Dear Hearts and Gentle People Who Live in Our Hometown

 Remembering Patsy (Glen) Shumway, 

       I’ve been on the outskirts of your part of town for a few months, and didn’t realize that your health had taken a turn in a new direction.  I’m not sure I’ll get to visit with you when I come over, but hopefully, someone can share this with you, if we can’t talk today.

      Patsy, you played a major part in my life when we first moved to Blanding.   You were the 3^rd ward Relief Society President and I’ll never forget your faith in me, nor your no nonsense strategy when dealing with various issues.  When we moved here fall of 1970, it was  Steve’s first job out of college.  Blanding really did seem like the end of the world!  We were both from “greener pastures” in Idaho.  I remember Steve’s dad said when they drove down the first time, “It’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from there!”  We initially thought we’d stay a year or two, then move back to Idaho or northern Utah. . . Well, it was good people like you, who helped us realize what a great place Blanding was and the perfect place to raise a bunch of boys!.

      When we moved here Fall of 1970, we had only Aaron, born Feb. 1970 and had another baby who would arrive in a few months.  I felt pretty isolated and alone.  You were Relief Society President at that time, and somehow felt inspired (inspiration? or desperation?) and asked me to put together a program for the combined Blanding Wards Relief Society Birthday Party.  I think there were 3 ward at the time, but I can’t remember for sure. Of course, I knew hardly anyone but you helped me come up with names of people with talent, and names of those who we might spotlight in the program.  I wish I had that script now, but it seems like we honored unique special people who didn’t normally get much recognition. 

      The next thing we worked on together was the School Community Group that Jan Miller helped us with.  We formed a committee and tackled some issues like sidewalks on school routes, teacher evaluations, and ways to upgrade the curriculum.  You were always very forthright in your opinions and recommendations, and it was wonderful to have such a good leader as you to help try to solve local school issue, that were often very controversial!  

    Once we started Blue Mountain Shadows we connected again as we were able to collect stories of all kinds from Glen, Kenny, and their brothers and learn more about the crazy Shumway line in your family which was both eye opening and charming.  In addition, Jody helped teach us about Bootlegging in San Juan County!  Since then our connection has been less formal and I’ve loved being able to drop by unannounced and visit with you about gardening, grandkids, and the challenges of growing old.

    In many ways I’m looking forward to perhaps some rest as well as great reunions on the other side.  I hope that’s the way you see it too.  Until we meet again!  With love, admiration, and appreciation for all you’ve done to make my life better,   

By Janet Wilcox, Written June 9, 2022

Remembering  EveLynn Perkins

    It didn't take long to remember this ........Many years ago when I was a very busy mom with 5 little ones to care for, I volunteered to keep my sisters 2 little girls for a month,  while she had a hip replaced and recovered 7 hours away.
Her 2 little cuties were similar ages to my 2 youngest.  Amber was 2 1/2, Michael 2 years, Monica 8 months, Felicia 4 months.  We brought them home with us Thanksgiving weekend, and looked forward to their parents coming for them just before Christmas.     It was a L O N G, fun, crazy, busy month!!     Runny noses,  inside the house weather, diapers, etc, etc.  After a few weeks,  Out of the blue, a lovely angel lady showed up to my house with a big pot of chili and hot rolls for dinner.  I am sure I just sat down and cried tears of joy!!    Her name is EveLynn Perkins.  She loved me and taught me and encouraged me to hang in there!!!  I am sure you all knew her!!    

 By Susan Flavel, March 25, 2024

Special People in our Lives

   There are so many people in Blanding that have supported my mother and me. 1) Kay Jones, who I moved in next too when I first moved to Blanding. Her love and support of me and then my mom when she moved in, was wonderful. I was included in so many family things since I lived alone. She made me feel like family. 

  2) Phil and Jodi Lyman are two more that treated my mom and me like family. We bought a house from them and Phil came by at least twice a year to either turn our sprinkler system on or to turn it off. He took care of our lawn and made sure our dogs were taken care of when we went on a long trip. They were available any time we had a problem with the house.

