Blog #72 – Part 2 (of 2)
By Kevin V. Hunt
There was just so much happening over the summer … so many good times, miracles and connections. All are worthy of honorable mention.
In Part 1, I suggested a break for my readers – , a stint of jumping jacks. Now that those are over, let’s get on with the great things of summer in Nauvoo.
CONTINUING CONNECTIONS AND MIRACLES AT JOSEPH AND EMMA’S HOMES
August began with Sister Hunt and I serving at the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House.
Above: Joseph Smith’s Mansion House – Photo taken by and @by Rusty Hunt 2025
We served with four different pairs of young sister missionaries. We had fun with all of them. They are great ladies. We were in charge for the day. I called upon Sister Nelson to offer the prayer.
Above: Elder and Sister Hunt teaching in the Joseph Smith Homestead
Somehow three Dunn family relatives heard about our Dunn place. They were supposed to come this morning before our day to check out the place. They did not arrive as planned. Then I happened to meet the folks in front of the Homestead. They were a part of a tour group and their schedule was at the mercy of their bus driver. They had a few minutes to spare so I had Lou take them in our vehicle to go to our Dunn home. The folks were ecstatic over their ancestor home. We were happy to get them connected with Simeon A Dunn.
We were kind of surprised that we were not busy. And with five teams of missionaries, we seemed to have a lot of time between our next tours. The weather was gorgeous (as it was yesterday – a bit of a breeze and a nice temperature). This was very different from Monday and Tuesday when the heat index (combination of temperature and humidity) was about 110. The Index was so high then that the horses and their wagons could not even run on those days.
At the end of the day we had a handicapped boy (Terrick – age 18) on our tour. He sat on a historic chair in the Joseph Smith homestead cabin and I asked him not to sit there. This got him upset. Lou brought over two chairs (one for him and one for his mother) to sit on and this calmed him down. Lou carried the same two chairs into the 1840 room addition and this worked well for the young man.
I was surprised that at the end of the tour of the homestead, he said “Thank you” to me. He somehow survived the Mansion House. After the tour we were outside with him and his family. Lou talked to the mother and found out that the boy lost his hearing when about 14 months old. The folks faced the difficult decision of getting hearing mechanisms installed on his head. (Ironically last night we watched a movie about the same kind of scenario – so Lou was able to talk intelligently with the mom today.
This young man gave me and Lou big hugs as he was departing. He was out in the parking lot and turned to look at us. We asked his mother his name. Then Lou and I both hollered to him, said his name, and waved heartily. He heard us and waved big. This seemed to please him. He then came back to us and gave us both another couple of hugs. We enjoyed the young man and our connection with him.
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE SUMMER CAST OF PERFORMING MISSIONARIES
Saturday, August 2nd was a happy/sad day.
We were assigned to serve for the day in the post office (which means also the print shop and the John Taylor home). We remained in the Post Office and the other missionaries went to the Taylor home and the Print Shop. We agreed to switch places at 11:30 AM and 2 PM.
I went outside to watch the final parade with the Nauvoo Brass Band. The band leaves Nauvoo on this coming Tuesday. It has been great having them here. They add much excitement and energy to the total Nauvoo scene. It was a thrill today as they came down Main Street. We had no business then at the Post Office so I went over to the tree to watch and to hear the event. Lou remained at the Post Office.
Performing missionary, Elder Patterson, was the lead (as Heber C. Kimball) in the morning announcement activity at the “Singing Tree”. He did a great job and it was fun to watch him in action. As noted, he and I have become brother/friends. It seems as if we have known each other forever. I noted too, that he was to go home just a couple of days later. The “summer cast” finished their performances and service. I wished him the best in his new endeavors. He told me that he appreciated my “spirit” here in Nauvoo.
At the event, they staged The Star Spangled Banner and then had prayer. Then all of the performers broke into “An Old Fashioned Day in Nauvoo”. This song generates a lot of energy and is a lot of fun. The phrase itself is loaded with so much fun and energy.
A Scott Walters came in. He had read the November 19, 2024 “Church News” article about the three Hunt cousins in Nauvoo. He had not met “my teamster cousins”. He said that his mother is a Hunt.
We thought that we were probably also 4th cousins. We did “Relatives Around Me” and found that we are actually 3rd cousins – both descending from the same 2nd Great Grandfather, Elias Hunt. We both thought this great – and appreciated the family connection. He was very interested in the story of my brother, Dean. He had heard of him – even though he was somewhat younger. He remembered Dean’s leadership award given at Westwood High School and he has wondered if they were cousins. He also things that his brother knew my brother, Ray, in young adults. This Scott and family lived in Salem, Utah. I told him that I had 3 missionary companions from there – Elders Boyer, Hatch and Tanner.
A FULL MISSION PHOTO
With the pending departure of the Nauvoo Brass Band and the summer cast of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries, we needed to capture a historic moment.
The day was Sunday, August 3rd. After our church meetings in the morning, we went to the steps of the Nauvoo Temple. We joined 300 or so of the missionaries of the mission for a full-mission photo. We did a re-run of the photo from last year. Elder Mills – who has been home fighting cancer – was back again and he and Elder Harford worked together to stage the photo.
Above: Elders Mills and Harford atop a RV to take mission photo
Two sets of young sister missionaries rushed into the photo at the last second. We all took our places and the whole process did not take long.
Above: Full Illinois Historic Sites Mission Photo taken August 3, 2025
THE DUNNS JUST KEEP ON COMING
We received a call from a guy who said that his wife is a Simeon A. Dunn descendant. He asked if they could come to see the house. We said, “We are home …. Come on over.” They did so. On their way into the place, they saw some other Dunn relatives parked outside to take a photo. So, he invited these folks to come in also. So, we had quite a Dunn crowd with us – about eleven people. Simeon would have been proud!
