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Show Thursday, December 7, 2006 The Gunnison Valley Gazette Page 4 CELEBRATING OUR PIONEER HERITAGE Colorado Dreamin' part 4 The History of Funk's Lake The following account is from the original report by A.H. Lund sent to the De~ seretNews, in 1878. It is the last installment in a series. Ole Larsen, an expert swimmer started for the boat when he saw the storm striking but had not swam many rods before he was obliged to return to the shore in order to save his own life. The waves were all like breakers; the swimmers could not make calculations how to avoid them. Ole Larson, tho' in wet clothes, rendered much assistance in recovering the bodies. L.C. Larsen got hold of a plank and went clear out to the boat. As long as he had hopes of getting there in time to help the unfortunate, not realizing the risk he was running himself, but when he got near enough and learned the extent of the disaster, he was nearly paralyzed, and it was hard work for him to reach shore. Many other brave men ventured out into the water, but as long as the elements were in such a rage, nothing could be done. The two that were saved were Christian Madsen of Mayfield and John H. Whitlock of Ephraim Both were exhausted and numbed with cold. About this time Pres. Peterson, H. Beal and Judge Peacock arrived from Six Mile Creek, the storm approaching and felt anxiety in behalf of those at the lake. Pres. Peterson had the names taken down of those that were drowned, and' sent an express, to Ephraim and Mayfield, and called for men to take the boat and search for bodies. Many brave men offered their services. As soon as the wind abated somewhat they went out and soon reported having seen the bodies within a few feet of one another. A spike was driven into pole to serve as a hook. They returned bringing five corpses, next five more, and the one remaining one. The bodies were carried to the bowery and laid upon the tables. Then scene here was indeed a sad one. Coroner Beal called a jury which after hearing the witnesses, returning verdict that those there laying came to their death by accidental drowning. Their names are as follows: Oliver Oviatt of Mayfield, 22 years and wife, Rosabell Oviatt, 17 years of age. They were a handsome couple and leave a baby a few months old. Brother Oviatt was a good swimmer and it is thought that he could have saved himself but his wife was dearer to him than life. When last seen he was trying his best to save them both with one arm holding her head above the water, but the task was too great and both sank together. Charles Anthone Christensen of Ephraim, 19 years old. It was a curious coincidence that he should lose his life on the same date his father died seven years ago. He was esteemed by all who knew him, was a mem- ber of our string and brass band. His partner, Lizzie Anderson, daughter of L.A. Anderson of Ephraim, was a beautiful girl of 16. Before she went -on board the boat she gave his sister her earrings, asking to be remembered. Charles and Lizie now rest in the same grave. Lizzie Thompson 11 years, daughter of J. Thompson Ballo of Ephraim. Melinda Anderson, 11 years old, daughter of Jens Anderson of Ephraim, now on a mission to Sweden. Henry Jensen, son of Henry Jensen of Mayfield, 10 years old, the only child left of 7. Sarah Ann Williams, 10 years old, daughter of John Williams of Mayfield. Abigail Mathilda Stevens, 10 years old, daughter of Joseph Stevens of Mayfield. George Heber Larsen, 9 years old, son of James P. Larsen of Ephraim. Nora Nielson, 8 years old, daughter of Christian Neilson of Mayfield. All were lovely children many of them were talented in music, reading, etc. All were pupils of the Sunday school and special favorites of the teachers. Much could be written of each, but time will not permit. Some will ask why this boat was allowed to start when a storm was so near. The party were on the east side of steep hills, and hence did not see the approach of the storm until it burst with, such fury upon the lake. The same storm passed up through the country but none understood. Yours respectfully, A.H. Lund Living the Outdoor • Lifestyle By CRAIG PAYNE Courtesy Photo Tom'and Peyton with Tom's great 2 0 0 6 Colorado buck. I greeted day four of our 2006 Colorado deer hunting adventure standing beside Tom's magnum 4x4 Chevy truck, staring skyward, mentally locating the constellations in the star-studded sky. It was a near perfect morning. The stars seemed somehow brighter than usual. The temperature, although not brisk was certainly not warm either. Too anxious to remain inside the cab with the others, i needed to be outside, absorbing the sights and sounds of the Colorado high country. Our adventure was nearly half over and all too soon reality