SARAH GRANGER KIMBALL

So I get out of my car today to work at the Sarah Granger Kimball home.I have never worked there before and was anxious to see what it was going to take for me to make this day work.  I get out of my car and this is the first thing I see.

What a great way to start my day. 

On the way up to this little house there are beautiful flowers.

Notice the size of this bee!!!!!!!

The river starts right behind these trees.  This house sits almost on the river.

Sarah has quite a story.  She married Hirum Kimball when she was 21 and he was 34.  He was one of the most prosperous men in Nauvoo, owning much land and trading in all sorts of things, like cattle, and crops.  They had three sons together.  When her first son was born (he wasn’t a member at this time) she asked him how much he thought their son was worth.  He said if he did well, probably $1,000.00. She asked him if he thought half of the boy belonged to her.  Yes was the answer.  She said then that she wanted to consecrate her half to the Lord and building of the temple.  He thought it was funny and told the prophet Joseph.  The Prophet said it was wonderful, did he want to donate $500 dollars and keep his son or donate and give his son up.  He donated and kept his son! 

This little home is where the Relief Society got it’s start, right in this very room.

This bible belonged to Sarah given to her by her husband.

She was wealthy enough to have a seamstress. They were talking and the seamstress was wanting to do something for the building of the temple but she had no money.  Sarah had money and asked if she bought the supplies, would Margaret want to make shirts for the temple workers?  They started this little group by asking neighbors and friends to join.  From this little beginning came the organization of the Relief Society.  It now has six million members in 170 countries and is one of the largest women’s organizations in the world.  Isn’t it amazing.  We tell people that from small and simple things are great things brought to pass with the help of the Lord.  Never underestimate the things that you do especially in your own  homes.

Little high chair.

Quilt on a bed with the embroidery 1839!

Baby cradle with shoes.

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Rocking chair made by Brigham Young.

Trundle bed.

Her chest that she carried her trousseau in.

Steep stairs in this house.

Early Maytag washing machine! 

For the kids, a mouse trap.

Sarah was a Relief Society president for 35 years in SLC. Hirum had joined the church and at the age of 62 was called to serve a mission to the Sandwich Islands now known as Tahiti.  He boarded the steamship and it blew up and he was killed before he ever got there.  Sarah became an activist for women’s rights and a suffragette. she died at the age of 80 something.

The best thing about working in these homes and the sites are the people that we get to meet.  There was a family today that I had met yesterday in the bakery. Their last name was Childs.  Such good people with wonderful young boys.  I could just see the Light of Christ shining in their faces and in the things that they said and did.  What an honor to be able to have them be a part of my life for just a little while.  I am sorry I forgot to take a picture.

I have met people from Thailand, Australia, South Africa, England and many of the states here.  I need to keep track and see if I can hit all 50 states.

Well, on to practice for George and Agatha.  Nightmare!  No telling how many brain cells this little vignette is going to burn!  Plus nerves………….