We gave them the usual Dunn tour and I taught them about the man Simeon. It was fun to teach them of the family. They all signed the family book. It was fun to have the folks here.
AUGUST 4TH – MONDAY
August 4th, found Sister Hunt and me serving at Joseph’s Red Brick Store. We served with Elder and Sister Shane Summers (Ricks College roommate of Brad Belcher years ago.) We also had two young sister couples there with us.
Above: Elder Shayne and Sister Kimberly Summers
We were at the top of the list so we had the first tour. This was after 10:00 AM. We had two families – with 11 people. A young boy on the tour got intrigued with keys. I showed him the very big key that goes to the front door and let him open the door a couple of times.. He loved this.
President and Sister Mehr came by Joseph’s Red Brick Store on the surrey buggy. With them were President and Sister Workman. It is sad to see these folks go home. We have enjoyed our association with them.
YOUNG SISTERS RECEIVE NEW MISSION CALLS
That same night, we enjoyed a fun activity. This was the night in which the young sister missionaries received their new mission calls – to go serve “outbound” for the next six months. We gathered with many other senior missionaries at the Seventies Hall to join the excitement. Lou didn’t want to stand outside – for fear of bugs bugging her. We therefore sat in the car and watched the building doors – awaiting the grand exit of the sister missionaries. We heard many screams as the ladies inside found out where they have been called to serve.
The mission presidency members met individually with the sisters (about ten per each presidency member) and handed the girls their new mission calls. Then all of the ladies gathered to the main hall where they learned where the others were to serve. We heard much excitement through the screams, clapping, and whooping! When they were done with all of this, they made their exit outside.
We mingled with the ladies as they came out. We really only talked to about four of them. One is going to North Carolina, another to Minnesota, and one to St. Louis. Sister Avery is going to Ft. Collins, the place of my birth. The ladies were all excited and happy. It was a great scene.
ONGOING BRICK YARD CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Speaking of Elder Rieske – and the brickyard …. An FM (Facilities Maintenance) Elder Lowe has been working diligently to get the brick kiln repaired. The coils have had major problems. He got to the point yesterday that he loaded the kiln with 400 bricks (mostly custom bricks made by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries) and cranked the heat to increase over many hours. Elder Rieske went over there this morning and the system looked good. The heat had risen to 1,900 degrees without getting a short in the electrical system. This was good news. The old kiln has not worked for about six weeks. A new gas kiln has been ordered but no one has a clue as to if or when it will arrive.
Above: Elder Robert Lowe and employee Aaron Garrison work on the old brick kiln
IN SEARCH OF STILL MORE HISTORIC SITES
I wanted to go to Montrose (directly across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo) in search of the Sugar Creek Camp. This was the first campground of the Saints after they crossed the river. I had found the place once before – but we came from the west and I wanted to locate it from the east – from Montrose. I had found directions on the Ensign Peak Foundation Website (by photographer Kenneth Mays) before this trip – so it was easily found on the J6 highway – west of Highway 218. I again took some beautiful photos of the place.
I also located on-line a physical address for a Zarahemla Temple that was supposedly to be built by the Saints in Montrose. I have not found any reference to this Temple in Church history. The only place that I have seen it referenced is in a letter written by my 3rd Great Grandfather, Nathan Calhoun Cheney – to his wife’s non-LDS family members back east. But the thought has always intrigued me so the Historian in me made me go check out the site
Above: Possible “Zarahemla Temple Site” located in Montrose, Iowa
Above: Niew of Nauvoo across the river from possible Zarahemla Temple Site at Montrose, Iowa
I was anxious to check out this site. so we went to the Montrose site – located right at the river’s edge. There was absolutely nothing on the site except a healthy patch of grass. I was disappointed, but at least I can say that I saw the site located at the address of 2504 280th Street in Montrose
We then headed toward Keokuk. I also wanted to see the 1830’s Galland School (built by Isaac Galland – who sold much Iowa property to Joseph Smith and the Church). We took a wrong road and found ourselves in a major construction site. A guy came and chased us out of the place. We did find the school. It was a cool place – just a one-room log school that was 12×16’ in size. (Google said that the original school was torn down but a restoration was later contructed. Still cool!)
Above: The Galland School in Montrose, Iowa
Above: The Galland School plaque notes that this was the first school built in Iowa.
ONE MORE CHURCH HISTORY TOUR WITH THE YOUNG SISTERS
I have noted previously the trips with the young sisters to nearby church historic sites. August came and there was one more trip to be taken. This was a “local” day trip to sites surrounding Nauvoo. We arose August 7th and prepared to go with the Young Sister missionaries on the last of the Church History Immersion trips. We got to the Visitors’ Center parking lot about 8:15 AM. It was raining upon arrival so we met inside for our devotional and opening prayer. Then we were off. We got into four different vehicles – three of the giant vans and one mini-van. Sister Hunt had again made a plethora of her famous cinnamon rolls and other goodies for each of the vans and their occupants. Yum!
Our plan of the day was to go to Quincy and to Montrose. We traveled in the rain – first to the town of Ramus. President Mehr had never heard of the Perkins family involvement in Ramus – nor the plaque about the family (Lou’s 4th great grandparents).
Above: Drawing of Ute Perkins
I led the group to the plaque and then read it to them.
Above: Ute Perkins family family plaque located in Ramus (Now Webster), Illinois
Above: Sister Lou Hunt at the Ramus/Webster grave of Ute and Sarah Perkins – her 5th great grandparents
We went to the cemetery and the folks found the grave of the sister of Joseph Smith (Catherine). I showed the folks our Perkins family graves
We also went to see the very odd door at the old church.
Above photo: The odd door that presently stands on the foundation and cornerstones of the original Ramus Church – the first LDS Church constructed in Illinois.
