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Show PAGE 18 2N THE THUNDERBIRD SUSC TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990 1897, HARDY CEDAR CITY labored mightily through nastiest winter southern Utahns had ever seen and all to establish a college where future generations could gain enlightenment and go to frat parties. The inspiring story of Old Sorrel and the mammoth snow drifts has now been heard by more people than the number who actually lived on the entire earth at the time of the great feat. But one story has been overlooked and has, over the years, passed into antiquity. Its time that an old southern Utah tradition be reinstated and, at the same time, readers be reminded that The Thunderbird has moved its offices. HERES THE STORY: the rough and long winter's work to haul lumber down from Cedar Mountain, LaVoy Smith was sorely missing his sweetheart, ValRuth Jones, so he got permission he took her for a stroll. As he got to a spot near what is now 800 West he gave her a kiss and then told her, "My After darling, someday upon this very spot, in the middle.. .well, not quite middle.. .of a great institution of learning, one which will have many names before it decides on one, there will be a big ol statue to me and my pals and our horse. It will be in this great area here, where parking for horseless wagons will be abundant, but no one will use it except when theres a basketball game. ValRuth swooned and up and fainted in his arms. When she awoke, she was still so impressed that she asked LaVoy to marry her, and they lived happily ever , SO WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE THUNDERBIRD LOCATION? Plenty. Because if you can find the statue, you can find us. Face northeast from the Statue of the Founders and Old Sorrel (see photo above) and you'll see the I.E. Building about 30 yards away. There are two sets of stairs going down, and the first set is for The Thunderbird. Pretty easy, huh? Or if youre already in the I.E. Building, just go down the inside stairs, down to that place we call The... after over to 1 00 East. From that day on, until lost sometime in the Great Depression when even people in Utah couldn't afford to get married, the tradition was built. It was certain that if a couple kissed on the site of where one day the great statue would stand, then theyd be married. NOW ITS TIME TO RENEW THAT TRADITION. So, ladies: If you want that fella, steer him over to the Centrum and the statue. Guys: You know what to do. THE THUNDERBIRD CEDAR CITY, UTAH |