Paysons City Concerts 1902

We have been going to Payson, Utah for the band concerts as long as I can remember. Long before we moved to Payson, we went with Grandma Hancock and Grandma Clayson. I found out that John's grandpa John William Clayson played in the band in 1923. as youth we didn't listen to the music to much. We rolled down the grassy hill and played "hide and seek" with our cousins and friends. As we got older we use to walk around the band stand ad find boys to talk to. I don't remember the carnival running on Sunday like it does now. We never rode any rides, that was saved for Monday after the parade. After we were married and moved away we still came home for "onion Days",as it was known because of the onions they grew. Now it is "Payson Homecoming."

Many of our friends come to hear the music and see old friends. Kay Mendenhall, a classmate of John's is still playing in the band. He lives in Springville, Utah.

John's 55 Class Reunion was Saturday August 30th. The weather was great. We were looking forward to the band concert Sunday evening and hopefully meeting up with John's Aunt and Uncle,Emogene and Wayne Clayson. It was dark and cold and after playing a medley from Les Mis they introduced the Homecoming Court and the rain came. It was like a zipper had opened up. We went tot Janice's (Henline ,Lazenby's) where we were staying and visited. The next morning the weather looked good and we persuaded Janice to go with us to the parade. We had great seats. We met John's brother Gordon at the park. He had a booth representing his college, Provo College. He was passing out balloons and pop corn. Also tee shirts to those interested in going to the college. We found Uncle Wayne and Aunt Emogene . They had celebrated their anniversary the day before. I can't remember how many, but it was over 65. It takes about 1/2 hour for the parade to reach the park. All at once the sky got dark, it was cold and once again the rains came. We left and were so wet and cold. We changed to Jan's and got ready to go back for the final band concert, we wanted to hear my cousin Jim Box give a patriotic talk before the band concert started. He retired this year. He had worked in the police force for years and then was judge. A great guy.

Needles to say, this years Homecoming was ruined for everyone. The booths, the carnival, the reunions in the park and visiting with friends and families. We are glad the 55Th Class Reunion was a success.