Earl C. Crockett Website

FIFTY GLORIOUS YEARS

(from 1965-1975)

1965

One of the last official actions taken by Earl and Della, before being released as acting president of BYU, was a visit to the Church College of Hawaii, during part of the Christmas vacation 1964 and the first week of the new year. Margy went along and the three found the trip highly interesting. Earl had several meetings with the faculty and gave a student assembly talk. A drive around the Island of Oahu was most interesting and beautiful. Pineapple and sugar cane plantations were everywhere. The Hawaiian Church Center is impressive-the college, the Temple and Polynesian Cultural Center. Many tourists are attracted.

April 14th, in Illinois, another grandchild was born. David and Barbara named him Mark Allen Crockett. He soon developed into an especially bright and cheerful child. Dave shared responsibility for his care so that Barbara could continue pursuing her studies at the Univer sity.

Earl's work with the Higher Commission of the Northwest Association kept him rather busy. There were university visits for accreditation purposes in several states, as well as conventions to attend. An especially interesting convention was held at Ashland, Oregon. Della and Geneve went along. The time of the convention coincided with the holding of the famous annual Shakespearean Festival. Several plays were attended in Ashland's outdoor theatre and, for Earl at least, Shakespeare was appreciated more than ever before.

Christmas came and Dale and Mariam West again gave to the Crocketts a beautiful Christmas tree. The two families are fast friends. The Wests have always loyally supported Earl regarding University policies and programs.

1966

For a three year term, Earl was elected President of the Higher Commission and Vice President of the Northwest Association for Accreditation. A news article in the Era stated that this was the first time a resident of Utah had held this high position. It was an honor and carried with it many responsibilities.

In April at quarterly stake conference, Della was given the honor ary Golden Gleaner award. She was praised in the meeting because of her great work as Stake Relief Society President. She received many letters of congratulation, both at this time and when she was released two years later, as she left for Europe. The following letter from one of her co-workers is representative of many others:

Last year I came to respect, admire and love you- this year these feelings have even greatly increased as I have had more opportunities to see your love for the women of our stake. I can never thank you enough for the example and inspiration you have been in my life.

Sincerely, Rosalie Erekson

Margaret graduated with honors from BYU. Her B.A. degree was in Political Science. While in the university she had been elected to Spurs National Service Organization, White Key University Women's Honorary, and Alpha Lambda Delta Scholastic Honorary. She had achieved much!

As time passed, it became obvious to Barbara and David that they were incompatible for each other and they started divorce proceedings.

In 1966, Janet remarried. Her new husband, Roger Call, is a very fine man. His wife had died leaving him with two sweet little chil dren. Janet and Roger have been excellent parents to their combined family of children.

July 2lst, Earl's brother Ozro David died at the age of 84, after a long illness. He had lived a happy, full life.

1967

In February, David obtained his Ph.D. degree in electrical engi neering from the University of Illinois -a school with very high stand ards and he had done well. The last year at Illinois, he had an IBM Resident Graduate Fellowship and was elected to the honorary society Sigma Xi. He gave a copy of his thesis to his parents-entitled, "Serial Decomposition of Sequential Machines into Specified Classes." Although his dad also has a Ph. D. (in another field) he tried to read the thesis but failed miserably-it was too mathematical and technical. His parents were very proud of Dave's great accomplishments. He possesses unusual scholastic ability.

In May, Earl flew up to Anchorage, Alaska to inspect a university. He was greatly impressed by the scenic beauty of our largest state. He also saw the rather disasterous results in Anchorage of the earthquake which had occurred a few months previously, and at which time one of Edna's grandsons had been swept out to sea and drowned on a tidalwave.

In July, Earl, Della and Geneve drove east for a month's vacation. Although it was partly a business trip for Earl, as he surveyed several universities, going and returning, to study their methods of assigning classroom and office space, so that BYU might improve its system. It was thought that the system might be computerized. Among others, the following schools were visited: University of Colorado, Denver University, Universities of Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio State.

In route, there was a good visit with friends in Boulder. Also for the first time a visit was made to Church historic Nauvoo, Carthage Jail, Palmyra, where they attended the pageant and met the Brereton family. They journeyed together to Schenectady, where they had a good visit. Margy flew out from California. Don and Marian took all to Lake George for a few days and also up to Vermont to visit the birth place of Joseph Smith the Prophet.

Finally, it was time to return to Provo. However, in route they circled north and attended the World's Fair in Montreal, Canada.

Lynn had graduated from high school in the spring and returned to Provo with her grandparents so that she could enter BYU. Her grades made possible her entering the Honors Program and receiving a scholarship award.

There was a pleasurable time had by Della, Earl, Geneve, Margy and Lynn, seeing the Fair and driving across the continent in weather conditions ideal even though it was August. They visited H. Hoover birthplace and museum in Iowa, the Truman Library in Missouri, and the Eisenhauser museum in Kansas.

During the summer, Janet, Roger and family moved to Federal Way, Washington, where Roger began working for Boeing Aircraft Company. He had completed his Ph.D. at the University of Utah. It would now be much less frequent, seeing Jan and family, which included Bob's four children-Bob Jr., Karen, David and Beth.

