Snow arrived, as predicted, on December 4. The locals told us if the first snow came early in December, we would have a long, snowy winter. There was barely enough snow to get the sleigh out of the barn, but the teamsters did. Nephi an Lehi struggled to get us through the fields. We got prepared for blizzards, deep snow, high winds and treacherous ice. After all, that's why we had purchased our Subaru!
Holiday decorations adorned the Heber C. Kimball home, making it a picture-postcard- scene. The story of this home, once belonging to Heber C. Kimball and his wife Vilate, is one of my favorites.
In the early 1950's, Dr. J. Leroy Kimball, great-grandson of Heber C. Kimball, came to Nauvoo. Dr. Kimball had learned that his ancestors once lived there, and that his great-grandfather's home was still standing. He inquired about purchasing the historic home, but the home was not for sale. Several years passed before he was given the opportunity to purchase the property. He set about restoring the home, making it beautiful again. During the restoration of the 100+ year-old-home, visitors flocked to see a piece of history. Dr. Kimball soon realized the home was "bigger that he." He sought out assistance in purchasing other historic buildings in Nauvoo. Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. was organized, and historic Nauvoo began taking shape. Above you see Dr. Leroy Kimball (in front of fence) welcoming guests to the open house of the newly restored home of Heber C Kimball.
We had some mighty cold weather in December, and the Mississippi River froze solid. However, we kept waiting for more snow. Blizzards came...lots of snow and ice, but it wasn't here in Nauvoo. The irony was that winter came to the Northwest, but not to Nauvoo. Our beautiful Portland had one of the hardest winters in many years (so I'm told.) We waited for the storm to arrive in Illinois. We waited and we waited some more. Alas, since the daffodils are now blooming, I think it's safe to say winter was a "no-show."
Heber C. Kimball was born in Vermont in 1801. He and his wife were close associates of Brigham Young. It was in Mendon, New York, that Heber C. and his wife, Vilate, and Brigham Young and his wife, Mary Ann, were baptized in 1832.
Heber C. sacrificed his time and means for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served eight missions, and served as an Apostle until his death in 1868. This life-sized painting of Heber C. Kimball is in the parlor of his home.
Heber C. sacrificed his time and means for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served eight missions, and served as an Apostle until his death in 1868. This life-sized painting of Heber C. Kimball is in the parlor of his home.
Heber and Vilate didn't always have a fine brick home. They were part of the thousands of Saints expelled from Missouri. They escaped through Quincy, Illinois, and arrived in Nauvoo with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Heber tore down an old shed and built a crude lean-to for shelter until he could build a log cabin for his family.
It took Heber several years to build their brick home in Nauvoo because he served four missions during that time. He and his family sacrificed a great deal for Heber to tell the world of the restoration of the Gospel.
Heber tore down an old shed and built a crude lean-to for shelter until he could build a log cabin for his family.
It took Heber several years to build their brick home in Nauvoo because he served four missions during that time. He and his family sacrificed a great deal for Heber to tell the world of the restoration of the Gospel.
Hanging on the wall in the dining room of Heber C.'s home is an original Nauvoo plate dating back to 1846-47. This plate has a sketch of the Nauvoo temple in the center with the names of the original twelve apostles etched around the edge. It is a rare find. One hundred fifty dozen of these plates were commissioned by the baker, Lucious Scoville. Today, less than 20 original plates can be accounted for. The Kimball family finally completed their beautiful home in late October of 1845. Four months later, Vilate put her broom in the corner of the kitchen, shut the front door of the house, and left with her family and the rest of the Saints. They crossed the Mississippi River into the Utah Territory. |
In one of my previous blogs, I introduced you to Sarah Granger Kimball's home and history. (If you haven't read that blog, go back and check it out.) Sarah was instrumental in the very beginnings of an association of women, desiring to assist those in need. From the simple idea in Sarah's small parlor, two weeks later the Relief Society was formed on March 17, 1842 in the Red Brick Store. We were extremely honored to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the organization of Relief Society. All the Sisters in our mission dressed in our costumes to participate in a re-enactment held in the Red Brick Store. |
"There should be a select society, separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous, and holy. You are now placed in a situation where you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. If you live up to these principles, how great and glorious! If you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates...If you will be pure, nothing can hinder" Joseph Smith |
Rendezvous is a huge part of our daily activity with live nightly performances in the Cultural hall. One of the songs we sing is the Relief Society women singing about the Ashby's and the Snow's. The song is based on a real family with ten children, living in a 1840's duplex in Nauvoo. "When courting Ashby girls, the suitor finds no privacy. Just contemplate the lack of space in such a family. With suitors in the parlor, on the porch or balcony, a search reveals there's no place for two alone to be."
Another scene from Rendezvous is called "Streets". In the forefront are two Elders bent over. They are pretending to be the horses. The teamster is standing behind the horses with his hands extended on the "reigns." Two women (center, red and yellow dresses) are riding the wagon, while the chorus is singing:
"A buggy ride to Durphy Street
Visit the Woodruffs and Farrs,
Around the corner there will be a chance to wave to Heber C......."
"A buggy ride to Durphy Street
Visit the Woodruffs and Farrs,
Around the corner there will be a chance to wave to Heber C......."
Sister Lowe has been Rendezvous director since we got here. Both she and her husband brought unmeasurable talents from years of performing experience. Their musical family performed for several years in Branson, Missouri. We bid them adieu this past week. Their tireless dedication and service made Rendezvous the most popular ticket in town.. |
Another song, based upon a true story, is Noah and Sophia. "The scriptures were opened to our understanding, and we were convinced that the Book of Mormon was a true record containing the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Soon the yearning we had to be baptized was performed by those we criticized."
Soon the yearning we had to be baptized was performed by those we criticized."
Final scene with George and Agatha and Thomas and Elizabeth. "I'll bet you're no more surprised than I was when I found your Book of Mormon in my pickle barrel."
Where else can you get a picture like this with the old car and the tobacco sign painted on the side of the building? I was walking very early one morning and came across this rare moment.
For those that don't know, my parents had a car like this when I was very small. I remember it well. I'd pretty much give anything to actually own one of my own. Isn't that a Model A Ford?
More than 2,000 years after Isiah called Him the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ is still our key to Peace.
In the week leading up to Easter, focus on His life. He has risen! He has risen! Tell it out with joyful voice.
Check out the new Easter video about Jesus Christ on www.Mormon.org.
Greetings and love to you all. HAPPY EASTER.
In the week leading up to Easter, focus on His life. He has risen! He has risen! Tell it out with joyful voice.
Check out the new Easter video about Jesus Christ on www.Mormon.org.
Greetings and love to you all. HAPPY EASTER.