The Old Folks Day: A Unique Utah Tradition

Utah Historical Quarterly

Vol. 53, 1985, No. 2

The Old Folks Day: A Unique Utah Tradition

BY JOSEPH HEINERMAN

OLD FOLKS DAY, A NOT-TOO-WELL-KNOWN facet of Utah history at the present time, was inaugurated, according to one past Mormon periodical, as "a state institution" in which a special, annual holiday had been designated and set aside to honor the elderly and aged of the region. The only "credential" they needed to provide was "that they must have reached a certain mile post in life's highway." If they were old enough to qualify as participants in this great event, they were given a "badge of ribbon" as a pass for free transportation on railroad trains and streetcars to places of amusement. Although these memorable gatherings were, as a whole, conducted by leaders and lay members of the Mormon faith, it was stipulated that "there are none to be excluded because of their religion, and the oldest guest present is the special guest of the occasion whether they be white or black or whatever the complexion of their religious belief."

As will be observed later, great preparations and meticulous arrangements were made to make this "state institution" an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all who participated in it:

This is Old Folks day at Saltair Beach. . . . Every comfort and convenience has been arranged for the honored guests. . . . Old Folks day is an institution peculiar to this section. It was established years ago by men who felt that the aged deserved some such recognition for their part in reclaiming the barren wastes.

Such was the assessment of the editor of the Deseret News on the forty-seventh celebration of that holiday that honored the "old folks"; and in his expression of appreciation to those who implemented its occurrence, he observed that

Many who were instrumental in launching this praiseworthy movement have gone to the other side but they are not forgotten, for on all such occasions their names are spoken in loving remembrance and if they are not present in person, their influence is felt and the part they played in years agone is gratefully referred to.

The veneration of older citizens in Mormon communities was originally expressed by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founding prophet of the faith, who said in May 1843: "The way to get along in any important matter is to gather unto yourselves wise men, experienced and aged men, to assist in council in all times of trouble." 3 Consequently, the idea of honoring the aged people of Utah regardless of race, color, or creed was by no means foreign to those who originated it and eventually brought about its inception.

The primary idea of assembling together these honored and beloved individuals for a special day of socializing and reminiscing among themselves as well as being shown great respect by the younger generations was conceived by a Mormon pioneer photographer and businessman, Charles R. Savage. Early in his life Savage became intensely interested in the aged and poor of his native country, England. After his arrival in Utah in the fall of 1860, he opened a photography business in a dwelling place on Main Street next to the old Salt Lake House. His associates remembered him as a true friend of the elderly and the needy and for the assistance he rendered to many of the poor of the city. It has been observed that while frequently attending socials in Salt Lake

he noticed that the old fathers and mothers, especially the mothers, usually were engaged in tending their grandchildren, while the younger parents enjoyed themselves in the dance. Taking in this situation the idea of an Old Folks Day in which the aged might be waited upon by the younger generation and at least on one day of the year be treated as special guests of honor occurred to Mr. Savage.

He communicated his views to Edward Hunter, the presiding bishop of the Mormon church. Hunter, then in his eighty-second year of life, enthusiastically accepted the chairmanship of a central committee to arrange such outings. He called George Goddard, who was his clerk for many years, and Charles R. Savage as his assistants.

After making necessary arrangements through various aides, the committee with the great generosity of John W. Young, manager of the newly built Utah Western Railroad, conveyed the aged guests on May 14, 1875, to Clinton's Hotel on the shores of the Great Salt Lake for the first Old Folks Day outing. This group of 180 persons of seventy years and older and sixty individuals who were to serve and entertain the former were welcomed by Dr. Clinton. Refreshments were served; and, after several songs and speeches, most of the company boarded the steamer City of Corinne and had a pleasant two-hour trip on the salt water. Upon the return to the hotel, refreshments were again made available, after which music, dancing, and singing concluded the program of the day. After a most delightful time the aged excursionists returned by train to Salt Lake City. This, the first event of its kind, was hailed as a total and complete success by all who were involved in it. Thus, commenced a custom that occurred on an annual basis for ninety-five years with only three interruptions. Concerning its subsequent end as a church wide activity, one writer has observed: "The Old Folks Central Committee was dissolved in 1970 and the responsibility for honoring our 'Senior Citizens' passed to the stake presidents of the church."