  3) Nancy Martineau was my mom’s best friend. They traveled San Juan County all the time. They were the “trouble” that was fun. One would call the other and tell them that they were bored and they needed a trip somewhere. They would take side roads, never once wondering if their car would make it, never leaving word that they had gone. But, oh, they had so much fun. Nancy was my “lets go to the movie” girl. Mom doesn’t like going to the movies because she can’t sit that long without crocheting or getting up and walking around. Nancy and I would go to the movies every once in a while and we really had fun. When I ran the “Community Thanksgiving Dinner” there were so many people who volunteered to help with that. I had people who did the music, cut up turkeys, brought salads, served, picked up the trash, set up the tables and take them down, decorated, took extra food to the detention center and the women’s shelter, and delivered meals to shut-ins. The whole town was kind to us. Blanding has kind people all over and we love them so.            by Carol Harris 

4) Story about Ed Galbraith, home teacher to Dave and Freeda Guymon                                      (written by Bishop Bret Rowley)

"I want to share a story about my maternal Grandparents. Freeda Perkins was born in 1914 in Monticello, San Juan County, Utah. She was the oldest of 4 children born to Richard Perkins and Ada Hunt. She was Born in the Covenant as her parents were sealed in the Salt Lake temple. When she was 7 years old, her 29-year-old mother died during child birth along with her unborn baby brother. Two years later, when Freeda was 9 years old, her father died from Kidney failure at age 33. Freeda, her 2 sisters and 1 brother were now orphans. Her relatives were unable to keep the 4 kids together and she was raised apart from her siblings living in: Bluff, UT, Snowflake, AZ and finally Blanding, Utah.

At age 17, my grandma married one of kindest men to ever live on the earth, David L. Guymon. No one to my knowledge can ever recall my grandpa saying an unkind word about another person.
Two years later, they had their first child, a son named Leonard. Leonard only weighed 3 lbs at birth and was sickly his whole life. Shortly after the birth of their second son, Keith, Leonard died of pneumonia at 20 months of age. After Leonard’s death, they felt a void at the loss of their son and knew they wanted him with them forever. They had no money and no vehicle capable of getting them to a temple.

At this point, the Lord intervened in Blanding and they were assigned Ed Galbraith as their ward teacher, or what we would now call their minister. According to my grandma’s life story, Brother Galbraith talked them into going to Mesa and being sealed. They decided to go to the Mesa Temple because they had no money for a hotel room and my grandpa’s brother Rawl Guymon lived nearby. Ed took them in his car over 400 miles to Mesa and took a small trailer to haul the luggage and to bring back a load of grapefruit.

The trip back was difficult, the roads were in poor condition and they were covered in snow and ice. They had to push the car up several hills and it took 3 days to make the 400-mile journey home. Because of the cold, all of the grapefruit were ruined, but my grandparents gained something much greater. I can’t express enough thanks to Brother Galbraith for his service as a minister and for helping my grandparents get to the temple so they could be sealed together and to their sons and my mother could be born into the covenant.

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP AND KINDNESS

RELVA SONDREGGER BOWRING

   I first met Relva at a Frontier Days program, “Echoes of San Juan.” We

were both performing on the program, but we didn’t get well acquainted until I

moved from Montezuma Creek to Blanding a few months later.

We were asked to sing in a women’s ensemble for the Relief Society

Birthday Party. It was called “Let Your Light So Shine,” and was written and

produced by Janet Wilcox. As we rehearsed our music, we sang next to each other

and discovered that our voices blended well and we made a good sound singing

together. And the rest is history! We formed a wonderful musical partnership and

a lifelong friendship.

   Soon Relva and Virginia were invited to sing at church and community

events and programs. Through practices and performances, we became the best of

friends. Renee Pincock accompanied us on the piano much of the time, with Janet

Wilcox filling that role sometimes, and the friendships grew. We loved singing on

any program for any occasion, but we especially loved Christmas music. I didn’t

feel like Christmas unless we got to sing together many times!

We had fun singing with the Francis Lyman orchestra and with Ray

Swanson’s groups. Sometimes our husband provided special accompaniments,

Bob on the clarinet or flute and Kermit on guitar.

