Blog #29

By Kevin V. Hunt

Well, winter seems to be upon us – although it won’t officially hit until December 21^st.  That is just days away.  But even as the temperatures dip and the thermometer freezes, we continue to be joyful, even in winter days.  There is much joy around us.

A MONDAY MORNING SURPRISE!

We have an upstairs bathroom with a nice window.  I generally keep the curtain closed – for obvious reasons, but on this particular Monday (December 2^nd) I took a peek outside for some reason.  And there was a surprise before my eyes.  The whole world was covered in white stuff.  SNOW … Glorious SNOW!

Now for most of the world, the scene would not come as a shock, but for this Arizona Desert Rat, it was definitely an eye-opener.   We lived for five years in Ogden, Utah when we were first married and we had the white stuff there.  And I still have bad memories of sliding on the ice as I tried to shovel the stairs to our upstairs apartment.    That was at the end of the year.  And being the health stoic I am (and I think most men are), I thought I could “man-up” and endure the knee pain.  I thought that it would go away with time.  It didn’t!

I say end of the year … I should have gone to the emergency room immediately – still in that calendar year for the insurance deductible (which I had met).  But, I didn’t.  The pain increased and I knew that I had a problem.  Finally a few days later – in the new deductible year – I made a trip to see the Doc.  The X-ray and the examination were not positive. 

The doctor said that I had broken my knee cap (with a hairline fracture).  He said, he should have re-broken it and whatever, but said too, that this would be inhumane torture.  He instructed me thus:  “You are to treat the leg as if it is an egg in your shoe.  You can’t do anything on it for at least a month … (and he went on and on as he painted the vision of what might be if I didn’t listen to him).

And should I mention the accident I had on Halloween – yes, my birthday – once in Ogden? We were going down a steep hill near us and I was going 10 MPH or less.  The car decided to careen sideways and we were really on a slippery slope heading down hill and there wasn’t anything that I could do about it.   Talk about Christmas “visions of sugar plums” – my memories were the opposite of that – like dried prunes –  as I thought of the situation.

Kevin and Lou Hunt – Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone circa 1980

Admittedly, there were some snow high adventure moments – like snowmobiling in West Yellowstone with Explorer Scouts when the windchill factor made the temperature minus 51 degrees.

And here is my story about that experience (cut and paste): 

And then there was the time that I went with a small team – with all of us on snowmobiles to our Camp Bartlett in Southern Idaho.  We spent the day shoveling 5-6’ of snow off of the new lodge roof.  Those were fun times (?) and stories that are definitely much better now that they are history.

Camp Bartlett snow removal from the new lodge roof – 1982

So, with all of those experiences, that Monday morning white stuff put new visions of bad into my mind.   As soon as I was done in there, I guided Sister Hunt to the window.  I said, “Check this out!”  She was in shock but she was more happy than shocked.  She grew up in Utah and they had plenty of snow.  But it has definitely been a while for her.  (We moved away from Ogden in 1982- moving to Santa Barbara, California – and later to Arizona – and have hardly seen any snow since.  We definitely get zero snow in our Arizona desert.).

When we were first married, we often went to Arizona for Christmas days.   She said to me at the time, “How do you have Christmas without snow?”  I said, “You just enjoy every moment of it!”  Now all of these years later, she’s “a BELIEVER!”

Not wanting more of my ice experience of yesteryear, I hesitatingly headed outside that morning  to clear the new white stuff off of our stairs.  Thankfully, we have only three steps up to our place – not a full flight.  I checked out my resources for snow removal.  I found one snow shovel – outside by the steps – and this looked and scooped like it had been left from the war.  In fact, I think it was a leftover from Simeon Dunn (the 1840’s resident of our place).  It was really warped – into a round loop (which should have been square) and the wooden handle broke in two as I began the job.  I deposited all of the parts into our garbage can.

Gratefully, there was a much more modern implement stowed away in the basement.  This worked much better.  I got the stops and the 10’ concrete walk scraped off.  It seemed as if there was snow still on the cement – but later, when the sun hit it, the walk and stairs were clear.

Sister Lou Hunt experiencing the new Nauvoo snow 12/2/24

This little surprise made its appearance on Monday, December 2nd. Since that time, the weather has been clear and cold.

Ice crystals on Hunt back door window

TO VENTURE OUT OR STAY IN?

That Monday happened to be our new P-Day for December.   We could have gone into hibernation mode or we could make our usual trek for groceries and stuff in Keokuk.  I was sure that Sister Hunt would say that we needed to remain inside for the duration.  And I wondered if that might be a 5-month duration.  To my surprise, she didn’t balk at all about the town trip.  We decided to go ahead and go for it.  Lou just wanted to leave early rather than later.  This was okay with me.  We proceeded with caution.  We were greeted with a snow plow on the main highway #96 as we headed south.  We made the trip okay.

On the road – Nauvoo to Keokuk 12/2/24

We went to Keokuk and did our things there.  And we were pleased on the return trip a couple of hours later, when the road was actually mostly clear.  This made for a much safer drive.

LIFE CONTINUES EVEN WITH THREAT OF BAD WEATHER

It is interesting that life seems to go on around us – even with the winter chill upon us.  The weather doesn’t seem to stop or even slow down the activity level.  And I guess that is good.  We “layer up” to survive the walk to the car and going inside to our destinations – and then try to decide inside if we should remove a couple of layers or just be warm while inside – and then to be colder when we go outside again.  It is a dilemma!

It is interesting that even in the cold, we can have an occasional day that is much warmer and even pleasant. And with many activities still happening, we can still experience joy around us.

THE WINTER CONCIERGE PLAN FOR TOURS

I have written previously with details about our winter concierge schedule.  There are definitely fewer guests around Nauvoo these days.  Some days it looks like an Arizona ghost town.  It is almost spooky at times!

This means that we get up and get prepared for a day of service – being “on call” to serve when needed.  I usually get into my costume, but Sister Hunt waits to put on all of the pantaloons and stuff until we actually get the call to go.  (She puts on the dash after we get the phone call.) 

It also means that we often have full days at home and this gives us time and opportunity to work on our own projects.  Of course, I always have plenty to do – with blogs, researching history, compiling books, and more.  Last week, we had 5 straight days in which we received no call at all.  Our first tour of the week was on Saturday afternoon.

I used the time to finalize the production of the brick slide show.  I worked extensively on a family project (to be revealed later).  The time was productive indeed for me.

NAUVOO MIRACLES CONTINUE

I’ve also talked before about how we often see a constant flow of “Nauvoo Miracles”.  These often come with the many people whom the Lord sends to us – and our connections with them.

We had two different families come – by the name of Richards.   With the first family, we were called to meet the group at the Visitors’ Center.   They introduced themselves as the Richards family.  We asked them what they wanted to see on our tour.  I said, “Have you seen the Willard Richards home?”  They said, “The desk Elder told us that there is nothing Richards here.”

