Smiling Faces and Merry Hearts!

P. H. Rex Family Thanksgiving Celebration in the 1960's. Family gathered in P.H. Rex's Randolph home seated around wall to wall tables. 

Keepapitchinin's post this morning And there was Prayer and Thanksgiving

reminded me of this gathering over fifty years ago. 

Smiling Faces and Merry Hearts!

This last picture appeared here earlier.

A favorite Thanksgiving Day Post.

Bessie Morgan Rex. Letter to Harold June 15, 1938.

Young Maeser and Morgan Rex at Bear River Ranch

Randolph, Utah

June 15, 1938.

My dear boy,

It is 6:30 a.m. I don’t write to you in the morning very often, but I must get your last airmail letter answered, and we went to the show last night. Two boys have been gone to the field for an hour to milk, so I must hurry and get this written and have their breakfast ready for them. They are going to the canyon for some dry wood for us. Aren’t they fine? Best boys ever.

I was a little excited when I got your letter. Your first leg toward home. They laugh at me and tell me to not start standing on one foot yet, especially when I said it might be near Xmas before you got here.

About Europe. Now my dear, we can get your money. It would be an opportunity you wont get again, but say, stick to your decision. If you go it will mean you will have to work harder to get to school. Will $140.00 give you much for a trip. Do the most worthwhile thing. If you can see that school is going to mean so much more, then think well before taking the trip.

Additional pages are missing.

How Grandma Bessie (Bessie Morgan Rex) cherished her sons!  Aren't they fine? Best boys ever.

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. March 20, 1938.

Randolph, Utah

March 20, 1938

My dear boy,

Sunday afternoon. Conference is over, but I didn’t go. Have been a little under the weather, but Dr. Pyoth will take care of me just fine.

Well, it was Sunday & I thot I would hurry & write right then, but my good intentions fell thro. Guess I am lazy. Am feeling very much better now.

I had so many things I wanted to tell you but I expect your father told you some of them. Have felt so badly since Sun. to think I was not able to have Burdett’s & Fraziers up for dinner. They are always so nice to me. Sis. Burdett came up to see me between meetings and Clara and Glenn came up after meeting. I asked Clara if she heard from you, and she looked rather wistful as she said “Not very often.” Shame on you. Such a lovely girl too. And say, does Glenn treat his sister about right. He is a fine fellow. His mission has improved him. You know he is grown up.  

John Morgan, Percy Harold, Maeser Morgan Rex

They say he spoke fine in conference as did Phil Spencer. Now don’t be so stingy with your letters to Clara.

We haven’t had a letter for two weeks now. Whatever is the delay?  We received an invitation to the Brazilian mission reunion next Sat., but I think we shall wait until you come home. We have Winnie graduating soon & I have been such an expense with capsules money is at a premium.

Daddy has gone to feed to be back in time to work at the court house. He makes 4$ a day there. The boys are doing the chores.

Such a dark & dreary day. But think winter is behind us. How glad I am.

Well, dearie, I must close.

Morgan’s father asked him if it didn’t give him a thrill to hear his big brother’s name read out in the Brazilian mission. We decided it gave Morg’s father a bigger one.

Love & kisses from all

Lovingly Mother

Bessie Morgan Rex letter to Harold. January 19, 1938.

John Morgan, Percy Harold, Maeser Morgan Rex, 

standing in front of their Randolph, Utah home, prior to Morgan's deployment.

 Randolph, Utah

January 19, 1938

My dear dear boy,

Right now, I am going to sit down and write to you. It is nearly six o’clock and I am getting supper ready. Just received your letter of Dec. 17, and was, oh so pleased to get it. Of course it was written before your airmail letter, but nevertheless we enjoyed it very much, so I will chat about it first.

That is a lovely picture of Winnie, isn’t it. I have mine where I can see it all the time. I think my daughters are just grand but don’t say it’s too bad you are her brother. My dear, you have no idea how proud I am of my boys. Your work down there is a constant joy to me, and Morgan is growing into a fine serious fellow who loves things like physics and geometry. I do hope you can accomplish all the things you desire to so much. I am surely happy these days, especially when I think of my children. I received a letter from Helen also tonight

I am so glad she and Glenn are working [in] the ward. Have you heard from her? You should have by now.

