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FOUR LEAF CLOVER CLUB

The December meeting of the Club was the annual Christmas dinner and program for members and their guests. The dinner was catered by the Sage Mountain Grill.

        The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the Christmas decor provided by Decorating Committee whose members were Ina DiGrazia, Carol Amende, and Gloria West.  Carol and Gloria also presented the musical program for the evening.  President Mary Amende expresses thanks to the committees for a job well done.

      The January meeting will be Monday the 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall.

Community Christmas Program

        The annual Albion Community Christmas Program was once again held in the LDS church building.  The Albion Elementary School students presented the program for the evening.  Under the direction of the teachers, Lynette Rowe and Jan Hartwell assisted by Shirlene Rogers, teacher assistant, the students gave three presentations.  Betty Perry accompanied some of the songs at the piano.  Recitation was interspersed with songs sung by groups and/or all the students.  A special addition this year was bell choruses by the various grades.

        Preceding  the school presentation, Shauna Bennett, PTO president, welcomed the crowd.  Bruce Bristol, Master of the Albion Grange, then presented this year’s Grange Community Citizen Award to Marcella Mahoney.  She was commended for her acts of service in and for the community.  She has been involved in many civic organizations and projects since moving to Albion.

        Marcella then announced the winners of the lighting contest and had Bruce draw the winners of the two bicycles.  The winners of the lighting contest were Jim and Darlene Wahlgren, Dwight and Rene Parish, and Woody and Lee Woodland.  Rick Mahoney won both bicycles.  It was announced that he would be giving them to a needy boy and girl.

        On behalf of the PTO, Shauna presented thank you gifts to the teachers and the educational assistant.  To conclude the evening, the students sang Christmas songs until Santa appeared to visit with all the children and hand out bags of treats prepared by the Albion Grange.  Local businesses and civic organizations contributed to help provide the treats.

AIR COMMITTEE

Santa Came to Town

        Many expectant, but rosy faces could be seen Saturday night, December 7, in front of the Library as they awaited a visit from Santa. Santa rode into town on a horse drawn wagon furnished and driven by Mike Searle. They left from the Sage Mountain Grill about 6:30 p.m. destined for the library/city office on Main Street.  As Santa disembarked at the library, the lights on the trees in front of the library and City Office were lit.

        The Committee continued a Christmastime tradition started two years ago.  The Albion Centennial Tree at the (cont. on pg. 3)

THANK YOU NOTES

    We would like to say how much we appreciate everyone who decorated for Christmas.  It made our valley so festive and as nice, if not better, than other towns and areas.

      We would like to give Kay Powell a special “thank you” for twice picking up the angels that were blown off the Memorial Tree.

      We also express special appreciation to ATC Communications and Kay for keeping the tree and overhead Christmas lights on, to Kay and Darren Smyer for putting up the Christmas banners, and George and Gwen Montgomery for putting the beautiful lights on the park fountain.

      If all these people didn’t help us, our town wouldn’t be so festive.  Thank you so much; we appreciate all of you.

                 The AIR Committee

A Happy New Year and a grateful THANK YOU to my Secret Christmas Friends.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

                              Ruth Kempton

     I want to thank all who gave me such lovely gifts of goodies, time, flowers, and much love.  I want to tell whoever was my secret Christmas elf how much fun and delight I had.  I felt like a kid again waiting to see what gift I would receive next, as in the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”  I want to thank especially the AIR Committee, and the L.D.S, girls and the Bishopric for the thoughtful gifts.  I mustn’t forget my enjoyment of the different carolers who sang to me.

                           Phyllis Tracy

     We want to thank all of Santa’s helpers for making our Christmas more enjoyable.  Thanks to the church members who brought us a basket of fruit.

      We enjoyed having Juan home for the holidays.  He left to go back to San Diego on Saturday, December 28^th.

      Thank you all.

                  Adelmo and Helen Maestas

      The Albion Fire Protection Department Commissioners and the Fire Chief would like to thank the Albion community for their letters in support of the new fire station grant application.

        Have A Happy & Prosperous New Year!

               The Albion Volunteer Fire Dept.

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SENIOR NOTES

        The Seniors had a special Christmas treat following their dinner on December 18.  The Albion Elementary School children sang several Christmas songs and each grade’s bell chorus played a song.

        Dues are again due now that a new year has begun.  They are $1 per person per year.  They are to be paid to Iona Bailey.