I said, “That is not true!  There are several Richards things to see here.”  I told them of the Willard Richards Inn (a bed and breakfast outfit) and the grave of Jenetta Richards (the wife of Willard).  I asked if they wanted to go by the place.  I drove to the place and they followed me over there.  They stopped and took a few photos.  I then led them around the corner to the secluded gravesite (adjacent to Highway #96) of Jenetta.  The family was all amazed and they took some photos of themselves at the site.

I told the family that it was a little Nauvoo Miracle that we had been brought together as a group.  I told them that I was likely the only missionary who knew about the grave and was thus paired with them (by coincidence or the Spirit) to be with them.  We all basked and rejoiced in that thought. 

In the conversation, I learned that the wife of the younger couple is a descendant of Hyrum Smith.  She asked if there was anything to see of Hyrum.  I surprised her as I told her that his farm home – located a couple of miles east of town – is still standing.  (I told her that the house has been added to on both sides – but that the original home can still be seen).  I led their procession over to the Hyrum home.

Hyrum Smith farm home in Nauvoo (with side additions)

Sister Hunt and I had seen the place when on our photo tour and it then had a For Sale sign on it.   On this day, however, the sign was gone and there was a car there – an indication that the place had likely recently sold.  This sister was excited to get a photo of herself and husband by the Hyrum home sign and the original Hyrum home.   (Another Nauvoo miracle to get her and the home connected … and again, I am likely the only missionary who would have known where this Hyrum home is located.)

Willard Richards Home in Nauvoo -Left side is original and right added by later residents

I knew that the Willard Richards Inn is a B&B and I had met the “innkeeper” a couple of months before – when I was out taking photos – and she had invited me in to see the place.  I declined at that moment – but in the back of my mind, I knew that the possibility was there for future.  I asked the Richards family if they would like to see inside the Richards Inn.  They were excited about this possibility.  I got onto the Inn website and called the information number.  The lady did soon call me back, but she had a full schedule planned for the day.  She then said that she would call Brian Christiansen (the Inn owner – and whom I knew) to see if he was available.  He called me back shortly and we set a time a few hours later for him to meet us at the Inn.  We took the group for a tour at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, the Smith Cemetery, and the Joseph and Emma homes.   We continued our tours and the family took a dinner break too.

Late in the afternoon we all gathered at the Richards Inn.   Brian met us there.  He gave us a great tour of the home.  We learned that half of the home is original to Willard and that half was added by the later owner.  The place was fabulous.  The family has every room meticulously and gloriously decked out with beautiful bedding and décor.  Wow! 

 Brian showed us many historical items in the place.  He pointed out the desk that belonged to Willard. 

He showed us two original Nauvoo Temple chairs (reupholstered.)

 He showed us an original and sacred room where he said some Temple endowments were actually performed.

Brian took us downstairs.  He showed us the basement level of the later home addition.  The new owner was German and created his own deep and wide “wine cellar”. 

And the ironic thing was that this whole giant room is made out of Nauvoo Temple limestone.  Interesting! It was all so cool.  I was happy that the family got to see more of their Richards history – and again, we all rejoiced in the continuing Nauvoo Miracle of us being with them.

Brian Christiansen – Nauvoo Entrepreneur in Tomb of Joseph

This Brian actually owns literally half of Nauvoo -motels, a mercantile store, and more.  He has expanded his roots here.  He invited the Richards family to meet him at his store.  He then gave us a personal tour of his “Tomb of Joseph” located under his store.  (I promise more on that subject in a future blog!)

ANOTHER RICHARDS CONNECTION

I’ve noted that this whole concierge arrangement is interesting.  We wait in queue and we never know who we will be paired with.  We just show up and take through whoever is sent to us.

About a week after the first Richards family visit, we met another Richards family – this time a couple of Richards brothers and their families – a group of 10 people.  We were told to meet them first at the Sarah Granger home.  We went over there and upon their arrival, we introduced ourselves.  I was surprised that it was another Richards family.  I told them about the two places – mentioned above.

The one guy lives a hundred or so miles away – so they get to come to Nauvoo often.  They brought his brother from a more distant locale to see the place.  He said that he had actually met this Brian six months ago as Brian officiated in Temple baptisms for them.  Brian then invited the Richards family to come see his place.  This guy had tried to call him – but could not connect.  I said, “Well, I have his phone number.”  We called this and got Brian on the line.  (And we determined that the guy had one digit off on the number from Brian – and thus had not been able to connect with him.)  He was pleased that I had the right connection.

As before, I set up a visit to the place.  Though on a tight schedule, Brian made time for us.  He gave us the same tour as previously and the family was all in awe (as they should have been).  I also showed them the gravesite.  Again, I told them how great it was that the Lord had orchestrated all of this – and again especially since I am likely the only missionary who could have shown them the Richards home and grave.  It is all amazing and wonderful.

WELCOMING CHILEAN BROTHERS

It is always fun to go meet our new guests – who become assigned to us through the current “concierge” scheduling system.

Such was the case when we were told “Four men want you to meet them at the Joseph Smith Homestead for a tour.”  We hurried over there.  We live only a couple of blocks away so we arrived before them.

Upon their arrival, we learned that they are all from the country of Chile.  It was a father and his three sons (probably all mid 20’s).  The oldest Aedo son was Alvin.  He is married and lives in Indiana.  The other two sons are currently in Provo.  The dad was here visiting from Chile.  He spoke no English.  The sons, Aldo and Andreas, all spoke English.  These guys did not join the church yesterday.  They have multi generations in the Church and they were well versed in Church history. They were excited to see and learn.

Upon meeting the men, I called the Visitors’ Center to see if we had any missionaries who could translate into Spanish.  (Where are the young sister missionaries when we need them?)  I was told that there are three senior missionary sisters who all served in Spanish speaking countries.  The plan was that we would begin the tour until a Spanish speaking sister could be recruited.  Alvin (named for Alvin Smith?  Maybe … he agreed with that thought when I suggested it!)

We had a delightful tour with the men as we took them through Joseph and Emma’s Homestead and then the Mansion House.  As we finished this tour, Elder and Sister Graham arrived on the scene.  We all followed them and remained with them at Joseph’s Red Brick Store as Sister Graham gave a great Spanish tour.

We then told the men that they “have us for the entire day – if they wish … and that we could give them tours anywhere.  Alvin said that as they drove down Main Street, his dad got excited about John Taylor’s Print Shop as they passed it.  He suggested that we go there.  I guess the senior Aedo had been a Chilean printer most of his life.