Some of the favorite spots selected for the excursions were Garfield Beach, Black Rock, Saltair, Lagoon, and Wandamere and Liberty parks. Some of the towns that graciously and generously acted as hosts to the old folks in these annual outings were American Fork, Brigham City, Ogden, Payson, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Spanish Fork, Springville, and Tooele.

Since the first celebration in 1875, singers were invited to accompany the aged excursionists and entertain them on the way in the cars and on the grounds where the outing was held. One group that came into existence at an early period was the "Old Folks Choir under the leadership of William H. Foster, who had become as indispensable in the annual excursions as the Old Folks Committee itself." The choir became a great favorite with everyone from its first performance on June 22, 1881, and continued performing for many long years thereafter.

Both Charles R. Savage and George Goddard were singers of considerable ability. Other performers during the years were Horace S. Ensign, Emma Lucy Gates, Ebenezer Beesley, Heber J. Grant, George B. Margetts, and William C. Clive.

Railroad companies were most willing to provide transportaton free of charge. These included the Oregon Shortline, Denver and Rio Grande, Bamberger Line, Salt Lake Route, the Saltair Road, and the streetcars in the various cities.

These gatherings each year involved many of the people in the community. The cost had to be met by the generous donations of both individuals and institutions. The central committee solicited communities for food, funds, and prizes to enable them to carry out their program each year and for the names of those seventy years of age and older.

An Old Folks Central Committee circular dated June 26, 1889, mentions some of the information requested by the committee:

Bishops of wards, and ministers of every shade of religious belief are respectfully invited to send in the names and ages of all those over seventy who wish to accompany us, to John Kirkman, Tithing Office, who will issue complimentary tickets on receipt of the lists.

As a distinguishing feature of our honored guests, all between the age of seventy and eighty will be known by a red badge on the left breast, those between eighty and ninety by a blue badge, and those between ninety and one hundred by a white rosette.

Through the courtesy of Supt. W. P. Read, these badges will be the signal for a free ride on the street cars to and from the depot.

The generous hearted public who are in sympathy with the enterprise of Honoring the Aged and lending a helping hand, will please forward their contribution to C. R. Savage, at the Art Bazaar, or to John Kirkman, Tithing Office.

A few examples of donations given to the committee in 1886: *

During President John Taylor's administration, the Mormon church gave one hundred dollars to the committee each year.

Some of the items donated over the years by the merchants for gifts and prizes for the Old Folks Day celebrations were:*

George Goddard, a member of the Old Folks Central Committee, made some observations on the excursion of July 8, 1880:

Boiling water for tea was not ready soon enough. This should be prepared for beforehand.

Persons were allowed to get on the train without tickets and consequently without an invitation which we hope to avoid another season. We had 150 lbs. Sugar, we had about 40 lbs. left — We had 3 lbs. acid + 2 l A lbs. Burnetts Ess[ence] We made about 100 Gallons Lemonade and about 50 gals, of Tea.

A report of the July 1889 excursion to Ogden, Utah, was published in the Millennial Star for the British Saints so that they would know of the activities of the aged on this yearly celebration. Many of the participants were British converts.

After C. R. Savage called the meeting to order, speeches were made by Governor A. L. Thomas followed by Mayor F.J. Kiesal [MC] and a short talk by George Goddard, and the following activities took place:

"Old Lange Syne" was then sung by the company and they were addressed by President Wilford Woodruff who congratulated the aged on their having reached their present years with so good a degree of health and prosperity, and hoped they would not forget their duty to God and man, so that when they passed to the other side of the vail, they might be satisfied with their experience in this life and the reward in the next.

T. J. Lyne, the veteran actor and oldest tragedian in Utah, if not in America recited "The Seven Ages of Man" and was loudly applauded.

Bishop W. B. Preston followed with a brief speech, and the prizes were distributed.

A gold metal for the oldest man was left in the hands of Bishop Stevens of Ogden. . . .

Selina Williams, of Salt Lake aged 92, took the gold metal for the oldest lady.

Judge Aaron F. Farr, the pioneer, 71, was given a silver cake basket.

Alex Brown, of Lynne, who turned the first furrow in Weber County, took a gold metal.

A watch was given to Wm. Emmett, leader of the Ogden band, which has always enlivened visitors with music on these occasions.

A number of prizes were distributed to different aged people amid much laughter at the humorous remarks of Messrs. Savage and Naylor. The gifts consisted of dress patterns, bonnets, satchels, hats, pants, handkerchiefs, fans, parasols, purses, canes, clocks, lunch baskets, etc. . . .