        Menus for January are:

January 8-vegetable beef soup, fruit bowl, bread and butter, cake, and beverages;

January 15-barbecue ribs, baked potatoes, corn, rolls and butter, cookies and fruit, and beverages;

January 22-spaghetti and meat balls, green salad, green beans, garlic bread, pudding, and beverages; and

January 29-baked chicken, potatoes and gravy, spinach, rolls and butter, ice cream, and beverages.

SCHOOLS

        The end of the second nine weeks or semester will be January 17.  School will be dismissed three and half hours early that day for District Staff Development.

ALBION BULLDOGS

        Albion Elementary students presented the program for the Albion Community Christmas Program.  They were directed by their teachers, Lynette Rowe and Jan Hartwell, with assistance from Shirlene Rogers, educational assistant.  Recitation was interspersed with singing and bell choruses.  At the conclusion of the evening, the students sang Christmas songs until Santa appeared to visit with the children and hand out treats.

DJHS

        Congratulations to Emily Ramsey who as a manager of the eighth grade girls basketball team helped bring home the first place trophy from ournament at the end of their season; and

        to Nicole Leach who as a manager of the seventh grade girls basketball team helped the team take second place in the tournament.

DHS

        Congratulations to Megan Young, for being selected a Citizen of the Month.

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(cont. from pg. 1)

northwest corner of the library became a Memorial Tree for the holidays.  White tole-painted wooden angel ornaments

inscribed with the names of loved ones were hung on the tree

which was lit with only white lights.  Many who purchased angels this year were present Saturday night to hang them on the tree.  The angels will be placed on the tree every year.  A prayer was led by Lee Jolley and Marijane Jolley led those assembled in singing “Silent Night”.   

        Inside the library Santa handed out candy canes to the young people who came to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.  The treats were provided by the AIR Committee.

        During and following the activities at the library, many attending took turns caroling around town aboard the wagon which was decorated with Christmas lights.  The wagon also featured taped music to accompany the singers.  On the last trip, Santa climbed on board in order to visit with and present treats to shut-ins in the community.

Winners

        Winners of the Christmas Lighting Contest sponsored by the Committee were: Dwight and Rene Parish, Jim and Darlene Wahlgren, and Woody and Lee Woodland.  Each received a $50 prize.  Because there were so many wonderful displays, the judges had a very difficult time deciding on the winners.

        In the drawing for two bicycles, Rick Mahoney won both the girls and boys bicycles.  It was announced that they would be given to youngsters who would not have much of a Christmas.

        The next meeting of the Committee will be Thursday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at Marcella Mahoney’s.  Anyone interested in helping is welcome to attend.

AMERICAN LEGION

        2002 has come to a close. It was a very busy year for the American Legion Albion Post 124. The membership did very well and we, the Commander and Adjutant, want to thank each and everyone of our family members who got involved.

        The Christmas Party went very well and those of you who could not make it missed a very good program and food. The exchange of presents was just as interesting as in past years, but we did miss the exchange between the "two regular clowns", Bruce Bristol and Jody Gunderson.

        This month has been very quiet at the Post level, but we are trying to get things setup for January.  We have a District and Area High School Oratorical Contest coming up.  Chairman Darrell Hatfield is a member of our Post, and he will need support from the Albioin Post Members.  Escorts, timers, judges, etc. are needed to help with this.  The 5th District competition will be January 14 at 7 p.m. in the Paul Post.  The Area contest to be held later in January will also be hosted by 5th District

        Mid-Winter Conference is just around the corner.  It is January 10-11 in Boise at the Owyhee Hotel.  The Legislative Reception will be on the 9th at 5pm.  National Commander Ron Conley will be in attendance.  Come and be part of this and meet your Representatives and Senators.  We have three Legionnaires and three Auxiliary members who have pre-registered.

        The Mid-Winter is being run a little bit different than we have in the past.  Following is the tentative schedule.  On Friday the 10^th, the Department will be holding regular business meetings, starting at 8:30 a.m. The DEC Meeting is at 10 a.m. Regular/Commission meetings will begin at 1 p.m.  Those meetings will be Children & Youth, Building, Public Relations, SAL, and Idaho Scholarship.  A Banquet will be held that evening with National President Elsie Bailey as the guest speaker.

        On Saturday the 11^th, the Joint Opening will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by Legion Committee Meetings (Americanism, Bowling, Legislative, Baseball, and VA&R) and the Service Officer School.  At 1:30 p.m. a DEC meeting, will be held to receive reports from Committees/ Commissions.  At 6 p.m. the Four Chaplains Service will be held.  The evening will close with the Auxiliary Fun Night. The Conference will end on Saturday with nothing scheduled for Sunday.