Per our usual mode, I presented the history material about John and Nauvoo printing.  Then Sister Hunt (our resident “techie”) gave the presentation about the Nauvoo “era” printing press and the process.  Brother Aedo got really interested in all of this.  In the Print Shop, we have some black aprons, hats and even arm guards (to keep one from getting black ink all over themselves while printing).  I took a set of the clothes over to Brother Aedo and he got all decked out in this garb.  He was delighted and it made for a great photo op with his sons.  And he enjoyed telling the sons about his known printing experience.  I said to him, “We ought to have you give the tour!”  They all laughed.  We then took them next door to the John Taylor home and they loved this.  I quoted the John Taylor testimony of Joseph Smith and then Alvin used the cue card to translate for his father.  This was great!  It was a very enjoyable afternoon spent with our Chilean brothers. 

The men decided that they wanted to go tour the Carthage Jail.  (FYI:  It takes a half hour to get there from Nauvoo, there might be a wait if the place is busy and the tour takes a half hour – so this is a chunk of time to plan for.)  And then another Nauvoo Miracle … Elder and Sister Graham recently returned from a 3-4 month stint as the Carthage missionaries.  So, today, they “cleared their schedule” and followed the men to Carthage to give them the Spanish tour there.

A SURPRISE VISIT FROM MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE

Speaking of brothers …  We were surprised and pleased when my brother, Darcy, texted me and said that “there is a 90% chance that we will come to visit you in Nauvoo this Saturday.”  Wow!  I texted him on Thursday and asked if the chances had improved.  He said that they had indeed.

They arrived here on a Saturday evening – just in time for us to take them to dinner at our favorite “Mi Camino Real” Mexican restaurant in the town of Hamilton.  They loved the food and the ambiance as we do.

Darcy and Laura are soon to report for their own mission.  They leave in January and will serve for 23 months in the Vancouver Canada Mission – speaking Mandarin Chinese. Wow!  How is that for a mission call?   My kid brother served his young mission in Taiwan and has maintained his Chinese language skills ever since.  In fact, in raising his four children, he spoke almost entirely in Chinese to them.  They all understand Chinese perfectly but answer him in English.

We enjoyed a very fun evening with Darcy and Laura as then stayed with us.  (They thought our basement was cozy, warm and “just right”.  That is good! 

On Sunday, they attended our “missionary ward” with us at the Visitors’ Center.  They, like us, were in total amazement of the assembled group of senior superstars.  Then, after a gourmet lunch – a delightful smorgasbord assembled by Sister Lou Hunt, we were off to see the sights.

We arranged with the concierge coordinator to be out with them for the afternoon.  We were giving tours – our missionary assignment – so all was good.  At the church meeting, Laura was surprised and pleased to find a long-time friend.  She and Sister McBride had been Young Woman girls’ camp leaders together years ago in Tooele, Utah.  They enjoyed many shared memories of the old times.

Sister McBride often gives tours – in the “First Person” as she tells the story of the person and home of Sarah Granger Kimball, the creative inspiration behind the founding of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.  Sister McBride suggested that we take our guests there at noon for her special tour.  We took them up on the special invitation.  We arrived there and found Elder and Sister McBride dressed “to the T” in their upscale Nauvoo period costumes.  Their tour was as fantastic as were their costumes.  These guys are some of our missionary best and it was so great to be in their presence.

Left to Right: Darcy, Kevin, Lou, & Laura Hunt, Sister and Elder McBride

We took them to six or seven different sites and gave the tours in each place.  This was a special opportunity. 

L to R: Kevin, Darcy, and Laura Hunt making rope at Family Living Center

We really enjoyed our visit to the upper room of the Cultural Hall. This place has a unique history. On this floor (shown below), Brigham and Joseph and wives danced with the community. In the ensuing years, the third floor of the Cultural Hall disappeared. When restoration was being done, the building then had been diminished to a 2-story structure. When the roof of the place was removed, the original floor was discovered intact and gorgeous.

As we visited here with Darcy and Laura, I pointed out the “band balcony” up above the room. Sister Lou Hunt and Laura went upstairs. Laura is the most amazing singers of the world and up there, she broke into a song (as she frequently does at random times and places -usually about the current situation). And the acoustics in the hall are absolutely amazing. The combination of Laura and the hall was magnificent. Wow!

We kept them out until about 7:00 PM as we shared our Nauvoo excitement – and they definitely felt and stated “there is such a special feeling here.  It is obvious that this is a Holy Place”.  That is what everyone says of their Nauvoo visit.

The next morning, as we were heading off to work at the brick yard, Darcy and Laura were off to their next adventure.  Like Lou’s brother, Brad and wife who came here months ago, they are on a major US tour – seeing anyone and everyone that they have ever known – before their missions.  (And incidentally, Brad and Kerry also report for a mission in January.  They are going to serve as YSA support leaders in San Diego.  Sounds rough … but I guess someone has to do it!)

TELLING THE NAUVOO AND BELCHER LEGACY BRICK STORY

A recent blog detailed the history of brick making in general and specifically here in Old Nauvoo.  The Powerpoint presentation – and my later published book (on lulu.com) also talked of the legacy of my father-in-law, Elder E.H. Belcher, in the creation of the current Nauvoo souvenir brick (that is still given freely to our visitors – even after nearly 50 years since Elder Belcher created it.)

With time on my hands, I was able to hone in on the project.  Sister Hunt and I were able to create a modified slide show for presentation to others.  It took some effort and the learning of some new skills but we were blessed with the inspiration to proceed.  We were able to show our first slide presentation at a meeting of our district – where we are newly assigned as district leaders.

We were blessed to have a “Facilities Management” missionary in our midst and he helped us get the conference room  system all set up and working.  It came off beautifully for the first run.  And the mission president and wife were even in attendance.  That was kind of a miracle, also.

I later tweaked the presentation and got it in good order.  This is what I sent to you readers recently.

WHERE’S WALDO?

Time again is in our favor and with fewer guests, we have more time to party and gather as missionaries.  Elder and Sister Workman hosted the eight of us couples who all live within a block or so of each other (down here on the “lower flats” – below the Temple hill.  We had a great meal together and then several fun games.  It was a fun time.

This was also a good-bye activity for Elder and Sister Simkins who just went back home to Enterprise, Utah – the home of my father and several generations before him.  Sister Simkins and I are 3rd cousins through our common Terry family line.

Another fun activity was billed as “Where’s Waldo?”  Elder and Sister Wilson, our missionary party planners – planned this activity.  They had Elder and Sister Graham (the “site trainers”) go around to many of our sites.  They took photos of very odd items in each place.  Then at our gathering, they showed slides of these items and we all wrote down our answers.  We had to write the item shown, and then the location of where it is.  There were 31 items to identify and we got a point for identification and also the location.  So, there were 62 points possible.  I think I scored 46 or so.  We all enjoyed this activity.

Where’s Waldo List (circled items are my misses)

And after we had found Waldo, we stuck around and together watched the “Polar Express” movie.  That was a scene – with about 50 of us old folks couples there watching it together.  It was a “BYOP” affair – meaning that we all had to “bring our own popcorn”.  It seemed weird not to have the young sister missionaries with us.  Normally it has been them that movies have centered around.  We missed them.

