Fall 4th Quarter Journal 1976 October - December

 

OCTOBER 1976

1 October 1976. Friday

Today is the first of October and September is gone and I am so far from home clear across the country. I was up at 8 at the motel I stayed at here in Lexington, Virginia, and then was on the road again. It kept raining on me for most of the entire road north. Actually, I had good weather in September. Virginia was pretty and I wish I had more time to site see but I was in a hurry to get to Washington DC. I finally, finally made it into the city around noon. I could not believe that I actually made it! I first stopped in Vienna, Virginia to call Elbert Peck but I was disappointed to find that he was out in Utah. I then looked up Mom’s cousin Charlie Lippard’s address. He lived at 6319 64th Avenue in Riverdale, Maryland 20840. I stopped and called him and he said to come spend the night with his family.  I actually drove into Washington Dc at 1 o’clock across the Potomac River. I drove around the city and saw the White House, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument. I found the Library of Congress and went inside to look around, however I was really disappointed in it. It is strange that now I am here, I don’t feel good about being in Washington. At 5 I drove into Maryland after Charlie Lippard was off work and met him and my second cousins. I had a serious discussion with Charlie about living in the east and he wondered why I wanted to as that he said the East is so different from being out west. He said the people are different here and if he didn’t have a good job here he would move away.

Additional Material

Charlie H. Lippard  (May 14, 1942 - November 26, 2013)  Charlie H. Lippard, 71, passed away on November 26, 2013 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was born on May 14, 1942 in Portales, New Mexico to Spencer and Mary Alice Johnson Lippard. He was the Director of Telemetry at the Goddard Space Complex working for NASA.  He was a member of Sacramento Lodge #24, A.F.&A.M., Tularosa Lodge #49, A.F. & A.M., Ballut Abyad Shrine, Scottish Rite and the Order of Eastern Star. Survivors include his sister, Wanda Van Winkle and husband Harvey of Alamogordo; special friend, Barbara L. Heaton of Alamogordo; mother of his children, Betty Harris of Berkeley Springs, WV; daughter, Lori G. Schrider of Berkeley Springs; two sons, Gerald S. Lippard of Baltimore, MD and Darin W. Lippard of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Stephanie, Kimberlie and Joshua; two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by father, Spencer S. Lippard, mother, Mary Alice Johnson Lippard and a brother, Spencer Sharpe Lippard, Jr. Graveside services will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 in the Masonic Section of Fairview Cemetery in Tularosa with Sacramento Lodge officiating. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at www.shrinersvillage.com. The Lippard family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O’Dell Funeral Home to direct the arrangements. Cremation will take place at PCS.

·         In Salt Lake City the Open-Door publication’s first issue is printed as a forum for The Gay Service Coalition.  The Gay Service Coalition was incorporated and an outgrowth of the Monday meetings.  The Coalition “ “we are interested in the gay scene, first, last and always”. Operated the Gay Help Line 533-0927(39)

2 October 1976 Saturday

I spent the night in Riverdale, Maryland with my Lippard cousins. They were really nice people. Charlie works for the government and is Aunt Alice Lippard’s youngest son and 13 years younger than Mom and 9 years older than me. Last night I was convinced that I didn’t want to live in Washington that I really belong in Utah. In my heart I knew that. He and his wife Betty  were interested in the church some what so I hope my staying the night with them  might be fruitful. So, I said my goodbyes and left at noon with $170 left to get me back to Utah and once there to live on until I find work. When I left I took the beltway and saw the Washington Temple. I thought it was the most magnificent building in Washington. So, then I drove north for about an hour and a half on highway 27O then Interstate 70 into Hagerstown when then I joined the Pennsylvania Turn Pike where I had to pay tolls. I went through Wheeling, West Virginia then it to Columbus Ohio.  It was nearly 550  miles from Washington into Columbus but I wanted to keep going.  So, I drove another two hours  when almost at midnight and a hundred miles from Indianapolis, Indiana one my tires started making a really  funny noises like flapping. I was basically surrounded by cornfields and it was pitch black until I drove to the nearest gas station that was open I think at New Lisbon.  When I finally was able to look at my tire, I was stunned to see that 7 inches of tread  was gone form the retread tires. There had been nothing but a thin layer of rubber between me and disaster as I was speeding at nearly 80 miles an hour the whole way.  My heart just stopped when I realize how the Lord was truly watching over me. I was able to buy a tire there for $30 and then drove on into Indianapolis to spend the night at a Motel 6 that had a vacancy.

Additional Material

LDS Apostle Body K. Packer   gave a Speech entitled “To Young Men Only”, that discussed situations in which young men are “tempted to handle one another, to have contact with one another in unusual ways” He commented that “such practices are perversion…Physical mischief with another man in forbidden.”.  Packer also essentially advocated anti-Gay violence in his Speech when he recounted the story of a male missionary who “floored” his missionary companion, apparently for making sexual advances ) although it is unclear what exactly happened). Packer told the Missionary, “well thanks. Somebody had to do it and it wouldn’t be well for a General Authority  to solve the problem that way.” Packer told his audience, “I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself.” (157) Packer at LDS General Conference encouraged young men of the Mormon Church to physically assault men, including Missionary companions, who showed a sexual interest in them.  The First Presidency deleted this entire sermon from the publication of conference talks in the church’s official magazine, The Ensign. However, the talk was officially printed by the LDS Church as in 1976 as the pamphlet TO YOUNG MEN ONLY which was reprinted in 1980.  Packer’s talk may have been a response to publicity at the University of Utah, Utah State  University and in a Mormon independent journal about Gays and Lesbians in Mormon Society and at Brigham Young University. (1)