        NOTE: The regular Post Meeting scheduled for January 14 at 7.30 p.m. has been changed.  We ask that everyone planning to attend this meeting be at the Grange at 6 p.m. so that we can convoy to the Paul Post to support the Oratorical Contest.  The Commander is requesting this support and, if anything changes between this publication and the14th, we will get in touch with the members.

        Please bring any membership dues that have not been paid.  Our Post membership is at 78%, and we should be at 85% by January 8th. This is the first target date that we have not met.  Please get those dues in; they are still $20 per year.

        Have a "Happy New Year".

                     Don Gunderson, Post Adjutant

LEGION AUXILIARY

        As we start a new year, we are mindful of all the young servicemen and women who may be away from their families and in a position of peril in these uncertain times.  Our hopes for peaceful resolution of the problems facing our nation are heartfelt, as well as our prayers for the safety of our young folk.

        The new year gives us a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the Legion and the fulfillment of their programs in support of our veterans, our community, and our young people.

        Several members of the Legion and the Auxiliary will be in attendance at the Mid-Winter Conference in Boise January 9-11. We are looking forward to shared thoughts and inspiration from our new National President, Elsie Bailey.

        We did all have such a great evening at the Christmas potluck, didn’t we?   A big thank you to all the folks that made it such an enjoyable evening: for providing the wonderful food and for the fun and participation during the gift exchange!

        Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Albion Grange Hall kitchen.  See you all there!

             Harriet Cole, President

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ALBION HISTORY OF THE PAST

by Verlene L. Powell

THE ALBION MASONIC BUILDING

This building has recently been willed to the City of Albion to repair, maintain, and use.  I'm hoping it will be used as a museum (housing pictures, artifacts, history, etc., having to do with the Masons,etc.) as well as a meeting place.  A history was written by Bennie Chatburn for the 100 year celebration of Cassia Lodge No. 14, Albion, ID., in 1983 and he also included a brief account of Albion.  The following are excerpts from his booklet published in 1983:

"From the very moment of its inception, Cassia Lodge No. 14, A.F. & A.M. was unique.  For if one stops and gives the matter any thought, a small frontier town nestled in a western mountain valley, which for all practical purposes was quite isolated from the rest of the world, would seem to be the least likely place for a Lodge of Master Masons.  However, after learning something of the history of our Valley & those early pioneers, it becomes apparent it was the most likely place.

'The first settlers arrived in Marsh Basin (Albion) as early as 1868.  By the year 1875, fourteen families had settled in different parts f the valley, and by the year 1880 many more had 'oined them.

'They came to a country, the greater portion of which was included in the Great American Desert, the country was vast and dry at that time-and those persons who predicted a great future for the area were regarded as dreamers, so they settled in the beautiful mountain valley where the grass and water was plentiful-and bypassed the ast desert regions as being 'ust a nuisance.  For it would be some twenty or thirty years for these earliest settlers before they would see the opening of the twentieth century and with it the inception of the Carey Act which worked a transformation that made much of the great desert become a wonder of the world.

When the first settlers came to Albion, then known as Marsh Basin, the nearest postoffice was at Kelton, Utah, 60 miles south of Albion, and the nearest mill was at Corinne, Utah about 125 mile,, nd the stage line completely bypassed Albion.  At that time, this area was a part of Owyhee County.  Its boundaries were enormous, and embraced all of the present counties of Owyhee, Twin Falls, and Cassia.  Ruby City was the first county seat, but by the time most of our Masonic forefathers had arrived, the county seat was at Silver City, and for these early settlers that meant a trip of between 200 to 300 miles by the nearest traveled road, consequently there was very little done in the establishment and maintenance of land and water rights, due to the hardships and inconvenience in traveling so great a distance.  Very little filing or recording was done.

"In February of 1879, Cassia county was created and Albion designated as the county seat.  By this time, the main stage and freight line from Boise City to Kelton, Utah was well established-and Marsh Basin became the main stop, in Cassia County; and, however isolated the valley might have been, it was no more.

             “…increasing numbers of western pioneers found themselves passing through the young town on their way from the 'east' to the Oregon & California country, especially after the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.  Leaving the relative comfort provided by the train, they would travel on by team and wagon over the old freight & stage road, heading northward from Kelton to Cedar creek, on to Round Mountain, around the point of Strevell, then to Conant on Cassia creek, then to Connor creek, and finally arrive in Albion by way of the southern pass.  In 1878, the main stage line was changed to the Marsh Basin 'cut off' and travelers coming in from the other direction came more or less directly from Stricker's Rock Creek store(So. of Hansen, today).