We then travelled to the town of Quincy. We went first to the Mississippi River. We used the restrooms and then viewed the rock plaque there. This is kind of a non-descript monument – on a rock that is about three feet tall. There were also many good places for photos. We went to the program on May 10th and a new plaque was unveiled. We noted today that the new plaque has not been placed yet.
Above: Young Sister Missionaries at the Quincy Mormon Crossing site
We then went together to eat at Cane’s chicken. Most of the YSM’s love Cane’s. I was surprised that some of the couples had never eaten there. We sat out on the front porch outside and this was pleasant. The rain had stopped and the weather was quite pleasant.
Above: Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion in Quincy, Illinois
We then went to the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion home. This is not a church site, but it was super fascinating. This home has 20,000 square feet. It is truly magnificent with ornate and wonderful wood throughout.
Above: Ornate woodwork throughout the Newcomb-Stillman Home in Quincy, Illinois
It was built by the Newcomb family about the year 1900 and then passed to his Stillwell daughter. We had a volunteer guide who took us throughout the place and told us good stories and history. I loved the place. Amazing and spectacular. And it was good for all of us site missionaries to experience a site tour given by some other entity.
We then got on the freeway and drove north to Montrose. We went first to the Sugar Creek Camp. I was glad that I had gone there the day before because I could lead the group there with confidence. I was able to show them where the Saints camped in 1846 after departing Nauvoo. We got a group photo on the bridge – while some cars sped by us.
We needed restrooms and had a challenge with just the Casey’s store/station in Montrose. We went to the river and the young sisters enjoyed walking out on the floating docks (which reminded me of some of our former Scout camps and docks at the waterfront or lake). I shared info about the Montrose barracks and the signs with the group.
We met an LDS guy named Lance Gardner there. He was trying to find the right location to place two new plaques on behalf of the National Park Service and the Mormon Trails Association. (And I was pleased a couple of months later to receive photos of the new signage. Nice!)
Above: Two new Iowa Trail and Mormon Trail route signs – placed at Montrose Crossing on the Mississippi River – Placed October 2025. Photos courtesy of Brad Klodt, Chairman of the Iowa Mormon Trails Association
We drove on the Mississippi River Road back to Keokuk. I shared with my car folks more information about a couple more historic spots along the way (the Galland School, the Keokuk statue, and the plaque at the “Triangle Park”. We got back to Nauvoo about 4:30 PM – just as projected.
The following Sunday evening, we went to a special event. Young Sisters Nelson and Duncombe (sister assistants to President Mehr) organized a wonderful slide presentation. And each of the young sisters shared feelings and testimonials of their recent Church History Immersion trip. Each of the sisters presented their slide of the show and some added some additional feelings.
Lou and I enjoyed the presentation. It was cool that she and I took all of the slides used in the presentation.
IN THE BEST OF THE POLYNESIAN TRADITION
My journal states taht Friday August 8th became a great night for a mission activity. The journal states: “I arose that morning at the usual time. I went to the kitchen to bake. I stirred up and baked a chocolate sheet cake and then a blonde sheet cake. These were for the mission luau dinner later that evening. I did the chocolate fine but then forgot to put the blonde version into the oven. This left me just enough time to get it baked before we needed to depart.
We were assigned to serve today at the Temple City tours. We reported for duty. We labored with Sister Wagner and Sister Tammy Hunt as well as a set of young sister missionaries. Elder Wilson (going home soon) came to orient us on how to introduce the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries for their vignette. (The Fall Cast was still in Nauvoo until about the 6th of October.)
We waited for the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries and thought that they were to come at 10 AM. That time came and went. They arrived about 10:40 AM. They had never performed the show before so this was a “dress rehearsal”. Actually, they just got handed the scripts a few minutes before their performance and had to read the lines. Elder Moody was in the role of William Weeks and he was impressive. All of the team did quite well – under the circumstances.
The NPM’s performed twice and each time, I greeted the group and introduced William Weeks. He was later joined by his “wife” (Caroline), Eliza R. Snow and Parley P. Pratt characters.
After our tours of the day, Sister Hunt and I went home and both got into matching Hawaiian outfits that we had ordered previously. The shirts were red with blue flowers. We looked great together. We were one of just three couples who were in look-alike outfits. One couple was Elder and Sister Jones. I didn’t know the other couple.
Above: A sampling of photos from the Missionary Luau held August 8
This was a “hello-farewell dinner”. The theme was Hawaiian Luau. Sister Debi Wilson (who went home a month or so later) was in charge of the event – as the mission activities chair. She really did a great job at activity planning.
Above: Elder Mitch Atkinson, often the meat cooker
Elder and Sister Atkinson were in charge of the meat cooking. They also did a good job. They cooked pork and served it with rice. Other missionaries were invited to bring veggie or fruit plates – or desserts. We took our two cakes that I made this morning – and came back with about half of each kind.
A great program was staged. The Young Sister Missionaries – led by Sister Langi – did a great dance routine. They were really wonderful. And the ladies all looked beautiful. It was fun to watch them in their act. Elder and Sister Williams (released recently – but back for her to do an internship) sang and played the ukulele. Elder Hopkinson sang a Hawaiian song. The YSM’s then did another dance number. Then the Senior Sisters did a dance number. They were really great. Lou was a part of this act and she did very well. She wore a “lava-lava” that she had purchased for the occasion.
Lou and I both took many photos of the various events and participants.
Elder Atkinson then took the microphone. He recognized new missionaries who have arrived to the mission in the past two months (since our last such event). He introduced six or eight new senior couples as well as many new Young Sister Missionaries. He then read the names of YSM’s who will leave in the next six weeks for their “outbound” missions. He read the names of many YSM’s who will be going home within the next six weeks. He then introduced six or eight senior couples who will depart in the next six weeks. We have many friends in this group. I noted in my journal that “It will be sad to see them go – but we will go ourselves soon after these depart.”