We raised our children together and our families became friends. Later,

when I went back to teaching, I got to know and become friends with her husband,

Bob, as he was the Band Director and I was the Choral Director at San Juan High

School.

   I will always remember the years of Relva and Virginia singing together,

and the love, joy, and friendship it brought.

With love from Virginia Jensen Blake

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP AND KINDNESS

JANET KEELER WILCOX

   Janet tracked us down when we were living in Montezuma Creek and asked

Kermit and me to sing “Song of White Mesa” (written by Kermit’s mother, Susan

Butt), on a program called “Echoes of San Juan” for Blanding’s Frontier Days

celebration, which she had written. This was my first encounter with this force of

nature!

   When we moved to Blanding, her family sat by us in church and she introduced us

to Steve and their children. We were neighbors and became close friends for

years, raising our children together and becoming family friends.

Janet was an expert at bringing people together. We were invited to many parties

and cookouts hosted by the Wilcoxes, and we met a wide range of people. She

was especially good at inviting people who were new to the community. I have

called her the Perle Mesta of Blanding, she was such a good hostess.

   She was an outstanding teacher, and was always active in church and community,

and continues to be a shining example to others. I will be forever grateful for our

long friendship and for her influence in my life.

With love from Virginia Jensen Blake

Voices of San Juan 2015

Pageant Plays All Three Nights

Light Crew for the pageant included Alton and Chase Chamberlain, Stewart Shumway

“Lights, Camera, Action” sounds a lot easier than it sometimes is.  Just ask the Voices of San Juan Pageant directors.  With rain storms peppering the Four Corners most of the day on July 27, all involved considered it a major miracle that opening night wasn’t rained out, as had been the dress rehearsal the night before. 

     With no full rehearsal, prior to opening night, some cast members, as well as light technicians had to hustle to find the “right spot.” Nevertheless, the show went on, no one got stuck in the mud, and a clear sky welcomed those who came.

     Several major adjustments were made before the second night’s performance: Grandfather’s bed scene was added, burned out bulbs replaced, slides brightened up, and music rearranged.  Despite some cast health problems, and Ike Chamberlain’s head wound…the show went on brilliantly both Thursday and Friday nights.  Thursday’s crowd was thrilled to have Stan Bronson as one of the entertainers in the pre-show; however,  there was a good variety of local talent showcased all three nights Thanks to Allison Christensen's energy and organization.

Congratulations to Alyn Mitchell, Debbie Christiansen, Charlotta Lacy, Joann Barlow, Gen Ford, and Shauna Black for organizing so well, and to the large cast. You did a great job to make Voices of San Juan heard, seen, and felt by all.

The Trading Post was new this year, built by Tri-Hust Construction.  The Omaha Tepee in the background, and Stripling Warriors spears were also new additions to the story.

Directors Alyn Mitchell and Debbie Christiansen

Gathering time at the pageant and final instructions

The Christiansens ready to go

Down time for Kit Carson, prior to his scene

Pre-Pageant Multicultural Performances

Allen and Leoni Hunt Sing of their experiences in the Islands

Kaleb Finlinson does a warrior song from Tonga

Malia and her shakin' Tahaiti dance

Kia and Sander do a Hawaiian Dance

Wanda Ketchum and Niece, Naataanii and Nizhoni Lacy perform "Go My Son"

Voices of San Juan Pageant -- July 27-28-29, 2011

   If you’re planning a trip to the Four Corners this summer, be sure to add  Voices of San Juan Pageant to your calendar.  


The Blanding, Utah pageant has been produced for over ten years, and will be performed  July 27, 28, and 29 in a beautiful outdoor setting 7 miles north of Blanding on  Hwy 191 (turn east).  The pre-show begins at 8:30 PM.  There is no charge for the program, and there is ample parking. 

      The pageant began as a grass roots historical-religious production sponsored by The Children of Lehi organization and choir which was formed in 1998.  Staged in the gorgeous red rock country of San Juan County, Utah the pageant is a depiction of the need to break down stereotypes and racial and cultural barriers between all peoples.  The basic theme and underlying message of the pageant is about tolerance for all people.