One of the managers of IBM sent the following memorandum to a top supervisor in the company:

I wish to express our gratitude for Mr. E. David Crockett's contribution to our program. Information Marketing has developed an acoustically-coupled data-set based upon the circuits designed by Mr. Crockett. Dave has modified the design to be frequency-compatible with the Bell System and has provided valuable advice as a consultant to other phases of the effort as well. I'm certain you can appreciate the value of this device to IBM salesmen, Demonstrations can now be given in a prospective customer's office. Mr. Crockett is to be complimented for his excellent contribution. He has exhibited a high degree of competence in both the original design and in the modifications for IBM.

Again I wish to thank you for making Mr. Crockett's talents available to us.

/S/ J. P. Kelly

In the summer of 1967, David and Barbara's divorce was finalized. That September, he married Ann Hollenbeck, whom he had first met several years before at the University of Colorado. She is a beautiful young lady and a sweet and intelligent person. The couple were married in the Little Chapel at Stanford University. Della, Earl and Margaret were in attendance. Shortly afterward, Ann wrote, in part, the following letter-

Dear Mother and Father C.

Another week has flown by but not without thinking about you. Having you here for our wedding made us so happy . . . Thanks for making our meeting, after so many years, such a pleasant experience. I think you know how special I think the Crocketts are, especially your son-af raid I'm partial. I only pray that I can make his life as full and happy as he has made mine.

Love, Ann

1968

During the spring of 1968, Earl and Della announced their retire ments from serving as Academic Vice President and President of the Stake Relief Society, respectively. Earl wished to return to his first love teaching, for at least a year or two before complete retirement, and an opportunity had arisen for another year in Europe, teaching economics to members of the American armed forces. When announced, in the Daily Universe, the news commentator stated:

. Crockett looks back on a long list of accomplishments at BYU in the academic areas, including the recruitment of a highly-trained faculty which now numbers more than 900, three-fourths of whom have joined BYU since Dr. Crockett came in 1957.

He was also instrumental in establishing the Honors Program for superior students; faculty research fellowships; several new master's degree programs; doctoral degree programs which have expanded to include 21 departments; the two-year associate degree program in nursing, industrial technology, and general studies; and adoption of the semester system.

A flood of honors was poured upon the couple, a summary of which can merely be given in this account.

Earl was awarded an honorary doctorate degree with the appropriate hood. This is the highest honor possible for a university to bestow. At the same commencement exercises, an honorary doctors was given to 92 year-old Mr. J. C. Penney and Dr. Philo Farnsworth "the father of television."

Earl was also given a bound volume composed of appreciation letters from many colleagues, associates and friends.

There was a retirement banquet, attended by all top administrators, deans, directors and department chairmen. Tributes were paid and a framed landscape painting by Floyd Breinholdt was given the couple.

The Adult Education Division gave a retirement banquet and an engraved silver plate, as well as a bound volume of appreciation letters.

The First Stake gave a retirement banquet for Della, also a beautiful present and many tributes in speeches and letters. The General Presidency of the Relief Society sent, in part, the following letter:

Dear Sister Crockett:

On behalf of the general board, we want to express appreciation for the faithful and devoted service you have given to Relief Society during the past five years as Sstake Relief Society president of this college organization. You have given freely of yourself and held the work of Relief Society to a high standard. You have made an important contribution to the advancement of the Society among these young sisters on the campus.

Your example, leadership, and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to both leaders and members and have endeared you to them. We extend our love and gratitude to you, and pray that the choice blessings of our Heavenly Father will ever attend you.

Typical of other letters was the following:

Dear Sister Crockett!

May I at this time tell you how much I have enjoyed and benefitted from working with you these past three years in Relief Society. You have set such a wonderful example to me of efficiency, devotion, and grace and poise. Everything you do is a success. You are inspiring to be around, and you really make Relief Society the great organization that it is supposed to be.

Congratulations on being a deserving recipient of the Honorary Golden Gleaner award.

It is my hope to cultivate the many wonderful attributes you have, so I can be of greater service to the Lord.

Thank you again,

Love, Carolyn Shumway

Earl was also honored by being asked to give two commencement addresses-one for the Graduate School and one for the College of Humanities. He was told, at least by one person, that they were the best commencement talks he had ever heard! Perhaps they were the first he had ever heard.

Dave, Ann and Margy flew to Provo and attended most of the events. Lynn was here finishing her freshman year.

Perhaps a typical letter of appreciation Earl received is the following:

Dear Dr. Crockett:

I sincerely appreciate all that you have done while you were vice president and acting president-much was accomplished, especially in the academic areas. I can't imagine how we shall get along without you.

You always had an open door. We often went to you with our problems. You always listened carefully and even though you could not always solve the difficulties, we always left feeling better. You made faculty meetings more meaningful, giving the faculty more decision-making, especially while you were president.

We do love and appreciate you and wish you and Della well in your new activities.

Sincerely,

A University group even composed a booklet of Limericks.of Tribute, the following being a few examples:

Consider the case of Earl Crockett
Who, at age sixty-five, in his pocket
Has money to burn,
And with a year's leave, in turn,
Has put Heidelberg first on his docket.