Last night a young man came to see me. Do you remember those three salesmen you met in Evanston a day or two before you left. You know they sold Helen a couple of dresses. Well, one Karl Page, liked Helen very much, and so he came up to see me. He kept saying “She is one swell girl.” I should like to capture him for Winnie. He is the sweetest kid. He always wants to know all about you and is looking forward to seeing you when you come home. I like him because he is fine & clean looking, and does he love life.

You mentioned buying a camera. I do hope you were able to keep it. We are looking forward to seeing pictures of Brazil. I am wondering if you have enough money now. Do be very observing. We shall have many many questions to ask you. Did you write to Mr. D. P. Murray. Possibly you didn’t get my letter saying he was much interested in you and will help

you if you go the the A. C. [Agriculture College in Logan. Utah].

I have written a play for the R.S. today. It has been fun, but I do get tired. Myrtle Jones is the new R.S. Pres. And I still teach literature.

Have you decided to come straight home. Possibly that is the best. Daddy has some debts to pay and a hundred dollars is quite a bit right now. If you come home by N.Y. I shall send you Vash Young’s address and you can call on him. He gave me or my family a very urgent invitation.

They cleaned the church today to make it ready for carpet and drapes. Wont that be grand.

We have no snow so far, and a very mild winter. Different from any winter I have seen here so far.

And now my dear, you are much further away from us, but I’m so glad it is cooler. I looked it up on the map, and the weather, I judge, is about the same as our southern states. I do hope you like it. I think you have been rewarded for your good work.

Did I tell you Roy went back to his mission Monday morning. Bob W. will be home next month.

Did I tell you Helen found Aunt Lile. They didn’t know her.

Dear dear, I told you about the boy’s baby beef didn’t I. I am getting tired and sleepy, so I better be closing. There isn’t any news in town of any importance.

Keep up your good work, my son and the Lord will ever bless you. We wait for your letters each week and love to hear from you.

Love & kisses from all of us.

Lovingly,

Mother

Note: Eliza Ann Morgan Smith is Bessie's older sister born February 8, 1875. Vash Young is #8 in Bessie's classroom picture on this post.

Bessie Morgan Rex - letter February 5, 1937.

About 1927

Helen, left rear. L-R Maeser, Morgan, Winnie,

 Harold in front of the Rex's Bear River Ranch House

My dear boy,

Helen has written a letter, and I had her wait until I wrote one before we sent it. So I mustn’t fail today. Last week I was rather under the weather. Experimenting—and it did not turn out so well. I thought of so many things to tell you. Whatever were they all about? I suppose you have heard of the floods up here. Disaster can certainly humble a mighty nation. Today a heavy storm on the Pacific coast is tying up traffic and communication. The whole country, practically, has had its share. Strikes tie up business & men wrangle back and forth until it is all sickening. It makes on wonder how it is all going to turn out.

The weather is acting very much like it did a year ago, and I shouldn’t be surprised if the snow is piled up much the same as it was last year.

Winnie hasn’t been able to get home yet. I suppose she has told of the Flu down there. Maybe she can come next week. We all hope so. Tonight is a basketball & dance. The new building is a delight to go to. I think they will make plenty for a while anyway.

Well, here it is 9 p.m. The family (excepting Flora & myself) have gone to the game. A while ago I read an essay on writing letter with many reasons for putting it off. In the end, the friend of the man who has been putting the letter-writing off, walks in. Now if you could do that, I shouldn’t have to finish this, rather dumb, letter.

Flora is asleep on the couch. Can’t you see her? She is growing so tall tho’. Morgan took one half hour pushing two waves in his hair. Did it look sleek & pretty—and does that boy primp. Heaven help me if I get three of my boys under the same roof. Maeser struts around in his new suit like—well like Harold

 used to.

Ohio University has been putting on a show on the radio. They are plucky. Ohio has been badly hit by the flood. Some announcers were giving news of the flood from Cincinnatti. Terrible news too-and then they said “We will now have some music.” The music was “Beautiful Ohio.” It would make you weep.

I wish I knew something to tell you. As far s the town is concerned, well I could live some other place for all I know.