3 October 1976 Sunday

I spent a while trying to find a tire place that was open on Sunday because I was told yesterday that all my tires were bald and they could fail at any time.  I found a place where I could get 3 retreads for $60 which I had to do because I had no other choice. I could only tempt fate so much. But I have no more money for motels and just enough for gas money and some food to get back to Salt Lake City which is 1500 miles away.  As soon as the tires were put on, which was nearly 10 in the morning I took off on I-74. It seems like Indiana and Illinois is nothing but cornfields but I wanted to see Nauvoo since I was back this way and might never get another chance. It was about a 5 hour trip to Carthage where I stopped to take a tour of Carthage Jail were Joseph Smith was killed. It was a small group of maybe 12 people taking the tour and we were allowed in to the room where the mob stormed.  After most people left surprisingly the tour guide asked if we wanted to see the blood stains that were still in the wooden floor. Of course, we did and actually it was below these benches were we had been sitting. That was amazing. I didn’t have time to site see as I wanted to get to Nauvoo before it was dark. Although I knew most likely there wouldn’t be tours on a Sunday  I drove through the town then up to Niota over to the draw bridge that crosses the Mississippi. However, some barge was coming down the river and I had to wait along with about 6 other cars. It was getting dusk outside and I started seeing fireflies which I had never seen before. People got out of their cars to wait for the bridge to be lowered and I talked to some farm boys that lived across the river in Iowa. Finally, around 7 we were allowed to go and I was on my way again. I took Highway 34 into Omaha Nebraska where I could catch I-80 across the plains. I had traveled 300 miles and I was exhausted as there was nothing to see at night. I pulled into a truck stop and spent the night sleeping in the Pinto.

4 October 1976 Monday

I was stiff from sleeping in the car but it was almost a thousand miles to Salt Lake City. Even though I didn’t have much left, I had a quick breakfast at the Truckstop and then I was on the road again by 8:30. I drove through Omaha, Nebraska through Lincoln along interstate 80. I had no more trouble and gas was cheap enough about 35 cents compared to 59 cents I was paying back east.  The road was wearing but some of it was spectacular. It took me 2 hours to cross the Platt River. It was 5 hours more of driving until I reached Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was another 3 hours into Rawlins where I stopped for gas and got a bite to eat. I was really tired. It was a really long hard drive from Omaha but I decided to try and get as far as I could before it was too cold to go further. I couldn’t go any further after an hour more and had to pull into a Rest Stop just between Wamsutter and Rock Springs.  Today is Mike Allred’s birthday. He’s 25 now. I was born 4/10/51 and he was born 10/4/51.

5 October 1976 Tuesday

I was so cold outside of Rock Springs  where it was freezing cold. Since my Pinto’s heater doesn’t work I went inside the men’s room and sat beneath the hand dryer and kept slapping the button for some warmth. I knew I could stay all night in the men’s room I dug out all my blankets and jackets and slept  in the car but it was deathly cold.  After waking up from sheer exhaustion I drove through Rock Springs into Evanston Wyoming  and down Echo Canyon to Parley’s Way into Salt Lake City which I reached about noon. I drove straight up to the U of U and went into the Union Building to look on the board down next to the bowling alley where people place rooms to rent. Although I need a place to live I was too tired to go out looking so I decided to drive down to Provo where I went to see Piper and Richard Holmes. They were so surprised to see me back but were glad that I came back to Utah and so am I. We visited for a long time then I drove up to BYU and took a shower in the Smith’s Fieldhouse  to get cleaned up before going over to face Meg and Steve Madsen. In a way I was a little afraid to go over because I was worried that they would be really disappointed  about failing to make a go of moving to Washington. They ha been so exited about me moving back east however they were really glad to see me and completely understood my reasoning for returning back to Utah. I am a westerner even if a California Westerner.  While at Fairmont I was also able to see Michael Allred again and I wished him a belated happy birthday. I didn’t stay long because I was exhausted and went back over to Piper’s place to sleep on the couch and spend the night.

6 October 1976 Wednesday

Piper and Richard let me sleep in really late almost 11 as I was so exhausted from the 3 day marathon drive from Washington back to Utah which was about 2100 miles. Actually, it was about 2 and half days.  I left Provo on September 9^th and returned on October 5^th after driving around 4500 miles round trip! I don’t think it was a wasted trip as I was able to spending time with Grandpa Johson on his 75^th birthday and visited with JW, Pauline, and Kay. I regret quarreling with Grandma Johnson. I feel bad about that. I also got to see so many places where my ancestors lived in Texas and Tennessee and meet distant relatives. So, I have no regret having gone but I am just stone broke.  Piper said I can stay with them until I find a place of my own. I only have less than $80 to my name now.  I walked up to Campus to go to the Harold B Library to look up some census records especially now that I know about the Elrod’s. I stayed there all day except go to the Wilkinson Center for a “quickie” burger and Iron port soda. It seems so strange being back on campus like it is so familiar but realizing I don’t belong here anymore.  So many places on campus are filled with temptation. Meg let me call Mom to let her know I was back in Utah and asked if she could send me some money until I find work.

