BLOG #62

By Kevin V. Hunt

It seems like forever since I have written about the day-to-day activities within our mission.  A lot of water has gone under the bridge.  Life has been very busy. We have been so busy living and doing it all that I have not taken the time to write such things.  Now do not get the wrong idea.  I have not been sitting around on the couch eating bon bons.  That would not be me.

Going clear back to May, … the month began with many history-type events that are worthy of note.

THE ANNUAL TULIP FESTIVAL IN PELLA, IOWA

And speaking of the month of May … the month started off with a great event.  Several months ago, I had read of a coming “tulip festival” to be held May 2^nd in the (relatively) nearby town of Pella, iowa.  I have recently written about this festival in a previous blog about our Nauvoo Brigham District.

A SESQUICENTENNIAL VISIT TO QUINCY, ILLINOIS – “THE CITY OF REFUGE”

Speaking of water under the bridge … in early May, Sister Hunt and I made a trip to nearby Quincy, Illinois – located about 50 miles south of Nauvoo.  We found ourselves under a massive bridge spanning the mighty Mississippi River.  The view was majestic.  Wow! What a beautiful place.  It was at this point on the river where the early Saints crossed into Illinois after they were extracted by mob action in Missouri.

The occasion was part of a sesquicentennial celebration staged by the City of Quincy.  Their city was founded 150 years ago.  In the winter of 1838 to 1839, the Saints were driven from Missouri.  The Saints were freezing and starving.  The citizens of Quincy were unlike the evil folks who had just exterminated the Saints from Missouri by order of Governor Boggs.  They became “the City of Refuge” as they opened their hearts and homes to the destitute Saints.

There were an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 permanent residents of Quincy in 1839.  The Mormon population came in at an estimated 5,000 people.    With limited housing available, each family likely housed ten or 15 more people in their homes.  One guy is purported to have quipped, “I couldn’t even take a step without stepping on a Mormon”.  (There is, of course, no historical record of that, but it does help one picture the setting of the time.)

In 1841, Joseph Smith and other Latter-day Saint leaders issued a proclamation expressing gratitude to the citizens of Quincy for sheltering thousands of refugees. It is this expression of thanks that is referenced on the Quincy monument honoring the Mormon pioneers. 

Joseph said: “THE CITIZENS OF QUINCY (WILL) BE HELD IN EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE FOR THEIR UNPARALLELED LIBERALITY AND MARKED KINDNESS TO OUR PEOPLE, WHEN IN THEIR GREATEST STATE OF SUFFERING AND WANT,”

In 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Church President spoke at the placement of a commemorative rock plaque in the Clat Adams park located at the river’s edge.  He said, “We shall always be grateful for the kindness, the hospitality, the civility with which your people met our people who were exiles from the state of Missouri.  I express my gratitude to those who are successors of those who were here long ago and say thank you with all of our hearts.”

In that year of 2002, President Hinckley brought the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to perform in Quincy.  And following the concert, President Hinckley presented a check for $75,000 to the mayor in thanks for the kindness of the early people of Quincy.

The above referenced Sesquicentennial celebration, was held in Quincy on May 10^th and Sister Hunt and I were privileged to attend.  On that occasion, and at the celebration held under the bridge, a new commemorative sign was unveiled. 

It was announced that this sign would ultimately be placed adjacent to the 2002 rock plaque.  This new sign commemorated the kindness and generosity of the Quincy people back in 1839.  (We have been back to the site a couple of times but the sign has not yet been permanently planted as envisioned.)

It was a grand celebration there at the river.  Speeches were given and yes, the band played and added much to the event.  The band, in this case, was none other than our own Nauvoo Brass Band, under the direction of Elder Craig Ferrin. 

The band was amazing.  They arrived just a week ago (last Saturday) and they did a fabulous job.  They were very impressive.  Their look was also impressive with a background of the river and the Missouri bridge overhead.  They added much razz-ma-tazz and energy to the event.    This was their first live performance of the season. 

Upon arrival, I happened to talk to a brother Nathan Seaman. He looked like a dignitary – by his badge – so I introduced myself to him.  I had recognized his name as him being the composer of the symphony performance that we planned to attend later in the evening.  I had read of him after Elder Ballard sent us information about the event (and for which I purchased tickets).  I took his photo.  He also introduced me to other dignitaries of the event – including the former mayor a Mr. Chuck Schultz.  I guess this guy was the mayor in 2002 when President Hinckley and the full Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed in Quincy. L After the performance, Pres. Hinckley presented a check for $70,000 from the Church to the Mayor in recognition  for the Quincy community assistance given to the Saints back in 1938.

Lou and I both took a plethora of photos (she more than me since my phone was about out of battery juice).

We talked with adult siblings of the Ryan Seamon, the composer.   The one brother-in-law remembered Lou and I from when we gave them a tour at the Browning home back in August (16^th) of last summer.  I knew that I should know the guy but wasn’t sure from where.  He approached me and we shared the Browning memory.

It was really great to be a part of the program.  And it will be fun in future times to remember back to our participation in this historic event.  (Like the Durfee Hancock plaque dedication that we attended back in 1997 when we were in Nauvoo for participation in the “City of Joseph” pageant.)

A GRAND PERFORMANCE IN A GRAND OLD HALL

We then went to the historic Morrison Theater located at the local junior high school.  This place is about a hundred years old.  It is absolutely spectacular.  About 30 of us Nauvoo senior missionaries sat together up in the upper balcony and this was great fun.. 

This Nathan Seaman composed the symphony.  The Nauvoo Brass band and the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (who both just arrived just a week ago) performed their first show of the season and they were amazing.  Later a choir joined the symphony musicians.  Wow!  Talk about amazing!  It was all so fabulous and amazing.

