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Show CI?it djal By Bca "Come Where the Columbines Bloom" John Franklin Payne 1877-1965 The people of this community either do not know of the natural beauty of Park City and its surroundings or else are just indifferent to what nature had done for the people of this earth. Some friends came to visit us here and wanted to go some place and so Camp Cloud Rim was the place we selected. The camp was for the Girl Scouts of America and so were camped there for the summer. What a glorious afternoon it was. Our friends who were strangers to this part of the country were awed by the beauty of it all. As we rounded the turn of the ridge above the American Flag mine, the columbines, paint brushes and blue bells began to show their pretty faces. It was a continual flower garden clear over the mountain to Boulder Basin. We ate our lunch on Bonanza Flat. Being here in this beautiful and peaceful place brought back memories of a happy childhood spent in these parts. In the days long ago I used to ride on a wood rack up the hill with George Wilson. He and his brother ran a wood yard up there. (George became quite a violinist in after years.) Jake Schneiter, of the Hot Pots fame was also up here for a time. There was, in fact, quite a camp here on Bonanza Flat. There used to be a general store up here and a thirst parlor with the usual poker game in action. I sat on a knoll south of the flat and on looking North you could see the old Lucky Bill property (Harry Firmstone had worked here). West of this was the Jones Bonanza property (here is where by uncle Eugene Fontaine, ran the hoist and took care of the boiler). Mr. E.P. Clark was the man in charge of the mine and was running a diamond drill. Mr. Clark now lives in Sappington, Montana. It was coming evening and we began to leave tnis lovely place. Approaching Dutch Lake brought back more memories of my youth. A Mrs. Yew used to run a dairy near here. Now there was not a building in site; only the Gold Queen property operated by the New Park Mining Co. Suddenly we were awe-struck by the site of a beautiful buck deer within twenty-five yards of us, a five pointer and brought to mind this poem. A Deer At Twilight He stood before the mirroring lake With lifted antlers, unafraid. Half hidden in the creeping dark Beneath the twinkling aspen shade Behind him were long trails that led To dangers, that he might not know Save bv a whisper on the wind Or echo by the waters flow. Without a sound he turned on hooves As silent as in velvet shod. Leaving no trace upon the grass Onlv upon the black, damp sod The imprint of his walking stayed Half circled like a signature Of one who knew and faced the night With armor not made to endure ElsaStreeter I thank God every day of my life that he let me live in this beautiful place called Park City. I have worked at manual labor most of my life, first as a miner, when a lad of sixteen and later I advanced to timberman in the mines. I have known my share of blue days and disappointments but I had many blessings. I usually get up in the morning with a will to do the work the day requires. In these mountains I have always felt the nearness of God, my creator and benefactor. J. Frank Payne John Franklin Payne died at the age of 89, August 31, 1965 at his home (of circulatory and heart problems). He was Iniried at the Ml. Olive, C'emetary in Salt Lake City. He married Nellie Mae Campbell November 24. 1902 at Park ( ii , . I I ah. - t , |