Our family chose the weekend of July 19 - 21, 2012,
for our Family Reunion. It was going to be held at
the Buttes Marriott Resort in Tempe.
Paul, Joanne, Chris, Jeni, Ethan and Ryann, came
from California, Justin from Utah. Craig, Tracy,
Joshua, Cameron and Chasity, came from Arkansas.
George and I, Miranda, Steve, Rhonda, Brinton,
Cote, Brexton and Nixin, Trey, Jenna and Montana,
didn't have to travel as we all live here in the valley.
The only one who wasn't here was Hannah. She
was working in Alaska for the summer. We missed her.
The Buttes is a beautiful resort. It is constructed
around a small mountain that overlooks the valley
and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
It offers many amenities; exercise rooms, hiking trails,
a four star restaurant, a huge waterfall that falls into a
Koi pool, spas, and many more. One of the reasons we
chose it was for the water amenities. It has a 56 foot
water slide that careens into a huge pool. We thought
both the kids and adults would enjoy it. There were
lots of lounge chairs with umbrellas and tables poolside.
On weekends there is live music playing in the pool
area and you can have food delivered to your lounge
chair or one of the other tables available.
Paul and Craig's families were staying there for the
weekend and had multiple rooms allowing us to come
and go as needed. The pool is not open to the public
and so there was ample parking.
George and I did not go swimming but they made sure
we were sitting up close poolside where we could easily
watch all of the fun. Everyone had a blast. It was so
much fun watching the little kids zoom down the slide,
no fear, just excited yells and theatrics. They put on
quite a show and were loving it. The bigger kids,
including some of the adults, also did the kamacazee
thing. Behind where George and I were sitting, there
was a covered courtyard, patio area with benches and
tables and chairs. We claimed an area where we could
all congregate for a late lunch, early dinner. We had
sub sandwiches, salads, chips, and all of the condiments
brought in from Jimmie Johns, which began a fun
tradition for our reunions. We enjoyed a leisurely
meal with lots of talking and laughter. A few good
stories were spun for every one's entertainment.
It was fun.
With the Snow Day at the Zoo early in the morning and
a full day of fun in, and around, the pool, it was a fantastic
day of family fun..
That day, Saturday, was the focal point of our reunion.
Family members did other things, not necessarily all
together. George and I didn't join in but were at home
to any of them who dropped by our home. Rhonda and
Steve were getting ready to leave for their Alaskan Cruise
with all of Steve's siblings and their spouses. Craig, Tracy,
Joshua, Cameron, and Chasity were going to be staying
at their home while they were gone and for the rest of
their vacation, when they got back. Paul's family were
leaving on Sunday. Sunday morning, Justin and Trey
came by to visit until time for Trey to take him to the
airport to catch his plane. Paul, Joanne, Chris, Jeni,
Ethan and Ryann came by, also. They ate lunch, food
they brought in and sandwiches George made, before
they headed for the river, the first leg of their trip home.
It was a very successful reunion. They are all talking
about the George and Ina Family Reunion to be an
annual July event here in The Valley Of The Sun.
We are blessed with a wonderful family.
Thank you to each of you for making this time so special.
Pictures of Snow Day at the Zoo and Fun at the Buttes,
follow in the next two posts. Thank you Rhonda for
sharing some of your pictures.
Monday, August 27, 2012
George and Ina Wimsatt Family Reunon. . . .
At the Buttes Marriott Resort in Tempe. Fun at the pool.
Friday, August 24, 2012
George and Ina Wimsatt Family Reunion. . . .
Saturday was the Phoenix Zoo's annual Snow Day.
Grandpa Paul and G-Mama Rhonda, were up very
early to take the grandchildren to play in the snow.
They were joined by Jeni, Brinton, Trey, and
Jenna.
Ryan and Ethan, Cote, Brexton, Nixon, and Montana,
had a blast playing in the snow. No one was safe
from a snowball or a little snow down their neck.
From there, they were off to the Petting Zoo where
they brushed all of the goats. You will see that each
one of them had their own unique way of doing this.
Yep, Montana even kissed one.