Later a choir joined the symphony musicians. Again, Wow! The symphony was also fabulous!  Among other songs, they performed “Amazing Grace”, “God Bless America”, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”.  So fantastic!  I don’t know when I have enjoyed a performance more than on this night.

TAKING A RIDE IN A UNIQUE OLD BUGGY

On Sunday, May 4^th, we were a part of an interesting activity.  In my journal, I recorded, “I looked out of the side window and saw a horse and buggy riding by our place.  I ran outside to see who they might be.  They had a very cool buggy.  I loved it. 

The guy’s name is Paul McKoon,  He said that his family has lived within six or so miles from here for a hundred and fifty years.  He said that the buggy is 100 years old and has been owned by four generations of his family.  I asked the guy (and his lady) if they had seen our Lucy Mack Smith carriage located in her original carriage house (located just a short block north of our Nauvoo home).  They had not.  I offered to show it to them

.

“We took off toward Lucy’s place (with them in their buggy, and me walking along beside).  We got part way and he asked me if I wanted to ride in the back of the buggy.  This sounded real fun.  He said that I could call my wife to ride also.  I called her and she started walking down toward us.. 

“The guy decided to turn the horse around and the buggy nearly fell over.  He was lucky to get the horse back into control.  This was good.

As Lou connected with us – she and I got into the vehicle.  It was super fun to ride in the unit.  The Sanders came out to see what was going on, having heard the commotion outside.  I handed Sister Sanders my phone to take a few photos for us.  She did so and they turned out great.

AN EVENTFUL DAY AT THE BROWNING HOME AND GUN SHOP

We were visited by three ladies from England and Wales.  They are from the area where our daughter, Jenae, served on her mission.  We loved talking to these ladies and hearing their accent.  Lou wanted to give the ladies a brick.  She only had one in the car to give away.  The two younger ladies said to give it to their mother – since that day was her birthday.  The mom now lives in Florida and the two girls remain in Nottingham, England and Wales.  Sister Hunt is trying to get the new Temple Bricks distributed around the world.

I had another fun little moment while we were at the Browning home and gun shop.  A few days before we had taken a cute little family on a tour somewhere else.  In this family was a little boy of about age seven.  As the family came in, we reminisced about our previous tour.  The talk centered on the adults.  Then I looked over at the little boy.  He smiled and gave me a silent little wave – as if to say, “I remember you!”  A tender moment!

ALWAYS FUN TO MEET MORE COUSINS

While at the Browning home, we were also visited by the Coffman family.  This consisted of the mom, Marie, and two sons.  Taylor has been home from a mission to Thailand for a couple of years and now goes to BYU.  His brother, Ashton, is 17 and is a senior in high school – in Indiana.  Marie also had her sister and her husband with her.  I learned that the ladies had ancestry in Enterprise, Utah.  We then did “Relatives Around Me” and we discovered that we are 4^th cousins on our common Thomas Sirls Terry line.  I very much enjoyed the time with these folks.

The next day, Sister Hunt and I attended the Nauvoo Visitor’s Branch on assignment with our Heber Zone.  On that day, I helped pass the sacrament.  And my two cousins from yesterday – Taylor and Ashton came and wanted to pass the sacrament – since they were in Nauvoo.  Two Elders of our zone bowed out for them.  I ended up sitting with one of them on each side of me.  I talked to Ashton.  He had not heard of the “Relatives Around Me” exercise with me and his brother.  I showed him the relationship connection through Thomas Sirls Terry and us being 4^th cousins.  He found this very interesting.  I enjoyed talking with them afterwards.

i talked of going in the buggy to the Lucy Mack Smith home. Then as we got to Lucy’s place, I again saw my “cousins”. They were in Lucy’s back yard – having just finished a tour. The group included Taylor and Ashton Coffman and their mother and sister – there in the back yard.  We took a cousins photo together.  We showed the other folks just a photo of the carriage and they headed off.

We then talked to the Coffman’s about brick making.  They were intrigued.  We took them to the storage room and showed them the new bricks.  We gave them three of the Temple bricks and they thought that they were super cool.  I enjoyed the renewed connection with them.

And speaking of bricks … We received a mission message from Nauvoo historian Juanita Coleman.  She said that the former brickyard classrooms will soon be used or made over into facilities for Nauvoo guests to go to for respite, child care, etc.  Interesting!  The message instructed missionaries to remove personal items, bikes, etc., from the rooms.  I went into a panic fearing that the box of original dated bricks (first out of the kiln) could be disappearing.  We had placed there for safe keeping after we got them out of the kiln.  I went over to the Brickyard and removed the box of bricks and brought them over to our house – until we can figure out what to do with them.

And speaking 4^th cousins, some folks may remember the November 19^th “Church News” article in which my two Nauvoo Hunt cousins – Brad and Jake and I were highlighted as cousins in service together.  On numerous occasions since – and even many months after that article, we have had random unknown people who see my nametag and they say, “Oh, you’re one of the Nauvoo Elder Hunts!  We saw your story in the “Church News”.  Wow!  I didn’t know that we would make such a lasting impression.

A SPECIAL GIFT OUT OF THE BLUE

Sister Hunt and I were serving one day at the Sarah Granger Kimball home.  I love this place.

As we were there, an unknown brother approached us.  He got out of his car and came to us.  He presented us with a beautiful charcuterie board that he had hand-made.  He thanked us for our service here in Nauvoo.  It was a beautiful gift – and so unexpected.   We learned that this brother lives in Iowa – two or three hours away.  We later learned that he has similarly delivered other boards to additional couples.  A beautiful act of service – and a special token to keep and remember.