7 October Thursday

I visited a bit with Mike Allred but it was kind of weird as he’s back in school and living with new roommates. The Fairmount is filled now so I can’t stay there and I don’t want to be a burden to Piper and Richard Holmes. Piper doesn’t care but I think Richard resents that I am not paying them anything to sleep on their couch. I drove down to Springville just to drive by where Larry Copenhagen lived with his wife and son. I guess I was nostalgic a bit or may be I am just lonely. I know I will never see him again. I didn’t see a car there so not sure he is even still around. From there I drove out through Spanish Fork Canyon to the hot pot up on the hill that I spent so much time at last May before leaving for California. No one was there so I parked and went inside the little makeshift shed over the hot springs, got undressed and into the water. I probably shouldn’t have but no one was there to get in trouble with. When a truck pulled up outside, I got dressed and left.  I went back to BYU to do some more genealogy at the Harold B Lee Library.   I ate on campus again because it’s so cheap there. I didn’t want to sponge off of the Madsen’s and I know Piper and Richard are almost as broke as I am and besides Richard is so miserly. I came back to their place after they eat so they wouldn’t have to ask me to eat with them. Of all people I ran into Ken Lewis on campus. He’s married with a kid of his own now and seems really happy. The weather has been nice in the 60’s and the mountains are ablaze in reds and oranges.

8 October 1976 Friday

I left Piper and Richard Holmes and thanked them for their hospitality before spending the day on campus in the library. In the evening, I went to see Steve and Meg Madsen and they insisted I spend the night before leaving for Salt Lake. There’s no work in Provo as everything is taken by BYU students and what is available doesn’t pay worth working.  They treated me to a show and we went and saw Return of a Man Named Horse at the University Mall at 9:30 so I didn’t get home until almost midnight and slept on the couch in their front room. In the news Jimmy Carter yesterday was in Utah to speak at the teacher’s convention and meet with Spencer W. Kimball and other general authorities. Meg and Steve are Democrats like me so we want him to win in November.  Congressman Howe was not invited to meet with the Democrats. Ha!

9 October 1976 Saturday

I was up this morning over at Meg and Steve Madden at 9 and went to BYU’s P.E. facilities to shower and get cleaned up.  In the mail, Mom had sent $100 up to me in care of the Madsen’s. After saying goodbye to Meg around noon I drove up to Salt Lake city to go look at this one apartment that was available between 1 and 5. However when I discovered that it was up in the high Avenues near the Capitol , I didn’t even inquire bout it because I knew my car just wouldn’t   take the climb  up those hills in the winter time.  I checked the places for rent board in the Union Building again ad went to look at a house on 29  West and 2700 South and it was a nicer location next to a ward house. As I couldn’t meet with the kid named Ron Wyant who is renting a room until he gets off work at 7:30, I went to the genealogy library on North Temple and stayed until they closed at 5.  When I was able to look at the room that was furnished, I said I would take it because it was nice and at $60 a month not bad. It was about all the money I had left from my trip and I will have to live on what mom sent me until I find work. Well at least I have a place to stay until something comes up. What a joy it is to have a place to hang my hat.  I drove back down to Provo to spend the night with Meg and Steve.

10 October 1976 Sunday

I moved  into my new place today. After leaving Meg ad Steve Madsen in Provo this morning I drove up to Salt Lake City to starting moving in. You can’t imagine what a relief it is to unload all my junk from out of the Pinto and be able to clean it as well as not believing out of a suitcase. The car was a complete disaster from hauling  all my possessions packed in like an oyster all the way to Washington and back. I didn’t make it to any of my church meetings  because I don’t know my new ward or anything about where to go yet.  Ron Wyant introduced me to the  old people who live next door, Bro. and Sister Tanner who invited me over with Ron for a Sunday dinner of Turkey drumsticks. Not my favorite but it was very nice to invite me. Ron is very friendly guy although he is Catholic. However, he has a Mormon girlfriend. Oh, it is good  to be in one place and not being a gypsy but still this doesn’t feel like home as it is Ron’s home and I’m a guest. However, for $60 a month it will have to do for a while.

11 October 1976 Monday

Early this morning I went up to the University to check out a want help ad I saw in the paper for a food service helper. As everywhere else I was going to check out was closed for Columbus Day I interviewed in the Union Building  and was hired! I was hired as a sandwich maker for all the food service’s vending machines. I was hired to be the lead person as the person there now was retiring. It’s only $2.80 an hour  but the main reason I took the job was because of all the benefits working for the state. All my medical will be paid by the University’s Blue Shield coverage. I will also get a paid vacation and half tuition if I decide to take classes here. All in all, it seems like a good deal and also I really need a job pretty badly. I can’t start until Thursday because some policy they have but that’s all right. It will give me time to get more settled here where I am staying now. Besides I can live on Dee’s 19 cent hamburgers.

12 October 1976 Tuesday

I stayed in Salt Lake all day rather than using up gas going down to Provo. I spent most of my time at genealogy library in the Church Office building on North Temple. I searched mostly on the Bilberry Family although I did find another child of Christian Fenter named Sarah. I don’t start working at the University until Thursday so I thought that it’s a good time to finish unpacking. I still have a lot of stuff to put away. I hate not having a shower here at this place which only has a bathtub and Ron’s stupid dog , Mona, comes into my room at 5:30 in the morning and sticks her cold nose in my face. That’s so irritating. I think the thing I miss the most, however, is not having a place I can really call my own.

