Blog # 39

By Kevin V. Hunt

Yes, you read it right!  We actually got to experience riding in a horse-drawn open sleigh here in Nauvoo.  Such sleighs are a part of the hidden-away inventory of the Nauvoo Teamsters.  And I guess they are legendary!  We have heard many people talking about them – all in great awe and wonder.  That is everyone’s dream … to ride in a real sleigh!

Even our daughter … they used to live near St. Louis, Missouri and recently moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.  We have heard her talk many times of the famous sleigh ride.  She said that she wanted to come here in the winter in order to ride the sleigh.  When we got called to serve in Nauvoo, that was the first thing that she mentioned to us.  She said that she wanted to come ride the sleigh while we are here.

Actually, planning ahead for such a ride might be a bit tricky.  First off, you would have to have snow.  And not just snow … it has to be over about four inches so that the sleigh runners would work as designed.  So, a trip from Vegas to ride the sleigh might be challenging.  By the time she would get here on a plane to St. Louis, and then a 3-hour trip up river – the snow would be long gone.

I have noted before, our trepidation of anticipated snow when we came here.  (That is the “Arizona” in me.)  I erroneously thought that we would be out here digging ourselves out of ice caves daily.  Thankfully, it has not been quite that bad.  (But I say that the Lord has “shielded” us from the real cold – even though we are out in it.)

Upon arrival here, we have heard much of the “lore” of the sleighs.   Anticipation has been high with all of the missionaries.  We have all been hopeful for a future sleigh experience.  We have had several “minor” snowstorms but none of the storms have had the “umph” required for sleigh rides. 

A couple of times this winter, we have had threats of the “snow storm of the decade”.   And Nauvoo folks – and especially missionaries – got excited over the prospect of sleigh riding.  Those proved to be mere threats, however  … the snow ended up being “underwhelming” (at least for sleigh riding).

Then last week we got a bit more snow than usual. Hopes were high again.  And this storm actually brought about 4” of the “white fluff”.    There was buzz about whether or not the sleighs could get into operation.  I heard one older senior sister say, “I have been invited to go on a sleigh ride”.  This was before the opportunity developed fully.

Sister Hunt and I were at home awaiting a tour opportunity.  We hadn’t heard about a sleigh actuality after the night’s snowfall.   Our internet was down but suddenly got resurrected.  Then about 12:10 PM, we saw a late notice.  It said that the sleighs would operate from 10 AM to noon.  We were given a location (in front of the Nauvoo Temple) to go for photo ops.  And there was mention of rides departing from the “horse barn”.

We grabbed our coats in a hurry and dashed out – hoping that we hadn’t missed it.  We skipped the photo op scene and “cut to the chase” (a printer term) and went straight to the horse barn.

We actually found one sleigh going north down Partridge Street heading for the big red horse barn.  We figured if we slowly remained behind the sleigh, we might be able to talk the teamsters into a short ride from the barn once we arrived there with them.  We followed close behind them for a half mile or so.  We got to the barn and parked quickly and ran over to the sleigh.  Luck was on our side.   We got there just as the former sleigh occupants were stepping out. 

Above photo: The “Modern Red Barn”. I lived in the white house (left) when I was a young missionary back in 1975. My room was the one top left. The Red Barn was next to us. I can still finjd the old barn as a part of the current barn. And because of the Red Barn, the six of us were known as the “Red Barn Elders”.

(above: “Red Barn” as it appeared in 1975)

Sister Workman was there and loaned Sister Hunt her scarf and another layer of clothing for the predictably frigid ride.  We hadn’t stocked up on enough layers in our rush to get out of the house.

Teamster, Elder McBride was wonderful. 

He quickly became our photographer. Then he and his teamster partner helped us (and four other people) board onto the sleigh.   The teamsters graciously provided us with some of their blankets.  We climbed aboard, snuggled for a cold but wonderful ride, and got in a few more photos.  We were all bundled up and sitting on the famed sleigh.  Wow!  I can say that it was as magical as “Currier and Ives” and it wasn’t even Christmas. 

Elder McBride and partner then signaled to the horses, and we were off.  It was definitely a chilly affair, but once again, we were kind of protected from the cold.  We were bundled up well and tried to warm each other.  The cold was bearable in light of the nostalgic sleigh opportunity.

We headed south down Partridge Street.  At an intersection, Elder McBride said, “This snow is going fast.”  The sleigh runners grinded against the emerging pavement as we went through a dip at the intersection.  There really was not enough snow but we moved forward.  There was a bit more snow as we moved on.

We passed the Nauvoo Temple on our left and the Temple in the white snow scene was magnificent.  We noted in the distance the other sleigh and its occupants as it scooted across the snowy Nauvoo “prairie”. 

It was so magical seeing those giant horses as they literally pranced ahead.  I think that even they senses the greatness of the moment.  I think that they enjoyed being a part of the scene.  Again, the scene was magical.  We all marveled at how great it was to actually be out on the ride.  It was definitely a rare opportunity.  We laughed and enjoyed the ride.  And we didn’t really get too cold.  It was definitely a very fun activity.