After the gathering, Elder Craig Sanders came to me. He and his wife have been serving in the Carthage Jail. He wanted to know some history (structurally) of the place. I showed him many photos that I took when I served in Nauvoo (and visited the Carthage Jail) 50 years ago. The place looks the same now as it did when I was here before.
A WELCOME GREETING FROM ONE OF OUR YOUNG GUESTS
On Tuesday, Augst 12th, Sister Hunt and I were privileged to work again at the Nauvoo Historic Visitors’ Center. On our way to the Center, we met the wagon teamsters and horses coming toward us – on their way to their wagon depot (behind the Cultural Hall and Scovil Bakery). We could see that they had passengers going along with them for “the ride”. I looked into the wagon and young Henry – about ten years old popped up. He yelled to me, “Hi, Elder Hunt!” I hollered back to him, “Hi, Henry!” He was on our tour a couple of days ago at the Homestead. He asked me a lot of questions and I had fun with him then. We also had them the next day at Joseph’s Red Brick Store. I enjoyed the moment. Henry made my day!
CHANGES A COMING AT THE VISITORS’ CENTER (AND MORE FUN CONNECTIONS)
I took on a task at the Visitors Center. I went around everywhere to take photos of all of the displays. We have learned that the visitors’ center as we know it today is going to be dismantled in October. All of the current displays are going to be removed and revitalized in preparation for future placement in the new “Temple Visitors’ Center” that is currently under construction. I wanted to take the photos before the displays all disappear.
Above: Nauvoo Visitors’ Center 2025 before remodeling began.
Above: Young Elder Kevin Hunt manning the desk at the now Historic Visitors’ Center in 1975
I also “dug up” some of the old photos of me and the visitors’ center in 1975. I e-mailed all of these photos to myself so that I can create a master file of all of the photos.
I helped a couple of ladies. One was handicapped severely. The older lady was the mother and the wheelchair girl was the daughter. The ladies are not members of the church but the mother has done data entry of family history material on the church’s FamilySearch site. I learned that the younger girl (through her father) has Alger family heritage. The lady was surprised to learn that I also have Alger heritage. Our common ancestor is Samuel Alger.
Above: Samuel Alger (born in 1776)
We talked family history for quite a while – and then I suggested that they also go up to the FamilySearch center for more detailed help.
We had a fun experience. We welcomed two couples. One couple was American and they had a grown daughter with them. We could not tell if she was married to the guy with them who is from Perth, Australia. The Aussie was Paul Mortley. Upon hearing that this Paul was from Perth, I pulled Lou into the conversation, knowing that the son of Ian and Inga Oates is from Perth. Paul said that Marcus and family live in his ward. This was amazing for all of us. Lou took a photo and sent it on to Ian via a text. We had fun visiting with the folks.
Above: Elder and Sister Hunt at Nauvoo Visitors’ Center with Aussie Paul (2nd from left)
I then helped a couple named Magnusson (Swedish) and their returned missionary son. They were from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The young man went on a mission to El Paso, Texas. I helped them at the Land and Records desk and they were excited and grateful.
I then helped another family – couple to learn how to find their Nauvoo relatives. This guy was Kyle Hoisington. We did “Relatives Around Me” also. We were 9th cousins (like everyone in the world.) Meeting and helping this guy was a bit unusual. It was one of those truly wonderful situations where I felt that I had known this guy forever. We were instant brothers and I found him to be a very great man. This was in keeping with the words of President Mehr. Every time that he talks, he tells us that we were pre-ordained to come here to serve in Nauvoo at this time. At the end of the conversation, Kyle and I broke into a great hug. I was grateful for this special association – here in modern earth time.
MY REPUTATION FOLLOWS ME
It was August 13th. Sister Hunt and I went across the street in the evening to the place where Elder and Sister Pearce live. I guess he cannot do stairs and wanted to live in a new place. FM assigned him to one of the four homes located across the street south from the Visitors’ Center. There were many missionaries there and we formed a human chain getting stuff out of the old place and into the new one. So the job was quickly done. We have lost three of our neighbors in the past month or so – the Sanders (who went to Carthage), the Workmans (who went home) and now the Pearces (who moved today).
I got a chuckle out of one scene as we were moving. I pulled together a group of the movers – for a photo – in my role as Historian of the mission. Elder Atkinson said, “You folks probably don’t know who you are dealing with here. Elder Hunt REALLY is a historian. He told Elder Ward, “We were in the same mission, you talked at a district meeting in Alabama, and you showed him a photo to prove it.” Everyone laughed. He said, “That is such a great story!”
WRITING ON “THE LORD’S ERRAND”
I have thought recently how I believe that I am on the Lord’s errand with my writing and publishing. I had this thought while in the Temple recently. And Elder White said this (essentially) in a recent Priesthood blessing that he gave to me. I very much feel that I am writing for Him. This thought inspires me and keeps me moving forward even though the task seems so overwhelming at present. I do not know how the material will be used or marketed, but I am working accomplish the work.
Lou and I went to serve today at the Post Office. We were the lead and there were two sets of young sister missionaries with us.
We hosted a couple from Cortez, Colorado. They were white but had three black children. Their name was Smith. Their black daughter says that she is the “blacksmith” (har, har!). (I later shared this with Elder Jones and he got a big laugh out of this.) This family from Cortez know our long-ago friends, Andy and Cherie Brock – who were our friends in Santa Paula, California 40 years ago. After the tour we took photos for them to send to Andy. The folks are also related to Eric Farabee formerly from Maricopa – and a friend to Rusty (and me).
PLANNING FOR FUTURE FAMILY EVENTS
There was discussion with the family at home relative to a post-mission gathering with the gang after our arrival home. We talked of options – the weekend after we get home (which is Stake Conference) and the next weekend. They determined that the weekend ten days from our home arrival would be the best. I wrote a text to our Bishop Scoresby asking if we might have a homecoming talk on October 26th. I don’t think that he knows that we have been serving on a mission.