WE MEET SOME UNIQUE BIKERS ALONG OUR WAY

We were on our way to our service location on May 6th  and we passed President and Sister Mehr on Parley Street.  They were doing their daily bike ride.  He said that they “are getting their exercise before the world (the rush of the day) crashes down around them.”  President Mehr often quips about “Me, My Bike, My Hill, and The Lord”.  I guess he often gets his inspiration while out bike riding.  I am sure that they have very busy days and they have to deal a lot with so many things.  They are great people.  They stopped long enough for us to get some photos of them on the bikes.  So great.

President Mehr surprised us a bit.  He had kind of hinted once before to us that he was trying to find a way for me to go with him and the young sister missionaries on what he calls a “Church History immersion trip”.   This is a trip that he takes with the Young Sister Missionaries and they go around and check out historic sites of the church.

Today he said, “Is your schedule free next week – like Tuesday and Wednesday?  I would like you and your wife to go with us on our “Immersion Trip”.  I said “That would be great.  I think we can clear the schedule.  (Har, Har!)”  I asked him what he would want us to do for the trip.  He kind of waved his hand around and said, “Everything … document the whole trip!”  Wow!  That would be so fabulous!  I think that he really likes my records of history here in Nauvoo.”

Little did I know the future impact of that one little random visit with the bikers.  I did not then know that I would spend literally every free moment of the next four months on an Immersion project.

GOING ALONG ON CHURCH HISTORY IMMERSION TRIPS

President Mehr connected with the mission scheduler and told him to put Sister Hunt and I as scheduled to participate in the Immersion Trips.  President Mehr got permission from the Church History Department to take the 36 young sisters – who all go home this fall – on some Church History Immersion trips.  The group of young sister missionaries were divided into two groups.  So, this meant two sets of trips and us going on all of the trips. 

In preparation for these trips, Elder Hayes (of our Brigham District) was invited to make a presentation on the Saints in these historic sites.  Elder Hayes (in a previous life) had been a Professor of Church History at BYU-Idaho.  He gave a great presentation.  He later said that it had been a challenge to squeeze a semester of Church History into a single evening presentation.  He did help set the stage for our upcoming trips.

Tour Group at the Far West Temple Site Monument

The first overnight trip was to Missouri church historic sites.  We then made another overnight trip across the Iowa Mormon Trail and to Winter Quarters in Nebraska.  We repeated these two trips a couple of weeks later with the other half of the Sisters.  Then later, we went on a day trip with them to see “local” sites around Nauvoo – like Ramus and Quincy, Illinois, the “Sugar Creek Camp” and Montrose in Iowa.

On one of our first trips, we made a stop at the Adam-Ondi-Ahman site.  This is such a special and sacred spot – though as the young sisters say, “It was just green hills but such a powerful place”.  My cousin, Brady Hunt (son of Allen and Leonie) actually lives near Adam-Ondi-Ahman – and that geographic area “is in his ward”.  He and his children had recently come to visit us in Nauvoo.  As I learned that we would be going to the AOD site, I contacted him.  He said that he would come over to meet us at the place for a short visit.  His mother, Leonie, happened to be visiting him that week (from her home in Blanding, Utah.  She was making the trip alone since Allen had recently died).

Above: Brady Hunt (Center) with Leonie, and Kevin Hunt

Brady did come and he brought his mother.  Aunt Leonie is a very gifted song writer and singer.  He told me of her own song she had composed and titled also, “Adam-Ondi-Ahman” – just as William W. Phelps.  With permission of our mission president, she stood at the edge of the grand and beautiful green meadow and sang her special song.  It was a challenge for her since she had often sung this song with Allen.  A special family connection at this sacred and special place …

Above: Leonie Hunt singing her song composed for and named “Adam-Ondi-Ahman”

Our months of May and June were packed with all of these wonderful trips.  On these trips, I served in my role as Mission Historian.  I took copious notes all along the way.  I recorded history, trip activities, and testimonies and feelings shared by the young sister missionaries.  Sister Hunt was the official photographer for all of the trips.

Above: The “8 Witnesses Monument”

At one point, I took advantage of a moment with just President Mehr and myself.  I wanted clarification about his vision for me being on the trips.  Knowing of my propensity for writing and creating books, he said, “I WANT A BOOK, OF COURSE!”

Okay, so a book it would be!  After the trips ended, I composed a “memory book” just for the young sister missionaries – combining all that I described above.  I did very comprehensive research about every Church site we had visited – and many more that were significant but which we did not have time to visit.  This turned into a very major project that certainly kept me entertained.  I worked on the project for several hours each day for the next four months.

I created one giant composite book that had everything in it.  Then I broke this down into several smaller books which I published separately.  I termed these books “Study and Travel Guides” for general distribution to missionaries of the three states, as well as to the general public – for anyone anticipating a Church history tour. 

And in the process, I did also extract a book just for the young sisters.  And I prepared a “Synoptic Summary” for the Church History Department.  More on this subject later …

SOME TIME SPENT WITH CHURCH HISTORIANS

(May 6^th) We fed historians Alex Stromberg, and Curtis Ashton (both from Salt Lake City and the Church History Department). 

Above: (L to R): Historians Curtis Ashton, Kevin Hunt, Alex Stromberg

It was fun to host them.  And they were grateful that they did not have to be eating at restaurants.  We had a great casual conversation with them.  Lou fed them chicken spaghetti, green beens – with French fried onions (optional), bread sticks (heated from the freezer), fruit salad, chocolate cake with homemade ice cream and syrup.  The good was great.  I got a good photo with them.  A fun time!

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS WITH SPECIAL PEOPLE IN NAUVOO

I have written before about the joy of meeting people we have known before as we serve here in Nauvoo.  We also have many connections with our fellow senior missionaries with whom we serve. 