13 October 1976 Wednesday

I drove down to Provo to see Meg and Steve Madsen and Piper and Richard Holmes. I took all the old pictures I got from Alvis Peacock and had copies ran off from an IBM copy machine . It made rally good copies I thought.  I mainly visited with Steve Madsen at the law school across from the Wilkerson Center. His folks are out from Florida and brought Meg and Steve a car to replace the one that conked out on them. They were getting ready to go somewhere so I went over to see Piper. She was taking care of two other little kids  whose mom was looking for work.  She and I wrote this letter to this girl Rozell who lives in Page Arizona  asking her to come up here for Thanksgiving dinner. We also made plans to go to the haunted Old Mill in Salt Lake for Halloween. I called Cathy Ryan and asked if she wanted to go with me and she said she wasn’t sure what her schedule  would be  but thought it would be fine. I told her how kind Sister Giesler was to me  and I said I would call her again on Monday to confirm our date.  I returned home to Salt Lake City  and went to be at 9:30 after I had a  surprise call from Sister Monson.

14 October Thursday

Today was my first day of my new job working in Food Service at the University of Utah and I am so tired. I am just beat right  into the ground. It’s my legs that really bother me as I got to get used to standing on my feet for 9 hours again. The work isn’t all that hard just busy. We make sandwiches and party trays for the entire food service operation. Chris Duncan is the lead person for now and is a crank but I suppose in a nice way. She reminds me in a way how Jean Horan could be gruff.  I work with two other women Arva Ottley and Elaine Nychhyk. Our main boss is Willie Bolt who oversees the entire food operations. My hours are from 6 in the morning  to 3:15 in the afternoon and it was a long, long day. I’m sure I can get used to it. It sure beats Bullocks, I think. After work I went to get a university parking permit and I was told that I had to register my car first with the University and I’d have to get Utah license plates! What a bite! I wrote a letter to mom today to let her know I am settled in Salt Lake City now. I hate Ron’s animals as the dog is just to big for a house.

Additional Material

Vivian Elaine Nychyk died at the age of 68 on 22 June 2018

15 October 1976. Friday

I went into work at 6 after getting up at 5 in the morning. I drove to the Union Building and showered and changed in the men’s locker room and put on my work clothes after getting cleaned up. That’s the thing I miss the most about where I live is not having a shower. I really need one in the mornings for me to get going. Chris Dunkin and Elaine were off today so it was just Arva and me working by ourselves. We didn’t have as much to do as we did yesterday but we had more than enough work to keep us busy all day.  We didn’t get through until 3:30. I worked 9 hours with a half hour lunch break. Arva missed her bus so I drove her downtown so she could catch a bus to Kearns. After work I went home to clean up and then went to the genealogy library . I’m finding bits and pieces  of information but not a whole lot of any one thing. I was so tired from work so didn’t stay long. It was a pretty day from what I saw of it.

16  October 1976 Saturday

Today was my day off so I went to the genealogy library   to see hat I could find out more on the Bilberrys. I stayed until nearly 4:30 then came home and just watched T.V. all evening. I watched Mary Tyler Moore and Bob Newhart.    I didn’t do anything eventful . Piper and Richard Holmes called me in the evening saying they were up and they came by at 9. I guess we are planning to go to the haunted Old Mill next Thursday. I’ve been writing up the life story of John and Jane Bilberry lately from what I can find out. Ron Wyant is gone a lot between working and being with his girlfriend. I am feeling so alone and isolated  up here in Salt Lake when everyone I know is down in Provo.  This song Disco Duck has been number 1  on the radio. It’s kind of dumb.

17 October 1976 Sunday

Mom called me today to find out whether I’ve found work or not yet. I guess she hadn’t gotten my letter yet. I told her about my new job working at the University and some of my benefits. Ron Wyant invited me over for dinner with his girlfriend. They all seemed really nice but they just aren’t my kind of people. That shouldn’t be construed as snobby but just that  everybody has certain qualities  they like in people. They chatter about things I don’t care about and aren’t the least interested in either Ford or Carter. The Tanners next door are really nice old people also but I don’t want to be taken under their wings. I have my own family I love.  Mom told me in the phone call that Donna finally brought the baby to Mom and Dad/s  and Ken’s mom called her as sweet as can be. I guess Donna told Ken that if Mom couldn’t see the baby then neither could his mom. If she wanted to see the baby she had to make peace with mom. I guess Grandma will fly out for Christmas.  I called J.R. Peacock, Grandma William’s younger cousin who loves here in Slat Lake. Everyone calls him Jake. He was excited to hear from me and wanted me to come over sometime this week  to visit. I guess he and Dad used to run around together when they were teenagers and were both stationed down in San Diego together in World War II. Here in Salt Lake all the autumn leaves are really falling now and in a month  there won’t be any leaves on trees at all. This weird year is quickly coming to an end.

