material that can be collected in Utah. All kinds of regular folk medicines have come to light, but magical medical practice, as I out- lined it, has not been pursued with any diligence.
I am sure, for example, that one could find people in and around St. George who would have heard about pulling patients through holes in trunks of trees, under knee-rooted brambles and briars, and the like, and I am sure that the magical transfer of disease in other ways can still be documented.
I hope you will have time to look into these matters along with the many other things which you are constantly pursuing.
I am sending a duplicate slide of a colored snapshot I took of you at Logan, and hope you will like it. I am proud to have it in my collection of several hundred folklorists from all parts of the world.
Yours sincerely,
Wayland
Wayland D. Hand
Director
WDH:sb Enclosure
[-PAGE 43-]
Box 303, St. George, Utah
Sept 16, 1968
Wayland D. Hand- Folklore & Mythology
University of California
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, Calif. 90024
Dear Wayland Hand:
Thank you so much for your letter, and especially for the colored slide. I'm very glad to have it.
I was much interested in your paper at Logan, chiefly because so much of it was new to me. My husband says he has never heard of the practice of pulling through holes of any kind, or under briars as a part of healing or treating diseases. My Mother likewise has heard of none, nor have I in my background.
I have seen the rusty nail which a cousin sat upon as he slid from the top of a granary--which meant that it went in deep indeed-- brought into the house, still in the board, oiled well with either lard or olive oil, and placed under the bed to guard against infection in the wound.
And I have seen human hair, cut fine, mixed into molasses and fed to children to cure worms.
My English Grandmother thought it was bad luck to bring into the house any steel instrument which would cut or pierce: shovel, hoe, scythe, pitch-fork, axe, cleaver--If brought in for any reason, it must NEVER be taken through the house, but must go out the door through which it entered.
Our healing practices were chiefly of the "Washing and annointing". Sometimes this included purging, also. You took a good dose of physic, a good hot bath, including--if your hair was rot too heavy--a shampoo. Then you ware rubbed with olive oil which had been consecrated-- you were NOT rubbed with it if this was a true administration; a few drops were rubbed on your head, followed by a prayer for your recovery. If the treatment were for pain in other parts of the body, the oil would be added--a few drops of it--to alcohol or liniment for the rubbing. This is common in Mormon homes everywhere, I suppose.
I'll inquire further about this "pulling through a hole" routine and let you know if I find anything.
Sincere good wishes,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 44-]
Box St. George Utah
September 10, 1968
Dear friend, Charles “alter,
Congratulations on your fine Autobiography, "Lest I Forget to Remember I have enjoyed it very much, especially your clever way of turning a phrase to give a humorous flavor. You are something of a master of what we used to call a pun," the skilled person, "a coiner of puns."
I was more interested, perhaps, because I knew the Nevada areas and people and general background. Then later as your neighbor after the death of Sadie, I came to know the family better. I had already enjoyed working with Rulon at school during my first years at Dixie, when he became prominent in speech and oration and debate.
It is good to put into permanent form the things worth remembering, for they will grow in value with the years. And it must be also a great satisfaction to have them so well printed in such a good format and binding.
My pleasure in reading your story reminds me that I have promised to get my husband's in shape for publication, so if it is ever done, you may give yourself a part of the credit for helping it on its way.
Will joins me in congratulations and good wishes. We have treasured your friendship over many years, and so this is especially precious to us.
All good wishes,
Juanita
Juanita Brooks
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Box 303, St. George, Utah
September 10, I968
Brother Alvin R. Dyer
47 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Brother Dyer:
I write as a result of a long telephone conversation last night with Sister Ettie Lee of Los Angeles.
She had told me earlier that there was to be a monument placed at the Lee's Ferry crossing of the Colorado River at Lonely Dell. This is being sponsored and designed by the Church, she says, but she wants me to be responsible for the inscription which goes on it.
I felt that we must know something of the design of themonument and of the space available for any writing before we could begin to compose what we wish to say. She felt that it would be a good thing if we two could talk this over.
I expect to be in Salt Lake City on Monday, September 23, and would be glad to meet you on that day at your convenience.
Sister Lee is not at all well, but I trust she will rally enough to see this project completed, for it certainly does mean a great deal to her.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
Juanita Brooks
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September 29, 68
Dear Grandma,
I thought I would write a few words to let you know how we’re getting a long and what our new address is in Provo so that you will write us.
We were at the folk’s place about two weeks ago, and they said you were in Salt Lake (I think that was the place) and would most likely be coming through Cedar on your way to St. George. We were there
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two days, but we missed you. So, I guess we’ll be seeing you around Thanksgiving time if not before.
Mom and Dad were here last week and brought us some canned pears. They were taking some wood to the “Green Grandma’s” in Salt Lake. It seemed good to see them again so soon.
Chuck and I had a wonderful summer in Los Angeles. We lived in the patron’s apartments of the temple almost all summer. I think I wrote you once before about them. They were lovely to live in. We had a chance to
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(2)
go to the temple quite often. I worked in the temple cafe there for awhile too. That was a choice experience. I learned much about some of the life stories of the temple workers-they’re interesting enough to write a book about. Many are converts-and there are several Samoan and Mexican temple workers. Some can hardly speak English, but they are so faithful in their callings. Some go through 4 and 5 sessions every day. The system is a little different than the St. George temple as you probably know. The
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L.A. temple is set up so that the whole session takes place in one room- Saves a lot of time- and makes it possible to have many sessions per day.
Chuck worked for Panam Airlines all summer; and he surely was happy to quit the job and come back to school. He had all he could take of screeching airplanes, smoke filled office, and confusion of an airport. He’s working on his Master’s Degree and if all goes well, will be through by August.