                “…we can only imagine the relief and joy they must have felt after their long trip across the remote and desolate desert, as they got their first glimpse of the valley, the meadows lush with wild grass, and the streams with their abundant growth of willows. . . Albion became the only place where they could find civilized comfort, and restock their supplies.  Some of the more enterprising travelers could see a future for this natural stopping place, and stayed to establish businesses & ranches.

'These first settlers had come from every walk of life, many foreign countries were represented in their ancestry, and their religious backgrounds were as varied as their personalities.  Some were Southerners who had lost their holdings during the Civil War, and brought with them ideas of Confederacy.  Some had deserted from the Army of the Republic, and instead of going northward back to their homes, had drifted and worked their way west.  Some were under assumed names, some were running from the responsibilities of family life, some were running from the law, and some were 'ust plain running.  Many were recent immigrants from other countries, and with little knowledge or understanding of the United States, chose not to stay in the crowded areas of the eastern cities which seemed so foreign to them... Most were examples of courage and integrity and working against overwhelming odds, they subdued a wilderness and established a civilization....

'During its 101 years of existence (as of 1983), Cassia Lodge had three different Halls.  Our first meeting place was Kossman's Hall.  This building was located west of the old Court House on the north side of Market Street, and east of the present site of the old rock D.L. Evans bank building (Postoffice, today).  When Brother Kossman came to the Albion valley in 1879 from Corinne, Utah, he purchased the log building which was located at this lot.  Accordine to his Granddaughter, Mrs. Ann Parke, Bro.  Kossman built a two story addition to this original log building.  The top story was used as the first Lodge Hall.  The bottom story was used for a harness shop and the log structure a store.

'By 1885, the Lodge proceeded to make plans for the erection of their own building After some discussion, a building committee consisting of Brothers George H. Weldon, James W. Snodgrass and Frank Riblett was appointed to negotiate and secure materials and to proceed with the erection of a Masonic Hall 20 by 40 feet- The building to be two stories in height.  The lower story to be used by Brother Weldon and Brother Snodgrass as a wagon shop.  The upper story as a Masonic Hall...

'Brothers Snodgrass and Weldon had come up with most of the money to build the Hall, and the Lodge agreed to pay them $15. per month rent until such time as their indebtedness was paid off.  They also rented part of the first story to the Government for the Post Office.

'. . The first meeting in the New Hall was on February 27, 1886.  The Lodge met in this building for nine years.  In 1895, they moved to our present location.

"Our present Hall was built in 1891 by Louis Solomon and Fremont Cobb under the name of the Albion Building Association.  For several years, the building was referred to as the Solomon and Cobb Hall.  Cobb sold his half of the building to Bro.  E. A. Jordan who, upon his death in 1896, willed his half to Cassia Lodge No. 14.  On March 16, 1900 the Lodge bought the other half of the building for $1000 from Louis and Gertrude Solomon...

'The Lodge also did its part to promote the social life of the Valley and surrounding area. . . .' (rhe present building held regular dances for many years attended by people in surrounding areas miles away.  However, the first Grand Masonic Ball was held at Howell's Hall, Nov 29, 1883 with Albion's dance orchestra lead by David Bennett.. Invites, tickets, & dance programs had been ordered from Salt Lake.  Mrs. Huntley supplied the midnite supper.

CONTINUED NEXT TIME will be histories of some of the

members as well as the Masonic Cemetery.

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ALBION GRANGE

        The Albion Grange gave this year’s Grange Community Citizen Award to Marcella Mahoney.  It was presented by Master Bruce Bristol during the Community Christmas Program.  She was recognized for her acts of service in and for the community during the years she has lived in Albion.  She has served and continues to serve in many organizations in the community.

        The Grange family Christmas dinner and program was again held between Christmas and New Years on Monday, December 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall.  The traditional homemade chicken noodle dinner with trimmings was served buffet style.  Performers on the program included members, their children, grandchildren.  They were Kris Wenslawski, Loleta Merrill, Helen Anderson, Carol Amend, Gloria West, Philana Phillips, Anne Phillips, Keith Amende, and Mary Lynne Bristol.  Bags of treats were handed out.