Additional Material

Jessie Rodden Peacock, age 77, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002 in Tyler, Texas. He was born November 17, 1924 in Paducah, Texas to William Victor Peacock and Ella Lee Saunders. He married Mary Peacock in Reno, Nevada. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Baptist faith. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the navy. Jessie is survived by two sons, Melvin Peacock and Dennis Peacock, grandchildren Jesse Beach, Todd. On 16th of June 1943, Jake Peacock joined the navy and spent 6 weeks in boot camp Company 18, quarantine from the outside. His girlfriend Mary Gordon came to San Diego to be close to J.R. and stayed 3 months in a boarding house at 3365 1st Street San Diego California. Jake was sent to North Island where he spent 3-4 weeks at a destroyer base called Camp Shoemaker. Jake Peacock's was stationed aboard U.S.S. SWANNEE aircraft C.VE. Seaman 1st class gunner, when he was 18 years old and was shooting a 20 millimeter gun. In Sept. 1943 he was in South Pacific with a bunch of young kids all very patriotic. His family moved from Texas to Vallejo, California  while he was stationed in San Diego. He was in the Battle of TARAWA with air support carriers. Afterwards went back to San Diego to regroup Squadron. Went next to Guam then Battle of Ulithi-Leyte-Two. He use to listen to music of Tokyo Rose and was with the air support when first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan.  He stayed at Nagasaki and saw the city in August 1945. Jake Peacock was involved in the following Battles of WWII Tarawa, Eniwetok, Kwadole, Saipan, Guam, Palau, Ulithi, Morotaj, Leyte, Kerama, Retto, Okinawa, Borneo, Nagasaki, New Guinea, and Wakayama. J. R. Peacock and Mary Gordon were married 4 December 1944 in Reno, Nevada. He was out of the navy 9 December 1945 at San Diego and mustered out of the Armed Services at San Pedro, California. He and Mary then moved to Roseville, California to be near his folks and he found work on the Southern Pacific Railroad for five years.  He bought his first house through a GI loan and learned the trade of welding through  a friend Buddy Murphy. He worked for the Harris Welding for 12 years until 1963 and lived at the time at Vallejo, California. In August 1973 JR and Mary moved to Salt Lake City, Utah were he started his own welding business called Peacock Welding. The sign on the building could easily be seen from the I-15 freeway in SLC. They lived in the Holladay area.  Their daughter Regina Beach was killed in an automobile crash in 1979 in West Valley City, Utah. After the death of their daughter, the family moved to Texas where he continued to operate a welding business. JR like his daughter died from injuries received in a car wreck in 2002. JR and his family had two pets a boxer named Trinka and a Cocker Spaniel named Rascal that both lived over 14 years. JR and his sons liked to hunt and fish. JR was active with his sons being involved with their  Scouting and Little League. He served as a Scout Master. JR Peacock became a Mason in 1952 and became a 32nd Degree Master Mason. He first belonged to the Roseville Lodge 122. Mary Peacock was an Eastern Star and their daughter Regina was a member of Job's Daughters.  J.R. Peacock was also an active Baptist and Republican.

18 October 1976 Monday

I was up at 5 this morning to get ready to go into work. I worked form 5:45 until 4:15 so it was a very long day. We just had a load of work  that had to be down so I worked about 10 hours today. When I came home O was just about too tire to do much else but eat supper and flop.  Did finish writing the life story of John C. Bilberry

19 October 1976 Tuesday

I was up at 5 again this morning with finding the first frost on my Pinto. I worked again from 5:45  but just to 9 hours. I doubt whether I will ever work an 8 hour shift for which I was hired. There’s just too much to do. Chris Dunkin was such a rank this morning and I guess I was too for we had a spat. I heard from Arva who is such a sweet old lady that Chris resents me because I was hired to replace her because the University is making her retire at 65 and she doesn’t want to but it’s the university’s policy of mandatory retirement.  I went and bought a temporary parking sticker for my car. I gies I’ll have to get Utah plates now and mom had just paid for my California tags. This evening J.R. Peacock called and asked me over for dinner this Thursday. He said since I called him, his boys were anxious  to know more about the Peacock family tree. I also wrote letters to Sister Giesler and to Arthur Thompsin about some genealogy I found. His mother Sarah McHenry was Grandpa Luke Johnson’s half sister which made him a half cousin to Grandpa Johnson.

20 October 1976 Wednesday

I went into work at 6 and worked until 4 in the afternoon for 9 and a half hours. Oh, it’s getting hard to ge up in the morning as the weather is cooler and mornings are getting darker.  After coming home, I stayed in and watched some television in my room. The world series is still going on like I care. I watched Hollywood Suares, Good Times, All in the Family and a new show called Alice.  I wrote some letters and addressed a birthday card to send to Grandpa Williams and a Halloween Card to Mike Allred.  I called Piper  Holmes about  going to the Old Mill but couldn’t get in touch with Kathy Ryan . I guess I’ll call again tomorrow to firm up our date. I got some letters in the mail today one from Mom and one from Elbert Peck who is now back in Virginia saying he was sorry we missed each other.

21 October Thursday

I was almost late for work because I didn’t wake up until 5:30 and it’s a 20 minute drive from here up to campus. I was in a sour mood all day with Chris Dunkin pick, pick, picking on me which doesn’t help. However, it was a pretty easy day for a change and I actually was off work early. At 6 this evening I drove over to Jessie Rodden Peacock’s house. They live near the Cottonwood Mall off of Highland at 1870 East South Moor  Holladay Utah 84117. His wife Mary  made a ham dinner and I met their kids who were all grown and married. Mary’s father is Ed Gordon who was great-grandma Minnie Peacock Danforth’s second husband. Grandma Williams treated him pretty shabby resentful that her mother remarried.  Grandma Danforth doesn’t even have a grave marker because Grandma and Uncle Ed didn’t want to put Gordon on her grave marker.  I could tell that Mary carried hard feelings about how he father was treated. Anyway, I showed them what I knew about John Ervin Peacock and Martha Anderson, and Bill Peacock and Maggie Roden Wilson and the Bilberry connection.  They knew very little about the roots in Texas as most of them were raised in Northern California.

