October 1, 1973
Dear Family,
I think the Jefferies Family has enjoyed one of their most priceless experiences of their lives this summer whan a surprise Family Reunion was held to honor our Mother, Sarah Flinders Jefferies Jones, for her 75th Birthday.
It was held at the Boase Cabin at Pinecrest, in Emigration Canyon on Saturday, August 25, 1973.
Our Family to this date would be 50 in number, but with the loss of our Father, Wm. Chester Jefferies, and the baby son of Robert & Janet Jefferies, there is now 48 living members. There were 44 in attendance at this particular event. Two of our members, Darro and Carolyn Thuet, were touring Europe, and another two, Mike & Merrilyn Jefferies were taking care of the Firestone Store in Nyssa, Oregon while their father, Marvin, came to Salt Lake to honor his Mother.
The day began with Donaldine & James Boase, Janice & Cashe Burrows and their son Tyson, bringing Granny up to the cabin for an early morning breakfast.
Unknown to Granny, James, the day before had brought up chairs, TV trays and lots of other things that would be needed for this special day. He had hidden them under the beds and where every they wouldn't be seen right away, so that things would look and appear as usual. Our Mother didn't know that John & Bonnie Jefferies and their three children had made the trip from Columbus, Ohio, to bring their daughter Julie to attend college at B.Y.U. in Provo. They had been staying at Bonnie's Parents, Clyde Stoker's, so they could join in the surprise.
Dorothy & Jack Thuet traveled over-night from Las Vegas so they would be here on time for all the festivities. They brought their 3 children and their married daughter Wendy & her husband Steve Flinders and 2 children from Burbank, Calif.
These three families all came up the Canyon Road together. As they turned to come around the big Pine Tree, Grandma ran out to meet Bob and Family as she expected them. She stopped in her tracks, as she began seeing faces that she didn't expect to see. she was stunned and thought she was seeing things. Tears streamed down faces as everyone began greeting her.
In the meantime, James had been cooking on th fireplace ham, eggs, potatoes & hot cakes. Juice was served & all were served breakfast. About the time all was cleared away, we spotted Marvin & Blanche & Jeanne, from Nyssa, Oregon, coming up the mountain. With them were their daughter Joanne, who had been down to Provo getting settled for a school year at BYU, their son Scott & Deanne and their son. Scott will be attending BYU this year also. Another son and this family, Bill & Paula Jefferies, from Wichita, Kansas. Their breakfast wasn't quite as organized, but with Blanche's help, James go the job done.
All was confusion for a short time while everyone visited and became aquainted with one another once again, then pictures were taken of individual families, then with in-laws and then altogether. An attempt was made to get all the grand kids in line, age wise, for the usual group picture (when ever our families got together). We tried for a picture of the great grandkids this time and also one of our mother and her five children. What a hassel that was.
We then all collected in the cabin and under the eldest male member, Marvin Jefferies, a meeting was conducted. John Jefferies was asked to open with prayer. Grandma was first to try & say what was in her heart and thought and express her inner most feelings. We were all so proud of her to be able to control herself and tell us all how proud she was of all of us, especially after such a surprise and shock of all of us coming together.
Marvin then called on each of us five children, himself included, to say a few words. How great to hear how each was working in the church and their greatfulness for their heritage and the love they had for our family. This was especially hard for me as I was so filled with love and appreciation to all my family for making granny's dream come true. Coming together was a special effort on each one, but it was a strong desire to please our mother that made it all possible.
The in-laws were then asked to speak and how wonderful it was to hear each one express their appreciation of being a part of our family. Our love for one another in understandable when you see how great the in-laws are. Marvin then asked to oldest grandchild in each family to speak. First Bill Jefferies, Janice Burrows (Marvin Boase hadn't arrived as yet), Wendy Flinders, Julie Jefferies and Elizabeth Jefferies. One of Dorothy and Jack's twins had had his call to go to the Phillipines on a mission, so he was asked to say a few words also. It was all such a beautiful, humbling experience and I'm sure will be with us all who where there for many years to come.
Everyone was then cleared from the cabin & we began putting tables together and arranging for the birthday dinner.
Marvin & Carol Boase and daughter Melissa, were late to arrive because of a prior dentist appt. so we enlisted their services in picking up 4 barrells of Kentucky Fried Chicken & Rolls. Carol, Janice and I had made salads and relish plates and then we had punch to drink. Dorothy had made and decorated a birthday cake and we set that at the head for granny to see when she came in. We all managed to squeeze in and the five children sat at the round table with their mother.
Granny just sat down and put her head down and cried as she was so overwhelmed with everything. The family went in together and had a book reprinted, about the History of Grantsville, Utah, it tells of how our Grandfathers & Great Grandfathers settled there. Part of our heritage under one cover. A fitting gift for such a wonderful occasion. Marvin later took the book around and had everyone that was there sign in it. We hope this book will be in the family for years and be read by many many generations.
Robert (Bob) gave the blessing on the food and everyone seemed to enjoy the food that had been prepared. James kept things moving and saw to it that everyone was served.
Marvin & Carol had made a freezer of peach ice cream and a freezer of orange sherbet was made at the cabin, so all enjoyed cake & ice cream.
We cleaned up and did dishes and proceeded to get things set up for our next surprise.
I had asked Jack to bring his movie projector and asked him to bring his movies of all of us when we were first married and starting our families. I also called Marvin in Oregon and asked him to bring his film also. The Boase' had slides of family groups, in our younger days when our families would get together, so we had brought them also.
With chairs set up and projectors ready we called everyone in to see the pictures. What fun the teenagers had laughing at how they looked. Especially how their parents looked -- Easter hats, draped shapes, curly hair and muscles. It was great fun for all.
By this time granny had had about all she could take and the babies and little ones were getting restless, so granny said her farewells and left with Cashe & Janice. Everyone gradually got their things together and said their goodbye's and departed.
Bill & family left for Wichita, Kansas, Scott & family, Joanne and Julie went back to Provo. Jack, Dorothy & Mark & Craig stayed with Marvin & Carol over night. Those that stayed with Granny were Bob & Janet and family plus Brad, Becky & Jeanne. John & Bonnie went back with the Stokers for the night, and Jim stayed with his friend. Marvin & Blanche, Cashe & Janice & Tyson were at the Boase' and Wndy & Steve & family stayed with the Thuets.
Jack Thuet & family, Marvin Jefferies & family left for home the next morning. John flew to Ohio on monday and Cashe Burrows & family left that same day for Orderville, Utah. Bob Jefferies & family & Granny went to Sunday School with the Boase', as did Janice & Cashe. Bob & family left Salt Lake on tuesday. Bonnie and Jim & Brad left tuesday, also.
Our thanks to each & everyone for putting forth that extra effort to have things come off as they did. We thank you and we know that Grandma thanks you.
Have you ever belonged to a greater family!!!
Our love to all,
Donaldine & James