would set in, leaving us with the memories we had made and hopefully no regrets. * Memories of the big bucks spotted yesterday filled our thoughts and conversations as we left the truck to begin our day. The impenetrable darkness gave way to yet another glorious sunrise, causing us all to pause and reflect on the beauty surrounding us. Atop a distant mountain, we again spotted the giant mule deer. He was far away and headed in the opposite direction. That chance sighting set the tone for our day's hunt. Altering our course to match his, we began what would turn into a marathon day afield. Stopping from time to time to survey our surroundings, we found game sightings to be minimal. Nearing mid-day, we came upon a high mountain basin. No doubt the intended resting place of the behemoth buck we sought: But, much to our dismay, no amount of searching could uncover his whereabouts. Undaunted, we opted to wait him out, assuming he would rise from his bed to feed prior to sundown. The only drawback to our plan was the sheer distance we would need to traverse back to the truck after nightfall, successful in our quest or not. Spreading out across the basin, each of us set up at different vantage points, hoping to cover more area than possible when grouped together. About the time we assumed it was all for not, a group of deer began to feed into a patch of sagebrush. Regrouping, we began to converge on the deer. It became obvious very quickly Living the outdoor Lifestyle is Sponsored by: 528-5001 Hwy 89 Northeast of Cunnison Open Monday - Saturday Senior Lunch Menu Thur Dec 7 Pork Roast Whipped Potatoes Gravy Vegetable Apple Salad Roll & Butter Fri Dec 8 Hamburger Stroganoff over Noodles Green Beans Jello with Fruit Bread & Butter Tue Dec 12 Chicken Enchilada Spanish Rice Com Fruit Dessert Corn Muffin & Butter Wed Dec 13 Mild Chili Cheese Sticks' Carrot Salad Pears Biscuit & Butter Wednesday December 20 - Monthly blood pressure and blood screening from 11 to 11:45 am at the Gunnison Senior Citizens Center Wednesday, December 20 - Shopping trip to Richfield. The bus Will leave the center at 1 pm. Call if you need a ride. They can pick you up. There will not be a monthly hearing screening for the month of December. If you need assistance, please contact Ted Yowell at 1-800-896-8202. The Senior Citizens Center will be closed for the holidays from December 23 until January 2. Have a Happy Holiday Season! The Scouting News! that the buck in the group was a shooter. He seemed to have it all. A classic 4x4 with better than average brow tines, the big buck had exceptional mass, with antlers that would stretch a tape in excess of twenty eight inches, they looked tall enough to scratch the sky. Although not the buck we came to this forbidding hideout in search of, we all agreed he was a true trophy in his own right. Just as Tom sent a bullet from his Christensen Arm's 300 Ultra Magnum rifle on it's way, the giant buck burst into flight. One more round anchored the brute and I am almost sure you could hear our screams of joy from here. Approaching the fallen giant, we were all humbled by his magnificence. A true monarch of the Colorado high-country. With a long night of packing ahead of us, our thoughts turn to twelve year old Payton Sorensen and his quest for the elusive tall horned buck we spotted on day three. Won't you join us next week for the exciting conclusion of our 2006 Colorado deer hunting adventure? The First Word and Last Name in Log Homes! Think Satterwhite for Log Homes, Rough Lumber, Timbers, Animal Bedding and Firewood "^!^ 6VES Christmas Program Tuesday, December 12 • 6p;m'. At the new high school gymnasium. There wilt be no matinee his year. Introducing as the Newest Member of the Gunnison Valley Hospital Medical Staff Dr. Young recently completed his family practice residency program at the Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Dr. Young is trained in the broad spectrum of family practice medicine, including obstetrics and pediatrics. He is also fluent in Spanish. Webelos Scouts from Pack 563 in the Gunnison 1st Ward visited the Gazette office last week to learn about how a newspaper is made. Members of the pack are Kelly Snyder, Jaden Caldwell, Carson Lemon and Carter Welch (not pictured). Their leaders are Larry Caldwell and Richard Windmiller. Also pictured is Kole Caldwell. The Scouting News ds Sponsored by Rasmussen Ace Hardware ACE Paints Sporting Goods Whirpool Appliances 528-7513 The helpful place 435 South Main • Gunnison Appointments can be made by calling (435) 528-2130. Dr. Young is seeing patients in the clinic located at 79 East Center in Gunnison. Extended clinic hours will include Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Shane S. Young, M.D. Gunnison Valley H O S P I T A L |