KEEPING THE HOMES OF JOSEPH AND EMMA CLEAN

As site coordinators of the Smith properties, it falls our lot and opportunity to go frequently to clean the places.  In the summer, the missionaries assigned to the homes clean the places after the daily shift.  Now, however, as coordinators, we go at least once a week and clean the three places ourselves.  This is a blessed opportunity.  We are happy to serve Joseph and Emma in this way at the Homestead, Mansion House, and the “Bidaman structure”.

Joseph Smith Homestead in Nauvoo (Rear View)

BRICK MAKING

Winter (with fewer guests) is the time to stock up the storage room with bricks.  Each of the missionary couples get to take turns creating the famous bricks.  This means that we get to go there to work about once a week.  This is a special treat – since this is an opportunity for Sister Hunt and me to help keep alive the Belcher brick making legacy.

Each time that we go to the brick place, we have several duties.  The bricks are on an 8-day rotation before they get put into the kiln for firing.

We create the mix of Nauvoo clay, sand, and water.  We put these items into the “pug machine”.  This fancy machine mixes up the ingredients (churning it like a big mixer) for about two hours.  We then poop out (or “extrude” is the more socially acceptable term) long brown rolls of the clay mixture.  We cut these off in 4” long – and round – rolls.  We then press the “pugs” into our Nauvoo molds to create the bricks.

Sister Hunt making the Nauvoo souvenir brick

We put these new bricks onto boards – with 16 bricks to a tray.  We put these trays into large standing racks.  The second day, workers “hack” the bricks.  This means that we turn them around and over for better drying.  The third day the bricks are “trimmed” of excess scraps from the molding process.  The bricks continue to dry until the 8^th day – when they are stacked into the kiln.

VISITING THE LEGENDARY “THE DUTCHMAN’S” STORE

A big thing with many of our missionaries is to go visit The Dutchman’s store.  This place is operated by local Mennonites (or are they Amish? Who knows?).  Anyway, this place is kind of “old time” in its displays and products.  We have heard about this place – located about 55 miles west of us – in the town of Cantril, Iowa – for months.  People have told us, “you have to go there”. 

We had been to the Temple on our then Saturday P-day with Elder and Sister Parker.  After the sealing session, they (also on p-day) invited us to go with them to “The “Dutchman’s” store.  We didn’t have anything going, so we went along for the ride.  The Dutchman’s just built a bigger and better store – located just a couple of miles from the former store.

This store is made of timber and had a great long-ago rustic look to it.  We went in – full of anticipation of what might await us.  And the missionaries were right! This place had a bit of everything.

I have mentioned that I am a “people watcher” and this scene was prime for that activity.  The shoppers were in keeping with the theme and ownership of the place.  I loved seeing the bearded men, the dress of men, women, and children. We could have worn our costumes and we would have fit in well.

Sister Hunt and I first dined on some large slices of pizza (just $1.50 a slice).  We then meandered around checking out everything.  I bought a needed pair of dark suspenders.  I got a nice shirt for just $14.  The color of the shirt matched our Nauvoo costume look.  (Sister Hunt only needed to remove the collar before I could wear it.) 

We bought some Christmas fabric – which Sister Hunt later used to make us matching hats for Christmas events.  We bought some random food items.

It was fun to be with the Parkers, and it gave me fodder to write home about.  It was fun to go there once but I am not sure that we will rush right back there.

CONNECTING WITH AN OLD NAUVOO FRIEND

Two or three weeks ago, a couple of “old duffers” (they probably thought that of us, also) came into the Visitors’ Center where we were assigned for the day.  These guys had the look of fitting in with the old time look of Nauvoo.   They said that they come to Nauvoo frequently – just to spend time here.  They said that today’s trip was just “to get away from the wives”.  They didn’t really have a plan.  They just wanted to kind of meander around.

These guys are Nauvoo area old-timers.  I asked them if they knew someone who might know the history of the town and its former homes.  They suggested a guy named Gene McMeins.  I said, “Wait a minute …  I know that name.”  I told the guys that I had served here in Nauvoo 50 years before and I thought that I knew this Gene.  They gave me his phone number.

I called him later that afternoon and we had a good chat – before I had to cut off the call to greet a new incoming group of guests.  We set a time for us to go visit him at his home.  He now lives in Ft. Madison – not Nauvoo where he lived most of his life.

I had to think a bit of Gene to recall my former connection with him. I texted Elder Shaltes and together we shared memories of Gene. I realized that I knew him well back then.

We made a trek over to Ft. Madison to see Gene.  It was a VERY chilly night.  The bridge across the Mississippi River (going north and west from Nauvoo) had been closed for two or three months.  Our trip was just a couple of days before the scheduled reopening of the bridge – so we had to take the long way around – south and then north along the river from Keokuk.

We found Gene at his small apartment.  He is now age 92.  He reminded me that back then (1975) he was the janitor for the Visitors’ Center, he started our movies there and was a general handyman.  He was involved with everything.  We were friends and he often came to hang out with us – and as he said, he brought pizza ingredients and baked them for many missionaries through years.  I could see it all again in my mind.

Gene McMeins with Elder Kevin Hunt

Gene was kind of hard of hearing and said that he is legally blind.  He did pretty well, however.  He heard much of what we said, and he had some fancy computer contraption that projected small things onto large things on his screen – so that he could read them.

He really didn’t need to hear us.  He carried on much of the conversation as he talked and talked.  I was totally amazed at his memory and recall of those old days.  Wow!  He also showed me a large notebook full of old-time Nauvoo photos – of homes and businesses.  I took photos of every page.  All super interesting for an old history buff like me.

Vintage Photo – Joseph Smith’s Mansion House

Above: Nauvoo Legion Arsenal Building

A special history note.  Gene told us that he was baptized in 1972, and that he was the “first male convert in Nauvoo since 1846!”  Not sure how he knew that, but how super cool is that!   Wow!

A CARTHAGE “NIGHT ON THE SQUARE”

The town of Carthage, Illinois is located about 25 miles south and east of Nauvoo.  Of course, all church members know of the history of Carthage as it relates to the martyrdom of Joseph the Prophet and Hyrum the Patriarch.  Luckily, feelings have mellowed out through the years – and today Carthage is much more friendly and welcoming to Church members and our friends.  We have four to ten missionaries stationed there (more in summer, less in winter).  These missionaries actually have residence there during their time of service.

This evening, we went to an unusual activity.  We bundled up in layers of clothing.  I put on my red long-johns (that go from head to toe).  I then put on the thermal bottoms that I just bought at Dutchman’s.  I then put on pants, a flannel shirt, and a knitted vest.  Later I put on a red coat (from Jenae), a neck “ring”, and a scarf.  Lou also “layered up”.

We drove to the town of Carthage and connected with several other missionaries – most dressed in “period” coats and costumes.

