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Show February 1 03.qxd 12/7/2021 Volume VII Issue VIII 3:33 PM Page 9 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 9 February 1, 2003 Isabell Mae Performs with the Gibson Navigators On a Saturday in May, at 1:00 p.m., a baby girl was born to John McFarland and Grace McKay McFarland in Huntsville, Utah. This Scotch lassie with blue eyes and brown hair was none other than Isabell Mae McFarland. May received her early education in Huntsville, moving to Ogden at the age of ten. Mae In 1918, she began to play the cornet under the private tutorship of Professor Ernest W. Nichols, a member of Weber College faculty. He suggested she join his all ladies Municipal Band, which she did. Mae was too young to join the union and had to take a special test to receive a permit from the Musicians Union to play at this time. The band played at many local concerts, parades, and dances. This was just a sideline for Mae, as she was mostly interested in graduating from Weber Normal College (as it was then called) in 31/2 years. She majored in business, but was induced to register for a class in band methods given by Mr. Nichols (the father of the late “Red” Loring Nichols). Playing the cornet became increasingly interesting to Mae, and when she had a chance to try out for the Gibson Girl Jay Orchestra, she was accepted and joined the group. They were mostly coeds from the University of Utah. The popularity of this unique group known as the “Gibson Navigators” gained momentum, and became very popular. Historical Photo Bus used to transport performers on tour of Western Circuit. Mae is second from right with the coronet in her lap. The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS is looking for Ogden Valley and Ogden Canyon historical biographies, stories, and photos to use in its publication. Please mail, email, or call at Shanna 745-2688, or Jeannie at 745-2879 if you have material that you would be willing to share. Footprints in the Snow By Drienie Hattingh, The snow was a foot deep in Eden on that first day of 2003. The sun shone down from a brilliant blue Utah sky and made the snow glisten like diamonds. The majestic snowcovered mountains looked surreal as they stood guard over our valley. I needed to be outside, out of the empty house that seemed to close in on me. I snuggled into my coat as I stood in the snow, inhaling the clean, cold mountain air. The world seems so right, so beautiful and serene on winter days when snow covers the ugly and the pretty and turns it all into a silent winter wonderland. As I stood there, I saw footprints in the snow and had to blink back the tears. They belong to my children who are all back home in Washington State, New York, and Minnesota after their visit to us in Eden. In my minds eye I recall us all in the snow on Christmas Eve, laughing and throwing snowballs at each other. Snow is still a wonder to us after sixteen years in America. We stand in awe when the first snow sifts down, and are still amazed at the snowflakes with all their different shapes—from fluffy to perfectly shaped stars! We marvel at the quietness of a snowfall, and how a thick layer of snow can dampen the harsh sounds of life, changing it into a serene silence. On that first day of January, I could not help to feel as empty as my house after our children, Eugene, Genell, Brenda, and Yolandi left. It was the first time in two years that we were together again. I am not ungrateful—I thanked our dear Lord over and over for the incredible gift, but I cannot help but to miss them after all the visiting and reveling in each other’s company. It was our first Christmas in Eden, and we shared it with our children! I was proud to introduce them to locals in Eden. Not only proud of my children, but proud of our valley and its people. My children kept on remarking how friendly the Edenites were. Christmas Eve was all I had hoped for. We filled a whole row in our church. Brenda and Yolandi took part in the festivities by singing Silent Night in Afrikaans, our first language. I thought my heart would burst with happiness listening to their beautiful young voices. They loved our congregation, and Pastor Dominic and his powerful Christmas message. And our children loved the Valley, and the surrounding mountains. Every now and again one of them would call me to Shaunette Lewis 745-3302 745-2561 Launa Lewis 745-2210 Brittney Lewis 745-2487 Sheila Lewis 745-2487 Casa Woolsey 745-1714 Brandy Malan 745-3036 Joleen Bilanzich 791-5112 Marie Summers 745-3918 Dalanie Vancamp 745-1330 Hildy Young 791-4285 MASSAGE THERAPY Swedish Deep Tissue Sports Injury Trigger Point Richard Smyka Licensed Massage Therapist 745-0108 gift certificates available for the holidays Conveniently Located at Harper Rocky Mountain Chiropractic (Next to Valley Market) Call for appointment. Out-call available. come and look at the mountains at sunrise or sunset from their bedroom window. Corrie, our dog, had a grand time with all his “family” home, and could hardly decide on whose lap he would sit next. At night he had an even harder time deciding on whose bed he would sleep. After the family left, he walked from room to room, standing in doorways, trying to figure out where everyone went all of the sudden. Later I found him lying on top of the stairs with his head on his front paws, pining for them. I also walked from room to room trying to get up the courage to strip the beds and clean and empty the wastepaper baskets that were filled with Christmas wrappings. I cannot remove the evidence that would confirm that they left. When someone says: “Aren’t you glad things are back to normal?” I cannot agree because “normal” means that our children are thousands of miles away from us again. The lovely smell of the Christmas tree’s pine boughs still fills our house. I cannot go so far as to remove it. I was so excited when I drove with Mr. Bailey in his truck to choose a Christmas Tree. I agreed with Johan, it was the most beautiful Christmas tree we’d ever had! Mr. Bailey told me that it came all the way from Oregon. The barn smelled strongly of pine, as though the trees had just been cut. Yolandi and I decorated the tree while we listened to Christmas Carols. The tree was so high, we could hardly fit the angel on top. I was awakened from my reminiscing, where I stood in the snow, by the ringing phone. I took a final look at the footprints. As I walked into the house I stepped over Corrie lying with his head on his paws, still looking very sad. It was Brenda. “Are you okay Mom?” she wanted to know in a concerned voice. She knew I was agonizing about them leaving, even before they arrived. “I’m fine,” I lied in a chipper voice. “Did you throw the Christmas tree out yet?” she asked. “No,” I answered in a small voice. “Mmmm, “ my wise 27-year-old answered, “I thought so.” St. Florence Catholic Community MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. WEEKDAY MASS: Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. followed by The Rosary Phone: 745 - LORD Huntsville, Utah PASTORAL ADMINISTRATOR: Fr. Charles Cummins 399-9531 RECONCILIATION: 30 minutes before Mass Come celebrate with us God’s good news. Intersection of Highway 39 & Snowbasin Road |