We returned to the horse barn and realized that we had just made it – I think that we were in the last ride to have gone out.  The Teamster wives invited us into the sacred (and inner sanctum) “Teamster Building”.  They had hot cider and hot chocolate ready for us and the other sleigh riders.  Life doesn’t get much better than this!

Above: The “Teamster Building” in 2025. Note that this building is built on the historic (at least to me) lot where my ancestor, Nathan Calhoun had his home in the 1840’s. And this was directly west of my upstairs “Red Barn” bedroom. It was such a joy to look out there each morning and to see Nathan’s property.

Above: Cheney Property 1975 – where the current “Teamster Building” is located – and as seen by my 1975 “Red Barn” bedroom window.

I looked forward to sharing our photos with our children.   (Ya gotta gloat once in a while … when you can!)  The children (and particularly those who themselves are photographers) continue to be amazed with the Nauvoo photos that we share with them. They think we are “having way too much fun here” and we probably are.  One daughter said, “You have the coolest mission!”

After I posted the sleigh photos, Kaylea had a funny comment:  “Stop it!!!!  That’s the coolest thing ever !!!!  That’s one of my dreams, to ride in a sleigh like that !!!  I’m so jealous!!  How fun.”  (And who has not secretly dreamed of riding on a one-horse open sleigh – but actually our sleigh was pulled by two horses.)

Marinda said, “Mom and Dad, that looks so magical and cold!  Ha, Ha!”

Jenae said, “Ahh, I love this so much mom and dad.  I tried for a few years to get to Nauvoo in winter to ride their sled but there was never enough snow to get down there as well when they were doing it but I love so much that you got to ride it. That’s a fun memory. So fun.  Love the photos.”  

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY FRIEND, GENE

 A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I had happened to meet my old friend, Gene McMeins.  I just happened to hear someone talking with him.  They said that he was now age 92.   I had known him 50 years ago when I was here in Nauvoo as a “young missionary”.   The folks had his phone number so I gave Gene a call.  Sister Hunt and I later went and visited with him in his home and had a great visit with him.  He shared with me a notebook full of vintage Nauvoo photos.  I took photos of each page – for future reference – and now I am so glad that I did this.  We then saw him again as we attended church in Ft. Madison, Iowa two or three weeks later.

Brian Christiansen, the Ft. Madison Ward Elder’s Quorum President, knowing that I knew Gene, called me with news that Gene had taken a turn for the worse with his shoulder cancer.  Brian stated that Gene had been placed in a Hospice facility.

We contemplated a visit to Gene on our P-Day.  Then we learned that he had died the morning before.

Sister Hunt and I were able to attend his funeral held at a little mortuary located here in Nauvoo.  We showed up dressed as missionaries.  We visited with an elderly brother and sister of Gene.  They were not members of the LDS Church. Gene was the only family member of the church.  And Gene had told me that he had the historic distinction of being “the first LDS male convert since the pioneer days”.  Wow … how cool is that?  I obtained a memorial program (with a photo) for Gene – and the same photo was framed on the display table.  I had two really great photos of Gene that I took on each occasion with him.  I was sorry that I didn’t know they needed a good photo (nor would I have known how to get them to them).  I was able to send my photos to both of the folks (with the tech help of their grown children).

It was a small crowd – only about 25 people present.  I noted only a handful of people there from Gene’s ward.  He had several nieces and nephews present – and a few others.

We talked to the young Ft. Madison ward Bishop Blacker.  We had met him in Ft. Madison when we attended a 4^th of July picnic there.  He was intrigued when I told him that I had met Gene 50 years before.  He invited me to offer the invocation at Gene’s service.  This invitation surprised me but I felt honored.   

The Bishop gave brief remarks – and these should have given the folks some hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – with the hope that they would indeed see their Gene once again.  I enjoyed his remarks.

The other elements of the February 3^rd service surprised us a bit.  The Bishop played two Elvis Presley songs.  At first, I thought, “That’s really strange …”.  He said that Gene had requested that these songs be played at his funeral.  One song was entitled “There’ll be Peace in the Valley”.  He then played a second song, entitled “Take My Hand”.   The songs proved to be a pleasant surprise.  They were actually beautiful and really great for a funeral.  The songs were quite nice, mellow, and appropriate to the occasion.    Thanks, Elvis!

Since we were on-call in the tour queue, we opted not to go with the cortege to the Keokuk cemetery.  It was a nice little Nauvoo Miracle that I happened to be here in Nauvoo at this time and that I got to visit with Gene before his passing.

NEW MISSIONARIES ARE ON THE WAY

With the hope of Spring – and with the prospect of many more visiting guests, in the coming spring and summer season – we have received notice of many new missionaries who will arrive within the next couple of months.  We will soon receive many more senior couples and “YSM’s” (Young Sister Missionaries).  Last summer we had 63 young sisters.  This year we anticipate 80 young sisters. Wow!  They start coming in mid-March.  This reminded me of the famous 1940’s poster.

As district leaders, Sister Hunt and I get to welcome the missionaries assigned to our district.  We get to have advance communications with the folks.  We thus become friends with them in anticipation of their arrival.