If professor you'd be, then don't knock it,
It's a rich, golden door-just unlock it.
When retirement time comes
You'll be loaded with funds
You want proof? There it is-our man Crockett.

-Ben E. Lewis

There once was a boy named Earl
Who grew up and found him a girl
Della's heart he did win
With his now famous grin
And their life, since, is one constant whirl.

-Keith R. Oakes

I sing of the virtues of Earl
Whose character shines like a pearl.
May a campus-wide banner
In suitable manner
To this pearl named Earl unfurl.

-Dick Poll

The Crocketts are a wonderful pair
Their accomplishments make us all stare
We love them both true
We bid them adieu
Their shoes we can't fill, I declare.

So farewell, Earl and Della, so dear
You'll be back here in just one short year
We'll try to get by,
Oft times we will sigh
Oh, would that the Crocketts were here!

-Gerrit and Thelma dejong

Before leaving for Europe, the University held a reception for the couple on May 29th - Over 600 attended. They stood in line for two hours, while a stream of friends came by, expressing appreciation and good wishes. Even friends came from Salt Lake, Cache Valley and other fairly distant places.

Marian had a good reason for not coming to Provo for the festiv ities. On May 21st, her eighth child, a beautiful daughter, was born. They named her Jane Della and she became a )oy and center of attrac- tion for her parents and brothers and sisters.

It was much work getting their home ready for renting and packing their bags with necessary things for a year's absence. Finally, the couple left about August 1st, had a visit with Marian, Don and family and next went to the University of Maryland campus. There a banquet and program was attended. They received instructions and left by air for Heidelberg, Germany for a pre-school conference.

A delightful week was spent in Heidelberg, where a new VW car was purchased. Earl studied and passed a difficult driver's license examination-good for all of Europe, and the couple drove to Bitburg, Germany Air Base for their first teaching assignment. They were there two terms lasting until Christmas. Earl wrote the following in one of his family letters:

I teach at the U.S. Airforce Base where 5000 men and their families are stationed. It is challenging to teach again after so many years of just administrative duties at BYU. This part of Germany is beautiful and we can take week-end trips to various places of interest. Last week we drove to Holland and this week-end we are going to Luxembourg. It is almost like a vacation for Della and me, after working so hard in Provo. Other places nearby are historic Trier, the oldest city in Germany and where Dave and his companion opened a new mission district, and Wiesbaden with its beautiful streets lined with flowers.

During the fall, Margaret who was doing graduate study at BYU, got mononucleolus and was very ill for a time in the health center. She recovered, however, in time to enroll again in school the winter te rm.

Christmas vacation came and both Della and Earl were in bed with the flu-so ends 1968.

Early in January, Earl and Della drove through France to Spain, crossing many interesting places. Their next teaching assignment was at the American airbase near Seville, Spain. Upon arrival at the base, Della went to a doctor. She was slow in recovering from the flu. After various tests, the doctor decided that she had Parkinson's disease. This was a great shock. It is a difficulty that has persisted and sometimes causes great distress-especially side-effects from her medicine. Nevertheless she continues being very active, working energetically and enjoying life. (This is a note added by the writer in 1975. )

While in Spain, two of their loved ones passed away. In January, after a long illness, Della's sister Reata died and was buried in Franklin. 0n March 3, at the age of 85, Earl's brother Edwin passed away and was buried in Preston.

The spectacular beauty of Spain is well described by Della in a letter she wrote in April, 1969:

Dear Ones:

Spain! What a delightful experience; how we wish you all here to share its wonders, beauty and sunshine. The best I can do is write you about our trips.

Saturday, February 1st, we left for Granada to see the Alhambra-red castle built by the Moors. Ferdinand and Isobel won this prize and the summer Castle Generalife from the Moors. It is high on a hill-views from all windows of the magnificent gardens and snow capped moun tains. In 1929, Washington Irving fell in love with this romantic palace, lived in one of the apartments, and wrote his "Tales of Alhambra." Due largely to him, Granada has become rich and modern through tourist trade.

Leaving Seville, riding through long avenues of eucalyptus trees and hedges of cactus in bloom, we noted spring bursting out all over. There were miles of rolling hills of olive groves. In places men were shaking the olives into green nets or ladies picking them from the ground. Of course acres and acres of orange trees dripping with oranges. Southern Spain is a region of large estates -poor people work them and use the donkey as the beast of burden to aid them. I adore these donkeys- white, black, or gray-for their faithfulness to the master's touch and for carrying heavy saddle bags filled with everything from cans of milk to wood or wool. I must mention the goat herds-everywhere-and the females with udders heavy with milk.

The white towns or cities look so beautiful and peaceful with the early spring background. It is amazing how freshly painted these houses look-all of them white.

Leaving Granada we made a triangle drive to the coast to visit the sea coast city of Malaga on the Mediterranean. The thirty-five miles over the Serra Nevada Mountains terraced with olive and almond trees-the almond trees in full bloom! Imagine an hour of driving, beholding these beautiful trees in pinks and white blossoms along the roadside and terraced on high mountain tops.