22 October  1976 Friday

Today is Grandpa Williams 74^th birthday and my only niece’s 5^th birthday. Thank the Lord it is Friday as I don’t know if I could take Chris Dunkins constant criticism and downright meanness.  After work I managed to get a hold of Kathy Ryan finally and she said she couldn’t go tomorrow. I had the feeling that she didn’t want to go with me. I had a letter back from mom that I sent her with a copy of the Johnson clan that the Pattons had given me. She wrote, “Dear Jr Got your letter was glad to get the picture. I send it to Daddy, I want you to see what it would cost to have one made off it I'd send you the money. How do you like your job? Mom asked about you. You should write her. Just over look what she says. I know it’s hard to do at times.  I guess they had a big freeze back there. Did I tell you they are coming out for Xmas? Do you think you can come home for Xmas? Mr. & Mrs. Williams are the same. Pam & Larry are back together for how long I don’t know. Bonnie and Bill bought them a trailer house up at Yucaipa. Tom & Jean are thinking about selling. Hate to see them go. Donna and Kenny comes over every week. He sure is a big one. A real good baby. He looks like Ken. Has our nose & chin.

 Denise had her birthday party today. She is 5. She is a pretty girl. James is sure growing up. Well don’t know any news. I wanted to get these other letters to you. Love Mom.

Additional Material

The LDS First Presidency issued a statement against ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution saying,  “We fear it will even stifle many God-given feminine instincts.” The first Presidency stated its first objection to passage of the ERA fearing :” an increase in the practice of homosexual and lesbian activities, and other concepts which could alter the natural, God-given relationship of men and women.”

•              Gay Awareness-Conscious Raising Encounter Group met to talk openly of their hang ups, of pressures put on by society, and family and religion and all express their hopes, dreams, and long-term goals. Started out as a meeting of 6 people has now grown to over 25 and the original group Split in to two groups. Met at the Union Building Room #324 U of U campus Monday Evenings

23 October 1976 Saturday

I tried to call Piper and Richard Holmes this morning to let them know that Kathy Ryan didn’t want to go with me to the Old Mill tonight but couldn’t reach them. However later at 6 they called me ad said they really wanted to go still and said that they had another date for me, a girl named Annette Hetzel. Since Piper really wanted to go so badly I decided to go even though I wasn’t really psyched for it. So, I drove  down to Orem around 7 and picked them all up in my Pinto to drive back up to Salt Lake City. The Old Mill is a place where the March of Dimes  turn into a haunted house for Halloween and it’s usually the number 1  money raiser of haunted houses in the United States. Annette was a really nice girl and quite pretty. I think she had a good time. After we were out of the Old Mill, we went to Ice Berg Drive-In  to get some good shakes.  We didn’t get back to Orem until after 11 and I slept over at Piper and Richard’s place rather tan drive back to Salt Lake . Actually, it was a rather fun evening.

Muskrat Love by Captain and Tennille is the number one song out right now.

24 October 1976 Sunday

I went to Sunday School with Piper and Richard Holmes at their Ward. I felt kind of grimy because I didn’t  bring any shaving stuff down yesterday or a change of clothes. In the afternoon, I left Orem and went down to Provo to visit wih Mike Allred.  I woke him from taking a nap but we had a pretty good visit. He said he’s been dating a lot more lately more than ever. It surprised me wje je told me that he and Lela Olsen, ur old family sister are dating rather heavily even to the point of thinking about marriage. That was really a turn around as when she was our little sister she was kind of a sweet pest.  I thought it would be fun to double date  this next weekend since I had asked Annette Hetzel  out but I was rather disappointed  when Mike didn’t seem too keen  on the idea. I told him that I was happy for him and them I left to return to Salt Lake.

25 October 1976 Monday

Today was Verteran’s Day so I didn’t have to go into work although I was paid for the holiday. I felt lonesome for some reason so I drove back down to Provo to see Meg and Steve Madsen. I was a little put out with Meg because here I hadn’t seen her  in a while a nd hadn’t had time to visit with all that is going on with me and all she could do was watch some dumb soap opera. Then when Steve came home they just tokk off and I didn’t get to say five words to them. It made me feel like I’ve out grown my welcome.  Also, Mike Allred wasn’t home so I drove back up to Salt Lake City. I was really depressed so went to my room and listened to records and read some from my journals. Later I read where I wrote the hymn “I must tell Jesus” and while reading itmy heart melted and I cried and cried because I realized with the Lord’s spirit I am never truy alone. I didn’t have to bear my burderns alone. That Jesus was also my personal savior. He also died for me. I don’t hear that enough in church.  I got down on my knees and cried and cried for forgiveness for my sins. I wanted so badly to be back in touch with my Lord. I realized I had been away for much too long.

26 October 1976 Tuesday

I went back into work with such a better attitude. I didn’t even let Chris Dunkin get to me but just visited with Arva and Elaine.

27 October 1976 Wednesday

I am slowly getting used to getting up at 5 to head to work where in the locker room, I am about the only guy there at the time as people are either changing into work clothes before it after me. I have to wear a white shirt and checkered pants uniform that they laundry. Chris Duncan is  a skinny crank who is always complaining  about her feet or hands like it’s a great feat for her to even be there while Arva Ottley is a matronly grandma type who kind of keeps Chris I check or she’s run rough shed over Elaine and me. Elaine is a chatty plump kind of a toad who just wraps all the sandwiches we make every day from 500 to some times 700 a day besides making Hors d'oeuvre and canapés  for office parties.  It was cold this morning below freezing and only was in the high 50’s.