One such couple is Elder Dan and Sister Wendi Ballard.  They entered the Provo MTC (Mission Training Center) at the same time as my brother, Darcy, and his wife, Laura.  I told each of them to look for the other couple.  They did find each other and they sent us a photo of the two couples together.  So great!

Above: Sister Wendi and Elder Dan Ballard, Sister Laura and Elder Darcy Hunt together in the MTC

We kept in touch with the Ballards and knew when they would arrive here in Nauvoo.  We arranged with our district members to greet them and to help them get their stuff moved into their apartment from their small car.   When Elder and Sister Ballard pulled up, I quipped, “I didn’t know you were coming in a Volkswagon.”  It didn’t seem that they had much stuff for their 18-month stint here.   Our district members were all there for them.   It took only a few minutes to unload their small wagon.   We also fed them dinner that night at our place.  We also arranged for two other district couples to feed them on successive nights.  We all worked to help them feel “loved” and welcomed to our “covenant community” here in our beloved Nauvoo.

Elder and Sister Burr are set to arrive about the 12^th of March after their MTC experience.  We have also spent time on the phone with them.  They are from “Burrville”, Utah.  (You don’t have to wonder about his ancestry with such a connection!)  I asked if the town of Glenwood is near them.  He acknowledged that Glenwood is in his LDS stake.  We found out that he knows my step-brother, Malcolm Nash, of Glenwood, and his wife, Wendy. 

We talked about the nearby village of Fremont and he said that Paul Taylor lives there  He said that he has worked with Paul in the Temple.  Paul and I were young missionary companions.  Elder Taylor and I served together in Birmingham, Alabama – shortly after “the Restoration”. 

In those days, I enjoyed cooking and often cooked for the two of us.  I would ask Elder Taylor what he wanted to eat and his answer was always the same: “Poached deer steak”.  Elder Burr admitted that Elder Taylor had likely enjoyed some of that in his life.

In this same time period, we also said good-bye to Elder Bruce and Sister Betty Davis.  They both worked in the Facilities Management (FM) group.  He was a carpenter and she was a painter. 

Above: Elder Bruce and Sister Betty Davis in Nauvoo

They are both in their mid-70’s.  She spent most of her time up on high lifts painting our historic houses.  They were here for 23 months – so they were the true veterans by the time that they departed.  They were both worn out – and particularly her – from their service.  He said that she has really been pushing herself to finish her mission strong.  Sister Davis has been the epitome of the energizer bunny.  Unbelievable!   She was painting right up to 3:00 PM the afternoon before they left – and she stopped only because she had to go turn her keys in.  He said he hopes that she doesn’t go off like a time bomb on the way home.  Dedicated folks!

We invited them over to eat with us the night before they departed – since they should have had no food in their house by that time.

We also said good-bye to our special friends Elder Kurt and Sister LuAnn Walters.  We have both felt a connection to them.   For 18 months, He was the horse veterinarian and was also the coordinator for the Teamsters union and she was co-mission historian.  They headed west to their Wyoming home.  It is hard to say good-bye to our Nauvoo friends as they depart but we are grateful for time spent with them.  Our mission president Mehr says that we were all fore-ordained to come here to serve in Nauvoo and that we knew our Nauvoo friends previously.  Such a grand thought!

ZONE MEETING          

Each Tuesday in our mission, we have training meetings.  The first and third Tuesdays we hear from our Mission Leaders.  The second Tuesday is reserved for zone meetings and the fourth Tuesday is for district meetings. 

Above: Teamster/Zone Leader – Elder Atkinson

We are in the “Hyrum Zone” and Elder Atkinson and his wife are our zone leaders.  They are doing great and we appreciate their service and help.

Above top: The Red Brick Store lit up at night and below: The Hyrum Zone Meeting at Joseph’s Red Brick Store

And a side note: The full General Relief Society Presidency were here in October and they filmed a video in this room. The video is set to aire in March as a part of the worldwide Relief Society devotional.

We met as scheduled in Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store.  There were about 30 of us missionaries there.  We studied about Joseph Smith and his various methods of his scripture translation.

FINDING A NEW EATING PLACE

The options for eating out around Nauvoo are pretty slim.  There is just not much here or in the area.  Hence, it was quite exciting on a recent date night when we found a new place.  This was the “Gate City Restaurant” located in Keokuk (about 12 miles south of us in Iowa).   I looked up “gate city” and found that Keokuk was or is a “gate” between the upper and lower Mississippi River.   Okay …  I had seen the obscure restaurant sign as we have driven past each week.  The sign was kind of underwhelming and didn’t do the place justice.

I finally pulled over once and we checked out the place.  We were surprised and pleased at what we saw.  So, it was a nice evening as we later went to this place.  The place was much bigger than we had thought.  It was beautiful and spacious inside.  We were pleased to find that the place is a buffet style restaurant (one of our favorite restaurant types).  Wow!  We were also surprised that the place was so busy – and that almost everyone who came to Gate City had advance reservations. 

The buffet line was excellent with its many salad and main dish options.  And they have cheesecake – looking like the famed “Cheesecake Factory”.  We haven’t tried that yet.  We really enjoyed our evening there together.