Malaga-driving down,the wide, wide boulevard with 20 foot sidewalks with designed terrazzo, tall palm trees on either side and beyond them a row of orange trees. People in their Sunday best were out for a stroll-scores of them. We joined right in, but were easily detected by the drivers of fancy buggies and asked to take rides. Within two blocks was the harbor. The big Italian ship was just leaving. The Christopher Colombo is almost as large as the Queen Mary. There were hundreds of people there to watch the ship leave and wave a goodby to friends.

Granada, Malaga and Seville all have beautiful parks, huge fountains of water displays, many historic statues.

During the week days we visit Seville-it is a city of patios, one can see through the iron grillwork and behold beautiful courtyards. In the old part of town, the streets are so narrow it is all we can do to squeeze the VW through. The Calle Sierpes (Street of the Serpents) one of the principal thoroughfares, is so narrow -no cars are per mitted. People promenade, visit and shop, or stop for a drink at a small shop. Seville, too, is a Moorish city- the Giralda, tall bell tower of the Cathedral can be seen all over the city. The Cathedral is a storehouse of wealth- the extent of marble and tile decoration is beyond imagination. It is the largest Gothic church in the world. Columbus lies buried there.

Our love, Mother

Before leaving Spain, the couple visited historic Gibraltar and crossed the strait to Tangier in Morocco, Africa. The winding narrow streets with shop keepers in native clothes, seated on the sidewalks, selling their.wares, reminded one of what it must have been like 2, 000 years before.

The couple also flew to the Island of Majorca for a two day visit. While there they thought of Bob, who had flown there in his jet fighter plane a few years previously, and had been so impressed by the beauty of the island, the numerous windmills, and flowering almond trees.

There also was a brief visit to southern Portugal along cork tree lanes, to harbors where fishermen were bringing in their boat loads of fish and little boys everywhere begging for pennies.

Time came for the next term assignment and Earl learned it was to be at the NATO base in Naples, Italy. He was advised not to take his car because of the constant danger of theft. However, after full consideration of all aspects, including the great inconvenience of not having a car, the couple decided to take theirs along. It was a wise decision. They lost not even a hubcap and drove the VW everywhere, seeing beautiful sights and meeting interesting people they otherwise could not have done.

April and May are beautiful months for the Mediterranean coun- tries. On their way to Naples, they revisited Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. It was good seeing again points of interest from previous tours.

The NATO base in Naples was occupied by military people and state authorities from United States, England, Italy, Greece and Turkey. It was quite impressive watching colorful parades, or seeing military generals with all their ribbons and badges, in the Officer's Club.

The couple found time to visit Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. One of the most beautiful drives in the world was taken one week-end around the Bay of Naples, past Pompeii and then the Amalfi Drive to Salerna. They even went by boat to the Blue Grotto.

In the LDS Branch at Naples, were very friendly people who wholeheartedly welcomed the Crocketts. Fast friends were made which have continued years later. Actually this was the situation in every base where the couple stayed and worked-Bitburg, Seville, Naples and Harrogate. The church is a common bond, quickly bringing and holding people together-especially, this appears to be the case in foreign lands.

The next teaching assignment was at Harrigate, England for the months of June and July. Arriving there, the couple enjoyed a third beautiful spring season. Tulips were in blossom everywhere and even larger and more colorful than those found in Holland.

A duplex apartment was found in a small village, Summer Bridge, near the military base and only a few miles from Harrigate. There was a country atmosphere with a clear stream of water, stocked with trout, flowing by in front of the apartments and there were flowers everywhere.

A quote from a family letter written July 4th is as follows:

Early in June, Margy arrived and a few days later Geneve came. They occupied the adjoining apartment. It is great going places together. Northern England is a most beautiful green country. Sheffield and Liverpool are near and as we go there, we think of Edwin, for it was here he served a mission. Also Wakefield is a 30 minute drive from our apartments, and it was a great thrill two weeks ago to spend a day visiting the little village where grandfather and grandmother Clarkson grew up, were married, and converted to the gospel.

One week-end the four of us drove to Liverpool and went by ferryboat to the Isle of Man, where the Comish clan were converted by John Taylor. The city of Douglas, as well as villages on the island were strikingly beautiful. Some genealogy work was crowded in.

Another interesting trip was to Scotland for a visit, especially, to Edinburgh and Glasgow. In the suburbs of the latter city was a beautiful little village called Busby where Della's Grandmother Biggs was born and grew up. It is too bad that a giant freeway has spoiled the past natural beauty of the place as seen by the couple six years previously when they were there.

After Earl's teaching term ended, the four went to Ireland and were gone nearly a week. They took their car along which was fortu- nate, for it rained part of the time. It was easy to understand why Ireland is called the emerald isle-it's perhaps the greenest place on earth! They visited most, if not all, of the tourist attractions, includ- ing the kissing of the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. While in Dublin, the first fighting began in Northern Ireland between the Protestants and Catholics, which has continued since.

On the trip from Ireland, another historic event occurred. The four were staying over night at Stratford-on-avon. It was July 20th. The landing o f Americans on the moon occurred-a giant leap for man- kind. On TV an awe-struck world watched most of the night. English friends exclaimed, "We are happy, happy you Americans beat the Russians there."

The University of Maryland wished Earl to stay another year and promised equally interesting places to teach, including Greece, but the couple felt that they should return home. Before returning, however, they spent three weeks in London and nearby Maidstone, where genealogy work was accomplished.