      Visionaries Ike Chamberlain, Steve Lovell, and Alon Pugh masterminded the original production and script.   Initially the story of Luke Hathale and his Beliganna Mormon friend was first performed at Dry Wash Reservoir.  Later it moved to the Nations of the Four Corners amphitheater, and most recently to the Charlie Sipes’ LDS church property just north of Blanding.

   A few years ago both Blanding stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints added their support to the local effort.  The script was expanded and radically changed to include more local history as well as a piece on the Navajo Code Talkers.  The expanded use of technology added more sophisticated lighting and a beautiful, professional soundtrack recording.   

            "We feel like this area has a tale to tell, as wonderful as any other pageant around," stated Alyn Mitchell, one of the pageant directors, "and we invite everyone to join us in July 27-29, 2011 for this amazing production.” Bring jackets and blankets if desired.

Site, Sound, and Scenic Setting ready for Pageant

One of the rustic scenes in the pageant

There are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who don’t even know anything has happened. 


 Unfortunately, there are many people in San Juan County who don’t know Voices of San Juan has been happening for over 10 years.  But next week is your chance to change that and at least become a watcher!  If you want to become a doer, contact pageant co-director Debbie Christiansen 678-3340 immediately as more angels, Long Walkers, and warriors are needed.

Voices of San Juan Pageant runs Wed.-Friday, July 27-29.  Seating is available for about 300 people each night, but there is plenty of additional room if you prefer to bring your own comfy chairs.  A jacket or blanket may be advisable, as this is a dramatic nighttime outdoor production.  Two big busses will transport those who don’t want to drive at night. The site is 7 miles north of Blanding (on Hwy 191), then 1 mile east.  Meet at the North LDS Chapel parking lot on 200 N. 200 E at 7 PM each night for a no-charge ride.  There is, however, ample parking, for those who drive.   There will also be shuttle wagons at the parking area to deliver you to your seats if walking is a problem.  Reverse valet service with a country twist!

Pre-show entertainment will begin at dusk with cultural performances including dance, singing, and music.   The pageant begins at dark, as both movie clips and lights are central to the production.  The lights themselves have an interesting history as they were first used at the Manti Pageant for years.  But when it was upgraded to an “approved Church Pageant,” Ike Chamberlain who knew the Manti director, became the recipient of their old lights.  Stewart Shumway will run the lights this year and Taylor Lyman will run the sound system.  


Tri-Hurst Lumber is building a Trading Post for one of the new scenes, and the staging will also be changed from former years.  Chamberlain emphasized that this pageant, is basically a Native American story which is central to the Four Corners area.  “It is a story of understanding, change, growth, and the impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ in people’s lives.”

Though the script and actors are the backbone of the show, a great deal of behind the scenes work has been going on for months.  Revision and recording of the script was orchestrated by Alyn Mitchell and Shauna Black. Some things were taken out, and new sections about the Navajo Code Talkers, and the “Stripling Warriors” have been added.  

Cast Members Announced

Some of the new cast members of this year’s pageant include the following: (* indicates first year performer) *Shawn Begay as Luke Hatathle; *Kristina Begay as Sarah Hatathle; *Wanda Ketchum as Grandmother; Deryl Jack as Angel Moroni; Dustin Felstead as Joseph Smith, Jr.; Robert Turk as Kit Carson ; Richard Eldredge as Alma Jones; Taj Eldridge as Albert R. Lyman; Stella Jones as Westwater Woman;  *Steve Jensen as Lt. Colonel Jones; Dane Lyman as Jens Nielson; Andrea Nielson as Elsie Nielson; Bodell Nielson as Bodell Mortensen; *Brigham Nielson as Niels Nielson ; *Clayton Long as King Lamoni; *Suzie Bayles as Abish; *Martin Pulito as Ammon; *Kol Conway as Captain Helaman; Aldean Ketchum as *Chief Big Elk / Jim Mike. 


Garth Wilson as Brigham Young  & *President George Bush. Raylene Jones as Westwater Girl; Teri Card as Woman customer; Michael Jensen as Michael; Lane Palmer as Long Walk Soldier; Max Morley as Long Walk Soldier; Chuck Harrison as Old Man; Celeste Dayish as Navajo Woman; Marcus Conway as Lamoni's Body Guard; Wanda Ketchum as Grandmother.


