Emery County Folk Art was displayed at the Emery County Historical Society March meeting at the San Rafael Museum in Castle Dale. There were a number of displays and several local artists on hand to tell about their crafts. The meeting started with a welcome by Dottie Grimes followed by a prayer by LaMar Guymon and Evelyn Huntsman then led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Dottie Grimes introduced her officers. She also mentioned that they had many different Emery County history books from local authors for sale.
Grimes gave some information about Harry The Hermit and an upcoming trip April 24 to see the artist pictures, by Harry The Hermit, on a silo South of Orangeville. This silo is slated to be torn down soon. Mervyn Miles will lead the trip to see the site. Mervyn said he remembers Harry the Hermit coming into town with his feet wrapped in burlap to purchase supplies.
After the visit to the silo they will go to Vaughan Reed’s shop near Clawson to see some of his art work. Following the visit, there will be a pot luck dinner somewhere around Clawson. The historical society will provide the hotdogs. Everyone is invited to bring a plate of food to pass.
Grimes next honored past president Joyce Staley for the work that she performed for the historical society during the past years.
Robert and Irene Mead of Ferron accompanied by Evelyn Huntsman sang some old world war II songs, such as “My Buddy” he also sang “Peace on Earth.”
Grimes introduced Roger and Sandra Killpack of Ferron, who after he retired, purchased a wood shop. They tried going south for a few winters, but this winter, they decided to stay in Emery County. Roger created several nice looking wooden benches with a back rest and carvings made from wooden headboard and footboard parts he collected at Deseret Industries. He also makes arrow heads. Some of his cabinetry shelves are sold at Magnuson Lumber.
Elmer Larsen a native of Emery County, after serving in the military, went to work for the telephone company in Salt Lake City. When he retired, he returned to live in Orangeville. With his wood carving tools, he makes beautiful carvings of boots, snakes, saddles that look like they are made of leather, instead of wood. One of his carvings is of a wolf. It is very difficult tell that his carvings are made out of wood. Larsen uses a number of different kinds of wood from local to distant lands. Such as Russian olive from Orangeville, juniper from Joe’s Valley and bass wood from Mississippi.
Larsen also made the sign that hangs over the gate to Castle Valley ranch. He has a small shop in back of his house and carves during the winter months. In the summer he works at the Mill site golf course. Most of his carvings go to his children and grandchildren.
Next was Sandra Boren’s display of rock art jewelry. She has been gathering rocks since she was a little girl. She lives next door to Gordon Card, who taught lapidary and silver smithing. She took classes from him at the high school. Boren became interested in making jewelry because she too needed a winter project. This was fascinating to her because she feels she can see pictures in the rocks. She really appreciates the beauty she finds in the rocks she collects. She polishes some of the rocks and makes jewelry out of them. She also had some jewelry on display made from deer horn.
After the introductions were completed, the crowd separated for refreshments and to visit with the artists and enjoy the display of arts and crafts.
The historical society meets monthly.
Special talents
"Sandra Boren shows the jewelry she makes during the long winter to LeAnn Seely, her niece, Jannika Beagley and Dottie Grimes, historical society president."