San Juaquin Valley Living - Dad Stationed at Travis AFB

This home was near the county fair grounds and I have many early memories. Sodaquist Road. I remember going to the fair with my father for my 4th birthday - wow- what a special time this was! I had my Dad all to myself riding the merry-go-round, etc. Dad did a tour of duty in Japan while we lived here, leaving my mother with five little ones. She finally learned to drive after David was born. See little David on the left. Roland and a favorite kitty, Linda and Laurel. We ran around in jeans and bare feet most of the time.
Dad brought Mother several kimono aprons from Japan and she often wore these - especially on Sundays. He brought Roland and Laurel amazing thin tire English racing bikes - not available in America. In the front row: David, Roland, Linda, Rachael, and Laurel.

I love this photo: see the clothes hanging on the line? David and I were only 15 months apart, yet I was so proud to be his big sister. That meant I got to be in charge of him sometimes! Look how tan we are! My freckles started soon there after.

Temple Sealing Day, 1950, Mesa, Arizona.

Grandpa Asa was a temple sealer. Tiffany's helped build this temple. David is the little one here.

The Earliest of Days for Mary & Larry

Mary and Larry met in the early 1940's at  a big anniversary party. Grandma Shepard's sister, Aunt Murle,  and husband Uncle Roy,  were celebrating their 25th anniversary. It was held at the Coca Cola Factory on Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento, CA. Dad was stationed there. Grandma Shepard loved Larry and welcomed him into her home for Sunday dinners and many fun occasions. Larry was in love with Mary and proposed. It was her dream, however, to finish Sacto Jr. College and then go to BYU (she graduated from Sacramento High at 16). Larry was transferred (to Florida) and Mary went to BYU, but only for a semester. They were married at Thanksgiving time (Mary was almost 19 and Larry was 25). Soon Roland was welcomed into their family. Larry was then stationed in Ft. Knox, KY (WWII days). After Roland was born, Mary & he traveled by train to Michigan to join Larry, and then on to Kentucky , making this their new home.


Mary's Graduation Photo.

Larry's Graduation photo.

He was raised on the Papago Indian Reservation where his father and grandfather severed as LDS Bishop for twenty or so years each. Dad was an avid reader and when he was in grade school he'd read nearly every book on the library shelves. He ran track hurdles in high school, and left for the Army Air Corps not long after graduation.

Larry was a "Military Man" serving 22 years. He was the first of his father's sons to join the service. Seven of them served in the war at the same time, all came home safely.

This was taken in Mesa, AZ were Dad was raised. Adorable Roland is taking his fist mule ride.

 










Sarajane(Mary's youngest sister), Mary, Larry, little Laurel and Roland in the far back yard at Grandma Shepard's home. See the old wood shed in the back?