Then, it was off to the Buttes where everyone would
be together for some family fun in the pool. Good
times. Making memories.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
A Trip To Panaca. . . .
Leo's grandchildren were having a party for
him to celebrate his 90th birthday. The party
would be on Saturday, May 19, 2012. We
planned to go. When we told Rhonda about it,
she said she would love to go to Panaca and
would welcome the opportunity to wish her
Uncle Leo a Happy Birthday. She said she
would drive us.
Craig had been planning a trip here at that time.
When we told him we would be going to Panaca
for Leo's birthday and that Rhonda was going, he
said he would love to bring Tracy to Panaca. It
sounded like fun and we thought Paul should
know. He said he wanted to come but that since
it was graduation at the high school where she
is office manager, Joanne wouldn't be able to
come.. Planning and preparing for the graduation
exercises each year, is part of her job. He said he
would bring Ethan as his traveling companion.
Ethan loves to go on trips with his Grandpa,
especially if it involves the river or Cedar City,
Utah.
At that time, we were under the impression that
Leo's birthday party was for family and friends.
We found out at the last minute that it wasn't.
That would change our plans some but everyone
still wanted to come. Due to the size of Leo's
extended family, his family had decided the party
would be limited to Leo's children, grand
children, great grandchildren, siblings, first cousins,
neighbors, close friends, and some of Panaca's long
time residents. The party would be at Leo and
Kathy's home. It had been built in 1896 by my
grandfather, Nephi John Wadsworth for his wife,
Eliza Jane Terry Wadsworth. I have special
memories of it as my family lived there from the
time I was two years old until I entered 5th grade.
This stately old home is affectionately known as
"The Castle" to family and long time Panaca
residents.
We drove to Panaca on Friday, May 18th. Craig
and Tracy flew into Salt Lake City, rented a car
and also drove to Panaca on the 18th. Paul and
Ethan were at Justin's home in Cedar City and
the three of them planned to drive to Panaca early
Saturday morning. George, Muggles, and I were
staying at Pete and Delores' and Craig, Tracy,
and Rhonda, were staying at The Bed And Breakfast
which has recently opened in one of Panaca's older,
historic homes.
Saturday morning, we had a wonderful time showing
Tracy Craig's heritage and all things Panaca. We took
her on a tour of the town and showed her all of the
sites and landmarks my father grew up with, then
my siblings and I, then our children's generation
and on to our grandchildren and great grandchildren's
generation. That is what is so wonderful about this
beautiful little town, the continuity and all of the
amazing things children have enjoyed since Panaca
was first settled.
We showed her the little house where I grew up,
empty for years and falling into disrepair, but we
will never forget the love and laughter that filled
that humble little home. We went to the cemetery
to introduce Tracy to Craig's ancestors; my parents,
James Allen and Lois Stewart Wadsworth who are
his beloved Granny and Granddad, his great
grandparents, Nephi John and Eliza Jane Terry
Wadsworth, and his great great grandfather,
George A. Wadsworth, who was one of the town's
founding fathers, and many others. We showed her
where George and I will someday be buried next to
my parents.
We showed her the Court Rock and as we looked at
it, lamented that it sure is "a lot smaller than it was"
when we were children climbing it.
We went to The Spring. It was beautiful. It had just
been drained and cleaned. Rhonda commented that
it looked more pristine than she had seen it look for
years. From there, we went to Cathedral Gorge, one
of Nevada's State Parks. We were there for at least
two hours. Tracy was impressed by it. And why
wouldn't she be, it is an amazing place. They
improve it each year. It now has camping sites available,
graphics and marked trails, two lovely covered Ramadas
with tables, fire pits and grills. They have updated the
restroom facilities. We explored the caves, climbed,
and hiked some of the trails. Many pictures were taken.
Paul, Justin, and Ethan had brought their remote controlled
NASCAR replica cars and they all had a blast racing them
around the parking lot, over bumps and little hills, and into
crevices. At age four, Ethan is a master at racing his car
and can give Paul and Justin a run for their money. I loved
watching him and his Uncle Justin who were dressed
in matching shirts and hats, standing together with controls
in their hands. Tracy was addicted and laughed every
minute she was racing. Rhonda became quite the daring
driver.
