3 February. Alva and Cecil Dearden, owners of the theater, agreed to advertise and support the project. The movie, "I Don't Care Girl," featuring Mitzie Gaynor, successfully netted $250 to start the drive.12The committee, along with members of the stake presidency, met with the various ward leaders to discuss the proposed recreation building. Each ward was then given an assessment. In Milton this assessment was $55.00 per family; in Richville it amounted to $75.00 per family. The Croydon Ward was the first in the stake to complete its assessment.13 Many other events were planned and carried out by the committee to raise money. They were almost always supported by local businesses, clubs, community members, and the members of the Church. Such events as rodeos, dances, fairs, and stake fun nights were planned and carried out. By April 1953, the committee reported that $14,000 had been collected for the recreation hall.14 On31 July and 1 Augustarodeo was held under the direction of Golden Porter (chairman), Earl Mecham, Jack Kippen, Arnold Hannum, Earl Thompson, Whitey Little, and George Thackery. The price was ten dollars per family or one dollar plus tax at the gate for those not buying a family ticket. The money was then credited to ward accounts for their building fund. There was a good crowd both nights, and the stake cleared close to $1,000.15 When the county fair was held the end of August, the priesthood quorums took care ofthe concession stands to raise funds.l6A little over a year later another rodeo was planned and held. This one wasn't as successful as the first, but still $370 was netted.17 Ideal Cement Company at Devils Slide gave $1,000 as a donation which caused President Larson to send the following letter of appreciation to company officials in Denver: On behalf of the members ofthe Morgan Stake ofthe Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I want to thank you for your support in obtaining a contribution from the Ideal Cement Company of $1,000.00 to help with our recreation building. Since approximately one-half of the cost ofthe building must be raised by contributions of our members, a willingness to help as shown by your company is greatly appreciated.18 ByAprilofl954, $30,000 had been raised locally witha little over$15,000 still to go. A stake fun night was then held which brought in $1,494. A dance was also held in July in the new facility (which had now been completed) along with a floor show sponsored by the stake MIA to see if the rest ofthe funds couldn't be raised. Refreshments were served and music for the occasion was furnished by the Shorty Ross Orchestra.19 Focusing on the project from the start of construction, ground breaking services were held 2 September 1953 at 7:30 P.M. The program was as follows: Herbert Whittier gave the opening prayer; Darlene Sherwood sang, "I'HNever Walk Alone;" A P. Wallace, building contractor from Farmington, Bishop Frank Rich of the South Morgan Ward, President Raymond Larson, and Samuel E. Bringhurst were the speakers. Brother Bringhurst, the