CONCIERGE TOURS

With our Nauvoo guests kind of “few and far between” at this season in Nauvoo, we are not swamped with visitors.  But, we do still get to be with some great people.  One such group was the Lopez family from Utah.  This was a husband and wife and their little guy, Lucca.  That little guy was “cute as a bug’s ear” (and how cute is that?).  We took the family on tours of seven places on Saturday and then four more (with the Ballards also with us) on Sunday.

The Lopez family loved everything that we shared with them.  We  took them to the Joseph Smith properties, the homes of the Apostles, the Field and Sessions cabins, the print shop, post office, the Lyon Drug Store, and more.

And then another little “Nauvoo Miracle”. … I helped the wife find several of her Nauvoo ancestors.  She learned that she descends from Vinson Knight – her 5^th great grandfather.  I knew that the home of Vinson Knight is still intact and that I could show them the house.  We had taken them also to the Blacksmith Shop and were given a tour there by Elder and Sister Batteen.  It was interesting that these Batteens now live in the Vinson Knight home.  I called them and asked if we could bring some Knight family to see their little place.  They welcomed us there.  They said that their son-in-law is also a 5^th great grandson of Vinson.

Seeing this Vinson Knight home – and taking a photo outside – became the highlight of the Nauvoo visit for Sister Lopez.  She was so happy!

PROJECTS FOR SISTER HUNT AND ME

With time on our hands – as we await the tour call at home – Sister Hunt and I have had our own projects and have kept busy.

Sister Hunt has made three new pioneer dresses and I think 6 new aprons.  She had been pleased as the beautiful dresses have come together.  And she looks beautiful in them.  And with the new dresses she returned her “loaner dresses” back to the Sewing Room.

Above: Sister Hunt modeling newly made apron on her “loaner dress”

Above: Elder Hunt in new cape – trying to stay warm

As ever, I have kept myself very busy researching and recording history.  I have worked on various projects. 

I have created PowerPoint presentations for five different classes that I have taught (once a week) on the subject of family history.

Lou and I are the mission historians and we have both been busy creating our first monthly mission history (January).  I have enjoyed creating a few blog articles.

Above: Elder Hunt teaching family history classes

I have really enjoyed teaching these classes and preparing the class presentations.  My subjects included creating family history heirlooms, writing your personal journal, writing your personal history or story, collecting documents for family history, and compiling and publishing your family history.  All of these presentations can be found on this blogsite:  InNauvooWithKevandLou.wordpress.com.

DINNER WITH OUR NAUVOO “NEIGHBORS”

As missionaries, we are kind of spread out throughout the town.  There are little pockets of missionary residences in various places.  And each group connects and has activities together.  Such is the case with us.  There are eight or so of us couples who live “on the lower flat” (below the Temple hill).  We got together back in November but we got together again recently.

We enjoyed a wonderful pot-luck meal.  Sister Hunt made our family favorite recipe “Nauvoo Potatoes” (aka “funeral potatoes” in modern Relief Society terminology).  I first tasted these potatoes when I was here as a young missionary and even then the older sister who made them called them “Nauvoo Potatoes”.  And as we raised our children, I have called them by that title also.  The dish has long been a family favorite.  And “Nauvoo Potatoes” sure sounds better than “funeral potatoes”.  The company was also fun.  We had good conversation together.

Sister Hunt and I missed the games that followed the meal.  We had to hurry home (diagonally across the street) to participate in a family video phone call.

OUR GRANDSON GAVE US GOOD NEWS

Our grandson, Bryson, lived with Sister Hunt and me a few times over the years as his family was displaced.  He has felt almost as if he is a son of ours – rather than a grandson.  Bryson returned a few months ago from his mission to Argentina.  On the mission, he met a sister missionary.  They really were not around each other much – so really, only met a couple of times. 

Bryson and this sister found themselves together here at home.  She had returned several months before he got home.  They met at a reunion of their mission group.  They began dating and VOILA!  They got engaged.  The fun thing is that this Annie has the last name of Hunt.  (and Hunt is his middle name).  And after they fell in love, they learned that they are 4^th cousins – once removed.  How funny!  They got on-line and learned that a marriage under such conditions is still “kosher” – that there would likely not be family mutations.  (That was a welcome relief for them.)  We all got a kick out of the scenario.  Typical Bryson, however, I am still waiting for him and them to do “Relatives Around Me” so that I can really see the family connection.

Bryson let us know ahead of his projected proposal.  We were able to join the scene on-line with many of our joint families participating as if we were right there.  We saw the scene but left the kiss to him, however.  I noticed he was a bit “teary-eyed” after the experience.

On this night with the “flat group” we hurried home to join another call.  Bryson and his lady made a trip from Utah and were hanging out with the Arizona family.  And while they were there, we took the opportunity to stage our traditional “family council” meeting with them.  This is a 3-generation tradition that came to us from Lou’s Belcher family.  When a new person wants to become an “out-law” in the family, they must first attend a “family council”.  In this infamous gathering, all family members fire questions at the incoming person – like, “How many children are you going to have?”, “Who will take out the garbage”, and “Do you like the toilet paper to unwrap from the top – or from the bottom”.  These are all earth-shaking and vital questions.  (And incidentally, Sister Hunt has long been a toilet paper bottom-loader but here in Nauvoo, she has seen the error of her ways and she generally now loads it to be a top-loader.  Wow!  Is that another Nauvoo miracle?