Did I tell you I went with Uncle Will to S.L. to see Winnie while he went to a funeral. The funeral of Sis. Stoof was also held the same day. Bro. Stoof was president of the Argentine mission & I believe all of S.A. before it was divided. He is a German. He spoke at conference & I cut his talk out of the report. It is very inspiring, and if there

is room in the envelope, will send it to you.        

Did you get your garments? I am anxious about them. Do you get your money every month?

You never say. Its 30 or 35$ enough? Please advise.

Helen went down to Don’s and Mabel’s to stay overnight. I hope you never want to come back & settle down like that. There is too much in this world to bury one’s self on a place miles from nowhere. Don’t do it son.

Winnie surely looked grand when I saw her. She is a dear girl. I shall be glad if Helen can get to California. She is so thin here, but she is feeling pretty good.

I must be closing. Give Mr. & Mrs. Duke my best regards. They certainly must be nice people. Was that place you visited Xmas a resort of some kind. You are indefinite. The Lords blessings on you my dear is our constant prayer.

Lovingly, Mother

1930 SRHS Junior Prom - When Helen met Glenn.

Dance Program from Helen Rex's Scrapbook

Glenn Frazier met Helen Rex while she was still in high school. They each told their descendants the same story. They met at a South Rich High School dance--in those days everyone went. 

After sharing a few dances Glenn asked Helen if he could take her home. She said, “no,” and explained that she’d return home with the person who brought her to the dance—her father. The Rex home was nearby in Randolph, it was just down the street from South Rich High School, the Church, the old Opera House, and almost everything else in town.

Glenn Frazier’s family lived ten miles south of Randolph in Woodruff, Utah.

The Rex and Frazier families were some of the early 1870 Rich County settlers and each family helped settle their respective town; Randolph and Woodruff.

Both families are represented in this 1929 Rich County Fair Report.

Complete List of Winners at the Second Annual Rich County Fair--September 29, 1929

The Second Annual Rich County Fair and rodeo held at Randolph, Utah, Sept. 24 and 25, under the direction of the County Farm Bureau, was a huge success.

The exhibits of fruits, farm products, livestock and home economics were first class. The display would be a credit to a much larger county than Rich.

Interesting programs were held each morning in the ward chapel. Speakers from the Utah Agricultural College, State Farm Bureau and the State Board of Agriculture gave instructive talks.

The Rodeo held in the afternoon was as fine as any held in the west.

The whole affair showed what real cooperation can do.

Following is a list of the premiums and of those in charge: 

[I list only winners I know belong to my families.]

Saddle Horses--3d., Sam Rex—ribbon.

Mare and Colt--1^st A. G. Rex, 1-2--$1.25.

Yearlings--2d., Winnie Rex--$1.00

Boy Pony--2d., Maeser Rex--$1.50.

Dairy Cattle—Holstein

Grade Milking Shorthorns

Cow-1^st. prize, P. H. Rex.

Sheep Department

Harry Smith, Judge, Wm. Rees, Supervisor.

Registered Ramboulilet--Ram—1^st. Frank Frazier

Lincoln--Ram—1^st. and 2d., Frank Frazier

Columbia--Ram—1^st. Frank Frazier.

Grade Beef Cattle--Group 3 steers--2d. P. H. Rex

Bread

Cake—Mrs. Frank [Emily] Frazier, Woodruff, 50 cents.

Nut Bread—Mrs. Sam [Bess] Rex, Randolph, Utah, 50 cents.

Junior Prom February 28, 1930.

Helen's dance program and note at the bottom, A Wonderful time.

Helen was part of the Junior Class that year.

My guess is this is the dance when Helen first met Glenn!

Bessie Morgan Rex - letter written April 8, 1936.

Maeser Morgan Rex looks like he's wearing a white shirt on this horse.

 Sunday afternoons are a good time to take pictures.

April 8, 1936

My dear son,

Each week slips by so quickly. I can hardly think it is time for me to start writing again. I must get it started & maybe with several interruptions, I shall manage to finish it. We received your very very welcome airmail letter last Sat. I was so glad to know you had landed safely. And I suppose it was one grand voyage. Maybe it wouldn’t have suited you so well, but I should much rather have been there than Clara. I’m sure you would not have seen the beauties of the night if Clara had been there. Everybody ask [s] if we have heard from you, and now we are anxiously awaiting your diary of that trip.