I’ll graduate this Semester in English and Spanish, and then I’m
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(3)
not sure what I’ll do. Just keep house I guess. Maybe take a cooking course.
The house we’re living in looks just like an old pioneer house. But we like it. We have our own front lawn, with big trees around it, a stream runs beside the house and, there is an ore hard and corn patch beyond the lawn. It’s peaceful and the rent is cheap. So we’re happy for the time being. Neither one of us have found a job yet, so we’re really going to school on a shoe-string. But we
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don’t mine-it keeps us humble.
You might tell Aunt Nita that I am taking an English class from one of her literary admirers-a Dr. Chaney. When he found out I was a Leavitt, the first thing he asked me was if I was from Southern Utah, and said I know Juanita Brooks.
I have some closing news to relate- you’re the first to know. We’re going to have a new addition to the family the end of April or first of May. We’re excited about it. Write when you get a chance, our address is 338 East Stadium Ave.
Love,
Sue
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Ogden Utah
3 October 1968
Mr & Mrs William Brooks
Dear Friends
You will be surprised to hear from me, but I am wanting some information and can’t think of any one but you that can give me the information I am trying to find. My self and two daughters were in Salt Lake a short time ago and was talking to Kate Carter there in the D.U.P. building when she said she wanted to show us a book she had just received a short time before that. She knew that the Publisher’s are our people.
It was John Pulsiphers Diary. It had been mimeographed and bound with a heavy paper cover.
We asked her where she got it,
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2
but she said some man brought it and gave it to her to keep in the building there, but she said she was busy and did not ask him his name or where he was from. We have been trying to find out who he was or where we could get some of the books. I am wondering if it could of been one of Uncle John David Pulsiphers boys or maby a grand son.
I don’t know what ones of Uncle John’s boys if any of them are still living or where they live.
Could you give me any idea who might have those books or where we could find out about them?
Sister Kate Carter said the man
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3
told her he had a few more books for sale. Between myself and family we might want to buy as many as 7 or 8 of the books if we could find out who has them for sale and if they are not awfully expensive, but at least we would want to get some of them.
You have been so kind in the past to help me find some little Pulsipher history as well as some little of the George Laub history that now I am taking the liberty of coming to see if you can help me again.
I am thanking you in advance. I hope you are both well.
I am as ever Carrie (Laub) Hunt
1015 Capital St.
Ogden Utah 84401
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St. George, Utah
October 5, 1968
Mrs. Carrie E. Hunt
1015 Capitol Street
Ogden, Utah
84401
Dear Carrie:
Thank you for your letter of October 3.
I am very much interested in who has the Pulsipher books for sale, and that Mrs. Carter would not tell you who gave the book to her.
As you know, I had them copied with carbon copies more than twenty years ago—longer than that, in fact. It was in the 1934-6 period when they were first copied. Since that time the State Historical Society and the University of Utah and B.Y.U. all got copies,
but I did not know anyone had them for sale.
My guess is that Sam Weller of Zion's book store there in Salt Lake City might have them. He has photographed some of the other records that we did under WPA and sold them. Write to him. at Zion Book Store, 254 South Main, Salt Lake City, Utah, but dont sound too eager to get them or he'll likely raise the price.
Or better still, go into his place and tell the clerks that you are interested, and see if they are there.
One other place that has been reproducing items that are not copyrighted is the Modern Microfilm Company, but they deal only in what they think are anti-Mormon books, so I doubt that they would have this.
I'll follow through on this myself, for I have lost or loaned once too many times my first volume, and I'd like to get another.
Let me know if you have any luck.
"Uncle Will" joins me in sending good wishes to you all.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
Juanita Brooks
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Pulsipher
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St. George, Utah
Oct. 4, 1968
Miss Ettie Lee
661 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, California
90005
My dear Ettie:
After our conversation on the telephone last night, I looked up the history of Blanding, and learned that it was founded in 1905 by residents of Bluff City whose lands had been washed away by the floods that spring. Later the town received quite a number of refugees from the colonies in Mexico.
So I was WRONG in my assumption that they had come via Lee's Ferry.
What I said was true regarding the fact that the Ferry at Lonely Dell was and is and always will be the only one between Greenriver over the one branch and Moab over the other, that combine to make the Colorado and the ferry at St. Thomas Nevada.
All the migration to Arizona crossed at Lee's Ferry, and that meant all the migration also of Mormons into North-west New Mexico. The towns of Farmington, Liberty, Jewett, Luna, and Ramah were established from Mormons who originally stopped in the Salt River area and moved on after then could not control that stream. Later ones migrating went directly to the New Mexico area. You will know something of this from your own life.
The one and ONLY company to cross the river at any other point was the tragic Hole-in-the-Rock one. I have gone through again Dr. David Miller's book THE HOLE IN THE ROCK, and find that this group, consisting of 83 wagons and 230 people, most of them from Parowan, Paragonah, Cedar City, and New Harmony, set out on Oct.20, 1879, to break a new, more direct road to the Colorado River, and spent—instead of the regular 6-weeks' journey by Lee's Ferry, a SEVEN MONTHS rigorous trip, at the end of which they got their wagons down through the "Hole in the Rock." They settled at Bluff City first, and twenty-five years later moved up to Blanding.
So our plaque should read, instead of South-eastern Utah—
NORTH WEST NEW MEXICO.
I am so happy that this monument is being erected, and should like to be present at its dedication, if possible.
We'll talk about the MORMON CHRONICLE plans later.
Do take care of your precious self!