A REAL NAUVOO MIRACLE
Kaylea wrote saying that they had received a text from a seminary teacher, Brother Caspar, in Lehi and that he had met us on a Nauvoo tour. I had given him Brodey’s contact information – with the hope that he get Brodey signed up for Seminary. She said that they were to have an appointment with him tonight. This was so exciting! Another Nauvoo miracle!
A few weeks ago, we had on our tour, this Brother Caspar – who is a seminary teacher in Lehi, Utah – near where Kaylea and JD live. I gave him information about our Brodey and how he ought to be enrolled. This guy went (on God’s errand) and visited with the family. Brother Caspar called that next night and reported back. He said that Brodey had attended seminary the next day and that “he loved it”. This is so exciting. Brother Casey said that he knows that our meeting in Nauvoo was not “by chance”. This connection should be a great thing for Brodey – in gospel learning, finding some friends, and for mission preparation. I am grateful for this special blessing. (Brodey and his family lived for a couple of years ago in a very remote place in Texas and Seminary participation was not feasible there.)
WE ALWAYS WELCOMED OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE IN THE BRICK YARD
Although it was a Saturday on August 16th, Sister Hunt and I served the day at the Brick Yard. Of course we were pleased to do so – since when we are there, we feel that we are keeping alive the legacy of her father, Elder Belcher, the Nauvoo Brickmaker.
Above: Sister Lou Hunt serving at the Nauvoo Brick Yard
We served with young sisters Avery and Babcock. They seemed happy to be there. Sister Avery had not been there before. I first put the sisters to work “hacking” (turning) the bricks made yesterday. The ladies were pretty fast in their stamping of new bricks.
Lou helped me get the chemistry right – combination of clay, sand and water – to make another batch of pugs. There was only one pug tub pre-made as we arrived and the ladies went through this fast.
I worked to create more pugs. Upon arrival we mixed the stuff in the pug machine to get it ready to make pugs. I quickly emptied the machine, however. I was able to only create one new tub. The ladies went through these by noon.
About 10:15 AM we loaded the mixer with more clay, sand and water (a double batch). We ran out of pugs so the young ladies left soon after noon. Sister Babcock was anxious to go to the FamilySearch center to work on her family projects.
With the batch of mix that we created, we were able to get three more tubs full of pugs. The material extruded in good fashion with little constipation. Then at 1:45 PM, we mixed a new double batch. We were supposed to go back at 3:45 PM to shut it off. Lou set her alarm for us to return. Not sure what happened with that …
Anyway, as I was typing this entry at 9:30 PM, it hit me that we had not gone over as planned. I called Elder Rieske and he had trusted us and had not returned to the place after we were there. I called Simosi the weekend night security guard and he met us over at the Brickyard. He disarmed the alarm and let us in. The machine ran six extra hours beyond what it should have. We were in a panic over what might have happened. The machine was super hot but seemed to be okay.
While we were at the brick yard earlier in the day, we were visited by Elder Robert Lowe. He has kind of adopted the kiln. He has spent several Saturdays (his pe-days) trying to get the broken kiln operating again. It has been out of commission for about six weeks – after the elements all crumbled. He has repaired the current kiln (as a band-aid until the new gas kiln arrives). He has fired one kiln load successfully. He came in today to fill the kiln for firing. He decided that he should bring in some under-fired bricks from the storeroom. He wants to refire them to get them a deeper red color (which happens when the bricks are fired to about 2,200 degrees. I helped him transport some of the tubs of bricks and then to put the bricks into the kiln. We put about 600 bricks in the kiln.
Above: Elders Kevin Hunt, Bruce Rieske, Aaron Garrison, Elder Robert Lowe, Sister Lou Hunt
I enjoyed visiting with this Elder Lowe. We seemed to have a lot in common. First, we determined that we both went to the same Florida-Tallahassee Mission. He finished his mission the month before I got there to serve. We both served under President Spencer H. Osborn and we both served stints in the office. We both served in Tallahassee and Birmingham. We both knew the patriarch in the Tallahassee stake. He told me of a miracle healing experience of the patriarch. He was dying in the hospital but Elder Spencer W. Kimball – who was reorganizing the stake – felt that he was the man and went to the hospital and issued the call to him. And he was miraculously healed and became the patriarch.
Elder Lowe said that he would really like to visit with Elder Belcher about bricks making. We told him the story shared with us by Jenae (about her Grandfather speaking to her at the Belcher cabin the weekend after the Bryson/Annie wedding) and he found this quite interesting. Elder Lowe says that he has been “guided by inspiration” – to do many things that he would not have thought of – nor did he know how to do them. It seems that he has had many spiritual experiences like that here in Nauvoo. Maybe Gramps was guiding him! We like to think so.
Elder Lowe learned that we had both been to camps Loll and Bartlett (in the Lake Bonneville Council). In fact, his father was the one who went to his rich neighbor named Bartlett and got him to donate the money to build the camp. He knew Jed Stringham – whom I knew and loved in camp scenes. He knew Delose Conner, long-time camp director (and knew that he died recently). I read to Elder Lowe a blog article that I had written years ago about Jed and his legendary “Jed Work” for camp staff. He loved hearing this story.
Then he said that he lived for a while in the Rose Park area of North Salt Lake. I remembered that my cousin Carla and husband Bill Tippetts, lived in that area for years – as well as Richard Nash (my step-father). He knew all of these folks. Wow!
Lou again has been cleaning every nook and corner of the house. (She still has a few corners to go …). She came up with several bags of stuff that she wanted to part with. It was stacked in our living room. I suggested that we take it that night to the missionary D.I. We made a trip over there and Lou got the stuff organized and on hangers.