The best part of the morning was being able to spend
some time in The Panaca Heritage Center. It was not
open but Pete had a key and we were privileged to have
time alone in this wonderful little building. I have
written a lot in my history, and on by blog, about the
N. J. Wadsworth and Son's General Mercantile Store.
This little store was established around 1864 by my
father's uncle and namesake, James Allen Wadsworth.
He owned and operated it until he died at age 38.
At that time, ownership and operating was passed to his
brother, who is my grandfather, Nephi John Wadsworth.
As a young man, husband, and father, the responsibility
for operating it eventually became my father's. He and
my mother did this for over 20 years, until it was closed
forever.
This was in addition to my father's other life's work;
ranching, farming, teaching school, politics, serving
two terms as a Nevada State Senator, and many other
positions of note in the county and state.
In addition to Leo's birthday, this trip was serving another
purpose. Several years ago, the store was listed as a
historical building by the Nevada Historical Society.
It became the Panaca Heritage Center and was opened
as a tribute to honor the Mormon Pioneers who settled
Panaca, and Panaca's other long time residents. It housed
pictures of early Panaca, the pioneers, and their progeny.
It also housed artifacts from their homes and businesses.
James and Lois's children had not yet furnished a tribute to
our parents. The only picture of them on display was their
original wedding picture which came via my deceased
sister Martha's son, Kirk, assisted by Lisa Horlacher,
Delores' daughter. This was a a terrible breach
considering they had been the sole proprietors of the
store for so many years. There was only Leo,
Delores and I left to do this and I was afraid we
would die without it being done. Rhonda and I had
been planning a collage to be made from pictures I
had, with a short synopsis of some important mile-
stones in their lives. Rhonda bought a frame which
fit the decor, George copied and sized pictures, and
I wrote the little histories and Rhonda and I arranged
them and the pictures in the frame. It looked
wonderful when it was finished. My cousin, Linda
O'Connor Lee, who is the curator in charge of
submissions, promised us it would be on display for
Panaca's famous Pioneer Day 24th of July celebration.
We didn't get to see it hung, but I have heard that it
looks great. I am so thankful we were able to do this
for my wonderful parents who were so much a part
of Panaca, Lincoln County, the state of Nevada and
this little store we all love so much.
There are so many wonderful artifacts on exhibit,
including two of Leo's saddles, one a child's saddle
from when he was just a little tyke, and the other
from his cowboy, mustang, and range riding days.
Paul, Rhonda, and Craig, were especially touched
to see one of Mother's kitchen cabinets on display
along with artifacts from her kitchen and home.
I think Tracy was impressed with this part of Craig's
heritage.
Before Paul, Justin, and Ethan returned to Cedar City,
we spent time in Pete and Delores's beautiful backyard
which is a child's dream playground. Ethan loved
riding the zip line, swinging in the tire swing, and
climbing on the jungle gym. The adults enjoyed the
shade and we all enjoyed Pete's antique tractor
collection. What little boy does not love sitting on
a tractor.
Leo's party was very nice. I had first cousins there
from the St. George area whom I had not seen for
most of my adult life. It was as if we had always
been in touch. These three men are the children of my
father's youngest brother, Gene. They are so nice and
quite entertaining. My oldest living cousin, Helen
Wadsworth O'Connor, the daughter of my father's
brother Lafe, was there. It was fun to see a few of
Panaca's older residents who I had been so close to
when I was growing up. Several of Leo's neighbors
were children I baby sat all of those years ago.
Leo's daughter Felicia, son Vick, and his grandchildren,
did a wonderful job planning and hosting his party. It
was a special time.
On his way back to Cedar City, Paul stopped by to wish
Leo a Happy Birthday. While we were at the party,
Rhonda, Craig, and Tracy, went to Pioche to tour the
town and explore the surrounding hills and old mines.
They took some fascinating pictures.
Later that evening, we went to Leo and Kathy's so they
could wish him a Happy Birthday. We enjoyed some
fun time listening to Leo tell many of his famous stories.