28 October Thursday

I worked from 6 to 3 this afternoon. Work is beginning to finally be easier as I am now starting to know all that I am supposed to do and how to do it without relying on Chris Duncan.  I also have a much better attitude towards all of my co workers and work in general since Monday when I called upon the Lord with all my heart and soul to lift my burdens. After woke I went and took a long hot shower in the Field house.  I miss  not having a shower where I am staying as so early in the morning I am not going to take a bath as I’d wake Ron Wyant and besides I am not a bath person. When I came home, Ron left a message to call Piper Holmes at Richard’s aunt’s place and I did. Piper and Richard  were up here in Salt Lake visiting and they wanted to treat me to dinner. So, I drove over to Ricard’s Aunts to meet them. She lives in an apartment right across from Brigham Young’s Grave Site on First Avenue. I had never seen the grave before, so Piper  showed his grave to me after we had dinner. Then Richard and Piper showed me where Spencer W. Kimball lives. That was rather special  and all in all it was a rather special day.

29 October 1976. Friday

I was up at 5 to get ready for work and it was really cold  this morning so it was hard to feel like going to work but I did.  I worked from 6 to 4 with Arva Ottley as it was Chris Duncan and Elaine’s day off.  Willie Bolt had me work up in the Panorama Room’s kitchen. The restaurant is at the top of the Union Building. It was like the kind of work I am used to being in a kitchen and not just making sandwiches all day.  After work I went to the bank  and withdrew $5 for the weekend as I decided to drive down to Provo tonight instead of tomorrow because Ron Wyant’s brother and sister in law are staying here. I felt more comfortable being out of the way.  I arrived in Provo at 7 and I told Piper and Richard Holmes to go out and I’d babysit their daughter Sarah for them. I know they don’t get a chance to get out  very often alone.  So, they were glad  for the offer to get away. They went off to the Wilkerson Center’s game room. When they came back  we all stayed up to watch Boris Karloff in the Mummy on the horror flick channel. I was so tired from a long day but I managed to stay up until it was over at 1 before sleeping on the couch.

30 October 1976 Saturday

This morning, I left Piper and Richard Holmes to g go to the Wilkerson Center’s copier  to xerox off  copies of the history I wrote on Bill Peacock to give to J.R. Peacock and Grandma Williams.  At BYU I encountered Elbert Peck!  It has been a long time since I last saw him. He’s more mature now and not so skinny but he’s still Elbert, a really good kid.  I was so tired for much of the day from staying up so late last night. I wish I could have taken a nap before  going out on my date. I picked up Annette Hetzel up at 6:30 . Piper said I could use their truck  since we were going to the Art City drive in and my Pinto’s heater doesn’t work. We went to see “The Phantom of the Paradise” and The Legend of Hell House for Halloween. Hell House was stupid  but Phantom is always good but perhaps to risqué for Annette but I think she had a good time. It sur did not feel like Halloween this year. I didn’t go to any parties or do any decorating. When I came back to Piper and Richards at 1:30 they were still up watching The Good earth. I’ve ben so tired lately but we turn the clocks back tomorrow so will get an hour of sleep.

31 October 1976 Sunday

I didn’t get up until 10 this morning and it felt so good to sleep in. After getting cleaned up I left Piper and Richard’s and sent to see Camie Springer but I had to wait a while before she came home from church. Being down in the old 43^rd Ward territory made me really miss being back in the way we were when dating. When I went to see Camie, it was really sweet to see her again but somehow everything seemed different. I don’t know why I expected time and people to stand still and stay the same. I left Provo rather depressed and drove back to Salt Lake City but the long way through Provo Canyon  and up through Heber then back down Parleys Canyon.  Memories seem to haunt me so strongly today and made me realize I do not belong in Utah County any longer. At home I called Mom and she said everything seemed fine in California but Mom was really sad that Tom and Jean Horan are selling their house and moving away. We have been neighbors for at least 23 years and mom and Jen were more like sisters . This evening, I wrote President Wyman finally to let him know how I was progressing .

NOVEMBER 1976

1  November 1976 Monday

I didn’t sleep well last night  so I was up at 4:45 to get ready to drive into work. It was a rather slow day and thank goodness it was because I wasn’t feeling well. I feel like I might be coming down with the flu or something. For some reason Arba Ottley was really on my case today and I almost told her to stuff it but I tried to follow Christ’s example and to remain humble. only had to work until 2 this afternoon.

Added Material

The Lesbian group Women Aware begin to organize.  “Women Aware!” formed at a meeting at the YWCA for the purpose of organizing Lesbians, women in transition, and feminists from the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan and Wasatch front area.  Sponsored bringing Rita Mae Brown author of RUBY FRUIT JUNGLE to Salt Lake

The General Handbook of Instructions dropped “homosexual acts” and added “homosexuality” to the list of sins for which a person could be excommunicated from the LDS Church.  This implied that Mormons could be punished for their homosexual orientation even if they were celibate.  By removing the burden of proof, this allowed overly zealous Bishops and stake presidents to excommunicate Mormons who admitted their homosexual orientation but denied accusation of sexual behavior.