Margy went to the continent of Europe and had two military conducted tours to various countries including Spain and Italy. She also traveled to Scandinavia on her own, before returning to America.

One amusing comment might be made relative to the little VW car driven 36, 000 miles while in Europe. When Geneve and Peggy joined the couple at Harrogate, in June, they each brought two large suitcases and other baggage. One of the first things Earl had to do was to mail back to Utah three-fourths of their baggage, so that all four people, plus very essential bags, could get in the little car.

On return to U.S.A. there was another visit with Marian, Don and family in Schenectady. The car was picked up at the New York harbor and the Crocketts journeyed home to Provo. Marian and her three youngest children came along. Again the small space in the VW was tested, but all went well.

Earl began teaching economics in the College of Business and things returned to routine.

During the late summer, Dave and Ann toured Europe. They saw some of the same places Dave had stayed while on his mission several years previously.

December 23rd, Lynn and David Rich were married and in both Schenectady and Provo, there were receptions.

In September 1969, grandson David Brereton left on his mission. He served in the Spanish-American Mission using the Spanish language. He was stationed mostly in Southern California and Arizona.

1970

Earl continued teaching economics and was appointed a High Council member in the BYU First Stake. Della planned some redecorating of the Pine Lane home, including a chandelier for the dining room and some new furniture. During the summer they repainted the outside of the house and part of the inside. It was quite an undertaking and took most of the summer. There was also recarpeting of the groundfloor rooms.

In May, Dave wrote an interesting letter-the following are parts of it:

Dear Folks,

Thank you for the Crockett Family book, I am sure that we will enjoy it for many years. Ann really out did herself for my birthday. She gave a brunch for 85 people - making all the breads and food. Of course she did a very smooth production and many called later to say that it was the best party which they had ever attended. Careful planning does make it all look easy. We had people from Stanford, IBM, Computer Synectics, School teachers and Church.

Our lives seem packed and complex-activities, work, Stanford, peace movement, employment of minority groups, entertaining, etc. It is to us an exciting life and a period which I find the most enjoyable in my life. We look forward to your visit.

Love, Dave

Dave was honored by being elected to the New York Academy of Sciences. He is listed in American Men of Science, and Who's Who in the West.

In a family letter dated July 10th, Earl wrote:

Provo had its usual big 4th of July parade and celebration. President and Sister Joseph Fielding Smith led the parade with U.S. senators and congressmen, the governor, mayor, stake presidents and other dignitaries following - all in antique cars or surreys pulled by horses. Della and I had the responsibility and honor of receiving all the digni taries and seating them at the reviewing stand, serving them punch and seeing that they were comfortable.

Margaret received her M.A. degree in Counseling and Guidance from BYU. In the fall, she accepted a position at Western Illinois University at McComb. Her job was to supervise a residence hall, containing 150 girls. Her own apartment was gorgeous. The LDS Branch in McComb was growing and needed a new chapel and Margy assisted with fund raising. She also became the YWMIA President.

In the fall, there was a partial family gathering at Logan. Earl and Della prepared a picnic lunch for everyone. They picked up Pearl and Edna in Salt Lake and drove to the Logan rest home where Ruth was staying. They met Elva and Edwin's Della who had come down from Idaho and everyone went to a Logan park for the picnic and for visiting. The day was enjoyable and it was timely because unfortunately Ruth died a few months later.

1971

April 14th, Earl's sister Ruth died in Logan, in her 92nd year. Her funeral was in Preston where she was buried. The service was inspiring.

In the spring, Lynn graduated from BYU with honors. As her husband Dave had another year at the University, she attended Graduate School and taught part-time in the Mathematics Department.

Earl had an accreditation visit at Golden Gate College in San Francisco. Della and Geneve went along. After several days in the city, they drove to San Jose and visited with Dave and Ann. Ann is an excellent cook and served delicious food. Dave took them to the plant which he supervised. He must have great responsibilities.

The year's big event was a tour of the Holy Land in September and October. The trip also included a visit to Greece and a four-day Mediterranean boat cruise to several historic islands and to Turkey. Earl, Della, Geneve and her friend Arvilla flew to Tel Aviv, Israel, September 8th, where the tour began.

They were thrilled to walk where Jesus walked. They beheld with awe and inspiration historic sites in Bethlehem, Christ's birth- place; Nazareth where he lived as a child and young man; the River Jordan where he was baptized.

It was a thrill to be at Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee, where he began his ministry and first met Simon and Andrew, James and John; where he healed the man with palsy, cast out an evil spirit and taught that the sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath.

It was inspiring, indeed, to stand on the hill where perhaps the greatest message of all time was delivered-the Sermon on the Mount.

They were thrilled to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat, where Jesus calmed the tempest in a great storm, where he walked on the water and Peter tried to do so.

Jerusalem was found to be another inspiring historic place-the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane and the Holy Sepulchre. Of course, too, there was the Wailing Wall of Solomon's Temple, the Walls of Jericho, the Dead Sea and Hebron with the tombs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The group was very much impressed by the progress being made in the new Israel-the kibbutzes, or cooperative farms, the planting of trees, irrigation projects, the new universities, etc.