Above: Bottom Right – Bryson and Annie in “Family Council” engagement gathering via Zoom

Anyway, we all had a fun time with family members on the call from five or more states.  It was a fun evening. And ultimately, Annie passed the test.  We took a family “vote” and by unanimous vote, we elected to “welcome her” into the family. 

In Sister Belcher’s family they had many apple trees.  And one time they picked all of their apples at one time.  They took them to the local church cannery and made the apples into applesauce.  And for many years (or couples) the family presented three cases of the applesauce to the incoming bride or groom.    It was almost worth getting engaged for.  Since my wife was the last to get married, the applesauce supply had been reduced considerably and I think we had to settle for just one case.

I have some fun (is that the word?) memories of my own appearance at the Belcher “family council”.  Wow!  That was an experience!  (I ought to publish that story some time …)

As our own children were pairing off, Sister Hunt and I did not have the advantage of applesauce to lure unsuspecting people into the family.  We sought another alternative.  And since our name is “Hunt” we found it appropriate and fun to present the new “out-laws” three cases of “Hunt’s Tomato Sauce”.  We have had a lot of fun with these sauce cases over the many marriages.

In this case, Kaylea and her family (since this is their first marriage) opted to begin their own tradition and to bestow a 10 or more pound chocolate bar to Bryson and Annie.

The soon-to-be-weds plan to tie the knot in June in the Taylorsville, Utah Temple. Sister Hunt and I are strongly considering a trip back there for the great event.  (Couple missionaries can sometimes pull off permissions for such a trip.)

MORE FUN WITH THE FAMILY AND EXPERIENCING “KEVINISMS” TOGETHER OVER THE MILES

This has nothing really to do with our mission in Nauvoo, but it does show some of our fun with family across the miles. It is nice to know that they are thinking about us!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have my own language at times – sometimes I call them “Kevinisms”. Our son, Keith, has long been intrigued with these weird sayings of mine. He must have had a lot of time on his hands a few days ago and with the help of his friend, AI, he put together some photos of me with the sayings. These brought some laughs on our family on-line communication page. I greatly enjoyed the fun. Thanks, Keith

VISITORS TO THE HISTORIC DUNN HOME

I have noted in the past that Sister Hunt and I live in the historic home built by the Nauvoo resident, Simeon A. Dunn.  Many of Simeon’s descendants somehow are led (by grandma and other oldsters) to come and do a drive-by in front of our house.  They are told to “be sure to go see our family home.”

We always welcome them in and show them around.  I have previously described the typical visits by these descendants.  The other day, we had such a visit but the folks actually did not even have Dunn blood running through their veins.

They were the Davidson family from Jacksonville, Florida.  They came on the errand of their Bishop Dunn in Jacksonville.  We gave them the usual tour and they had the usual Dunn reaction.  They also signed the book on behalf of their Bishop.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NIGHT

We have activity staging missionaries – the Wilsons –  (Spencer’s math teacher and coach at Shelley High School in Idaho – who do a fabulous job of staging a multitude of activities.  They stage activities (at least for winter) every other Wednesday night.  This week they staged an “emergency preparedness night”.  They had various missionaries share their talents.  One Sister talked of canning.  Another talked of emergency communications and preparedness, a couple showed their “BOB” preparedness backpacks.  A Sister taught gardening.  Another Sister taught natural herbs and spices.  I felt as if I was back in the Boy Scouts again.  It was a good evening – with many great presentations.

P.I.E. (PIE INHALATION EXPERIENCE)

Back at home, I have for many years enjoyed staging a P.I.E. event the night before the Thanksgiving.  And this is fun to stage the pie-making with many grandchildren.  I suggested the same event for the mission but the idea got nixed for that time.  They suggested another date and suggested a pie making contest.  The event kept getting bigger and bigger … and we were in charge of it.

Elder and Sister Kevin and Lou Hunt (that’s us) staged a fabulous P.I.E (pie inhalation experience) night.    I will now defer to my journal entry of that day for all of the gory details.

JANUARY 24^TH – FRIDAY

I arose this morning and got into the pie making mode.  I used a chocolate crust.  I then made a luscious chocolate crème – which is one of my signature puddings/pie fillings.  I put this on top of the chocolate crust mix.   I then stirred up the green layer of the grasshopper pie.  I put in whipped cream, marshmallow cream (from a jar), peppermint extract and green food coloring.   This pie is always a major hit with my wife, children and grandchildren.

Next I made the pie filling for a butterscotch crème pie.  After I got it cooked, I added some walnut pieces to it.  I put this into a pre-baked pie shell.  After the pie had cooled a bit, I had Lou drizzle some caramel syrup on the top.  I also roasted some walnuts to put on the top.

My next effort was a coconut crème pie.  I cooked yet another batch of my custard.  When it was done cooking, I added some toasted coconut and coconut flavoring.  I garnished the top with more toasted coconut.