Missionaries gathered at Carthage Jail preparing to do Christmas caroling

.  We met first at the Carthage Jail.  We then walked as a group to the downtown Carthage downtown square.  I went back for our vehicle and parked near the destination.

I told Lou that we were supposed to wear costumes but she hadn’t got the memo.

We stood in the 20 degree weather (5 degrees with windchill).  We sang Christmas carols.  I am not a singer so I just stood in the cold in support of the others.  FM did bring a couple of large outdoor heaters.  These helped a bit but it was still bitter cold.  Lou had a hand warmer that I used (and she used the other one).  I had it in my pocket and kept switching hands with it.

Missionaries caroling at the Carthage Square December 5, 2024

The town was staging their annual “Night on the Square” Christmas event and they invited missionaries (including all of us from Nauvoo) to come to participate with and for them.  The town has the traditional “town square” that is exactly that.  The majestic old courthouse is in the middle of the square and businesses of various kinds are on the four streets surrounding the courthouse – thus forming “the square”.

This Carthage event was a downtown Christmas activity for the community.  The event was planned to get people out of their houses and out doing something.  Local businesses on the square offered prizes, special events, and more.  And two or three old horse-drawn wagons made their circle “around the square” for a couple of hours.  They never had many riders, but the horses continued to prance around.

Many businesses were open and people were given papers to do a kind of scavenger hunt – picking up items at the places of business.  The businesses were not that interesting (like real estate, loan offices, etc.), – but they willingly participated as stops for the scavenger hunt.

I am not into singing even under normal circumstances, but tonight in the freezing weather, I really did not have much enthusiasm for singing.  Plus, we were kind of in close proximity with others in the group – and I am sure they would not have been impressed.  I just kind of stood and looked interested and supportive.   I did take a few photos of the group.  Always the historian!

I wondered how anyone could be crazy enough to be out doing anything in the freezing weather we were experiencing.

As an excuse to get warmed up, I decided that I needed to go to the bathroom.  I had to walk two short blocks to find any kind of place that had a restroom.  I finally a Mexican restaurant that would let me in.  It was a challenge with freezing hands trying to get through two layers of thermals.

I met Lou coming toward me as I returned and we decided we had had enough of the cold.  Our toes were freezing.  My hands were really cold and my face was chilled – where it was not covered up.  We headed home.

We were hungry and I suggested that we eat at Subway in Hamilton.  This proved to be a good choice.  We both got chicken/bacon sandwiches on wheat bread.  The sandwich was hot, so this hit the spot.

THE ANNUAL “NAUVOO CHRISTMAS WALK”

Lou and I participated in a great mission/community event the night after the Carthage activity.  This was called the annual “Christmas Walk”.  All of our 100 or so missionaries had assignments to help pull off the event.  Sisters Beauregard (two of them) and Sister Croxford were the overall event chairs and they did a fabulous job.

Elder Kevin Hunt as Master of Ceremonies – Nauvoo Christmas Walk

I had an interesting role.  I was the “master of ceremonies” for performances by various group in the Visitors’ Center.   I got to announce the various groups who were to perform.  Lou ran the lights and sound from the booth at the back of the West Theater where the event was held.  This was a new activity for her and she did well.

We were both decked out in red and green for the occasion.  We tried to still maintain some of our pioneer costume theme.  I wore my white Mormon Battalion shirt and black pants (over thermal pants).  I got a green cravat from the mailroom.  I wore a green vest with my pocket watch.  We both wore matching red and green checkered scarves.  Lou made me a great cap of green and red Christmas fabric which we bought at The Dutchman’s.  There was enough fabric left from the ½ yard for her to make herself a matching hat.  She wore a green sweater and black pants.  We both looked fabulous.  We had fun looking alike and so into the season.

As we arrived at the VC, we had a couple of people take photos of us in front of the giant decorated Christmas tree that has been placed there.  This tree is 20’ or higher and is magnificent.

At the show, a Brother Shurtleff was acting crazy.  He came in and tried to snooker us by acting like a non-member and asking if he could go into the Temple.  I told him, “Yes, anyone who meets the requirements can go in.”  He later told us that he is the facility manager for the Temple.  He later took a couple of photos of Lou and me in front of the giant Christmas tree of the Visitors’ Center.  And as he was doing this, he left us a selfie of himself on our camera.  So funny!

We had a jazz band from Warsaw – and then some singers joined them.  We had some kids from the local Calusa middle school.  A family performed with violin and cello.  A lady gave a piano solo.  It was a fun show.

We were scheduled to do our duties until 7:30 (after starting at 6 PM).  Our friend Brian Christiansen took over as MC as we finished our time.

As we finished our show time, we were able to go out to experience the rest of the events that were staged for the community.

We went first to the Cultural Hall.  Elder Wilson played the guitar and Sister Wilson played the harp. 

We went to the Family Living Center.  Missionaries had transposed this giant place into a Bethlehem city (like in the time of Christ).  The Sisters Beauregard had done a fabulous job there.  And Sister/cousin Tammy Hunt created some wonderful signs (with fabricdation or printing by the FM group) that adorned each station.  Very nice.  

We traveled through Bethlehem and experienced the birth of Christ and other manger scenes. 

(Below) Sister Turner – with her long white hair – made a great angel. 

(Below) Elder Parker, Turner and one other Elder were the 3 wiseguys. 

They gave each family a small bag and then gave out little memory trinkets at each station. These were all “symbols” of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

We stopped at the Wagon Depot and got a photo with Santa who was wonderfully portrayed by Edler Brian Reed – who has played the role of Santa for many years.  This year, he had to wear a fabricated beard.  Back at home, I think his long beard is standard for him.  He had his family ship his own costume out to him for this event.  That is part of being a good missionary – knowing and using your own talents and resources to help build God’s Kingdom.

We next went to the Pioneer Pastime Pavilion.  They there served hot chocolate and cookies.  The cookies were ginger cookies like they serve in the Scovil Bakery.  These cookies were about four times the size of the Scovil cookies.  They were baked by the Red Front Café.  The hot chocolate was hot – but just right.

We stopped in at the Stoddard Tin Shop.  Elder and Sister Bateen were there.  They were dressed elegantly.  They told the story of “A Christmas Carol” and Scrooge

. We went to the Post office.  The Pearces were there.  They told the story of Orin Porter Rockwell who showed up at the Christmas celebration of Joseph Smith in the Mansion House.   We got to the Print Shop right as the whole event was finishing.  The Grahams were there and had been playing parlor games with guests.

After 9 Pm (closing time), we also stopped at the Browning Gun Shop and home.  Elder and Sister Sanders were there doing acting scenes with guests.