I must tell you about conference. It was Saturday, Sunday & Monday in S.L. Daddy & Helen were down. I am sure Winnie will tell you all about the Sunday broadcast. It was nationwide in the morning. The congregation sang “How Firm a Foundation.” Pres. McKay then spoke on the subject. “He who loses his life shall find it.” Then Pres. Clark spoke on “Faith, belief & knowledge.” Pres. Grant then read from the D&C. The congregation sang

 “An Angel from on High.” Then “Doxology.” It was very inspiring. All the meetings were very good, but Mon. morning Pres. Grant called Bro Stoof from S. America to the stand. Well, that was the grandest talk of the whole conference. Several have said so. It was thrilling. He was so full of the spirit. If there are many there like him I shall not worry about you.

I better give you the local news next.  Let me see. Aunt Edna is in the hospital. She was operated on for appendicitis. Spring is coming—slowly, slowly. The snow banks are still here, but the moisture is gradually going into the ground. Daddy has had to buy more hay. Helen has a lovely new Spring outfit. She surely looks well in it. School isn’t like it was when Mr. Law was here. Not the same spirit at all. Oh- and old Tenet passed to the happy hunting grounds. Maeser suggested a funeral & place in the garden for burial, but of course that couldn’t be. Losses last week-- 1 horse, 1 cow—2 calves. Mustn’t let that happen very often or we will be in the red. The wind blows cold every evening & the nights are frosty.

Better that than floods, tho.’ I ran out of other paper but must finish this & get it off in the morning. I haven’t written to Win this week & I must tonight. Our radio is on the blink & you know how I would miss it. I do have to hear the news. There is history being made in the world today.

Have been reading Pres. Ivins “Mormonism & Free masonry." It is very good. You should have read it before you left.

Tomorrow is Good Friday & I must make hot cross buns. Flora and Maeser have candy rabbits on the piano, but if Easter doesn’t hurry they wont’ have any feet or ears. Nobody touches them, of course.

Tuesday was Flora’s birthday & she had a party. Of course the presents were the principal things about the party. I think birthday parties & showers (gimmie parties) should be abolished. Oh dear, the sun is far in the West & I must get my clothes in. That is usually a job I have to do on the day I write to you isn’t it. I still scramble over drifts to hang them out. Such a scrambled letter. I am not much good on news & I am not like Win. I don’t have interesting experiences doing my work like she does.

The man & wife that Dallas converted are here. They came from Maine in a ten year old car. The woman weights 325 lbs, quite an addition to the ward.

Here it is seven a.m. This letter isn’t finished and it must go off. I told some of the others to write but they haven’t done it.

Another beautiful sunshiny day. And I hope the snow goes into the ground all day. It is surprising how much the earth can soak up.

Sunday is Easter, and Maeser has  made a chicken from a boiled egg. Put feathers for tail & side wings, nose & comb on it. He is quite original.

Dear dear me. I shall have to listen to the radio or tell you something I have read pretty soon. I am so poor on news. I guess we better cut out the news items and send them to you.  But they don’t amount to very much.

They just got the Laketown road open Tuesday. It has been closed for over two weeks. The mail went horseback.

Well I must come to an end and get this off to you, or one week may pass without a letter and you wouldn’t like that, would you. Have you been homesick at all. I hope not. Work hard and time will fly fast. They spoke of the exceptionally fine men they had sent there to preside over those missions.  Surely do hope you enjoy your work there.

Maeser is spelling aloud & it surely mixes me up so will close for this time. We think of you so much and now somebody always stands up for you if any of your foolish ways are mentioned. Well try to write earlier in the week & surely hope it wont be long before we hear from you. Love & kisses and Heavens’ blessings we all wish for you my dear. Lovingly, Mother 

Bessie Morgan Rex - letter written March 25, 1936.

Maeser and Flora Rex about 1941.

The next of the letters Bessie Morgan Rex wrote to her son Harold while he served a mission in Brazil.

Randolph, Utah

March 25, 1936

My dear son [Harold],

Here it is 5 in the after-noon and I have been going to write all afternoon. Tonight is the missionary pic-ture show, so I cannot write it then. I must hurry. Let me see, I suppose that within the next 24 to 36 hours, you will feel the good earth again. I wonder if you will be glad. We are sending $25 to the church office in the morning. Hope you received the other 20$. We will send it down to be sent on the first from now on.