It was time to move on and they flew to Athens, where they boarded the ship Jupiter for a tour of the Mediterranean. Food was delicious on shipboard. Several islands were visited including Santorini, where donkeys were ridden to the rim of an ancient volcano, believed to be the site of legendary lost Atlantis; Rhodes and the Valley of the Butterflies.

Ephuses, Turkey was visited, location of the great Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. It was here that John the Beloved, the disciple "whom Jesus loved" made important visits. After being at Ephuses, Della wrote in part the following to the children:

As one of the last witnesses of Jesus' ministry, John enjoyed the love and admiration of the Christians in Ephuses. The ruins of this city are extensive and well preserved, blocks of marble streets and landmarks, the library, theatre, market square and stadium.

John preached in this market square and in the churches. He was in truth the Thunderer, we are told that he preached dynamite. To him the world was torn by relentless struggle between good and evil. Each human being must take sides - and his choice would lead him toward light or darkness, Christianity or paganism.

John's fame was bound to cause displeasure in Rome, he was arrested and shipped to the Isle of Patmos. Here he poured the force that raged within him into the Book of Revelation, which was meant to comfort the Christians. As literature, it is said to rank with the great writings of all time. We arrived at the Isle of Patmos in the afternoon to leave our ship, Jupiter by tender (motor boat) to the Island.

The great missionary Paul was at both Ephuses and Patmos. At the former place, he spoke to perhaps 25, 000 in the Colosseum. He was arrested and imprisoned there.

The ship returned to Athens and before returning home, the four tourists went to historic places such as the Acropolis, Parthenon Temple of Zeus and other historic monuments which their grandchildren will learn about in school,

On July 1, 1971, Della and Earl became great-grandparents. Lynn and David Rich became parents of a beautiful daughter, whom they named Aimee Carolyn.

In September, Marian's David reentered BYU, having been released from an honorably completed mission in Southern California and Arizona.

1972

The Provo Temple was completed in January and Della and Earl accepted the invitation to be endowment workers. They began with a schedule of two afternoons and evenings per week, It was inspiring and satisfying work but physically tiring, too.

April 6, Earl's sister-in-law Pearl passed away. There was a beautiful funeral service.

In May, David Rich, Lynn's husband, graduated from BYU.

Also in May, Earl retired from teaching at BYU. Thus, he was completely retired professionally, except for an occasional accreditation visit to various universities. It was probably time for retirement as he was 69 years of age.

The College of Business held a banquet at Sun Dance. As retirement gifts he was given BYU bookends and a beautiful, expensive Accutron Bulova watch guaranteed to keep accurate time and without winding.

Margaret was home most of the summer and the family took an interesting trip, driving around a large portion of Utah, seeing scenic views and getting better acquainted with the state. They drove over a flower decked mountain pass to Fish Lake and then on to Capital Reef National Monument where the red canyons and cliffs were indescribably beautiful. They visited both Bryce and Grand Canyons and were reminded again of the wonders of these places. A few years previously, Margy had worked, one summer, at Grand Canyon.

Della's health was not good and during the summer she began taking el dopa medicine for the Parkinson's disease. The medicine appeared to help, but has side-effects which are disagreeable.

On August 5th, Lynn gave birth to her second child, a beautiful daughter, whom they named Christina Lynn.

In September, Bruce enrolled at BYU as a freshman student.

In the autumn, an interesting trip was taken to Walla Wall a Col lege in the state of Washington. Earl was on the accreditation team; he was accompanied by Della and Geneve. The countryside was beauti ful. They visited Dwayne and Reba in Payette, Idaho on the way. At Walla Walla, the women found a good department store where they purchased some attractive dresses. It's interesting that they used personal checks and were never asked for any identification in any of the stores of the city. Perhaps that was one reason they fell in love with the place. We heard that the city loves its name for it uses it twice -Walla Walla.

As a Christmas gift, Della gave her husband a standard-sized pool table. There was room for it in the down-stairs play room and it has caused enjoyment, not only for Earl, but for the children and grandchildren as well. Because years ago when he was a boy, pool halls were severely frowned upon by the church and perhaps still are, Earl had some misgivings about a table in the home until he learned that Apostle Widsoe had a pool table in his home.

In 1972, the Hewlett-Packard Corporation prevailed upon David to join the organization. He was given a good position and soon made Systems Department Manager. His office was not far from their home in San Jose.

1973

In March, Earl experienced a heart attack. He had perhaps been over-working in the temple, combined with doing some heavy yard work. The doctor kept him in the hospital eleven days. There was apparently little heart damage and his recovery was quite rapid.

In the spring, an interesting letter came from Dave. In part he stated:

This week a delegation from Sao Paulo University, Brazil called on me. They invited me to be a visiting professor this coming year . . . Unfortunately, the requirements at HP are such that I had to say no, but I left the door open for a sabbatical some time in the future.

We have a new general manager . . . so this week was a long session of reorganization and redoing all budgets. Companies seem to enjoy doing this every now and then. But after years of Monopoly playing with Bob, these exercises bother me little.

I was told that I am the first person in the history of the company who has become a Lab Department manager within one year.

Ann continues with committees, parents and extra work with children.