I need to mention that George made Leo a hand tooled
leather clock with chimes, using a picture from the
cover of the first edition published of Zane Grey's novel,
Nevada, a favorite of both Leo and I. It is truly a work
of art. They love it.
Sunday, we hung out at Pete and Delores' until Craig and
Tracy left. On the way back to Salt Lake City, they stopped
at Justin's for awhile, played with the cars and ate. Craig
also showed Tracy the surrounding areas and they toured
Bryce Canyon State Park.
Rhonda Pete, Delores, George and I ate dinner and then sat
outside to watch the Turkey Vultures come in. We had been
doing this each evening. This was one of George's favorite
things about the trip. He was besotted with them. I guess all
of the vulture facts I have learned from my 21 years as a
Phoenix Zoo Volunteer and have been telling them, have
made an impression. I love to talk to the people, young
and old, who visit the zoo about this beautiful world our
Father In Heaven has created for us and the amazing
animals who share it with us. One of my favorite animals
to talk about is the vultures. People seem to be fascinated
with them. The Phoenix zoo is home to both Old World and
New World Vultures, 6 species in all. The vulture in this
story is a New World Vulture, the Turkey Vulture, also
known as the Turkey Buzzard. This is the vulture featured
at Halloween and the one featured in cartoons and horror
movies. I think they have given him a bum rap. He is
actually a very good guy.
Across the street from Pete and Delores' home there is a
grove of old and large Elm trees. For several years the
Turkey Vultures have been coming to Panaca in the Spring.
They roost in that grove of trees and remain in Panaca until
late summer.
Every morning, as the sun rises, you can hear them
calling to each other as they wake up and then one by one,
they soar into the sky to start their day's work of cleaning up
the environment to keep it pristine and free from disease.
They work the areas around Panaca, Pioche, and Caliente
and venture as far as Alamo in one direction and almost to
Cedar City, Utah, in another direction.
In the evening they begin to come in. They arrive alone
most often but some times in twos and threes. In flight,
this homely bird is beautiful. They will soar for long
periods of time without one flap of their wings. As
they come in, they circle lower and lower until they
finally, gracefully and without making a sound,
drop into the trees. As the sun sinks lower and they find
themselves flying into it, they fly in lower and make just
one or two circles before landing. It is a remarkable
experience to watch them. One evening as we sat and
watched them come in, we counted 128 of them. They
are amazing. They are nature's "Cleaner Uppers" and
we owe them a great debt.
We were also able to view the eclipse while in Panaca.
Pete had several miner's helmets which made watching it
very exciting. Wayne and Mary and their youngest son
(why can't I remember his name) drove to Panaca to
watch the eclipse with their parents and grandparents.
It was good to see them.
We left early Monday morning to come home. It was
a wonderful trip.
The little histories I wrote about Mom and Dad for their
tribute picture collage, and pictures from the trip, follow
in the next two posts.
him to celebrate his 90th birthday. The party
would be on Saturday, May 19, 2012. We
planned to go. When we told Rhonda about it,
she said she would love to go to Panaca and
would welcome the opportunity to wish her
Uncle Leo a Happy Birthday. She said she
would drive us.
Craig had been planning a trip here at that time.
When we told him we would be going to Panaca
for Leo's birthday and that Rhonda was going, he
said he would love to bring Tracy to Panaca. It
sounded like fun and we thought Paul should
know. He said he wanted to come but that since
it was graduation at the high school where she
is office manager, Joanne wouldn't be able to
come.. Planning and preparing for the graduation
exercises each year, is part of her job. He said he
would bring Ethan as his traveling companion.
Ethan loves to go on trips with his Grandpa,
especially if it involves the river or Cedar City,
Utah.
At that time, we were under the impression that
Leo's birthday party was for family and friends.
We found out at the last minute that it wasn't.