Above: Elder and Sister Shane Summers and Sister Lou Dene Hunt with Elder Kevin Hunt

One such couple is Elder and Sister Summers.  My brother-in-law, Brad Belcher, “warned” me of the coming of Elder Summers long before he arrived here.  Brad and Elder Summers were friends and roommates “a hundred years ago” when they both attended then Ricks College (now BYU-I) together.  It was great fun to meet Elder Summers and his wife as they arrived here in Nauvoo.  And we have had many “Brad” conversations since – and have even read Brad’s missionary letters together.  Brad and Kerry are serving as senior missionaries in San Diego, California.

VISITING ANCIENT “MOUND SITES”

Sister Wilson staged a fun event (May 7) for all of us missionaries..  It was actually two different events.  We first met at the Visitors’ Center.  We pooled rides. 

Sister Wilson took us to the north end of town.  We parked and then walked up into the woods.  The forest was fabulous and very beautiful.   Sister Wilson told us that this area is the location of “Indian mounds” where Nephites probably lived.  We all felt that it was “sacred ground”.  It felt like a special place.  Lou and I got a lot of great photos. 

Above: Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt at site of Nephi Mounds near Nauvoo, Illinois

There were about a hundred missionaries who went on the outing.

We then walked up the road a bit and we were able to see several “MOUNDS” small hills that are covered now with green grass.  There was a sign placed by an Eagle Scout twelve years ago.

After the mound experience, we all went to the “campfire bowl on Parley Street” and enjoyed a campfire program with singing, and of course, S’mores for all.

Above: Sunset view of Mississippi River from Parley Street campfire bowl May 7 2025

A SNEAK PREVIEW OF COMING EVENTS

Elder Hopkinson asked (May 9^th) us if we know the Cultural Hall tour.  It was reported that there was a man outside of it wanting a tour.  We went over and could not find the guy.  The young Sisters who were at the Scovil Bakery went with us inside of the Cultural Hall.  The Nauvoo Performing Missionaries arrive here in Nauvoo this past Saturday.  They have been practicing for future performances – in the Cultural Hall.   One of their leaders invited us in and we got to see the first run-through (literally) of the ladies of the group performing “The Women of Nauvoo” that they will perform almost daily at Joseph’s Red Brick Store.  They did really well for a first time through – with no advance blocking or practice.  The Scovil Bakery ladies passed out cookies to all of the cast members – and this made them all very happy.

FUN AT OUR OWN MISSIONARY “COUNTRY FAIR”

May 21^st was a very fun evening.  We went to the annual “country fair” held just for the missionaries – in an effort to get us excited about the fair that will happen every night before each pageant event in July and early August. 

Above: Young sister missionaries doing log saw event

The event on this night was under the direction of Elder Price.  We volunteered to help run and event and he asked us to man the tug-o-war.  We were there but had only one group to give a tug on the rope.

There was a band (made of missionaries and some local folks) and they were fabulous.  I enjoyed them a lot.  They also staged dancing – with music by the band – and many people had fun dancing.  Lou and I took a break from photo taking long enough to get a waltz dance.  (“Can I have this dance …” reminiscent of the singing of some of our friends in Ogden, Utah a hundred years ago …  That has since kind of been “our song”.)

The big event of the evening was the stick pull activity. 

President Mehr took a turn at the activity and he was a big draw.  It was fun to watch him as he took on even some of the young sister missionaries. 

Above: President and Sister Mehr doing stick pull at Country Fair

Everyone was drawn over to watch him.  He went against several people and won against everyone.  (He and Joseph Smith would have enjoyed some stick pulling together if they had been in the same time and space.  Joseph Smith is said to have loved stick pulling.  I think it was because he was so good – and beat everyone.)

It was kind of a cold evening.  It had been quite windy all day.  Lou and I were glad that we took our coats.  Lou took her big fur coat and she got a few laughs.  (I always say that Lou freezes if the temperature dips below 92 degrees and she burns up if it is over 93!”)

Such a fun evening … and it made us look forward to many more such country fairs this summer.

Also about this time, we began to experience the thrill of the Nauvoo Brass Band.  This group of young people (missionaries) add so much to the spirit and nostalgia of Nauvoo.  They are amazing and wonderful.  Each morning for two months, the band starts at the Cultural Hall and they lead a morning parade south down Main Street – to the giant walnut “singing tree” located adjacent to the Browning home and the John Taylor home across the street.  Along the parade route many families and kids join in on the march.  This is such fun.

Then at the tree, the band has a flag ceremony, announcements with news and the schedule of events of the day – and then prayer.  They end with a rousing dance wherein they try to get everyone in the audience involved.  When we serve in the nearby homes, we often get to come outside (since all of the guests are “with the band” (“no worries … we are with the band” as our Jackie and Keith would say with their high school band.)

Under such circumstances, I became quick friends with Elder Patterson, a Nauvoo Performing missionary who marched with the band and participated in events at the tree.  It seemed as if he and I had known each other forever … and maybe we had been brothers in former times.

SERVING AS A TOUR GUIDE FOR IOWA HISTORIC SITES

Admittedly I have done a done a lot of history “snooping” in the area surrounding Nauvoo.  I have written on many of these sites in the past (as in my “Nauvoo Monuments, Markers, and The Dash” blog.  I was pleased to revisit many of these sites- but this time as the tour guide to assist and entertain others. 

Sister Hunt and I led our district members on a tour of many sites.  We had a grand time seeing the sites and then eating together.  This trip is documented in my blog about our Brigham District.

NOTING A HISTORIC MARKER – AND THAT MAKES ME OLD!

May 10^th was kind of a historic day for me – and it made me a part of ancient history.