Love, Dave

By June, the doctor permitted Earl to drive east, along with Della and Geneve, to see members of the family in McComb, Illinois and in Schenectady, New York. They briefly toured Washington, D. C. , then went on to Schenectady for a restful stay with the Breretons. Some genealogy work was done in Massachusetts under Marian's effective supervision. On the way home a stop-over at McComb provided a good visit with Margy. She took her parents on tour through the thirteen story dormitory she supervised. The top floor was all glass, per mitting breath-taking views over the city. She and her date provided them a delicious steak dinner cooked over a fire in a beautiful city park. On Sunday, they all went to sacrament meeting in the little chapel Margy had helped to acquire and heard her praised for the con tributions she was making in the Branch.

Della's illness together with side effects from el dopa medicine, made necessary her release as a temple worker. Earl had been released temporarily because of his illness, but returned as a worker in July 1973.

The following are quotes from one of Marian's letters:

August 3, 1973

Dear Mother and Daddy,

We enjoyed the Palmyra Pageant and Jim got to shake President Lee's hand. Carol and Jim stayed over night with friends to see it again. . . .

If you have not copied Pettibone names yet, as you work in the library, I can do it here. I had an exciting experience. When at the Albany Library, I was looking for something on the Pettibone Family, since I hadn't done anything on that genealogy line. There was a little booklet that had just been donated to the Library on descendants of John Pettibone, with just names-no dates or places . . . In the front of the book it said the authors were writing a book on the family and their address was Schenectady, N.Y. !

When I went to see them, they were very nice and have a whole library of Genealogy! ! They said I could come any time to copy. . . .

It seems quiet with four people gone to the Scout Jamboree. I hope they are having fun.

Love, Marian

Marian's parents deeply appreciate the conscientious and devoted regularity in writing letters to them over the many years since she left home. Her letters have arrived almost weekly, telling about her's, Don's and the children's activities, problems if any, and accomplish ments. This dependability is perhaps because of her love of them, but also, because of strong family ties. Thus, she has been deeply committed to the doctrine of family exaltation, leading her to spend hour after hour of time and effort on genealogy work.

Not only has Marian written regularly, but she has frequently traveled long distances from the east to see her parents and other family members. Some of these trips have not been easy. They have perhaps involved transferring, with small children, from one train station to another in busy Chicago; or driving continuously long hours through the night, by auto.

During October, Bruce left on a mission to Japan. He had language training in Hawaii, the first six weeks.

Also in the fall, Bob, Karen and Carol came to Provo and enrolled at Brigham Young University as freshmen. It was great having so many grandchildren close by.

In the fall, Margy left Western Illinois University, after three years there. Her last year had been difficult with over 500 girls to supervise in a 13 story skyscraper dormitory. Moreover, she had saved money and wished to obtain another M.A. degree-this time in interior design. She enrolled in the Graduate School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

1974

During the year, Della was honored by being elected President of her prestigeous club-Literary League. It meets twice monthly in va ious homes of members and interesting programs are given.

May 23rd the family was saddened by the death of Cythna's husband, Douglas. There was a beautiful service; he was buried in Franklin cemetery.

In August, grandson David Brereton, graduated from BYU. He had made a fine record and, in spite of a business recession, obtained several job offers. He accepted an excellent one with the IBM plant in New York state. In the fall, Carol returned as a sophomore and Steve enrolled as a freshman at BYU.

The following is part of a letter from Dave:

Oct. 12, 1974

Dear Folks,

This week I was in San Diego to give a talk. The group gave me quite a reception. I had a suite at the finest Hotel and they gave me a beautiful desk set. I think that they liked the talk too. While there I visited the HP Sales office and met with the salesmen and field engineers. On the way back, I stopped in Long Beach. I spent an entire day at Mark's school. He is doing well, especially in math. His current sport's interest is tetherball and he is good at it. He played the piano and cello for me.

Mark certainly enjoyed the visit with you in Provo. He loved playing pool. He loves games the way Bob did.

In a Christmas letter at the end of 1974, was a fair summary of what had transpired. It stated in part:

The year has been good to Della and Earl. Highlights were three auto trips taken for dual purposes-(1) to see more of our beloved America and (2) to visit some of our relatives including our children who are widely scattered.

In March and April we spent two weeks in California, visiting Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Francisco and in San Jose where we had a good visit with David and Ann.

In September we took Della's two sisters Geneve and Cythna and saw the World's Fair at Spokane, Washington. In route, we visited many relatives of both Della and Earl's. Fond recollections came with revisits to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole Parks.

During the month of October we journeyed East and South for research and genealogy work in New England, seeing Marian and Don and family in New York, the Washington Temple in D. C. and daughter Peggy in Tennessee. We discovered that October is a beautiful time of the year with colored autumn leaves-all hues of red, crimson, gold and green-not only in our Utah Wasatch Range, but even more strikingly in the Catskills of New York and the Appalachians of New England. By late October, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smokies of Tennessee and the Ozarks of Arkansas also demonstrated the beauties of nature most dramatically.

May peace and happiness be with you.

The following is part of a Christmas letter from Janet and Roger:

Dear Friends and Relatives,

We hope this letter finds you and yours well and blessed with the needful things of this life.