We took with us the metal (tin) lantern – with a flashlight for the former candle.  I had given this unit to  Lou for our anniversary in September.  They made similar lanterns in the Stoddard Tin shop back in the day.  Our unit is brown but otherwise looks just like the lanterns that Stoddard sold in his tin shop.  We got a lot of comments from missionaries who loved our lantern as we walked along.  Having this lantern made Lou very happy.  She has always loved the lanterns in the Tin Shop. It was fun to travel with the lantern.  Back in the day, the tinner actually made unique lantern designs for different families.

The weather tonight was much improved over last night.  It was not nearly as cold.  I wore just one thermal bottom and this was enough.  Our hands and feet didn’t even freeze.  This was a great blessing.

The Christmas Walk was deemed a grand success.  It was estimated that over 500 people came to experience it with us.  Worth the herculean efforts to stage it!

 A MIRACLE SABBATH DAY

This past Sunday (December 8^th) was a special day in many ways.  I say that it was full of miracles.

We went to our own missionary sacrament meeting.  We heard from a departing Sister Green.  We then heard from Elder Walters – the horse Veterinarian.  He shared insights as recorded on his “notes” through his mission.

After the meetings, we headed to the town of Ft. Madison, Iowa (located north across the Mississippi River about a dozen miles away to attend their ward church meetings.

Ft. Madison Bridge on the Mississippi River

TEMPLE DEDICATION IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

My youth mission was served in Tallahassee, Florida.  That was 50 years ago.  And on this Sunday, a new Temple was dedicated by our Apostle, Elder Kearon.  This was a very exciting and wonderful development.  When I was on my mission, the Washington, D.C. Temple had just been completed.  Prior to that, our Mesa Temple was the closest to Florida.  When I was there, there was a stake in Tallahassee.  I served in Tally as my last area.  Panama City was my first area and it was in the Tallahassee Stake – although almost two hours away.  So, it was very exciting to know of the Temple dedication today.  I would have loved to have been a part of the dedication but it was broadcast only to chapels in the Temple district.

Also, when I was there, the whole region suffered from racial distress – with much prejudice against black (African American) people.  Now the new Mission President Trusty is black.  This is cool!  The church has come a long way since that time.  The new Temple was constructed right across the street from the stake center I knew long ago.

ATTENDING CHURCH IN FT. MADISON, IOWA

We wanted to attend church in Ft. Madison for a number of reasons.  One was that my friend, Gene McMeins attends there.  We did see him again and this was great.  He was happy to see us.  And at age 92, he looked really sharp.  His white shirt was clean and crisp.   I visited with him for a few minutes and told him that we enjoyed our visit with him.  He said, “Come again!”

Upon arriving at the rather small chapel, we met a lady named Goddard.  She saw my nametag and said that she is my cousin.  She said that she had seen the “Church News” article about the “3 Cousins”.  And she said, “I want to find a way to meet those cousins.”  This was cool. 

We did “Relatives Around Me” on the FamilyTree App.  We found that we are third cousins.  She also descends through my 2^nd Great Grandfather, Elias Hunt.  She had to hurry up to play the organ music so we didn’t have much talk time – but it was great to meet another cousin.

Then another lady came in and said that she and Sister Goddard are 3^rd cousins so she thought that we would be also.  Family Tree also noted that we too are 3^rd cousins.  It is always so fun to find such connections through FamilyTree.

MEETING SISTER CECELIA SMITH

When my father-in-law, Elder E. H. Belcher and his wife, Sister Verna Belcher were on their mission to Nauvoo, they met a rather young girl named Cecelia.  She came to Nauvoo from Keokuk frequently and seemed to have a great connection with the folks.  They helped her receive the missionary discussions and then Elder Belcher actually baptized her in the Mississippi River.

We have tried a few times to get with this Sister Smith but various circumstances came up which prevented us from getting together.  It was wonderful to finally connect with her.   It was truly a miracle – or series of miracles – that brought us together.  We were grateful for those miracles.

I could say much more about Cecelia.  We had a good discussion with her.  She shared some fun details of her baptism and her story was truly interesting.

I plan to share more of her story – in greater detail – in a future blog.

RETURNING HOME TO NAUVOO FROM FT. MADISON

On our way back to Nauvoo from Ft. Madison, we stopped at a couple of parks in the town – looking for historic plaques.  I found a Statue of Liberty look-alike statue – built by some  Boy Scouts.  I found a plaque about Indian Chief Black Hawk. These were both very cool finds.

Statue of Liberty Statue in Ft. Madison, Iowa

Chief Black Hawk Marker in Ft. Madison, Iowa

I noted the bridge across the river from Ft. Madison to Nauvoo.  I failed to mention that crossing the river from the Nauvoo side is free.  But, they charge for cars making their entry from the Iowa side.  We were pleased that today there was a sign on the bridge booth that said, “Free”.  Nice!

One of the very interesting features of this bridge is that it is a “swinging bridge”.  This means that a major section of the bridge rotates a full 90 degrees.  This allows for large tug boats and other ships to pass through without hitting the bridge section above them. 

When we traveled across the bridge with Elder and Sister Parker, we got caught on the bridge as a boat was coming under it.  We had to stop for quite a while as the ship passed.  Sister Hunt is often our designated photographer – and that was the case in this situation.  She got out and took several great photos of the action below and around us.  Only after she had taken the photos did we see the sign with instructions to “remain in your vehicle”.   Like my mission president of my youth said, “Sometimes it is easier to repent than to ask permission”.

On our return across the river on this Sabbath day we noticed the River below us.  There was a lot of ice that had formed beginning at the river bank and extending into the river.  We were intrigued that the river water actually froze the ripples on top of the River.  Very cool.

FROZEN ICE RIPPLES IN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER – FT. MADISON, IOWA

A STOP AT A HIDDEN NAUVOO CEMETERY

It is a known fact that I love finding and then exploring old cemeteries.  And such was the case this Sunday. 

Through our time in Nauvoo – and generally on our way to and from special events at the large “Pageant Center”, we have passed by a cemetery several times.  I have known about two cemeteries in Nauvoo – that have pioneer graves, but have not known about this third one.  I could not see a road to get into it.  On this Sunday, I found a road that I thought might go to the place.

Momma Lou (Sister Hunt) wrote of the situation on the family WhatsApp program – along with a photo of me in my suit.  She talked of my forever desire to be out exploring cemeteries (as I always did with the family when we were raising them – much to their dismay.)

She wrote,  “Dad’s favorite thing to do – visiting cemeteries and taking pictures.”

I wrote in response:

“Notice me doing it in a suit!

Rest of the story… I thought that there were only two Nauvoo cemeteries.   This cemetery is kind of hidden.  We have many times passed it several times and I always say, “I need to find a way to get to it.”

Today I found the back way to get to it.  We drove in to it today.  At the entry was a sign saying, “Established 1870”.  I was disappointed that it was after the Mormon era.  We almost didn’t go in.  I Decided to just make a loop around the place.  I read some surnames along the way.  I Turned the corner clear back in the back end.