Above: Elder Craig Shaltes and Elder Kevin Hunt May 1975

The day marked a special anniversary for me.  It was 50 years ago today that I first arrived in Nauvoo for my young mission.  That was also a Saturday.  That was a great day as I first became acquainted with Nauvoo.  Elders Rich, Moffat and Howard and I left Tallahassee, Florida and flew to Atlanta, Georgia.  We then flew to Chicago.  We rode a little “prop” plane from there to Burlington, Iowa.  (And we almost hit a deer on this “Tree Top airlines”)  “President” J. LeRoy Kimball was there to meet us.  He gave us an orientation of Nauvoo and his restoration efforts.  My journal records that I spent the first night in the old Lyon Drug Store (home).  This was before that place was restored as a historic site. 

50 years!  How is that possible?  Where did that time go?

SISTER HUNT TRIES TO OUTDO BETTY CROCKER

Folks who know my wife have likely experienced some of her wonderful “down home” cookin’.  Let’s just say that she is a wonderful cook – especially when serving other folks.  The Immersion trips with the Young Sister Missionaries was an opportunity for her to showcase her special culinary talents and skills.

For each trip – so that means for five different occasions, she had our place really cookin’.   For each trip, she wanted to share her cooking prowess with the sisters.  She made a plethora of cookies, bread, cinnamon rolls, and even fudge.  For each of the trips, she filled large aluminum pans with a new assortment of goodies.  She needed four different tins of food – one for each vehicle that would be transporting the group.

This was always a major effort and a very special service.  The Sisters – and of course the hungry men – all loved the tasty assortment of goodies.  She generally had a “breakfast package” as well many yummy snacks that we could snack on throughout the day.  Thanks Lou!  You are the best cook!

MOVING ON TO MAKE ROOM FOR OUR RETURN

In the middle of the month, we received some great news.  Our daughter Larissa and husband, Stu, have been anxious to buy a house and they have thought that this would happen for them.   They have saved a lot of money for a down-payment.  Then a bank told them that it would not be possible for them to get a loan – because of his unpredictable commission payments -and that they would need two years of job history – in the same type of job – before they can get a loan.  It was good that the bank told them this Larissa would not have believed it from any of us.

Since that time, they have been looking for a place to rent – knowing that getting a rental would mean using up all of their savings.  They have tried a few places.  Today they learned that they have been approved to get into a place that they found.

This is really great news for us and for them (“You’n’s as the Suthuners would say.)   

Above: The Maricopa Home we left in March 2024

We really needed to get them out of our place before we get home.  They have lived in our home and made it their own.  And they have done a great job of caring for the place in our absence.  We have wanted them out so that we can make our place our own as we return.  Also, they have dogs and I want nothing to do with dogs living in the house with us.  (They are fine for other people!  Many of our grandchildren are allergic to whatever dogs bring to a place.)

The ”kids” will move a few months before we get home – but it will work well.  We have been praying for a miracle for them – and for us – and the Lord has heard our prayers.

BRICKS, BRICKS, AND MORE BRICKS

It was May 16^th, and I arose this morning and took an inventory of the dated bricks that we have in our basement.   With authorization, we had planned to hand out the special dated (new) first-run Temple bricks to all of the missionaries at a coming mission dinner.  Through my inventory,  I found that we previously made 90 bricks but found that about ten of them were broken.  I made a count of how many bricks that we need in order to give a brick to all couples, YSM’s, performing missionaries, etc.  I came up with the need for us to make 156 more brick – for a total of 236 total needed.  This is a bunch.

We reported to the brick yard where we anticipated a big day.  We were happy to be joined by young sisters Rivas and Doman.  These ladies proved fantastic.  This was Sister Doman’s first time to be in the brickyard and she caught on fast.

The work for the day seemed a bit overwhelming.  There were two racks of bricks that needed to be put in the kiln, and the bricks created yesterday needed to be hacked (turned).  I did both of these tasks.

We put the young sisters to work creating some custom imprints.  I had promised Ben Pykles (Church historian) some personal bricks.  We made the imprint and made eight brick for him.  Using the mold that Michael Bowles made for us, we printed 40 bricks for the Mehrs – to kind of use like a “business card”.  They liked the idea of us making something for them but they really do not know what we are doing.  We also created the other needed bricks dated March 9, like the “first run” brick that we fired for Elder Belcher.

Lou spent her entire day molding brick and she was very tired at the end of the day.  She taught the Sisters how to mold the new Temple bricks.  The young ladies quickly got the system down and did well.

I also worked at the pug mill.  We started the day with 3 ½ tubs of the pugs.  So, I waited until the ladies had used a bunch before I had the machine crank out any more pugs.  I filled three tubs and the machine worked well today.  I also transported all of the trays from the three ladies to their positions in the drying racks.

I also taught the young ladies how to trim bricks.  The three of us trimmed a great many brick through the day.  I did trimming along with the pub and moving all of the completed trays as they ladies finished them.

It was 4:30 PM when we finally finished at the Brickyard.  We really pumped in the action today.  We accomplished a great deal.

Ten days later, the bricks created as above, and per our usual drying procedures, should have been dry, put in the kiln, and should have been ready to come out of the kiln.  On the given day, we got up and left early this morning (or earlier than usual).  We went to the Brickyard.  We had planned to meet Elder and Sister Rieske there at 8:15 Am.  We went to help unload the brick kiln after a recent firing.  We had expected that the many custom bricks that we had created were in this kiln package.  We helped pull out about 1,000 bricks from the kiln.  We realized, however, that the bricks that we expected had not even gone into the kiln (and we wanted them for distribution three days hence).  Elder Rieske promised to get our bricks into the kiln that day.  Some young sister missionaries came and we asked them to load the special bricks into the kiln for us.

The next day, Elder Rieske asked me if I would go with him to the Brickyard to pump out “pugs” for folks to use to make bricks the next day.  We went over and I cut the pugs and he put them into the plastic tubs.  We cranked out 3 ½ tubs – meaning about 175 bricks.  I enjoyed visiting with Elder Rieske.  He is a good guy.  He is also the “coordinator” of the Brickyard and he does a great job.  As he says, “This is my baby!”  He is really dedicated to the place.