That would change our plans some but everyone
still wanted to come. Due to the size of Leo's
extended family, his family had decided the party
would be limited to Leo's children, grand
children, great grandchildren, siblings, first cousins,
neighbors, close friends, and some of Panaca's long
time residents. The party would be at Leo and
Kathy's home. It had been built in 1896 by my
grandfather, Nephi John Wadsworth for his wife,
Eliza Jane Terry Wadsworth. I have special
memories of it as my family lived there from the
time I was two years old until I entered 5th grade.
This stately old home is affectionately known as
"The Castle" to family and long time Panaca
residents.
We drove to Panaca on Friday, May 18th. Craig
and Tracy flew into Salt Lake City, rented a car
and also drove to Panaca on the 18th. Paul and
Ethan were at Justin's home in Cedar City and
the three of them planned to drive to Panaca early
Saturday morning. George, Muggles, and I were
staying at Pete and Delores' and Craig, Tracy,
and Rhonda, were staying at The Bed And Breakfast
which has recently opened in one of Panaca's older,
historic homes.
Saturday morning, we had a wonderful time showing
Tracy Craig's heritage and all things Panaca. We took
her on a tour of the town and showed her all of the
sites and landmarks my father grew up with, then
my siblings and I, then our children's generation
and on to our grandchildren and great grandchildren's
generation. That is what is so wonderful about this
beautiful little town, the continuity and all of the
amazing things children have enjoyed since Panaca
was first settled.
We showed her the little house where I grew up,
empty for years and falling into disrepair, but we
will never forget the love and laughter that filled
that humble little home. We went to the cemetery
to introduce Tracy to Craig's ancestors; my parents,
James Allen and Lois Stewart Wadsworth who are
his beloved Granny and Granddad, his great
grandparents, Nephi John and Eliza Jane Terry
Wadsworth, and his great great grandfather,
George A. Wadsworth, who was one of the town's
founding fathers, and many others. We showed her
where George and I will someday be buried next to
my parents.
We showed her the Court Rock and as we looked at
it, lamented that it sure is "a lot smaller than it was"
when we were children climbing it.
We went to The Spring. It was beautiful. It had just
been drained and cleaned. Rhonda commented that
it looked more pristine than she had seen it look for
years. From there, we went to Cathedral Gorge, one
of Nevada's State Parks. We were there for at least
two hours. Tracy was impressed by it. And why
wouldn't she be, it is an amazing place. They
improve it each year. It now has camping sites available,
graphics and marked trails, two lovely covered Ramadas
with tables, fire pits and grills. They have updated the
restroom facilities. We explored the caves, climbed,
and hiked some of the trails. Many pictures were taken.
Paul, Justin, and Ethan had brought their remote controlled
NASCAR replica cars and they all had a blast racing them
around the parking lot, over bumps and little hills, and into
crevices. At age four, Ethan is a master at racing his car
and can give Paul and Justin a run for their money. I loved
watching him and his Uncle Justin who were dressed
in matching shirts and hats, standing together with controls
in their hands. Tracy was addicted and laughed every
minute she was racing. Rhonda became quite the daring
driver.
The best part of the morning was being able to spend
some time in The Panaca Heritage Center. It was not
open but Pete had a key and we were privileged to have
time alone in this wonderful little building. I have
written a lot in my history, and on by blog, about the
N. J. Wadsworth and Son's General Mercantile Store.
This little store was established around 1864 by my
father's uncle and namesake, James Allen Wadsworth.
He owned and operated it until he died at age 38.
At that time, ownership and operating was passed to his
brother, who is my grandfather, Nephi John Wadsworth.
As a young man, husband, and father, the responsibility
for operating it eventually became my father's. He and
my mother did this for over 20 years, until it was closed
forever.
This was in addition to my father's other life's work;
ranching, farming, teaching school, politics, serving
two terms as a Nevada State Senator, and many other
positions of note in the county and state.
In addition to Leo's birthday, this trip was serving another
purpose. Several years ago, the store was listed as a
historical building by the Nevada Historical Society.
It became the Panaca Heritage Center and was opened
as a tribute to honor the Mormon Pioneers who settled
Panaca, and Panaca's other long time residents. It housed
pictures of early Panaca, the pioneers, and their progeny.