The Old Folks choir sang the "Continental Railroad Chorus." Brother Goddard pronounced the benediction.

Some individual Utah Mormon stakes took the initiative to conduct their own regional Old Folks celebrations. For example, the South Sanpete Stake held its Old Folks' Annual Grand Festival of September 18, 1909, at Manti. According to the Improvement Era, "As usual it was a very happy gathering and a success in every way." Among the other activities, C. C. A. Christensen read his poetry. 14

The central committee in Salt Lake decided to make the 1909 celebration a truly gala and memorable affair. In a letter to President Joseph F. Smith, Charles W. Nibley, the presiding bishop and committee chairman, stated that the elderly might come from Brigham City to the north and from Payson to the south and gather on the Tabernacle grounds in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 29, 1909. The horseless carriage had a prominent part in the day's activities. Nibley said:

We expect to make an automobile parade one of the features on this occasion and in behalf of the Old Folks Committee, I was instructed to invite you to take seats in the first automobile and head the parade together with the Governor of the State, the Mayor of the City, and the Commander at Fort Doublas. The parade will occupy less than one hour, say from 10 to 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served about 11:30 on the Temple Square. The exercises in the Tabernacle will begin at one o'clock p.m., and we have you on the program for short talks.

Sometimes certain distinct problems confronted the participants as a letter to Bishop Charles W. Nibley in 1909 reveals:

My Dear Sir and Brother.

Will you pardon me for suggesting that ample provision should be made, without fail, for the emptying of bladders during the visit of the Old Folks to the City, Without this there will be great distress.

With love and prayers, Your brother in the Gospel,

A. Milton Musser

The committee expected about 4,000 old folks for the June 29, 1909, excursion. To aid in transporting the hundreds of celebrants attending from cities north and south of the Salt Lake Valley, a printed request was mailed to automobile owners to show "respect to the aged and assist in gladdening the hearts . . . while they are guests of the city. . . . We enclose postal card which you will please fill out and return promptly. Every auto in town is needed."

Preparations for each Old Folks celebration took several days of the central committee's time. The preparatory arrangements made for the July 15, 1890, events were detailed by George Goddard:

Tues. July 8, 1890. . . . C. R. Savage had supper with us after which we prepared a circular for the Old Folks day in the Exposition building.

Wed. July 9, 1890. Spent part of the morning with C. R. Savage and Naylor in inviting Gov. Thomas, O. W. Powers & Mayor Scott to give a short address to our Old Folks at their gathering next Tuesday. They all responded. In the afternoon we sent circulars to most of our leading men about the Old Folks.

Thurs. July 10, 1890. Busy with C. R. Savage & W. Naylor in the interest of the Old Folks.

Fri. July 11, 1890. Out all day gathering means for the Old Folks entertainment.

Sat. July 12, 1890. Myself, Bro. Naylor, and C. R. Savage are kept busy and active to make our labors a success.

Monday, July 14, 1890. Busy getting things ready for the Old Folks. C. R. Savage, Wm. Naylor and myself went to see Geo. Q. Cannon & Jos. F. Smith and talk to them about some who had made objections to our programme having Judge Powers 8c other gentiles on it.

Tues. July 15th, 1890. Many hundreds of old people over 70 years of age met in the Exposition building on the fairground in the 10th Ward to partake of the hospitalities provided for them by the Relief Societies of the 22 wards of this city — it was a grand sight to see near 1000 of the aged people of Salt Lake, Davis & Weber Stakes all eating together at 23 tables. Governor Thomas, Mayor Scott, F. S. Richards, & Judge Powers were the speakers.

Many prizes were given away and every one appeared to enjoy themselves. . . .

Thomas Jordan Stevens, bishop of an Ogden ward, recorded in his diary a meeting with George Goddard and C. R. Savage on July 9, 1893, to prepare for the upcoming Old Folks excursion in his city. He picked them up with his buggy and conveyed them to his ward where they spoke; and the stake president formed a committee to make preparations for that great event prior to the arrival of the elderly participants on July 18. The following day Stevens attended a "Meeting at John Watson's office. Committees [on] finance, reception, music, amusements, refreshments, tables and seats, and dishes [were formed]." Each day until the anticipated event he was busily engaged in preparing for the Old Folks celebration. Finally, when that day arrived he wrote:

July 18, 1893. ... I went with my buggy to the depot to meet the Old Folks train. They arrived 10:50 a.m. 23 cars, over 1200 people mostly over 70 years old. . . . Pres. Jos. F. Smith was present. . . . The committee pronounced the grandest time the old folks had during the 18 years these excursions have been held.