REUNION CONNECTION WITH LONG-TIME FRIENDS

We had some fun guests May 17th and provided dinner for them. The guests were Tiffany and her husband Josh White.  Tiffany is a sister to Hillary Longhurst – a friend of many years to our daughter Kaylea.  They came with their four children.

Lou made tacos and the kids seemed to enjoy these.  We had earlier bought fresh corn on the cob (which I shucked).  We bought a watermelon but it proved a major disappointment.  Lou also made mint brownies.  We all enjoyed the meal.

It was fun to be with these folks.  Josh is a State Trooper (highway patrolman) and he looked the part.  Tiffany was very happy to see us.

After dinner, we took the group to many places.  I called the Nauvoo SM security guy (not Robert) and told him that we would be out doing some tours of the area.  He said that the security alarms would come on at 8 PM so we needed to be out of all places by that time.  They got to Carthage Jail this afternoon and then they went to the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House and Joseph’s Red Brick Store.  Tonight, we took them to the Forge or Blacksmith Shop (but minus the fire).  The kids were all jazzed with the small horseshoes that I gave to each of them

We then went to the Browning home.  Josh loved seeing the guns. We made an abbreviated stop at the Post Office. We took them to the Lyon Drug Store and they liked the products – including the buffalo hide.

Our next stop was the Wilford Woodruff home.  I love this place because of its authenticity.

We finished the tours at the riser Boot Shop.  Lou really rushed through this tour.

We went with our friends down to the river to experience the magnificent sunset (as we often get to experience here in Nauvoo).   We got a lot of photos.  While we were there, we met two guys.  The American guy was Marshall Snarr and he was with a guy from Brazil. They were missionary companions in the same mission where Rusty served – but they were there just a couple of years before him.  These guys were cool.  We connected with them right off.  We all did “Relatives Around Me” and we (not the Brazilian) are all eighth cousins.  And this Snarr guy was a close cousin to my wife.  Her Aunt married a Snarr.

I showed Josh how to do “My Nauvoo Relative” and he was really jazzed to learn how to use this phone “app”.  And he was pleased to find a few of his people who were here ion Nauvoo.  Actually, he was very surprised to find 69 of his relatives here. 

We took the guests up to the Temple and they took several photos there.  We then went to the property where his ancestor David Evans lived – near the current Nauvoo State Park.  Josh was really jazzed about this find.

We then took them to the place on Partridge Street where one can get a fabulous photo shot of the temple “illuminated”. They loved this photo opportunity.

Next we went to the local home of Richard Hancock, another of my 4^th cousins (and Richard is the local FM landscape manager).  Josh and Richard were longtime friends from their youth.  They were very happy to greet one another.  Richard had not known that Josh was in Nauvoo so it was a fun surprise for him.

So many fun Nauvoo connections!

The next morning, Tiffany texted Lou:  “Good Morning, Lou!

We had such a great time yesterday. Thank you so much for showing us around. I loved everything we saw, and Kevin was so great with our quick timeline we were on! Thank you for dinner and for your generosity with your time!  … We’re gonna get packed up after church and get back on the road! 

Thanks again for everything! I loved seeing you – and Josh, and the kids had a great time!  We’ll never forget it.”

We were happy that we were able to help the folks feel the great spirit of Nauvoo.

MORE FUN CONNECTIONS

Sister Hunt and I were serving at the Mansion House of Joseph and Emma.   Our second group was fun.  One lady in the group was Sister Layton (now Lance) who was a sister missionary in our Maricopa Wells Ward when I was serving as the Ward Mission Leader.  She recognized me immediately.  It was fun to see her and her husband, Garrett Lance.  He seemed pretty sharp.  They made a good couple.  Her parents and siblings were along on the tour, also.

On May 15th, also met the Preston Dees family.  They hail from Coolidge, Arizona – where we lived for two years – 1989 to 1991.  The wife, I learned, is Melody – the daughter of Eddie and Brenda Nevitt.  I surprised this lady – mother of five including 3 large boys and two girls – when I told her that I would have been her home teacher for the two years that we were in Coolidge. 

We talked quite a bit with these folks and we had a fun time with them.  She wrote to her siblings and the oldest daughter remembers our three older girls from when we lived there.  They would not have been much older than this sister.  How cool is this meeting?  Another “Nauvoo Miracle” that the Lord staged for us.

Another day we were serving at the Homestead and Mansion House of Joseph and Emma. I was surprised at one guest group. One lady in the group was Sister Layton (now Lance) who was a sister missionary in our Maricopa Wells Ward when I was serving as the Ward Mission Leader a few years ago. 

Above: Garret Lance and wife (former Sister Layton) and Elder Hunt

It was fun to see her and her husband, Garrett Lance.  He seemed pretty sharp.  They made a good couple.  Her parents and siblings were along on the tour, also.

LOU IS AGAING BUT STILL DOES NOT SHOW HER AGE

Our kids sent us a gift certificate (for Mother’s Day).  We then went to the Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Lou’s birthday.  In case any of you are wondering, she is now “the age of man”.  We got seated right away.  We both ordered ribs.  I also got my usual baked potato and chili.  The food was excellent.  I ate only half of my meal and saved the rest for later.

I slipped a note to the waitress about it being Lou’s birthday.  They brought the saddle and a few other employees to sing “Happy Birthday” to her.  Lou was embarrassed but went along with the plan.