It also housed artifacts from their homes and businesses.
James and Lois's children had not yet furnished a tribute to
our parents. The only picture of them on display was their
original wedding picture which came via my deceased
sister Martha's son, Kirk, assisted by Lisa Horlacher,
Delores' daughter. This was a a terrible breach
considering they had been the sole proprietors of the
store for so many years. There was only Leo,
Delores and I left to do this and I was afraid we
would die without it being done. Rhonda and I had
been planning a collage to be made from pictures I
had, with a short synopsis of some important mile-
stones in their lives. Rhonda bought a frame which
fit the decor, George copied and sized pictures, and
I wrote the little histories and Rhonda and I arranged
them and the pictures in the frame. It looked
wonderful when it was finished. My cousin, Linda
O'Connor Lee, who is the curator in charge of
submissions, promised us it would be on display for
Panaca's famous Pioneer Day 24th of July celebration.
We didn't get to see it hung, but I have heard that it
looks great. I am so thankful we were able to do this
for my wonderful parents who were so much a part
of Panaca, Lincoln County, the state of Nevada and
this little store we all love so much.
There are so many wonderful artifacts on exhibit,
including two of Leo's saddles, one a child's saddle
from when he was just a little tyke, and the other
from his cowboy, mustang, and range riding days.
Paul, Rhonda, and Craig, were especially touched
to see one of Mother's kitchen cabinets on display
along with artifacts from her kitchen and home.
I think Tracy was impressed with this part of Craig's
heritage.
Before Paul, Justin, and Ethan returned to Cedar City,
we spent time in Pete and Delores's beautiful backyard
which is a child's dream playground. Ethan loved
riding the zip line, swinging in the tire swing, and
climbing on the jungle gym. The adults enjoyed the
shade and we all enjoyed Pete's antique tractor
collection. What little boy does not love sitting on
a tractor.
Leo's party was very nice. I had first cousins there
from the St. George area whom I had not seen for
most of my adult life. It was as if we had always
been in touch. These three men are the children of my
father's youngest brother, Gene. They are so nice and
quite entertaining. My oldest living cousin, Helen
Wadsworth O'Connor, the daughter of my father's
brother Lafe, was there. It was fun to see a few of
Panaca's older residents who I had been so close to
when I was growing up. Several of Leo's neighbors
were children I baby sat all of those years ago.
Leo's daughter Felicia, son Vick, and his grandchildren,
did a wonderful job planning and hosting his party. It
was a special time.
On his way back to Cedar City, Paul stopped by to wish
Leo a Happy Birthday. While we were at the party,
Rhonda, Craig, and Tracy, went to Pioche to tour the
town and explore the surrounding hills and old mines.
They took some fascinating pictures.
Later that evening, we went to Leo and Kathy's so they
could wish him a Happy Birthday. We enjoyed some
fun time listening to Leo tell many of his famous stories.
I need to mention that George made Leo a hand tooled
leather clock with chimes, using a picture from the
cover of the first edition published of Zane Grey's novel,
Nevada, a favorite of both Leo and I. It is truly a work
of art. They love it.
Sunday, we hung out at Pete and Delores' until Craig and
Tracy left. On the way back to Salt Lake City, they stopped
at Justin's for awhile, played with the cars and ate. Craig
also showed Tracy the surrounding areas and they toured
Bryce Canyon State Park.
Rhonda Pete, Delores, George and I ate dinner and then sat
outside to watch the Turkey Vultures come in. We had been
doing this each evening. This was one of George's favorite
things about the trip. He was besotted with them. I guess all
of the vulture facts I have learned from my 21 years as a
Phoenix Zoo Volunteer and have been telling them, have
made an impression. I love to talk to the people, young
and old, who visit the zoo about this beautiful world our
Father In Heaven has created for us and the amazing
animals who share it with us. One of my favorite animals
to talk about is the vultures. People seem to be fascinated
with them. The Phoenix zoo is home to both Old World and
New World Vultures, 6 species in all. The vulture in this
story is a New World Vulture, the Turkey Vulture, also
known as the Turkey Buzzard. This is the vulture featured
at Halloween and the one featured in cartoons and horror
movies. I think they have given him a bum rap. He is
actually a very good guy.