Joshua Lacy as Luke's son; Jadan Lacy as Luke's son; Christian Sherrow as Lamoni's Servant; Michael Hawkins as Missionary; Kervin Brown as Missionary; Leanne Parker as Queen; Kendra Parker as Queen's Advisor; Casey Singer--Navajo Code Talker John Brown, young; Kyle Johnson as Pioneer Man (Angel 1); Sydnee Felstead as Escort Angel; Delton and Debbie Pugh as Handcart Family; Dan Nakai as Old Luke; Jay Sherrow as Old Michael; Clarke Family, Ketchum Family, Dayish Family --Long Walk Participants

Eagle Scout Projects Improves Seating

Ike Chamberlain one of the originators of the pageant talks to his grandson, Chase, about his Eagle Scout Project

Anticipating the need for better seating, Eagle Scout candidates Chase Chamberlain, Chase and Dylan Richmond and Ammon Mitchell began four separate Eagle projects at the pageant site.  Some were started the Fall of ‘09, others began this spring.  Each of Eagle candidate was responsible for building and graveling two rows of terraced seating. 
The four scouts secured help from 20-30 additional scouts.  


The Boy Scouts marked and leveled the ground on each row.  Sam Pugh shown here, supervising  Chase & Dylan Richmond.











The Scouts next prepared the soil, aligning the row along the markers.  Shown here are Cole Einerson, Logan Meyer, Kyle Marian, Devin Lyman, Bobby Bowring, Dylan Richmond.

Scouts learned about "grunt work" as they leveled out hard packed dirt.  Shown on the left: Javen Ivins, ?, Cole Einerson, Logan Meyer, Ashton Jones, Chase Richmond

Ammon Mitchell worked with other scouts setting Rail Road ties into place, then securing them with sturdy pegs.

Finally the terracing was in place and scouts began hauling gravel in by wheelbarrow the full length of each row, packing it down for the seating area.  On the right: – Bobby Bowring, Skylar Perkins, Chase Richmond, Dylan Richmond, Javen Ivins, Cole Einerson

 

Aaron Mitchell and French Exchange Student, Tim Pluchet, help on the terracing project. 

Approximately 2000 “boy-power” hours went into the project which was finally finished July 2011.

Chase Richmond and his completed two rows in the seating terrace.

Eight terraced rows completed this summer by four Blanding  Eagle Scout candidates and their friends.

Pageant Site History

The location of the pageant has an interesting history itself, as part of the property was owned by Charlie Sipe, who was Blanding’s first police officer in the 1940’s, but before that career he and his wife homesteaded in the site area and farmed for seven years.  Evidence of fences, rock walls, equipment, and even iris beds are still there near the pageant site.  


Sipes eventually sold the property to the Blanding LDS Seventies Quorum who used the land to raise wheat to support the missionary program in the 1940’s and it was used as a welfare farm for over 30 years.  When Blanding was part of the Monticello Stake the Sipe’s cabin was torn down.  Today the site is “part of 1600 acres owned by the Blanding LDS Stake, with the Welfare department holding the deed,“ stated Chamberlain.  “We hope it gets changed to the “Recreation” department, as matches better what we hope to develop here.” 

Voices of San Juan Pageant  includes dozens of visionary plans that are coming to pass at Charlie’s Homestead. 

Production Committee for 2011 Pageant

The Movers and Shakers for Voices of San Juan include Alyn Mitchell, Director 435- 678-3003 and Production Shauna Black 435-678-3130.  Alyn has been a part of the pageant effort for over 5 years, and Shauna helps with the technology and digital creation that moves the pageant. 

  Other pageant committee members include  Charlotta Lacy, Genevieve Ford, and Joann Barlow.  They have been responsible for costumes, casting, and publicity.

Charley Sipes Property Site of Pageant

Looking east across the "stage" of Voices of San Juan. 

Though the pageant has expanded since these photos were taken, it will give you a general understanding of the beautiful setting for Voices of San Juan.

 Looking west across the natural stage