I then cleaned up my kitchen mess.  And I did all of this and got it done by 10:00 AM.  The pies all look amazing.  Lou made a Nutella cream pie yesterday – with a chocolate chip cookie crust.  It looks great also.

I put my pies outside to chill in the cold weather.  I told the family that ’I have never had such a large refrigerator for pie making” (meaning all of the Nauvoo outdoors around us).  This was nice.

Lou and I (mostly her) gathered all of the supplies needed to stage the pie event this evening.  I told Lou, “This is almost like catering!”  (Oh, the memories!)  We ended up with a lot of boxes of materials.

We told Elder Sanders that we would need to be off from 2 PM today in order to stage the event and he made a schedule note to reflect this.  We thought that we might get a tour in the morning.  At 1:00 Pm, Elder Wilson called us for a tour at Temple City.  We could have finished just Temple City by 2:00 PM but wouldn’t know what to do if people wanted to see more.  We discussed this with him and he decided to pass us up and go on to the next couple.

I made a large batch of pie pudding – with nine boxes of pie filling mix.  I dumped these into two big bowls.  I then added about 20 cups of milk and stirred the pudding well.  I took the pans outside to cool – and the air did the job.

About 2:30 PM, I began to pack the vehicle with all of our party stuff.  This was a chore.  And the cold weather added its own excitement.  I got the task finished.  Then we headed out.

We went to the “Pageant Building” where the event was to be staged.  We unloaded the car and took all of the stuff into the building – amidst the freezing weather.

We set up the place.  We set up three tables for display of the incoming pies.  We covered each of these tables with coral colored tablecloths.  These added to the total scene.  We set up two tables for the “ladies” competition, and one for the “men’s” pies.  We also set up four tables (with tablecloths) on which to stage our eating activity.  Lou put a black garbage bag – with head and arm holes – on each chair. 

Sister Beauregard came early (as a judge).  She and I set up about 50 chairs to accommodate the anticipated crowd.  (And a plethora of folks would be standing for the activity).  Sister Hunt also set up five long banquet tables lined up end-to-end.)  These were set up for one person of each couple to sit and be fed pie (with four couples and chairs to be at each table).  Sister B. placed some napkins and water bottles in front of each place.

Elder and Sister White happened by and they (with Sister B) created 20 mini banana crème pies for the pie-eating or inhalation experience. We were grateful for their help.  We had 6” pie tins.  We put a cup full of pie filling into each small tin plate.  We added a few sliced bananas and then topped them all off with a dollop or two of whipped cream.  We made a great pie-making machine between us all.

We had previously invited everyone in the mission to create their best pies for the contest.  We told them that they could bring their pies – to be judged – between 3 and 5 PM at the Pageant Building.  Lou did a great job of creating name and number tags to go for each pie.  She had her tags ready and was prepared for the check-in visits by the pie bakers.  Her system worked well.  I was proud of her and grateful for her assistance.

We had a list of people who were to bring about 31 pies.  Some people showed up unannounced and we were happy to accept their pies.   (One can never get enough pie!)  We soon discovered that we had some really fabulous pies.

I had put out a plea for pie judges – telling them that “it is a rough job, but someone has to do it.”  The group included Sisters Beauregard and Cullen, and President Workman and Elders Parker, Schaefer, and Price.  They came before the scheduled judging start.  I handed out the sheets that I had created for their judging the pies and these worked fairly well.  We judged on the merits of creativity, appearance, crust, filling and taste.  There was a possible 100 points.  They talked about how they would judge and they went to work. 

Above: The Pie Judges

We did not want each judge to have to taste 30 plus pies.  So, we gave each of them five pies to judge.    This system seemed to work well.  The folks seemed to really enjoy their experience – and the many pies they got to taste.  We all knew that it “was a rough job, but someone had to do it”.  Elder Schaeffer thanked me later for the great opportunity.

Sister Cullen was the “secretary” for me and she complied all of the stats and gave me a list of the top ten or so scores.  I appreciated her efforts.  Lou and Sister B. worked to cut the many pies.  They made small cuts so that people could sample multiple pies.

At this point, I took my own pies out of the running for the competition.  By the judges, one of my pies was #2 and the next would have been #4.  Nice to know how my pies “stack up” with the competition!

By this time, Elders had come to the main hall of the facility and they set up tables and chairs for the 100 or so anticipated people.   Lou and I joined the crowd in there.

In planning for this event, it was decided that the main course menu would be for any kind of “meat pie” (and salads).  These meat pies proved to be fabulous.  Everyone seemed to love this new meal option.

Elder Jones was the MC for the event.  He is always hilarious and he did a great job, as usual.  He also called for three Elders – Pres. Mehr, Pearce, Atkinson to come up to tell “Dad Jokes”.   He brought up Elder Sanders and did a “roast” of him  with accusations of misconduct at the forge. 

Elder Jones recognized new missionaries who have arrived in the past month.  Elders and Sisters Walters and Davis were recognized as they will soon depart for home.  I will miss both of these couples.  We have grown close to both. 

