The Vaughn Johnson family came to the Columbia Basin area in September 1955 to make their new home. The family consisted of Vaughn, Bardella, Brenda (8), Sheila (6), Brian (4) and Pamela (2).
We lived in an 18’ trailer house, no water, no electricity, just ground. We hauled water from the Bureau Camp in Eltopia 10 miles one way in three 10-gallon milk cans in the trunk of the car. To wash clothes, we scrubbed on the board.
We met Branch President Bleazard at Bill Rigby’s home where they were holding church. We were so excited to meet these new people. George and Lola Herron family, Reese and Verna Hope family, Grant and Mary Bleazard family, Arlin and June Wilson family, Max and June Bitton family, Cecil and Clara Barrow family, Nolan and June Monson family, Bill and Bonnie Robison family, Wayne and JoAnn Eppich family, Boyd and Gayle Mackay family.
I’ve served in Primary as teacher and secretary, Sunday School teacher, Activity Counselor in Mutual presidency, in Relief Society presidency, taught Young Women (all classes), Stake softball umpire, chorister for Sacrament Meeting, two Stake Missions with my husband, and four other missions with my husband.
We weeded beans, beets, moved chickens, etc. When building the church, Jerry Boozer lived with us. He was a missionary here to help build the church.
My husband and Gordon Mathews leveled the church farm; they drove the Cat and Carryall belonging to Doyle Mathews.
Vaughn held many callings: taught Sunday School, was Elders Quorum President with Connell and Basin City men included, High Priest Group Leader, manager of the church farm, ward financial clerk for many years – over 10 years I know – then stake financial clerk, taking Ken Benson’s place, counselor in bishopric to Wendell Merrill, then of course our missions together. There were probably more but my memory is wearing out.
I lost him January 6, 2004, of cancer. I miss him.