One female visitor to the June 28-29, 1882, Old Folks gathering in Liberty Park observed:

There were a thousand and forty-eight old people over seventy. . . . There were races run by the old men and prizes given to some. One old lady got a dollar for having a bonnet that was twenty years old and in a good state of preservation. A dollar was given to an old man for getting up and making the fire in the morning for his wife for more than sixty years. . . . Brother William Naylor got a dollar for living peacefully with his mother-in-law for twenty-five years. It seems almost incredible, but he is a man of truth.

In a Millennial Star editorial Junius F. Wells referred to the

spectacle nowhere else seen, of several thousands of men and women whose ages exceed seventy years, meeting together in festivities, singing and banqueting together, and being happily entertained by younger persons. When Hon. W. H. Taft, President of the United States visited Salt Lake City, upon one occasion [October 5, 1911], it was his privilege to address such an assembly of over two thousand souls; and he said it was a sight he had never previously beheld, and an honor to appear before them.

The outstanding event for the old folks was the annual summer excursion, but during the long winter they were not forgotten. Occasionally, they were given free admission to theatrical performances. The first free show for the elderly was given in the Salt Lake Theatre on February 12, 1888, when a play was presented by the Home Dramatic Company. Others who were invited to attend besides the old folks were newsboys, deaf mutes, widows, and orphans. Thereafter, the Salt Lake Theatre became the scene for regular winter shows; and, after it was razed, other local theaters were used for the free performances.

An unusual feature of the June 14, 1958, celebration at Liberty Park was the display of various creations of the talented aged.

For example, an old painting of exceptional merit, by Mrs. Artemisia Romney, Utah's "Grandma Moses" . . . Mrs. Fred C. Wolters has done "The Last Supper" in needlework and there will be all sorts of other handicraft and skills on exhibition. Prizes will be awarded and judges will be the "Days of '47" queens of this year and the yesteryears.

The Old Folks Central Committee at their meeting held June 1, 1961, decided to have the annual outing for the elderly take place at Liberty Park. Chairman LeGrande Richards "urged caution in expenditures in order that the treasury be strengthened." And Kenneth E. Bourne reported "that Strong's Military Band will again present the pre-lunch concert. Police and Fire Departments would be present to assist along with the Boy Scouts." 23 In the following year (1962) the Treasurers Report showed:

Cash on hand at the Beehive State Bank $ 344.68 Cash contributions $1792.00 Total Cash $2136.68 Cash expenditures for this celebration $1601.50 Remaining Cash on hand at Beehive Bank $ 535.18

The largest expense was for 478 dozen junior ice cream cups and 460 gallons of orangeade which came to $585.80. Other expenditures included clerical work, printing, loudspeaker service, postage, drayage (for hauling tables), and twenty-four hour watchman services.

At the May 29, 1962, central committee meeting Chairman LeGrande Richards was released and presented with a gift of appreciation for his faithful service of twenty-four years; and John H. Vandenberg, presiding bishop of the Mormon church, became his successor. Also at this meeting,

Publicity [agent] Harold H. Jensen reported that the annual hobby show display in the Walters Electric Co. window would be identified with the "Senior Citizens," a name change suggested for the Old Folks Central Committee. However, no action will be taken on this change without permission of the First Presidency of the Church.

The Old Folks Day was a memorable occasion greatly anticipated, especially by the elderly who were the honored participants in those annual festivities. There was much social interaction between the older citizens and those of the younger generations who served them on that special occasion; and good and joyous feelings were mutually shared among all in attendance, as bonds of friendship and union were established and/or reinforced. To honor that social tradition from Utah's past a monument was erected on the northwest corner of South Temple and Main Street on July 23, 1936, by the Public Subscriptions Old Folks Committees and the Cambrian Society of Salt Lake City. It was "in the nature of a drinking fountain" and "for more than an hour after the ceremony was concluded the crowds lingered to read the inscriptions and to take their time in having a drink from the monument on the first day." Now the crowds are gone and only fond memories linger.

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