Would you like something to cool you off. The snowbank out in front of the house that they shovelled [sic] to get the big gate open is still about three feet in the air. It has stayed quite cold and the meadows are still covered with snow. Last Sunday was stake conference. It was held in Evanston again, on account of the condition of our buildings.

I shall have to write on both sides to save postage. Daddy & Helen went up. Of course a little girl [Clara] grabbed daddy & took him right up there. He said there was a big picture of a good looking guy on the bookcase. Am glad you got your fountain pen back. The bishopric is trying to get this repair & building job going. It is hard. People haven’t enough community pride & they are so afraid it will take a penny out of their pockets. I hope we can keep you there ourselves. Money seems to come some way. Daddy’s loan has just been approved. He is very glad & thankful. Town [Randolph] news? There isn’t much worth while. Vella S. [Smith] Kennedy has a baby boy next door. I think we told you Mary & Francis [Frazier] were married. I simply don’t get the gossip. I’ll tell you what Flora said. Max A. [Argyle] spoke to them in Primary. She said it was a grand “spoke” too. She wishes Maeser would be more “kindly.” Maeser and Morgan still go the rounds and Maeser wishes his big brother were here to deal the middle sized brother a little misery. Well I wasn’t going to write any at night, but it must be or I

[That ends the letter. Sadly the next or final page is missing.]  

1942 letter from Percy Harold Rex to his descendants. Pt 3

(Continued from here.)

(page 5) We named her Flora Elizabeth Rex after one of her Auntys. Now she is just blooming into young women-hood and I hope she grows into a loveable woman such as her Mother and sisters.

In October of 1929 I was again called into the Bishopric of this ward to be the First counselor to Bishop Lawrence B. Johnson and served for a little over 10 years.

Your Grandmother was very active in church duties singing in the choir in the Y.M.I.A. both in the stake and ward and in the last years of her life she taught in the Relief Society with her very dear Friend Sister Vera H. Peart.

In the cold Bleak days of Nov. 1938 Our Father in heaven saw fit to call your angel Grand Mother home to him and while writing this My eyes fill with tears and hope and pray that when our time comes we will all be as well prepared to meet our Maker as

(page6) she was. She was so sweet Loveable self-sacrificing and such a noble and grand Mate. May we all meet her sometime I pray.

In Aug. 1941 the 25^th day I married Mary E. Herbert in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity and she is doing a wonderful job in filling the space that was made by the death of your Grandmother.

I may not be here when this is opened or Aunt Mary either but if she is and I am not will you all please be kind to her in her last years.

I pray that you will all live lives worthy of a kingdom in our Fathers Mansion when you have finished your labors here on earth.

Signed, Percy Harold Rex

Notes:

Flora Groesbeck Morgan posts are here and here.

From Granddaughter Susan Frazier’s Journal: January 12, 1979. Aunt Mary died tonight. I was glad I was there with Richard [Lamborn]. Even though she might not have known we were there—she might someday. I was praying so hard for the Lord to take her home, and for Grandpa to come get her. I told her a few days before it wouldn’t be long before she would see her parents and brothers and sisters and grandpa and be out of pain. I told her it had been 2 years since she had seen “P.H.” and she said, “Oh no it hasn’t, I saw him the other night.” I cried after because I really will miss her.

The picture is from Helen Rex Frazier’s collection. Notice Maeser’s hand hanging onto his father’s—which may have been steadying Maeser for the picture. Remember part 2 of Percy Harold’s letter; “Now he is like a young Robin that thinks he can fly.” This picture was probably taken about 1939. Flora is wearing a Spring dress, and they must be outside at Randolph; L-R back row, Morgan, Harold, Winnie, Percy Harold (P.H.), in front Flora, Maeser.

1942 letter from Percy Harold Rex to his descendants. Pt 2

(Continued from here.)

(page 3) to the bottom of the ocean with a great loss of lives.

Your Uncle John H. Morgan served in the war as had Both of your great grandfathers did in the Civil War: your grand uncle John Morgan Rex is doing at Present or has given his life for his country so you see he is the third generation to fight for this flag and country of ours.

I had to register then as I have done now and my number was called out but did not have to go.