The next night we talked with Elder and Sister Lowe after our sacrament meeting. She told us how much he enjoyed his time with us yesterday. She also said, “He thinks you guys are the coolest couple”. It sounded as if he went home and told her our every conversation from yesterday. She wished that he had called her to come share the stories with her and us.
We talked to Elder and Sister Lowe again a few days later. We love these folks. He is really into the brickyard thing. Lou was telling him about some of the bricks that Elder Belcher created. They came over to our place and we had a fun visit with them. He had never heard of the Isaac Hill (I Hill) imprint. He was in absolute awe of my I Hill brick. He said, “Does the Church History Department know that you have this?” (Shhh … don’t tell!)
MORE HOMECOMING PLANS
Lou and I spent some time planning a family reunion gathering for after we arrive back at home in October. We decided that we want kind of fireside event for the grandchildren. And we got the idea to have our annual “spooky dinner” (in honor of my birthday – at the same time.
We received a surprise note from our Bishop Scoresby of our Pacana Park Ward. He confirmed that we can give a mission homecoming talk on the 26th of October. We were pleased that he wrote back. Wow!
I also created a flier about the reunion and homecoming activity that we want to have with the family when we get home. We decided to expand our homecoming activities to also include our annual “Spooky Dinner” that Lou traditionally stages for my birthday (as a special gift). We planned a 2-day event – for October 25 and 26. This should be a lot of fun. I finished the flier and sent it off to all of the family under the guise of “Announcement #31” (taking up where I had left off a year or more ago).
ON A MISSION OF CLEANING AND DE-JUNKING
Sister Hunt and I spent much time in August cleaning and de-junking. On one occasion, I got industrious and cleaned all of the windows (or four of them) on the bottom floor of our place. I have wanted to do this for some time. I found some of the windows painted or otherwise permanently shut so I could not access the inner windows of double pane windows. I did have some positive effect on the windows. They looked nice.
Lou worked hard many nights on her cleaning and de-junking projects. She cleaned the kitchen and went through all of her cupboards. She made super progress. She made a few stacks of stuff. I knew that she would enjoy seeing it gone completely so we took it late to the missionary D.I. It was good to see the stuff depart from us. Much of it was stuff that she had earlier brought home from the same place.
A SURPRISE VISIT FROM A LONG-TIME BROTHER FRIEND
August 24th found Sister Hunt again at Joseph’s Red Brick Store. We served with two pairs of young sister missionaries. Sister Tanner was one of them. This was her final day to serve in the sites. She goes home on Wednesday. She had to leave at 2:30 PM for a mission thing but got to give one last tour. I showed Sister Tanner her half page of testimony that will appear in the final church history book. She loved the whole file. I promised to send her a .pdf file of the book later on.
We had just finished a tour and it would have been our turn for another tour. A single guy showed up. (Young sisters are not allowed to take single men on tours alone.) I put him off long enough for me to make a quick trip to the bathroom. I went over and came back. One of the young sister pairs came around the corner with their guests having just completed a tour. The guy was not in view. I heard the lady say that she is from Mesa, Arizona. I told the single guy that I would be with him in a moment. He was patient.
I went to talk to the lady from Mesa and then her husband came to view. We looked at each other and I said, “Hey, I know you!” We realized at the same time who the other was. It was Fred Slade – a friend from back in high school at Westwood High School. I said, “Fred”, and he said, “Kevin”. We then broke into a big spontaneous hug. We then had a good talk. His wife, Marty Moffat died a few years ago and he met this lady (whose husband had died). It was fun to visit with him for a few minutes. His wife’s brother and wife serve in the Temple.
Above: Fred Slade and Kevin Hunt – August 24, 2025 in Nauvoo
Meanwhile, I was worried about the guy whom I had left. Two sisters could not take him alone on a tour so I made a quick decision and asked the four of them to take him all together. The sisters loved this opportunity. And we got a report later that a couple of the sisters were drooling over the guy and flirting with him. They thought that he was “cute” (a lady’s always term).
At the end of the days, Sister Doman was still amazed at the “brotherly reunion” between Fred and me. She even twice reenacted the scene with her fellow sister missionaries. This was so funny. Sister Doman said, “That was so great! I am glad that I got to see it.”
THE VISITORS’ CENTER WORK CONTINUES
On August 26th, Sister Hunt and I went to serve today at the Visitors’ Center. We had a whole team of church historians flooding the place that day. They were on a mission to dismantle and take down the various displays in the whole center.
Above: Church Historians at Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center August 26, 2025
Their first task was the gigantic panoramic diagram that has been in the center of the room. The model of the Temple will come out very soon. They plan to put all of these items into the new Temple visitors’ center that is presently under construction. It is weird, however, since the completion of the place is not supposed to be for eight months or so. They want to “refurbish” the stuff that they are taking down.
Above: Church Historians from Nauvoo and Salt Lake City discuss plans for removal of the panoramic diagram at the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center.
A HISTORIC AND GLORIOUS TALK WITH OUR MISSION PRESIDENT
Thursday, August 28th was kind of historic day for me. Kind of? No, it really was great!
Above: President Daniel S. Mehr II, Illinois Historic Sites Mission Leader
I was surprised to receive a phone call about 8:15 AM from President Mehr. We talked of all of my writing projects. He said that I could publish the April newsletter/history (after my earlier corrections). He said that he loves the “Synoptic Overview” (of the Young Sister Immersion trips) and said that I can publish this. I told him about the magazine format that I can print this in. He has not seen this format but I told him that I think that he will really like it.
He also loved the book version created for the Young Sister Missionaries and knew that I had included many of his quotes and other history notes that I reported or recorded on the immersion trips. He liked this. He was in awe of this file.
We talked of the book to be created for the senior missionaries and I noted that I removed the testimonies and the immersion trip organization and plans. He said, “Oh, this would be a “travel guide”? I said, “Exactly”. He said to go ahead with this.