Our lives have been filled with many blessings. Roger continues to work for Boeing Computer Services in Seattle and has the opportunity of working on many interesting projects. He doesn't have much spare time for he has been bishop of the Federal Way Ward for almost a year.

Jan is currently busy as a counselor in the Ward Relief Society. She turned into quite a genealogy enthusiast.

Bob is twenty now and serving a mission in the LaSalle, Illinois area. We are very pleased with his work and accomplishments. He began his mission last February and is now a district leader.

Karen is almost 19 and will be returning to the BYU after staying home fall semester to pay for a Datsun car. She worked at a fabric store for eight months, and has become quite an expert seamstress. She loves to ski.

David is 16, a junior and has become a great genealogy enthusiast. He has also enthused many of the youth in our ward to become interested in genealogy. His genealogy book is 6-1/2 inches high arid weighs 18 lbs. He is an excellent student and is crazy about skiing.

Beth is 14, a 9th grader, and interested in genealogy, too. She's also a good skier, number two chair out of sixteen in concert band in the clarinet section. She's crazy about her Siamese cat "Siam."

Love, Roger, Jan and family

[Note: Their other children-Lisa (12), Brian (10), Laura (6) and Michelle (3) are all talented, busy and happy youngsters.]

While in New York in October, it was easy to see that in the Schenectady and Albany area, the church has had great need for leaders such as Marian and Don-in the branch, the ward, the mission and the stake-and both have readily responded, each often holding several important positions at the same time.

For example, Marian has served as Genealogy class teacher 15 years and Literature teacher, R.S. 10 years. She was in the presidencies of the branch and district Primary, Relief Society, and YWMIA. She is now Stake Relief Society President. These are just a few of her many church positions.

Also Don's church responsibilities have been numerous and impor tant. For example, he has served in the YMIM1A Superintendency and as Troop Committee Chairman. He has been clerk and secretary in the branch, district and mission. He has served in the Presidencies of both the district and the mission-the latter with several Mission Presidents. Currently, he is a Stake High Council member. Don has always been an active scouter. Years ago he earned his Eagle award and has served on the District and National Scout Committees.

Through both Don and Marian's encouragement and help, all four of their sons-David, Bruce, Steven and Jim - have become Eagle scouts.

As years have passed, several fireside groups (social in nature, meeting in the homes) have been organized in Provo with Della and Earl as members. Fast friendships have developed and the Crocketts wish that they could include, in this booklet, discussions regarding these choice and dear friends.

1975

The last week in February, the Crocketts, taking Geneve and Cythna, drove to Los Angeles. On the way they stayed over night at Las Vegas, Nevada . Although a recession is generally present in the nation, there was little evidence of it in this gambling city. Thousands and thousands of dollars were being given away by both men and women in every form of gambling game, throughout both day and night.

The foursome stayed at the Los Angeles Temple apartments for two weeks, doing endowment work part of each day and visiting points of interest other times.

They drove to San Diego for three days, where Earl had an accreditation assignment at the National University.

After returning to Utah, Della's health was less satisfactory than it had been and she spent eleven days in the hospital receiving tests and special treatment. She had developed phlebitis-apparently some blood clots had gone from varicose veins to her lungs, where they were lodged.

As word got out that Della was ill in the hospital and even later when she came home, both she and the new head nurse, cook and house-keeper, in other words Earl, were impressed by the telephone calls, cards, letters, dinner invitations, food sent to the home, and everything from a dozen beautiful red roses to a three pound box of See's old fashioned chocolates. They were especially grateful to receive expressions of love from family and friends.

The Crockett children telephoned frequently and sent many letters expressing love and concern. The following is part of one of Margy's letters

April 15

Dear Folks:

I'm not very good about telling people how I feel about them-especially parents. I am finding over the years that I am progressing (is that the word? ) or increasing in my love and appreciation for you both. Maybe it's like the ad -"you're not getting older you're getting better." But I have the feeling it's my own awareness that is growing-and that both of you were always even more special than I thought and I thought you were already pretty special. I am constantly finding things in myself that I like which I realize began with things you taught me-a love for beauty, for truth; and I am more aware how much support and love you continue to give me and how much it means to me. I hope you know all this even when I don't tell you. But sometimes things that seem obvious to me about how I'm feeling are not so obvious to others. But I love you both very much and am very concerned about you both. . . .

Love, Margy

By May, Delia was gaining strength, had a better appetite and experienced less trouble breathing. The doctor, however, said her recovery would be slow.

Plans have been developing for all the children and grandchildren to come home to Provo to attend a Golden Wedding Anniversary cele bration the week of August 26th.

In anticipation of the golden wedding day, Earl gave to his sweet- heart the following meaningful poem which portrays his feelings:

A SIMPLE PLEA FOR ETERNITY

Lord, please bless the girl I send this to. I love her most, just next to you. She means the world to me, you know. Please help her see I love her so. It's in service to you I live this life. But, you know there's so much trial and strife. I need some help and strength along the way. That I may always have this girl, I pray. She makes me better each day and night. When I'm with her I can do what's right. So please listen, Lord, to my most important plea. May I be with her, and you, for eternity.

-Alan D. Berhert

Earl Clarkson Crockett (Married 8/26/1925) Della B. Comish

Mark Allen Crockett