CALENDAR

JANUARY 2003

1- NEW YEARS DAY

3- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

4-  Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      Library closed

5- Church

6- *School resumes

    *Four Leaf Clover Club-7:30pm-Grange Hall

7- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

    *CITY COUNCIL-7pm-City Office

8- *Senior Citizens-Board meeting-10:30am

                              dinner-noon 

      Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

9-11- *Legion Mid Winter Conference-Boise

10- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

11- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      Library open-10am-2pm

          Marcella Mahoney, Judy Heller

12- Church 

14- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      Highway District meeting-7pm-Ron Sorensen’s

      *Legion-6pm-Grange Hall

      *Auxiliary-7:30pm-Grange Hall

      School Board meeting, 7pm-Central Office

15- *Senior Citizens-Blood Pressure Check-11am

                               dinner-noon

      Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

16- Grange-7pm-Grange Hall

17- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      *End of second nine weeks

         school dismissed 3 ½ hours early

      *Card party-7:30pm-Grange Hall

18- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      Library open-10am-2pm

          Lorna Reeder, Dayna Westfall

19- Church

19-26- *Souper Bowl Week

21- MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY

22- *Senior Citizens-dinner-noon

Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

24- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

25- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

      Library Open-10am-2pm

          Jennifer Friedrichson, Elaine Mahoney

26- Church

      *Souper Bowl Sunday

27- Albion Valley News items due

28- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

29- *Senior Citizens-dinner-noon

       Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

31- Transfer site open-10am-6pm

*For only $1 you can have someone’s birthday or anniversary or other celebration put on the calendar.  Just call, send a note, or put a note in the AVN box.

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11/26/97 7:52 AM COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

-Jeff Poulsen, new City Auditor, was present to review the 2002 audit of the city accounts; he addressed some minor areas of concern, stating that the accounts were in good order; he commended the City for its record keeping and thanked City Clerk Mary Yeaman for her help after he had to take over the audit upon the death of former auditor, Garth Beck;  the Council accepted the audit;

-Ray Mitchell from R & S Enterprise was present to briefly review the wildland urban interface program, “Community At Risk;” he explained that the Bureau of Land Management funded program is a partnership between the bureau, the City of Albion, and the Albion Fire District through which the community can become more safe from rangeland fires; he then reported that, since the community open house held to explain the program to valley residents, he with help from Fire Chief Stewart Waldemar had begun the analysis portion of the three year project by taking pictures around the valley and identifying fire hazard areas; 

-a public hearing will be held during the January meeting in regards to a petition filed by D.L. Evans Bank to have a strip of city property north of the Albion bank’s parking lot on Market Street vacated and deeded to the bank; the Council asked City Attorney Kerry McMurray to send letters to other landowners along the east three blocks of Market Street offering to help them file similar petitions; the Council would like this section of the street to have the same dimensions as the rest of it; a public hearing will be held during the February meeting for any petitions received before that time. 

-Councilman Len Marrs reported about a meeting with a representatives from the Department of Environmental Quality and JUB Engineers in regards to the City’s application to renew its Wastewater Land Application Permit; he stated that JUB will be submitting the application to DEQ by the end of the year deadline, but noted that it might not be approved; it was noted that compliance with DEQ regulations will have to be phased in due to budget constraints;

-it was reported that four engineering firms had submitted Letters of Interest regarding the Water Improvement Feasibility Study; Len gave each Councilman an Evaluation Rating Sheet that he had prepared for each to use in rating the four companies; the Council will then meet to compare the ratings and determine which ones to call in for an interview;

-Len handed out a draft copy of a format to be used in the submission of proposals regarding use of the Albion campus so that all applicants can then work from the same page; the Council members are to review it; he noted that Attorney McMurray had already reviewed it and expressed some concerns he had;

-it was reported that Kay Powell was hired as the part-time city maintenance person;

-Resident Deputy Sgt. Bruce Bristol reported that three citations were issued in Albion during the month, two reports were taken, and an arrest for criminal assault was made;

-Len reported that he still has not heard from the National Park Service whether grant to improve the playground on the City Park has been approved;

-Mayor Don Danner reported that he is still working on cost estimates for the renovation of the old Masonic Hall as a Community Center in order to apply for a grant;

-Attorney McMurray was asked to prepare an amendment to the water ordinance regarding the rate for contiguous lots owned by one person;

-Councilman Brent Stauffer and City Maintenance Supervisor Stewart were asked to figure the labor costs for replacing the surface water delivery ditch with pipe;

-Mayor Danner reported that he has been working with Mini-Cassia National Heritage Program which is working to preserve historical sites in the area;

-discussion was held about meeting once a month to review and update city ordinances; and

-discussion was held about how to handle zoning violations.

 EARLY ALBION HISTORY

Cassia County Seat-1879-1919

Stage, Mail, and Freight Stop

Home of Albion State Normal School-

  1893-1951

Diamondfield Jack trial-1897-1902

D. L. Evans Bank est. 1904

Telephone Co. est. 1920’s