The waitress asked Lou how old she was (so that she could announce this to the folks in the restaurant).  When Lou said “72”, the lady went into absolute shock.  She just stood there and stared blankly.  She finally said, “You really do not look as if you are 72.  You must really have a great skin care program.”  It was fun to see Lou on the saddle.  It was a fun activity..  Then after the singing event Lou told the waitress that she is the mother of 9 and the grandmother of 43.  This again put the lady into shock.  Lou was pleased that she looked so young to this lady.  She felt that she had received a great compliment from her.

On Lou’s actual birthday,   we went to the home of Elder and Sister Munns.  They hosted a birthday party that included Elder Munns, Elder Brad Hunt, and Lou – who all celebrated birthdays on the same day.  This was a fun activity.  There were about 290 couples who came and left.  It was fun to visit with the folks.  I thought, “Wow … there are a lot of old folks here!”

Above: Sharing a birthday – Sister Lou Hunt, Elder Brad Hunt (4th cousin) and Elder Mac Munns

Back at home, we ate leftovers from last night.  I asked Lou if she wanted me to make her a cake and she decided against it – since we really did  not want to eat a whole cake.  I also tried to get her to tell what she wanted as birthday gifts but she could never come up with anything.  Too bad there is not a Goodwill close by.  A trip there would have been the ultimate for her.

Our daughter, Lana, has a “cake top” business in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She sent her mother a gift box with a dozen of her cake tops – in many exotic flavors.

Above: “Cakes and Bakes by Lana Rae” package received in the mail from Lana.

Above: All of the “birthday stuff” sent to Lou by her posterity

Lou talked to all of our children on her birthday.  We enjoyed the conversations.  It was fun to catch up with everyone.  It was a challenge trying to get all of the calls through the evening.  Many of the families called at once and then they had to wait in “queue” for their turn.

A COUSIN GATHERING AT THE CEMETERY

Although the month was jam-packed with activity, we managed to take our district on a tour of local sites and hidden monuments in Nauvoo.  This was on our regular 4^th Tuesday night that is set aside for district training and activities.  We took the district around to about 20 different sites.  I used some technology to our benefit.  I knew that it would be a challenge to keep getting in and out of multiple cars to see the various sites.  So I arranged with our son, Keith, to help.  He set up a couple of zoom calls and the district members, in their cars, were able to hear me as we toured the sites and as I presented history of each place.  This system actually worked quite well.  Thanks, Keith!

One of our stops was the Nauvoo Cemetery (not the pioneer burial ground).  This is located east of town.  To get to this cemetery, we drive east on Mulholland Street (the main drag).  There is a curve or turn at the end of town.  Instead of taking the turn, however, cemetery seekers are to go straight.  And within about a quarter of a mile, there is a cemetery on the left.  Much of this cemetery is designated as a Catholic cemetery, but there is an old Mormon grave section in the far southwest corner.

In this cemetery there is a marker for Ute Perkins – the 5^th great grandfather of my wife.  His is a confusing situation.  In this cemetery there is a marker recognizing Ute as a soldier of the Revolutionary War.  There are two other identical markers (in headstone format) located adjacent to his – as if they were placed at the same time as a part of a memorial service.  Ute is also noted on a stone along with his wife down in the town of Ramus (now Webster), Illinois.  Not too many people merit headstones in two cemeteries!

Above: Image of Laura Clark Phelps

Also in this cemetery is the grave of Laura Clark Phelps.  Laura is the sister to my 3^rd great grandfather, Ezra T. Clark.  Laura is the wife of Morris Phelps and she is kind of famous in church history lore.

In the fall of 1833, murderous mobs gathered and drove the Saints from their homes under severe persecution. Morris and Laura gathered what little they could and fled to Clay County in bitter weather. Morris rented a farm and several attempts were made to go back to Jackson County. During this time they became well acquainted with the Prophet and grew to love him even more. Then on September 20, 1834, Morris left his family and went on a mission with Apostle David Patten and others. Laura worked hard and, by teaching school and acting as a midwife, was able to support her family.

He bought a farm just outside of Far West on June 2, 1837, but trouble was already brewing. One day the Prophet and his brother came running by their house and Laura hid them in her house behind the clothes curtain. When the mob rushed in and their leader said, “Where are they? We know they are here, we saw them come,” she answered calmly and with apparent unconcern, “No, gentlemen, they are not here, but you are welcome to look all you want to.” She tried to look unconcerned while the mob made a hasty search and left. Upon emerging from his hiding place, the Prophet said, “Sister Laura, there are black lies and white lies and that certainly was a white one that came from your lips.”

Then followed a series of incidents–the Battle of Crooked River, October 1838, occurred when the Mormons tried to defend themselves. The militia joined the mob and many Mormon leaders were taken prisoner. Among them were the Prophet, his brother, Parley P. Pratt, Morris C. Phelps, Timothy B. Clark and many others. Governor  Boggs issued an order to exterminate the Mormons and much destruction was done culminating in the terrible Haun’s Mill Massacre.

The mob came into the Morris Phelps yard and shot the animals, and when Harriet tried to protect her pet pig they were going to shoot her. Laura ran out and said, ‘Shoot all the animals you desire but leave my little girl alone.”

Major General Lucas surrounded several hundred and got what they thought were the leaders, and then he ordered Brigadier General Doniphan to take Joseph Smith and others out and shoot them. He refused and, as a result, Parley P. Pratt, Morris C. Phelps, and others were taken through Jackson County to Ray County and put in prison at Richmond.

After this Joseph and Hyrum and others were put in Liberty Jail while Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, and others remained in Richmond Jail. There they remained suffering the untold hardships and deprivations in their dungeon for six months. Laura visited Morris in jail in the hopes they would release him, but she finally had to leave and go to Illinois as Governor Boggs had issued an order expelling [page 3] Laura from Missouri. She went to Quincy and then to Commerce, which later was called Nauvoo, and finally crossed the river to settle near her father seven miles west of Montrose in Iowa.