Then with all of the business completed, Elder Jones called Lou forward.  She recruited 10 couples (should have been 20 couples) to “eat pie first”. The unknowing and unsuspecting people were confused but they followed me to the designated “pie room”.  As the group arrived, I said to a few couples … “There were supposed to be 20 couples – not 20 people.  Sister Hunt does not do math!”  Upon arrival in the room, I gave the incoming folks instructions.  I said that it did not matter who does what, but said that one of the couple should sit down and put on “the black robe” and the other was to put on gloves and stand behind the other person.  By this time, they were all in major shock as the reality of what was coming hit them.   It was hilarious to see their reactions.  But at that point, there was no way that I would any of them get away.

Then all of the other folks made their entry.   I tried to strong-arm more folks to join us at the table.  I vocally called upon Elder Brad Hunt as his wife tried to skirt away.  He said that his wife could not do it.  I said, “Well, then get another Sister Hunt”.  This brought some great laughs.  (There are 3 “Sister Hunts” here).   I called Elder Reed by his first name (I’ve known him since second grade – when he was in 1^st grade and we rode the bus together to our Lehi School).  He and Sister Reed came forward to participate.

 Most of the folks had seats to sit in.  Others stood around in the back.  With the crowd gathered, I gave instructions for the event.  Then on signal, the action began.   Those behind ”blindly fed” their spouse who was sitting in front of them.  This became a hilarious scene – which we all enjoyed watching.  We all laughed with great gusto!

Folks really got into the scene.  Some of the “behind” folks were really exuberant and deliberately got their pies spread down all over the “front” people.  Elder and Sister Atkinson finished their pie first and they were followed by Elder and Sister McBride.  I announced them as the winners … and I presented each couple with a small box of 2 pie slices.  So hilarious as a prize.  Everyone loved this.

I then announced the winners of the pie contest.  I first awarded the winners of the “ladies’ competition”.  Third place was Sister Workman, second was Sister Hampton, and the grand prize winner – with a perfect 100 score was Sister Jestice (with a Hawaiian coconut pie).  We had prizes for each of the three winners.

I then presented the awards for the “men’s competition”.  Elder Turner made two pies – banana cream and the other Reese’s peanut butter – and he got both second and third place.  I first recognized him for his 3^rd place pie and he asked, “for which pie?”.  I said, “Well, if you put it that way, you got both 2^nd and 3^rd place.”  This brought great laughter – and glee for Elder Turner.  The top award went to Elder Croxford with his perfect 100 score for his apple pie.  Sister Croxford felt sad – saying that she and Elder Croxford had created their pies together – that he had made the filling and she the crust for both.  Luckly we had an extra prize which we gave to her.

I thanked all of the pie makers as well as the judges.

The crowd loved this whole recognition and award experience.   It was great fun.  Several people said how great it all was.

Then it was time to eat the pies.  I let Pres. and Sister Mehr lead the crowd over to the pies.  Then, true to our word, we let the banana cream contenders go through the line first.  We had promised them that they could eat pie first.  (And technically they had already eaten their pie first.)   Then everyone else went through the line.  I had suggested that everyone begin with just two small slices until everyone had gone throught he line.  I need not have worried …  It was like the “feeding of the 5,000”. 

The pies were so fabulous.  I tasted several of them.  I wished I had more time to eat more – but we took home pieces to eat later.   Such a great thing!  Again, … can’t get enough pie.  (My Grandpa Larsen loved pie and someone asked him his favorite.  He responded, “Round”.  But I have also had “square” and decided that it too, was good.

The event was made even greater as everyone just stood around and visited.  All in all, the whole event was just amazing and fun.  We were happy that we could serve and minister to all in the mission.

After the pies had been eaten, there was still a lot of pie remaining.  Lou worked to help encourage folks to take the leftovers.  Many folks helped to clean up, vacuum, put tables and chairs away, etc.

I then put all of our stuff (now considerably reduced) into the vehicle.

It was about 9 PM when we got home.  We brought in all of the stuff and put it away.  I did the dishes as Lou put pie leftovers away.  We did enjoy another slice each as we watched our movie.

Comments:

Sister Hampton:  “Thank you and Sister HUNT for the terrific pie night.  You did such a great job with organizing and pulling off one of our best and funniest dinners yet!  You guys are amazing!”

Sister Cullen:  “It was a super fun night.”

Sister Beauregard:  “I really enjoyed the activity and appreciate all the time you spent in organizing it.”

Elder Price:  “You hit it out of the ballpark with the pie activity!”

Sister Quinn:  “I have never laughed so hard in my life!  One of the best activities we have had.  Everyone just stuck around and had a fun time visiting.”

President Workman:  “Everybody had a great time.  What a good idea.”

Elder Turner:  I finally came up with names for my pies:  1) Bananalicious Cream Pie and 2) Heart Attack Palooza Peanut Butter Pie.”  (Must have been the trick.  He took 2^nd and 3rd place in the overall Men’s competition).

Such a great event!

KICKING UP THE DANCE FLOOR

Every Thursday night we have been found kicking up the dance floor.  Elder and Sister Sanders have been teaching many of us about ballroom dancing.  We have been learning the waltz, the swing and the fox trot.  This has been very enjoyable.  We have been dancing in the Cultural Hall (of the 1840’s).  We dance up in the 3^rd floor.

