'Tis better to be from Price, Utah, and be known as a Pricite than to be from Paris, France, and be known as a Parisite.'

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Pricite: Memories of Price

'Tis better to be from Price, Utah, and be known as a Pricite than to be from Paris, France, and be known as a Parisite.

My name is Maudeen Warren Burton. I also go by the name Deenie.My birthday is December 12. I am a Saggitarius. I have been married for 47 years to my best friend, Gene. Our four extrordinary children are Barbara, Kenneth, Jodi and Brian. I am an image consultant/color coordinator, retired. I have lived most of my life in Salt Lake City, but I have such fond memories of Price.

I graduated from Carbon College two or three years before it became known as The College Of Eastern Utah. My parents were Clifford Warren and Maude Johnson Warren. My siblings are Blaine, (Janet Mellor); Connie, (Mont Burnside); Reed, deceased,(Louise Walker); and Elaine, (George Boyack). Mom and Dad were Stalwarts. Real Pricites.

My Mom always referred to everyone from Price as "Pricites". The moniker has ingrained itself so deeply into my consciousness that I cannot think of a better name for my new blog than "Pricite". Among my many friends from the good ol' days is Marianne. She and I keep in touch and see each other on occasion. She is wonderful.

In future installments you will read about the old '52 Buick; funny (but harmless) sibling rivalries; Blaine's unique slant on life, (i.e. the point system); Connie, the Clock Lady; Reed, the ultimate U fan; and Elaine, (Little George, who eventually married a George). She once sang with Tennessee Ernie Ford.

The Tabernacle. Among my fondest memories are those of the LDS Tabernacle. Many of my favorite moments were spent there with my family. I can still visualize the feelings I had while sitting next to my dad, singing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again". Sadly, I lost him when I was 16 years old. He was so loved. There was never a larger funeral in the Tabernacle. "God Be With You" was the closing hymn at his funeral.

Mother served for ten years as the Carbon Stake Relief Society President. I was the ward Primary Organist at age 11 and for many years after. I would leave Jr. High early and run for the Tabernacle. I would be there playing the music when the Primary children came in. I remember many Gold and Green Balls, picture shows on Saturday nights, slumber parties, all held in the gigantic basement.

Although it has been gone for almost 50 years, I can still visualize every room; the chapel, that enchanted old balcony, the beautiful pipe organ, the classrooms. One of the saddest days of my life was when it was torn down.

5 comments:

  1. It is going to be so interesting to read these stories that you are going to share with us. I am so excited and I just can't wait.

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  2. I love your first post, mom! I can definitely understand the sadness you felt and feel about them tearing down the tabernacle. It was part of your history. Part of grandpa. Part of you. It's a big, beautiful building. Why don't they build places like that anymore? It seems like everything nowadays just looks cheap. And houses and buildings look the same.

    It's funny that I have felt sad about Cottonwood mall being torn down. And Vern's Video. And I don't like that the old Grand Central on 9400 south just sits vacant.

    I learned things I didn't know - like how you were the primary chorister at age 11. Just wow!

    I love your blog, ma. I can't wait to hear more!

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  3. Wow, I felt the tabernacle through your words. The loss of your dad and your childhood. I just cant wait for more. I am so excited and will keep copies for the kids to read. I love this blog !

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  4. I just had to come back and write that I wish I could have seen and gone into the tabernacle. The gigantic basement was sooo much fun, I bet. Was it just to big to try and save it ?

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