On April 23-1918 we had another cup of Joy added to our home in the form of another little girl and we called her Winnifred after a very dear neighbor girl that lived next to Grandmother Morgan on 359 Bryan Ave. Salt Lake City, Utah.

June 1920 we moved to the Home we now live in on Canyon street Just west of Main Street.

In February of 1918 I was called to

(page 4) be second counselor to /Bishop Geo. A. Peart Jr. of the Randolph Ward and served for about Six years.

On December 28-1920 our home was again filled with the Joy of a fine big baby boy and we named him John Morgan Rex, the Hero in our eyes today he grew to be a noble and loveable son.

We went to Oakland, Calif. Last Nov. and spent Thanksgiving with him and Helen Frazier and said Farewell to him at Hamilton Field, as he was assigned to foreign duty.

On May 9-1924 we had another young man come to make his home with us and we named him Maeser Morgan Rex. Now he is like a young Robin that thinks he can fly and is preparing to go to Washington D.C. to meet his big Brother Harold who is there going to school and making a home for his family.

Six years later on April 7-1930 our family was increased again by the coming of a sweet little daughter. She surly had a welcome reception as her mother use to say that she would have a daughter to help for a long time.

(To be continued.)

Picture of the corner of Main and Canyon Streets, Randolph, Utah, August, 2011.

Percy Harold and Bessie Morgan Rex, Part 5

Percy Harold and Bessie Morgan Rex family members in Randolph, Utah in 1937, left to right; are John Morgan, Bessie, Percy, Helen, in front, Flora Elizabeth and Maeser Morgan.

Harold Morgan Rex is on the left. It appears he is with a companion while serving his mission in Brazil, 1936-1938.

In 1938, after three years training, daughter Winifred graduated from the Salt Lake General Hospital in nursing. That is her on the right.

Percy and Bessie wrote to Harold nearly every week while he was in the mission field. Their newsy letters were encouraging and kept him abreast of the family. Harold kept all of the letters he received from home. His wife, Diana, and then his children preserved them further. Thanks to their family, I have copies I will share here from time to time. This letter from Percy to his son Harold was written in November 1936.

[The following is part of a letter Bessie typed to Harold.]

At home, Sunday evening.
May 30, 1937.

My very dear boy,

… Your sister is some tap dancer. You’ll see when you come home.

Floyd Kennedy is leaving this year. He didn’t get a contract to come back. I am sorry. I wanted her to take music from him. Oh, between Helen getting her English lesson, and Flora trying to write you a letter I am all mixed up. Daddy and the boys have gone to the field to milk. I do hope they wont [sic] get too wet. They were soaked this morning. Morgan had a new pair of gray trousers and white shoes to wear today. I think he will surprise you when you get back. He has grown so.

I think Winnie is coming home for the 12th of June, our wedding day. I shall be so glad. She hasn’t been up for some time, and I surely get homesick to see the pair of you, but that is all the good it does for you. Well, the time is flying by, when you look back, but an awful long time to look forward. I can’t get any inspiration from the weather today. It gives one the blues to look out at gray dripping skies. I always do think of this little verse of Longfellow’s.

“Be still sad heart, and cease repining.
Behind the clouds the sun is shining.
Thy fate is the common fate of all;
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.” …

(To be continued.)

Pictures are from Helen Rex Frazier collection. Copies of letters to Harold Morgan Rex are from his descendants.

Helen Rex Frazier, 1979 autobiography

Helen Rex Frazier

b. 31 Mar 1913, Randolph, Utah
p. Percy Harold Rex, Bessie Morgan Rex
m. Glenn Frazier, 21 Nov 1937, Oakland, California
d. 26 Jun 1982, Salt Lake City, Utah
b. 29 Jun 1982, Elysian Gardens, Salt Lake City, Utah

Helen Rex was named for her grandmother Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan.
I will have to search my memory if I leave my children and grandchildren a history of my life. I’m now 66 years of age.

I was born 31 March 1913 in Randolph, Rich Co., Utah, the first child of Percy Harold Rex and Bessie Morgan. Father was born and raised in Randolph but mother was born in Salt Lake City. She fell in love with father, married him and moved to Randolph. As the time was nearing for my entrance into this mortal life, Mother stayed with Grandpa [William Rex] and Grandma [Mary Elizabeth Brough] Rex, where she would be near the doctor, as she and father lived on part of the Rex brothers ranch 12 miles from Randolph.