I saw the last name of Blum on a stone.  I recognized this name and pulled over to check it out.  I then saw Ida Blum and her husband, Carl on the stones.

I knew Ida when I was here in Nauvoo 50 years ago.  She was one of the greatest of Nauvoo historians.  I knew her and she was ancient then … About age 87… As a non-LDS resident, She used to come to our church meetings and I heard her speak of Nauvoo history a few times.

I got back in and told Mom, “I know this lady”.

She said, “Maybe they need some Temple work done.”

I went home and found that all Temple ordinances for her and her husband and parents has already been done.

I then looked at the record for her daughter.  She had most ordinances completed, but not her sealing to her husband.  And I noted that he had not been endowed.

There is a Temple rule that you cannot do Temple work for a non-relative until after they are 110 years old (110 years since their birth).  This lady turned 110 years just two months ago.

I got cleared for the ordinances.

Kind of a neat scenario… Another Nauvoo miracle.”

THE ANNUAL FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL

For many years, the First Presidency of the Church has staged a special “devotional”.  And this event was held on this Sunday after our Ft. Madison trip.  We could have watched this on the internet in the comfort of our own home, but we opted to go to the Visitors’ Center to enjoy the event with the many other missionaries.

It was a privilege to hear various speakers as they taught of the birth of Christ and the celebrations that center around His birth.  I particularly enjoyed the message from President Dallin H. oaks of the First Presidency.  He talked of the need for all of us to love all people around us.  His theme for the evening was “Peace, good will to all”.  He taught that we should have love and forgiveness for every one of us.

A NEW FOOD JOINT IN TOWN

Visitors who come to Nauvoo need to eat – just like the rest of us.  But, that is easier said than done.  The options are not that great.  On occasion, some of our kids have wanted to give us gift cards for eating out.  They ask us what is available in Nauvoo and we frustrate them when we say, “We have Dollar General”.  That is about right.  One daughter called our bluff and bought us a $25 Dollar General card – with the stipulation that it be for ice cream.  So great!

The old stand-by is The Red Front Café.  I have written about these folks before.  They are amazing and their food is wonderful.  They serve lunch and dinner.  The Fireside BBQ is a bit pricey (but comparable to other BBQ venues) and their food is wonderful, too.  We highly recommend them.  They are new in town.  They are open just Wednesday through Saturday nights for dinner only.

There were a few more options in the summer time, but they all closed for the winter (even my favorite Dairy Queen in Keokuk has a sign that says, “Closed for the season, reason freezin’”.  I can’t wait for warm weather so I can again make my weekly trip there.

So, in light of the above, we were delighted to see a sign (at a former dessert place that wasn’t even open in our day here) announcing the quiet opening of the “River Sidon”. (Does that name ring a Book of Mormon bell?   Could the River Sidon be our Mississippi River of today?  Makes sense to me!)  This place boasts breakfast (Wow!) and lunch.  Opening day was our P-day so we said, “Let’s do it!”  We found the place decorated beautifully and the food (for a first day) was pretty good.

MY CONSTANT SEARCH FOR NEW MONUMENTS AND MARKERS

I have blogged before about my search for new monuments and markers.  I recently created not one, but two blogs on this subject.  There were just too many photos for them all to be included in just a single blog article.   Even after publishing those two blogs, I have continued my research.  This research has come as I have decided to bring all of the material into a single book (to be published soon on lulu.com). 

I continue to find some very interesting hidden bits of history as well as many additional monuments and markers that I did not find on my first pass through the surrounding area.  Such was the case on our recent P-day.  I had found information about  three more monuments that I wanted to visit and explore in Keokuk, on the way to Quincy, Illinois, and in Quincy.

A P-DAY SEARCH FOR MONUMENTS

It was a Monday and it was our “P-Day” so we decided to go exploring – with the ultimate destination of Texas Roadhouse in Quincy.   We went first to the town of Keokuk.  I was anxious to find and photograph the very large and beautiful statue of Chief Keokuk.  The Rand park where the statue (and his burial) is located is atop of a hill overlooking the Mississippi River.  The park was staging a major Christmas light show tonight (and for many nights) so all of the roads to the place were closed.  Thus, we could not drive to the statue.  I had to walk quite a ways to get to it.

Chief Keokuk Grave and Monument – Keokuk, Iowa

I was surprised when looking through my mission slides yesterday, that I had a slide of this statue – so I went there and took a photo in 1975.  Interesting.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHIEF KEOKUK

I learned that Chief Keokuk was a contemporary of Joseph Smith.  Joseph presented him with a copy of The Book of Mormon.

I have kind of known that the town of Keokuk was named for a Chief Keokuk, but I had not previously known much about him.  This visit to Keokuk gave me opportunity to research and learn more about the man – “Chief Keokuk”  for whom the town is named.

Keokuk was a leader of the Sauk tribe in central North America, and for decades was one of the most recognized Native American leaders and noted for his accommodation with the U.S. government. Keokuk moved his tribe several times and always acted as an ardent friend of the Americans. Wikipedia

In August 1841 Chief Keokuk and 100 other chiefs camped for several days across the river from Nauvoo. A few years before, Keokuk had briefly met Joseph Smith when he received a copy of the Book of Mormon from Joseph.

I found a very interesting narrative about Chief Keokuk and his connection with Joseph Smith.  This was written by  Valerie Steimle (Source: https://zarahemla.site/chief-keokuk-1#:~:text=In%20August%201841%20Keokuk%20and,of%20the%20Book%20of%20Mormon)

In the August 1841 gathering of the chiefs, “representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crossed over to Iowa to meet Keokuk and the other chiefs. They made detailed arrangements for a social event for Keokuk and more than 100 fellow Chiefs together with their wives, to meet Joseph Smith and his people in Nauvoo.

The Indians and the members of the Latter-day Saints agreed on the details for an all-day Pow Wow event that was to be a summer festival of diplomacy including food, music, and dance. The Indians would bring their drums and the Church members their brass band. The arrangements were clear and agreeable to both sides. On the appointed morning of Thursday, August 12th, the Ferryman took two flatboats and one ferry over the river from Nauvoo to Montrose to greet the Indian guests whose total number was greater than 200. Joseph had pre-arranged for the city’s brass band and a military unit to greet the arrival of this large group of Indians. These guests were at the time some of the most significant leaders of Native Americans in the country. Keokuk had a great sense of drama and after he and his people came to the Nauvoo landing, they remained on the ferry and flatboats.

Keokuk asked where the leader of the Mormon Church (as it was called back in that day) was.   The welcoming committee said that Joseph Smith was waiting for them up the road in the grove. Keokuk said that he would not get off the ferry except that Joseph Smith was there to greet him in person. A messenger immediately went to get the Prophet and after a short time, Joseph and Hyrum came down to the landing to welcome Keokuk and his fellow Chiefs and their wives to Nauvoo. 

