The Christmas List - 1926

Adelbert Asay
our favorite Santa

The first Adelbert Asay family reunion was held August 30, 1957 at the old house in Lovell.  At this time the family was organized with officers and goals. One of the high-lights of the evening was a box of momentos found under the floor during recent renovating of the old family home.  Articles were held up for the owners to claim .... old shoes, hammer etc.  The prize item was Grandma's Christmas shopping list for December 10, 1926:

Christmas - - 1926

Albert - necktie 75 cents

Bert - necktie 75 cents, shirt $1.50

Percy - overalls, necktie, long sox

Boice - overalls, necktie, long sox

Merril - shirt, overalls, necktie

Calvin - baby rattle and shoes

Hyrum - garters, necktie

Hyrum Jr. - marbles, ball, and shirt

Wayne - material for rompers and a ball

Papa - shirt, necktie, and Sandy Andy

Gladys - cloth for aprons and stockings

Mae - shoes and stockings, one suit of underwear and garters

Helen - shoes, stockings, doll

Mama - cloth for aprons

(Zela has to help be Santa)

Sandy Andy toys variety of tin lithograph...

would love to know which one Grandma would buy for "Papa"

Merry Christmas!

The Most Memorable Christmas

Adelbert Asay aka Santa

One hot summer day as we sat in Grandma's living room sipping lemonade, a grandson, Matt asked, "Grandma, what was the best Christmas you ever had?"  Grandmother told him this story:

Many years ago, though it seems like yesterday, our means were quite limited.  We knew Christmas was coming.  We had six little children at that time, who we loved very much, and we wanted to have such a nice Christmas for them. 

So Grandpa hooked up the team and went to the mountain for a load of wood.  He brought it down and took it to Brother M.D. Harris, who said, "Delbert take that load of wood over to the school, and I'll give you $8.00 for it."

Grandpa took the wood to the school and received a check for $8.00.  He then came home, and he said to me, "Mama, this will have to be the Christmas.  It is all I've got and all I can get.  I'm going to give the check to you, and you do the best you can with it."

I went into the bedroom and put on a nice dress and combed my hair.  Then I knelt down and told the Lord our circumstances and the money I had.  I asked Him to direct me that day - where I should go and do the best I could.

I felt good about it and went up to Main Street and cashed the check.  Then I went up to Bishop Cutler's, and I paid 80cents tithing on that check. I then went back to town and every store I went in, I got something we needed.

When I got home and the parcels were opened I had: a chicken, some sugar, some eggs, flour, candy, and a tiny gift for each child - and a little suit for Ab.

Papa brought us home a Christmas tree which we decorated with popcorn and cranberries.

We knew the Lord had guided my footsteps to bargains all over town, and I even got a little something for Papa and I.  This was the most outstanding Christmas we had in those early years.

Aunt Gladys, who had joined us in Grandma's living room said, "This was our best Christmas ever, and it was a real testimony to us children of the value of tithing and praying to Heavenly Father in time of need."

Martin Calvin and John Boice Document

Martin Calvin Boyce

Transcribed from above letter written in Grandmother Asay's handwritting

John Boice - Patriarch

"These. Few questions you mentioned. Answers

 1. My Grand Father John Boice. 1. wife is Jane Hearns (died young)
Inserted 2. He married Mary Ann Barzee



Mary Ann Barzee Boice

 The saints had to cross a lake to attend their meetings. They crossed by Boat. The Boat sank out in the lake - all aboard were drowned. At that time, it was advisable for men to have the women sealed to worthy men. 2 of the young ladies were sealed to my grand Father John Boice. They had a elderly lady sealed to him known as Old Auntie to us, but she was cared for by my grand parents. It is writen that Grand Father John Boice said the Prophet Joseph was the only man he could not pin his shoulders to the mat, (wrestle for pure entertainment)

Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.

Now for the item you ask for. My Father Martin Calvin Boice was Born. April 7. 1844 at Crook Creek Hancock County Ill. At that time, the Prophet Joseph Smith in grate danger by the mob a crats. They wanted to kill him. The Saints did all they could to protect the prophet from these wicked people by hiding him in their homes. At this time, my grand parents hid the prophet in their home. Thus he (inserted: my Father 2 months old) was held in the Arms of our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith. But the wicked men later caught the prophet put him in Carthage jail. On June 27 1844 the mob gathered broke in the jail and shot Hyrum Smith the prophets Brother also the Prophet Joseph Smith. My grand father rushed to the scene as soon as the alarm was given; but it was over.

My Grandmother told me this It always made me feels so sad - I did not talk about it much.

I appreciate your efforts more than you know.

By to all.
Love and Blessings
Mom