The first home I remember our living in was a white frame house on the north side of Canyon Street one half block east of Main Street. Uncle Will and Aunt Agnes Rex lived across the street. Here two more children were born into the family—Harold Morgan on 24th of July, 1915 and Winifred on 23rd of April 1918.

The night Winnie was born Harold and I were sleeping on a cot in the front room. I awakened and started to cry. Father came to quiet me. Dr. [Matthew Simpson] Reay, in a white coat, asked if there was anything he could do. I quickly scooted down into bed as the man in the white coat frightened me.

World War I was being fought in Europe at this time. Grandma Morgan [Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan] came from Salt Lake to visit. I remember watching her knit socks and scarves for the Red Cross and watching her and mother save the pits from peaches for use in making gas (I believe). They let Harold and I arrange them in dripper pans as they put them out to dry.

In June of 1920 we moved to the home on Church Street. Our family was growing and this home was much larger as it was two stories. John Morgan was born here on 28 December 1920 and on 9 May 1924 another baby boy arrived—Maeser Morgan.

I started school when we lived in the white frame house on Canyon Street. The two story red brick school on the southwest corner of Main and Canyon Street was used then and my first grade teacher was Miss Hicks. She wore her hair with two round bobs, one on each side of her head, just back of her ears. She claimed she could see out of these bobs, so warned us she could tell who was misbehaving when she had her back turned. This really puzzled me.

My parents were sincerely religious and religious teachings were very much a part of our lives. I was taken to Sunday School as soon as I was three years of age. My Great Aunt Hanna Telford was my kindergarten teacher. I loved her very much and delighted sitting on the little red chairs that she had in a circle. There was a pot-bellied stove on one side of the room as the church had no central heating system.

I especially liked the activity song “Fly Little Bird, fly ‘round the ring. Fly little bird while we all sing. Then fly down to someone’s feet and we’ll sing you a song so soft and sweet.” A child would skip around the circle of chairs using his arms for wings and the one he kneeled in front of was the next bird.

Sister Grace Morris, a good friend of my mother’s, taught me in Sunday School and in Bee Hives; Kenneth Muir was one of my Sunday School teachers in my teen years; we studied the Old Testament.

In Primary I remember Eva Telford as my Seagull Teacher. I especially liked her. She had a party at her home for us and she had paper seagulls hanging from the low branches of an evergreen tree.

Minnie McKinnon and Ina Jackson were my Gleaner Teachers when I started my Treasure of Truth and my genealogy. I am so grateful that these people encouraged me to take advantage of activities in various classes such as becoming an “Honor Bee” in Bee Hive, participating in “Story Telling” when I was a Junior Girl, and public speaking in Gleaners. Because of these activities I have never forgotten the story of “Ester” in the Old Testament, ”The Mansion” by Henry Van Dyke, and “The Moonlight Sonata,” of course Mother was always helping and encouraging me in these activities.

Back now to my education in school. In third grade Mary Herbert was my teacher. She had to work hard as our grade had not been taught phonics and as a result could not read. She drilled us to catch up the two last years. Mother decided that year to take in the school teachers as borders—Pearl Stratford and Mary Herbert. Morgan was a toddler and the young women were very daring, rolling their stockings below their knees. Morgan would pull their dress up and show their knee and then slap it. Miss Stratford laughed and thought it was so cute—of course then he did it some more.

[Editor's note: Each summer the family moved to thier ranch house to work their fields, and stock, and cook for the haymen. They always moved their solid oak upright piano with them. Winnifred Rex Andrus recently described to me how they would run wood planks from the front porch steps out to their wagon bed. The men and boys would then slide the piano down the planks onto the wagon and haul it to the ranch house. They returned it to their home in Randolph at the end of each haying season. According to Aunt Winnie (Winifred Rex Andrus) "It always seemed to be in tune!" She would know for she practiced the piano year round.]

(To be continued.)

Top picture of Helen Rex Frazier about 1937. Rex family Church Street home. Helen, Harold, Winnie, Morgan at the side of their home in about 1921. Randolph, Utah ward house in the 1930s. P.H. Rex children L-R Maeser, Helen, Morgan, Winnie, Harold at their Ranch House.