For the rest of that day, there was a summer celebration in the grove. Church members offered the visitors their best “dainties” and fresh melons along with their brass band and singing. The Indians entertained the Church members with their drums and dancing. This was a very significant event for both the LDS Church members and the Indians. For Joseph Smith, this was one of the most important social events of his life. He made a speech to as many as 500 people when he announced that God had revealed to him that the Book of Mormon was an account of the fathers of Keokuk and his fellow Indian chiefs. Joseph Smith declared this as a direct revelation from God and thereby confirmed the truth of the Book of Mormon and that it was “written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel.” The giving of his testimony to those Native Americans was very important for Joseph Smith. Keokuk was the living embodiment of the people of the Book of Mormon.

In researching Chief Keokuk, I found something very interesting.  There is a magnificent full-wall mural of Chief Keokuk and other chiefs meeting Joseph Smith and this is on the second floor of the Mesa, Arizona Temple – near the “Grand Staircase”.  I am from Mesa – I grew up just two blocks north of the Temple.  For years, I have seen and loved this mural but had not ever heard the story of the mural.   I thought that this mural was purely “symbolic” of Joseph taking the Gospel to the Lamanites.  I had no idea that the mural depicted an actual historic occasion. I was elated to hear “the rest of the story”.

Mural in Mesa, Arizxona LDS Temple – Joseph Smith preaching to Indians at Nauvoo Pow Wow – 1841

Original murals by artist Lee Greene Richards remain upstairs in the area of Grand Staircase in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. Photo: Kary Ann Hoopes

Just a side note:  For decades (before Temples “dotted the earth”), the Mesa Temple was known as the “Lamanite Temple”.  In those days, the Mesa Temple was the “closest” Temple for all of the Saints in Central and even South America.  I remember as a teen how busloads of Lamanite Saints would sell literally everything that they had in order to come to the Mesa Temple so that they could receive their eternal ordinances.  Back then, Mesa was much smaller.  We had a large gymnasium-like structure located about a half mile from our home – and near the Temple.  This was called the “Tri-Stake Center”.  (Today there are about 40 stakes in the Mesa area – as compared to the three stakes that existed back then – but the structure still exists and is managed by the Mesa South Stake – of Zion – of which we were a part for twenty-five years as we grew our family in Mesa.) 

This Tri-Stake Center was where the incoming Lamanites would stay for the two or three days that they were in town.  I remember getting many Priesthood assignments to go down there with a hundred or so other men – to create a Lamanite dormitory.  We would literally set up hundreds of cots – with mattresses and curtains – to house the folks.  This was a great brotherhood activity.  And often, the number of Saints who came exceeded even the large capacity of the grand hall.  In such situations, our family would be asked to host some of the overflow families.  This was a special opportunity.  It was a bit of a challenge, however, since none of us spoke Spanish and none of our guests spoke English.  We loved and hugged each other and we got along well.  We soon learned that we could not compliment the folks on their beautiful clothes or anything they brought with them.  When we did this, they would think that we wanted the item and they would try to give it to us.

JOHN CARTER – 4TH GREAT GRANDFATHER OF SISTER HUNT

Lou and I then made our way down river.  I drove through Warsaw – a bad anti-Mormon town in the 1840’s – looking for historical plaques but found none.We got onto Highway #96 and proceeded South toward Quincy.  I had decided that we would go in search of the grave for Lou’s 4^th Great Grandfather, John Carter.  I did a Google search and found him buried in the current remote village of Tioga and in an old cemetery called the Fletcher Cemetery.  The Google directions to the Cemetery were good and they got us there. 

Then, upon arrival, we needed to walk around to find his specific stone.  We found the grave over at the very eastern side of the cemetery.  This John was born in 1782 and died in 1852.  He never joined the Church but his wife and children did.  They went to Utah and he remained behind.  He was the father of William Furlsbury Carter – Lou’s 3^rd Great Grandfather.

  I told Lou that I didn’t know if I had ever found the grave of a 4^th Great Grandfather, but I later thought of John and Jane Coats Hunt, Zerah and Mary Brown Pulsipher, and Ira Rice – whose graves I have found.  And I visited 5^th and 6^th great grandfathers buried in old Hebron, Kentucky.  And maybe there are others.  Anyway, finding a 4^th Great Grandfather was a big deal.

I posted a photo of the grave on our family App.  My son, Keith was the only one to take notice of the picture and he even came back with the note that John Carter even has a movie about him.  I don’t think that the Disney show is really about our John (since it says he was a Civil War soldier – after the death of our John) – but that is interesting.

RIVER CROSSING OF SAINTS FROM MISSOURI TO ILLINOIS

We continued to the town of Quincy.  I wanted to find a monument placed by the Church and others – which commemorates the place where the Missouri Saints crossed the river into Illinois in 1839.  It also thanks the Quincy people for their care for the stranded Saints.  I got a great photo of the rock – the monument – with a sunset and a bridge in the background.

Our next stop was the Texas Roadhouse – also in Quincy.  I have had the urge to go there.  This urge is more intense at times since in our little Nauvoo, we have no such eating places.

EXPERIENCING THE KEOKUK “CITY OF CHRISTMAS”

When looking for the Keokuk statue, I found myself immersed in a plethora of Christmas lights. They lined the park streets everywhere.  I noted that the light displays were sponsored or set up by business of the town.

I was very intrigued so I wanted to return that evening with Sister Hunt. We did go back and we got in the line of cars.  We followed the car ahead of us and we drove through the large “village” of lights.  There were 100 or more lighted trains, planes, flowers, and everything else imaginable.  The whole place was magnificent – and wonderful.  And the best thing about this “City of Christmas” was totally free – as a community gift. And it was a special gift.

MIRACLES CONTINUE AS WE LOOK FOR AND SEE THEM

It has been fun being here in Nauvoo even in this very cold era of time.  I am grateful that the Lord has “protected” us from the cold weather and that we can even venture out to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Christmas around us.  We are in very different circumstances this year – without our families – but yet it is rewarding as we participate with the community and missionaries in these great events.  I am glad that we can feel joy even with the temperature challenges.  Yes, miracles continue as we look for, and see them.

And now, as I sit comfortably on my new recliner couch with my computer on my lap– and writing this blog article, I have a great view of the outside world from a window directly in front of me.  “I looked out the window, and what did I see?” (as Primary children sing).   And you guessed it …  I see more of that “white stuff” coming down!  It is coming down in giant flakes … Oh Joy!  “Snow, Snow, Snow …” said my wife and missionary companion.

I guess I’ll be using that snow shovel later on.  (And we learned last night that as Site Coordinators, at the Joseph Smith properties, that we are to keep the walks and stairs free of snow at the Homestead, Bidamon building, and the Mansion House.  And that is a lot!)  I guess I’ll be shoveling snow for Joseph later today!  (And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do it for!)

From the cold Nauvoo trail …

Elder Kevin Hunt