In 1933, they moved to Ririe, and the following year moved to their present home. On March 4th, 1937, they were blessed with a baby boy, Paul Franklin. These were the depression years and times were very difficulty. However, because of their frugal spending, they were able to enjoy many good times, in spite of the hardships. Mother remembers buying milk from President Tom Moss for 25 cents for a syrup bucket full. Frying chicken were 25 cents each. Mother and her sister Zelma, Mayme, and Florence would take turns wearing the one pair of dress shoes they owned. Frank got a job with Ben Myler building the dance hall in Ririe and helping Frank get started and find success in the carpentry business. Frank was never without a job after that.
On August 11th, 1939, Faye Josephine came into the family, and on May 2nd 1943, Lucile Ann was born. These were very hard times, as World War II was raging. Mom and Dad's dream was to won their own home and they eventually saw this dream come true, but it was not without a lot of hard work and sacrifice. They brought 27 acres for $2500. They started out in a two-room, log home and Dad added additional space as needed or as they could afford it. Mother went to the Federal Land Bank and borrowed the money at 4% interest.
On December 10th, 1941, Mother and Dad, Florence and Ralph Moore, and a few other couples from the Shelton Ward traveled to Logan and were sealed for time and all eternity. It was very cold and the roads were bad but they made the trip without incident.
Mother was thrifty and a very good manager, being able to stretch the dollar a long ways. She was very creative and was always thinking of ways to assist Dad in providing for their family. She would order 100 or more baby chicks each spring. I remember her going out in the night to check on them. She would kill the majority of them for eating, and then the hens would be kept for producing eggs. We always had at least one cow. She raised a garden, taught us to sew, embroider, iron, wash, and always make sure we hung the clothes a certain way on the clothes line. We learned many good work habits that each of us have incorporated into out lives, as we have raised our own families. The folks taught us through good example and never expected us to do anything that they weren't willing to do themselves. Mother and Dad were always up and going early. Breakfast was most always eaten together as a family. We always had very special breakfasts for holidays and when we were camping. Mother was and excellent cook. We especially love her baked eggs and jams, jellies, biscuits and homemade break. She always loved cake and made many of them, and she made really good cookies. Mother could fry fish and chicken better than anyone I know. She loved fish! Byron would catch large trout on the South fork of the Snake River and bring them for Mom to cook. She had a real special way of frying them crisp and delicious. Our cousins loves coming to the farm to visit. Many times, we would be about read to have dinner, and in the yard came a car load of relatives. Mother would set the table with a few more places and everyone would gather around the table and enjoy her cooking. She would always have plenty of potatoes and other vegetables, and she didn’t take much time preparing a wonderful meal, no matter how many were there. Out kitchen always seemed large enough to accommodate everyone, and there were times when we had to eat in shifts.
We looked forward to Memorial Day because we had lots of company come visit on their way to the cemetery. Our family reunions were also a very special event – always with plenty of delicious food and ice cream. Most of the Johnson’s and Howard have lived within 50 miles radius of Shelton, so we knew out aunts, uncles, and cousins well. Aunt Florence, Uncle Ralph, Howard and Dorothy Moore lived by us, and we were a very close knit family. We went to Salt River and Fall Creek on camping trips with Aunt Florence, Aunt Mayme, Uncle Wayne and their families many times. This was always a special treat, and the breakfasts cooked on the campfire will never be forgotten. We spent most holidays together. We worked together canning fruits and vegetables and enjoyed many wonderful times playing games in the winder. Howard would buy fireworks for the 4th of July and friends would come from far and near to enjoy. Dorothy taught Paul, Faye and Lucile to play the piano and drive the “Plymouth”. The Charles Richard Family was very close friends, and we have many fishing trips to Yellowstone Park with their family.
Mother worked in all the auxiliaries of the church and as a visiting teacher for many years. She had been a member of the Daughter of Utah Pioneers for over 50 years. Her mother was the firs Captain for the Sara Ann Howard Camp. Marion and Lucile are both members of the DUP, and Marion is one serving as a Captain in Mesa, Arizona. Her brother, Wayne, was her Bishop for several years, and has visited her often. Since the War and Stake boundaries have been challenged, Mother now lives in the Ririe Stake, Ririe 3rd ward.
In 1964, Mother and Dad were called on a mission for the Church in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. They were very loved and appreciated by a wonderful landmark for the City of Grande Prairie. They went the next year to Clovis, New Mexico, where they again build a beautiful chapel and received a had of friendship from all the members. In both places they made some wonderful and very eternal friendships. This was a time of much growth for both of them and their testimonies grew tremendously. Three of their children and three grandsons have also served missions. Paul in England and Scotland, Faye in New York, Marion in Chicago, Gene is New York, Kent in Georgia, and Steve in Argentina.
Mother has always been a good friend and consequently, she has lots of friend today. Dinah neighbors, home teachers, Relief Society teachers, and friends, too numerous to mention, played a big party in her life, as have her brothers and sisters. Mother and dad were always there for their family and friend and were very generous with the time and money helping wherever there was a need. Our parents have been blessed with wonderful posterity. At age 90, mother has 15 grandchildren and more than 30 great grandchildren. “Blessed are the children of a woman who loved them. Proud is a mother who raises them well. And when they’re grown their success in her victory. She taught them how to belie in themselves.”
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