Across the street from Pete and Delores' home there is a
grove of old and large Elm trees. For several years the
Turkey Vultures have been coming to Panaca in the Spring.
They roost in that grove of trees and remain in Panaca until
late summer.
Every morning, as the sun rises, you can hear them
calling to each other as they wake up and then one by one,
they soar into the sky to start their day's work of cleaning up
the environment to keep it pristine and free from disease.
They work the areas around Panaca, Pioche, and Caliente
and venture as far as Alamo in one direction and almost to
Cedar City, Utah, in another direction.
In the evening they begin to come in. They arrive alone
most often but some times in twos and threes. In flight,
this homely bird is beautiful. They will soar for long
periods of time without one flap of their wings. As
they come in, they circle lower and lower until they
finally, gracefully and without making a sound,
drop into the trees. As the sun sinks lower and they find
themselves flying into it, they fly in lower and make just
one or two circles before landing. It is a remarkable
experience to watch them. One evening as we sat and
watched them come in, we counted 128 of them. They
are amazing. They are nature's "Cleaner Uppers" and
we owe them a great debt.
We were also able to view the eclipse while in Panaca.
Pete had several miner's helmets which made watching it
very exciting. Wayne and Mary and their youngest son
(why can't I remember his name) drove to Panaca to
watch the eclipse with their parents and grandparents.
It was good to see them.
We left early Monday morning to come home. It was
a wonderful trip.
The little histories I wrote about Mom and Dad for their
tribute picture collage, and pictures from the trip, follow
in the next two posts.
A Trip To Panaca. . .About James and Lois
The first picture in the following post, shows me
proudly holding the picture collage and tribute
to my parents James Allen and Lois Stewart
Wadsworth. Rhonda, George, and I, designed
it to be hung in The Panaca Heritage Center in
memory of the lifetime of service and love they
rendered to the beautiful little town of Panaca,
Lincoln County, and the state of Nevada.
We wanted to introduce them to the viewers
who would be looking at the pictures, artifacts,
and other mementos of the Mormon Pioneers
and their progeny, who settled Panaca. James'
grandfather, George A. Wadsworth was one of
the original pioneers who made Panaca their
home.
Space did not permit a long and detailed history
of the lives of these wonderful people and so I
wrote a brief synopsis of some of their personality
traits and accomplishments which exemplify a bit
of the essence of who they are.
This is how the tribute reads:
James was born in Panaca to Nephi John and Eliza
Jane Terry Wadsworth, the 4th child of their 7 sons
and 4 daughters. He studied Commercial, Piano,
and Voice at BYU - 1907 - 1909.
In 1909, he left to to serve a 34 month LDS Mission
to the Southern States. He returned home to ranch
farm, work in the store, and haul freight. After
graduating from college, he taught school in Alamo,
Nevada, 1914 - 15 and 1915 - 16.
In 1918, during World War I, he served in France as
part of the 91st Artillery Division in the Ammunition
Trains.
A brief synopsis of James' life achievements: Operated
the Wadsworth Mercantile Store for 20+ years. Lifetime
rancher and farmer, Panaca Irrigation Board 35 years,
CCC Superintendent. 1936, Lincoln Co. Chairman of
the Democratic Party and elected as a Nevada State
Senator, serving two terms. Delegate for Nevada
to Washington D.C. to work with President Roosevelt
and Congress. Served as chairman and member with the
Taylor Grazing Act. for 25+ years. President of Lincoln
County Farm Bureau, and for 20+ years was President of
The Meadow Valley Soil Conservation District. Served
45+ years, off and on, as the Lincoln County Brand
Inspector. Twice, Justice of the Peace. A devoted and
loving husband, proud and loving father of 2 sons and
5 daughters. A loving Granddad.
Lois was born in Fredonia, Az. to David Brinton and Lois
Crosby Stewart, the 2nd of 7 children, 2 daughters and
5 sons. When she was 4, they moved to Alamo, Nevada
where she lived until she married James and moved to
Panaca after he returned from serving in France during
World War I.