We talked about the May/June/July newsletters and I noted that I was waiting on this back from Sister Mehr. She promised to have the edited document back by Wednesday next week.
He gave me authorization to publish all of the books on Lulu.com. He also wants me to order two copies of ALL OF MY BOOKS. One copy will be for “him” here in the mission and the other set will be to sent to Salt Lake City to the Church Historical Department. This is a very exciting development for my own books and possibly getting the eyes of many to see the books. I told President Mehr that there will be about 15 books that I will order. Amazing that I have been blessed to create this many books while here. That will be quite the Lulu order. I look forward to doing this. I want to order them in order to arrive here before we leave the mission.
He gave me “editorial authorization” to go forward with all of this! Wow! This was amazing and exciting!
He said that he was amazed at my talents. He noted that this writing comes natural to me. I told him that the writing and publishing are gifts of the Spirit to me. He also said that he has never seen anyone who gives attention to detail as I do. I can tell that he is very impressed. I am grateful for his praise but gratefully acknowledge the help of the Holy Ghost in all of these talents and abilities.
I was very jazzed about the conversation. I had gone to bed the night before quite discouraged thinking that I would never get authorization on any of the projects
SEWING, PERFORMANCE, AND FRIENDS AT THE 70’S HALL
On August 29th, a Friday, we served alone at the Seventies Hall. We had a very quiet morning. Sister Hunt brought her sewing machine. She worked to create a dress of the apricot colored fabric that Jenae gifted to her. She got a lot done – until the fire incident and that made her back off. We had an extension cord connecting the wall plug to Sister Hunt’s sewing machine and my computer.
At one point, the plug began to hiss like a big snake. Sparks began to fly. Lou acted quickly and jerked the plug out of the wall. We were grateful that we did not burn down the 70’s Hall. Wouldn’t that be a great news story? “Elder and Sister Hunt burn down the historic Nauvoo 70’s Hall!”
I spent quite a bit of time outside sweeping the walks. The grass mower had just been here and got clippings everywhere.
We were bothered by many flies as we sat at the place. I finally got the swatter and sent a few of them off to the next world. (Will flies be resurrected?)
I typed up a list of when our family members will be here. I sent this to the mission scheduler, Sister Wallentine. She does an excellent job. I am sure that the comprehensive list was a bit of a surprise to her.
I spent quite a bit of time outside sweeping the walks. The grass mower had just been here and got clippings everywhere.
The men of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (10 of them) came and presented a show about “The Book of Mormon”. They were excellent..
I enjoyed visiting with a young man named Logan O’Donnal. He played today the role of Brigham Young. I showed him my beard photo when I looked just like Brigham Young (28 or so years ago).
He really liked the photo (and my natural beard). Lou and I visited with some of the other young Elders.
Above: Kevin as Brigham Young with Joseph Smith
We helped usher the people into the place and took their show tickets. There was enough interest that the Elders performed twice. The 70’s Hall was completely packed the first time (about 60 people) and about 40 people in the next show.
We were surprised when Don and Alayne Favreau (long Mesa, Arizona friends) came in. They used to be in our Mesa South Stake and they were involved in everything in the stake. Then about 15 years ago they moved to the “Lehi Crossing” subdivision up in north Lehi. They have been on two missions. We sent their photo out to our family – and especially to Lana – who used to date their son, Aaron.
Above: Elder and Sister Hunt with Don and Alayne Favreau
ANOTHER GREAT PHOTO OP MOMENT
After we served that day at the Seventy’s Hall, we went home and were there just long enough to change into our yellow costume outfits.
Above and below: Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt in Nauvoo
We then went to Joseph’s Red Brick Store. We gathered there with all of the “site missionaries” as well as the 70 or so young sister missionaries. It was fun to see everyone dressed in their best costumes. Everyone looked amazing. We gathered for a grand photo of the whole group. Elder and Sister Harford were the photographers. They arranged us with women on benches and their men standing behind them. The young sisters knelt or sat on the ground in front of us. It did not take long for the photo session. It was a fun activity together.
Nauvoo was inhabited by Germans and French Icarians after the Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo. Both groups were into the drinking of wine – and they planted many grape vines in the local area around Nauvoo.
And for many years, the mainstay of the Nauvoo economy was the famous Nauvoo Blue Cheese. For almost 30 years, Nauvoo was home to the Nauvoo Blue Cheese factory. This was here when I was a young missionary. Another company purchased the factor around the year 2000 and closed the Nauvoo facility. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints later purchased this property and it is becoming now a parking lot for the new Temple Visitors’ Center that is currently under construction.
When I was in Nauvoo as a young missionary in 1975, the city boasted of and hosted the annual “Wedding of the Wine and Cheese” in a full Labor-Day weekend of events. The event was highly advertised in all of the tourist magazines through much of Illinois.
My journal of that time records how busy we were then:
The next day (also Sunday August 31 that year – just as in 2025) I wrote:
THE MODERN ANNUAL NAUVOO “GRAPE FESTIVAL” AND 5K RUN
Now fifty years later, the Labor day weekend is still a big deal in Nauvoo. The cheese is gone … so things are not so cheesy but the cheer remains. Now, however, it has evolved into what they call the annual “Grape Festival” which includes a 5K run. Typically this event is held the Saturday of the Labor Day Weekend. That Saturday came early this year – even in August – since Labor Day this year was on September 1st.
The mission has long been a supporter of this great event (and all community Nauvoo events).
We left the home early and went to the Nauvoo State Park – located about two blocks east of our Simeon A. Dunn home. We walked over to the park. We found Elder and Sister Graham walking too, so we walked with them and very much enjoyed the walk with them. They are great folks.
Above: Elder Fred and Sister Christine Graham
We got to the Highway 96 just as the 5K race participants were coming down the highway toward us.