In the pioneer day, the Cultural Hall (aka “The Masonic Lodge”) was three stories high.  Over time, the 3^rd floor fell to the ground and “went the way of the world”.  In fact, when I was here as a young missionary we had a missionary activity to do archeological digging at the site and we found much of the roof piled over time and with dirt over it at the side of the building.

Anyway after the demise of the real roof, the building was re-roofed to cover the 2^nd floor.  Then in restoration, the top roof was removed in order to replace the 3^rd floor as it had before.  When they removed the roof, they found the original wood floor hidden underneath. 

This is the same floor where Joseph and Brigham and their wives and others danced their nights away.  It is so fun to dance on this old and creaky hardwood floor.  It brings back a lot of nostalgia.

Above: Original Dance Floor in Upper Level of Cultural Hall

Above: Archeological Digging around Nauvoo Cultural Hall – 1975

Photo by Kevin V. Hunt

Above: Nauvoo Cultural Hall 1975 before Restoration –

Photo by Kevin V. Hunt

Above: Cultural Hall as it stands restored in 2024

STAGING A VINTAGE DANCE

We got a head start on the Valentine’s Day celebration.  The mission activity team staged a wonderful Valentine’s Dance on February 5^th and again, this was held in the wonderful Cultural Hall. 

Again from the journal:  Lou left about 4:30 PM and went to the historic Hatch home.  Many ladies gathered there.  Lou was part of a crew to fix hair for several ladies.  She did the hair of Sister Ballard, and both Sister Hunts.  She fixed hair to look like the 1840’s era.  Many other ladies also helped fix hair.

Above: Sister Hunt fixed the hair of Sister Sandy Hunt to give vintage 1840’s look

Above: Sister Lou fixes hair for Sister Tammy Hunt

This evening Lou and I went and participated in a very fun event.  The Activities team staged a Valentine’s dance.  This was held at the Cultural Hall.

Everyone was invited to wear their best 1840’s vintage costumes.  I wore brown pants, a tan colored vest with my pocket watch, my 1997 “City of Joseph” costume white shirt.  Lou also made me a blue cravat tie that matched her new blue dress.  She just recently created this new blue dress – with a pink apron.  She looked beautiful. 

We looked great together.  Everyone present looked great – very classy.  This added greatly to the whole ambiance of the evening. (And Sister Hunt realized later that the ladies would not have worn aprons to such fancy occasions … but she did not get the memo.)

About fifty missionaries gathered for the event.  That is about half of the mission group of the moment.

A local Brother and Sister Grant taught us all how to do various old-time pioneer dances.  We learned five or six different dances – doing couple line dances – with 1 and 2 partnerships who danced back and forth around each other.  Sister Grant did a marvelous job of getting everyone dancing.  She led us in doing the “Yardley Dan”, an “English Country Dance”, “Hole in the Wall” and more.  She and her husband wore very classy vintage clothes.  She looked amazing in her wide pink dress.

 In the basement level of the Hall, Sister Reed and three or four other ladies (including Sister Hunt)  had provided cookies – mostly sugar cookies – for everyone to eat and enjoy. 

We hung out there for a while with Elder Brian Reed (long the Mesa Rock-N-R Ranch blacksmith), Jake and Sandy Hunt, and others.  This was a fun time.

All in all, the whole event was really wonderful.  It was a great opportunity for us all to gather for such a fun vintage event.

OUR OWN VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

About three weeks ago, I was sneaky and bought a Valentine card for Sister Hunt – without her knowing that I got it.  I had it hiding out in the back seat of the car until time to unveil it.

I decided to order some roses and a large Hershey Kiss (our tradition) for her.  I also ordered about eight yards (the amount needed for a pioneer dress) of red fabric.  Lou has wanted a red dress for some time.   I decided to surprise her.  I ordered the stuff from Walmart and they delivered it right to our Dunn home.

I had invited Sister Hunt to go out to dinner and at one point in the afternoon, she wanted to know what time we would be leaving.  I was vague since I knew that the Walmart delivery was to be between 4 and 6 PM.  The delivery guy arrived at 4:30 PM.  I saw him coming and remained seated.  After he left the goods on the front porch, I said to Sister Hunt, “I think that someone just left some stuff out on the front porch.”  She was surprised as she hadn’t seen the guy.  She went out and found the valentines there waiting for her.  She came in and said, “Did you send these?”  She was indeed surprised and pleased.  It was fun to pull off the surprise for her.

And Sister Hunt wasted no time in making the new dress and apron using the Valentine fabric. She was excited. She has wanted a nice red dress for a while.

We didn’t want to go to eat at a place that would be very busy on this night.  So we went to the quaint little “Hamilton Family Café” – located down river about 10 miles from us.  This was perfect.  The place was about half full and low-key.  We had no wait, no line, and the food was good too.  A fun evening.

Well, some really fun times just keep happening here in Nauvoo.  (We do also give tours and minister to the many guests who come! And of course, that is the reason why we are here!) We are enjoying all of these great things with great people.   Riding in a horse-drawn wagon, dancing, and stuffing ourselves with pie … it’s a rough life … and we are glad that we get to do it.