Her father died when she was 9 and her mother had to find
work outside of the home to support her family. In addition
to her school, Lois became a second mother to her siblings,
the youngest an infant, and assumed the responsibility
of caring for them and their home. At that tender age, she
became an excellent cook, for which she was well known
throughout her life. Her donuts cinnamon rolls, pies, and
bread, became a thing of legend in Panaca, Lincoln County,
and beyond. She was an accomplished seamstress. Her
quilts won many awards. Her crocheting and embroidery
were exquisite. She was a storyteller, wrote and recited
poetry.
She was always an active member of the LDS Church. She
was a caring, helpful neighbor, a friend to everyone. She
was a loving. supportive wife, the ultimate mother, and a
role she excelled in and loved, was as the perfect "Granny"
to her grandchildren. They adored her.
proudly holding the picture collage and tribute
to my parents James Allen and Lois Stewart
Wadsworth. Rhonda, George, and I, designed
it to be hung in The Panaca Heritage Center in
memory of the lifetime of service and love they
rendered to the beautiful little town of Panaca,
Lincoln County, and the state of Nevada.
We wanted to introduce them to the viewers
who would be looking at the pictures, artifacts,
and other mementos of the Mormon Pioneers
and their progeny, who settled Panaca. James'
grandfather, George A. Wadsworth was one of
the original pioneers who made Panaca their
home.
Space did not permit a long and detailed history
of the lives of these wonderful people and so I
wrote a brief synopsis of some of their personality
traits and accomplishments which exemplify a bit
of the essence of who they are.
This is how the tribute reads:
James was born in Panaca to Nephi John and Eliza
Jane Terry Wadsworth, the 4th child of their 7 sons
and 4 daughters. He studied Commercial, Piano,
and Voice at BYU - 1907 - 1909.
In 1909, he left to to serve a 34 month LDS Mission
to the Southern States. He returned home to ranch
farm, work in the store, and haul freight. After
graduating from college, he taught school in Alamo,
Nevada, 1914 - 15 and 1915 - 16.
In 1918, during World War I, he served in France as
part of the 91st Artillery Division in the Ammunition
Trains.
A brief synopsis of James' life achievements: Operated
the Wadsworth Mercantile Store for 20+ years. Lifetime
rancher and farmer, Panaca Irrigation Board 35 years,
CCC Superintendent. 1936, Lincoln Co. Chairman of
the Democratic Party and elected as a Nevada State
Senator, serving two terms. Delegate for Nevada
to Washington D.C. to work with President Roosevelt
and Congress. Served as chairman and member with the
Taylor Grazing Act. for 25+ years. President of Lincoln
County Farm Bureau, and for 20+ years was President of
The Meadow Valley Soil Conservation District. Served
45+ years, off and on, as the Lincoln County Brand
Inspector. Twice, Justice of the Peace. A devoted and
loving husband, proud and loving father of 2 sons and
5 daughters. A loving Granddad.
Lois was born in Fredonia, Az. to David Brinton and Lois
Crosby Stewart, the 2nd of 7 children, 2 daughters and
5 sons. When she was 4, they moved to Alamo, Nevada
where she lived until she married James and moved to
Panaca after he returned from serving in France during
World War I.
Her father died when she was 9 and her mother had to find
work outside of the home to support her family. In addition
to her school, Lois became a second mother to her siblings,
the youngest an infant, and assumed the responsibility
of caring for them and their home. At that tender age, she
became an excellent cook, for which she was well known
throughout her life. Her donuts cinnamon rolls, pies, and
bread, became a thing of legend in Panaca, Lincoln County,
and beyond. She was an accomplished seamstress. Her
quilts won many awards. Her crocheting and embroidery
were exquisite. She was a storyteller, wrote and recited
poetry.
She was always an active member of the LDS Church. She
was a caring, helpful neighbor, a friend to everyone. She
was a loving. supportive wife, the ultimate mother, and a
role she excelled in and loved, was as the perfect "Granny"
to her grandchildren. They adored her.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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