I think that all of the young sister missionaries ran or walked in the community race. President and Sister Mehr participated in the run. Many senior missionaries also participated.
Above: Mission Leaders – President and Sister Mehr made it to both the start and finish of the 5K race.
We got to the park and went to the Stevenson Ramada where the local Scout troop was serving a pancake breakfast. It was an “open well” meaning that people could donate what they wanted. We put a $20 bill in the large jar. The Scouts have this breakfast very well organized and they quickly serve the food. We ate pancakes, sausage, and grape juice. It was all excellent.
While there, I talked to the Scoutmaster. I had hopes of using the ramada that evening. He said that his troop had the place reserved all day but that they would be out of the place by 11:00 AM. He said that it would be okay to use the ramada. This made me happy. I had determined that this is where I wanted our event and there was a “monkey wrench” in that we did not know the impact of the festival of the weekend. The Scouts used the ramada for breakfast this morning and the Catholic school was to do a breakfast there tomorrow.
STAGING A DUTCH OVEN DINNER FOR OUR DISTRICT MEMBERS
Knowing that Sister Hunt and I would soon be released as District Leaders of our great Hyrum #3 – Brigham District, we decided that we would like to stage a final gathering for all of the couples of the district. Whenever I think of really special gatherings, I often think of my hobby and skill of Dutch Oven cooking. And I needed to further justify my mission purchase of yet another 14″ Dutch Oven. So we planned big gathering for the group.
After the excitement (or our excitement for the annual Nauvoo Grape Festival event) held the morning of August 30th, Sister Hunt and I went home to make preparations for the Dutch oven dinner we had planned for later in the evening. I sent a notice to the district about the location availability of the place that I had wanted. I had kind of been keeping everyone in suspense relative to the location for our dinner.
Lou made her famous rolls and they were fabulous, as usual. She also cut potatoes and carrots for stew. I cut onions and celery. She and I worked together to pack the box of things to take with us for the event.
I cleaned my Dutch oven. I packed everything into the van to take to the park.
We went over to the Stevenson Ramada at the Nauvoo State Park about 3:30 PM. Lou ran back and forth to get additional items. My first task was to get the charcoal lit and burning. I had borrowed a fire lighting “chimney” from Elder Ward. He also loaned me a couple of Dutch ovens – to go with my own 14” oven that I bought a while ago.
I got one chimney full of coals and it soon began to heat up well. I put some newspaper in the bottom of the chimney and the can quickly sucked up the fire and pulled it upward to light all of the coals. It took only about 20 – 25 minutes to get the coals white hot. I soon had enough hot coals to stack the ovens three high. In the bottom oven, I put my famous stew (using the recipe I was given by Murial – the cook at Camp Kiesel – Ogden Scout camp 40 plus years ago. She fed it to big camp crowds and it is still just as great today. The middle oven had a chocolate cake – doctored with pudding, sour cream, and chocolate chips. I topped it off with German Chocolate topping made of coconut. Way too much Yum! And the mini oven on top was given to me for Christmas by my daughter Lana and today I used it to make a 3″ cake in honor of Elder Turner’s birthday (3 days ago – when the dinner was originally to be held)..
I then put all of the ingredients for the stew into the hot pan. I put even heat top and bottom with the coals.
Elder Ballard came about this time. I gave him the ingredients to make my punch. He had brought a cooler jug and a shovel from the FM department where he works.
Elder Burr had said that he would come to help. He rode up on his bike (even with his bum leg that he hurt a while ago). There was not a whole lot for him to do but I gave him a few things to do. It was great to visit with the two men.
Above: Elder Hayes watches as Elders Burr and Ballard “lick” the cake bowl.
The food was all ready as the rest of the folks from the district arrived. The event was set to start at 6:00 PM.
President and Sister Preston were in Utah so they were not with us. All of the rest of the district were there. The gathered group included Elders and Sisters Harford, Ballard, Burr, Hayes, Turner, Parker and Sister Hunt and me.
Above: Elders and Sisters: (L to R) Hayes, Burr, Parker, Turner, Harford, Ballard and Hunt of the Nauvoo Hyrum #3 – Brigham District
The event came off well. The food cooked to perfection. The stew was excellent and the cake (which we topped with German Chocolate coconut topping) was moist and wonderful.
I invited Elder Parker to ask a blessing on the food . We sang “Happy Birthday” to Elder Turner. He and his wife seemed to like the little cake.
Lou and I provided the main dish, the cake, and the rolls. We invited others to bring salads or side dishes. We had a good variety of food. All of it was very good.
There were several picnic tables out in the grass – under large trees. The site was green and beautiful. It was the perfect setting for our group and the activity. I think that everyone loved it.
We ate together and enjoyed good conversation together. It was a beautiful event and we all had fun (I think).
We packed up the vehicle to take everything home. Then at home, I cleaned up Elder Ward’s Dutch oven. I then took his ovens and tools back to his home on Young Street.
Back at home, I cleaned my own Dutch oven. I washed all of the dishes and cleaned up the mess that we had made earlier. It was nice to get the place cleaned up.
So, the event tonight was our final function on behalf of the district. And it was a grand success. Such fun – with such a great group.
Labor Day weekend … the traditional end of summer. And thus it was for us!
i recorded also the same day: “Time is quickly passing by …”
WOW! WHAT A MISSIONARY SUMMER WE HAD IN NAUVOO!
Thanks to all of you for sticking with me. I know that this blog article was kind of long … but what should I have cut out? I hope that you all read it in installments. At least I got it all written “for the record” – for me, my family, and for others in the future. It is so fun running and doing it all on the Nauvoo trail.
Wow! It really was a remarkable, fun and memorable summer in Nauvoo. We experienced such great times with great people. We did very much enjoy the good times, the continuing miracles and ongoing special connections with special friends in Nauvoo. We were grateful that those special moments just kept on coming!
On the Nauvoo Trail 