The Biography of Laura Clark, typescript, LDS Archives, Pg. 4 states: “Previous to their arrival,” Parley P. Pratt said, “the Lord had shown me a vision of the night, the manner, and means of escape… Mrs. Phelps had the same thing shown to her previous to her arrival…” Her dream solidified her desire to help the men escape and showed her the way to get them out!

Orson Pratt and John Clark pretended to start for home and took Laura’s horse with them. They explained to the jailer that she wished to stay with her husband a little longer, but actually they were taking the horse for Brother Follet. John gave his sister strict orders not to touch the prisoners and not to assist in any way. The prisoners had to go through the kitchen to get out. The time for escape had been set for when the jailer brought their evening meal. Mr. Follet seized the door when the jailer opened it and Parley and Morris got through and reached the bottom of the stairs to the kitchen. Mr. King Follet and Parley reached the open air, but Morris was held by the jailer and his wife who cried so loudly the town was alarmed. Laura thought she was praying silently, but Morris said she shouted, “Oh Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, deliver they servant!” He said he felt as strong as a giant when he heard those words and was able to just push the jailer and his wife off as if they were babies and thus cleared himself.

When he got to his horse, the enemy had retaken Brother Follet. Morris was so exhausted that John had to help him onto his horse. They all separated and went the way alone.  Laura and Morris then went on to Nauvoo.  They moved to Macedonia, which was about twenty miles east of Nauvoo, and Morris began to build a fine home.

Laura saw a vision in the latter part of 1841 when all was peaceful and friendly. She saw the Saints being driven from Nauvoo. She beheld many killed in battle and by the mob, and the entire expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo. She saw them traveling in great bodies and there was great suffering, and the way was blotted out and she could not see where they were going.

Because of their tragic experiences, Laura had worked and traveled day and night in all kinds of weather as an efficient midwife and practical doctor in order to get necessities for them. This overexertion and exposure had taken a terrible toll on her. Severe sickness came–likely pneumonia, and she died February 2, 1841, only 34 years, 8 months of age. Their “heaven on earth” had suddenly ended.

The family took her to Nauvoo to be buried in the old graveyard east of the city. Their dear Prophet Joseph Smith and their kind friend, Heber C. Kimball, preached her funeral sermons. Joseph in comforting words told of her life that had been short in years, but full of noble accomplishments. He said her exaltation was assured. Heber C. Kimball wrote her obituary in the “Times and Seasons” in March 1, 1842, and Church history tells that Joseph Smith entered her passing in his diary.  (Source  History of the Church Volume 4, p. 513

Joseph wrote: “Death of Laura Phelps.  Wednesday, 2.—Sister Laura Phelps, wife of Morris Phelps, died, aged 36 years. She was driven from Jackson county in 1833, was in the persecution of Missouri, in 1838, and went from Iowa to Missouri to assist in liberating her husband, and was left in the prison yard when he made his escape, willing to suffer all the abuses a savage horde could inflict upon her to set her companion free from the grasp of his murderous enemies. Her rest is glorious.”

Laura was a great lady and was true to the great Clark family name.

As we were on the district tour, we stopped at Laura’s grave and noted the nice (modern) marker for her.

Sister Hayes, of our district, was particularly interested in this grave as she is a direct descendant of Laura (and thus Sister Hayes and I are 4^th cousins).  Together we shared some of Laura’s story with the district.  Elder Hayes, a long-time professor of Church History added informative historical tidbits to our discussion.

A VERY UNEXPECTED BUT ALSO A GREAT MOMENT

May 28^th was kind of a historic moment for me.  In my journal, I noted: “I had a fun experience this morning … as we headed to  serve at the Pendleton School .  We saw the surrey in the distance.  Usually that means someone is going on their final ride with the Mission President but we did not know of anyone going home.  Then I remembered that a general authority is in town.  He is Elder Kyle McKay the top church historian.  We chased  the surrey to get a photo.   We stopped alongside it and I tried without success to get a photo.  President Mehr said, “Elder Hunt … we want a copy of all your books.”  They want them in Salt Lake.”  I said, “You have not even seen them all” (I have shown him only a couple of them).    He said, “We’ll have to talk”. I stopped the car and took off running to get my photo.  I ran alongside for 50 yards and caught up to them.  President Mehr said, “Elder McKay, stop the horses for a minute” and he did.  President Mehr then said, “Elder McKay, this is Elder Hunt, our mission historian.  He is the guy who has written all of the books”.  I went up front and shook his hand.  He smiled and said, “I have seen some of your books!” And he gave me a thumbs up.  Pres. Mehr has the couple of books on his coffee table at the mission home.  With them stopped, I got a fabulous photo.  In the photo, Elder McKay is shown at the far right driving the horses.  Pres Mehr is in the far back left!  Truly a great moment!!!!

BACK TO THE SUBJECT OF BRICKS

Each month, the mission stages a “hello-good-bye” dinner to recognize the new missionaries who arrived to the mission in the past month.  We also bid sad farewells to those who are going home before the next dinner.  The May dinner was staged May 30^th.

President and Sister Mehr gave us permission to hand out the new Temple bricks to ALL of the couples and single sisters of the mission.  We had three boxes of the new bricks to hand out.  At the end of the gathering, Lou and I went to the microphone and introduced the brick and the March 9 date on the back.  Then we handed out these bricks to folks at the back door as they headed out.  The people were very appreciative of the dated first-run bricks.  It was fun to share with them.

Above: Elder and Sister Hunt presenting new Temple brick to Elder Harry Cieslak

It was great to give out the bricks ahead of the planned “roll-out” of the new design later this fall.   (An event that we greatly anticipate … but sadly, it will likely happen after we have returned to the Arizona desert.)

Wow!  Did all of that really happen in just May?  It really was “a lot of water under the bridge”.