Actually, activities of the celebrations commenced at a very early hour in the morning, particularity was this true on the 4th when the neighborhood was awakened by blasts from shotguns and huge firecrackers in hands of men who rode horseback through the settlement at a rapid speed. Children approaching the end of a restless night, the first in families to be aroused by the terrific bombardment hurried through morning chores and were first on celebration grounds long before morning exercises were due to start. Gatherings such as those enumerated above that brought Church people, neighbors, and friends together in early days of our settlement and for many years later, have been supplanted by the modern trend of social life today. The entire picture has changed. Celebrations of notable events that at one time were observed in a humble way by humble country people, have become attraction of noisy unappreciative, ruthless throngs of crowded modern cities. Church people, it appears, have put forth efforts through the years to perpetuate traditional community observance of the 4th and 24th of July with fitting services and activities. An ever-growing disregard for life and property by the rapidly increasing population that throng crowded highways, canyons, parks, and resorts, and growing thrills of ascending rugged mountain cliffs, boating on treacherous lakes and rivers, are hazards that make public observance of these holidays less acceptable. Those who experienced in their younger days the joys and thrill of attending early-day celebrations and ward social, can attest to the high ethical standards of conduct and friendly spirit that always prevailed when people weren't segregated by styles, fashions, and fads, but all were greeted with the humble handshake of friendship. They breathed together the fresh, clean air, uncontaminated by gas fumes from a hundred roaring jalopeys and weren't shagrined by the unsightly scene of a beautiful woman puffing a cigarette. The old ward church was torn down and in its place a bowery was erected with funds from the Pheasant committee. This covering is available for almost any ward or community social event. (See Fig. 11-2). Recently a play area for the children was started by a set of swings being installed. There has been a row of beautiful trees planted. A flagpole donated by the Slater Family Organization has also been placed on the grounds with an appropriate scrub landscaped area around the base. A large field to the left of the bowery allows room for ballgames or any sport or games that might be entertained. Slaterville for many years had few new people moving into the ward, but in recent years several new homes have been erected both in the eastern and western sections. We welcome this growth and hope they will become as attached to this lovely community as the long time residents. -142- PRESENT DAY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS Jasper Perry, Celia Perry, Edna Amidan, Crystal Wardle, E. A. Slater, Regina Slater; Bert Cowan in wheelchair. (Fig. 11-1) Slaterville Ward Pavilion (Fig. 11-2) Fourth of July Parade -143-