 2 November 1976 Tuesday

 I was up at 4:45 this morning and worked from 6 to 2:30 for 8 hours. Arba Ottley was off today and Charlene worked in her place.. Working with her is a lot nicer than with Arba. After work, I went and sat in the sauna in the men's locker room. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. I hope not. This guy named Kevin has been trying to get me to work selling Amway products. I don't know if I really want to be a salesman which is what most  retuned missionaries seem to want to be. I told him he could come over to talk about it but not really interested. When I came home, I went to the Southgate Ward next door to vote. I voted a straight Democratic ticket except for Robert Hansen for state Attorney General because Gil Athay was not supportive of church positions like favoring the legalization of pot and being anti-death penalty. I voted for Jimmy Carter for President, Scott Mathison for Governor and Frank Moss for Senator. I spent the most of the evening listening to election results.

Additional Material 

Joe Redburn lost to Genevieve Atwood in a race for a legislature house seat in District one

3 November 1976 Wednesday 

Well the results of the elections are in and we have a new President. Jimmy Carter just barely squeezed  enough votes out of people to win the electoral college.  While Carter won, he lost by a landslide to President Ford  in Utah. Senator Frank Moss was defeated by Orrin Hatch. That seems so hard to believe  as that Senator Moss held so much power in Congress and could have really done a lot for Utah. I know Steve Madsen must really be disappointed since he spent so much time working  for the senator's campaign.  Utah has a new governor too Scott Mathison won as governor however replacing Cal Rampton. I was up at 4:45 to get ready to go into work. I worked again from 6 until 2:30 but had to stay until 4 as at 3 there was a food handlers permit thing  we all had to take for the city and county. I tried calling Mike Allred  to see if he made an appointment for me with President Wyman for this Sunday but I couldn't get a hold of him nor Steve Madsen, so I quit trying. I think I might start attending the University's LDS Wards to get to know more people my own age. 

Additional Material 

The Gay Student Union was placed on the University Register by the Committee on Student Affairs.

 

4 November 1976 Thursday

 

5 November 1976 Friday

Today was a long, long day. I was up at 4:45 to go into work We had a super busy day with just Arba and me. We didn't get out until 5:30 so I worked 11 hours. I was so beat but at 6 I had a date with a friend of Ron Wyant's girlfriend,  from West Jordan.  We went out to dinner then up to Bountiful for a Hay Ride and a dance. We didn't get home until 12:30. Ron's idea of a blind date sure isn't mine. I did enjoy the hay ride because it was with a bunch of students from the U. The dance was nice also. Like I said, it would have been a fun night except for my date. She really wanted to tag along with Ron and Angela . All she did all night was giggle. No, that's not my idea of a date. I was paid today finally. I cleared $375 from so much overtime. I couldn't believe it.                                                                                                                      

6 November 1976 Saturday

 

7 November 1976 Sunday

I drove down to Provos  today to meet with President Wyman at 11. I dropped by Piper and Richard Holmes but Piper was sick and not feeling  well enough to visit so I left so I went to the Provost School to meet with the Branch President. He was meeting with a bunch of Relief Society sisters and I didn't get in to see him until   after the Fast and Testimony Meeting. I sat next to a girl named Blanche Hake who I met at the Branch. I saw a lot of old familiar faces there like Chris Arnold, Nyla Parson, Ed Hamm and others. The Branch has really changed since last Spring although I felt like I was at a homecoming. All the old friends were so glad to see me again. All except one.  Mike Allred ignored me completely like I wasn't even there. That kind of hurt after being roommates for two years. But what could i say after last Spring?  I didn't get in to speak with President Wyman until nearly 2:30. We then had a really good conversation. He thinks it won't be long before I'm ready to be admitted back in full fellowship. It was a blessed dy. This evening Gone With the Wind was on television. 

Additional Material

The film Gone with the Wind makes its broadcast television debut on NBC; it would be the highest-rated program ever aired on a single network, only to be surpassed by Roots the following January.

 

8 November 1976 Monday

I worked from 6 to 2:30 just 8 hours today. Boy was Arva Ottley made at Chris Duncan today. Chris had been acting crappy to her because we stayed late last Friday. She acted like we did it on purpose. She's insane sometimes. After work, I went down to Standard Opticals and had my eyes examined  for contacts. I was really surprised  when they said I cold have them by this Saturday. I watched the last half of Gone With the Wind. I get so personally involved in that story of the old South. 

Additional Material 

GAY STUDENT UNION Wednesday pg. 4 Utah Daily Chronicle Gay Group Discusses Social Bars. “Salt Lake City is unique in that it is one of the places in the United States where people are concerned about the oppression of homosexuality,” a man attending Monday’s Gay Consciousness  Raising Group said.  The Gay Student Union Sponsored the group. forty-six people attended the session. The purpose of the consciousness raising group was twofold. It was designed for getting people together, sharing feelings, and ideas, and finding a common ground and acting as an alternative to the bars in the social process.  The group is open to anyone in the Salt Lake community and will meet every Monday at 7:30 in Orson Spencer Hall. The consciousness raising group broke into four smaller discussion groups held in separate rooms. The discussion groups consisted of a getting acquainted section where issues relevant to the Gay community were read and discussed,  two emotional groups dealing with verbal expressions of feelings and learning to adjust to oneself and society, and an experimental section concerning more intensive methods of getting in touch with feelings such as nonverbal communication. The discussion sections were attended on the basis of what  each person felt would do him or her the most good.  One person in each room designated as a facilitator kept the discussion topic focused. If one of the discussion groups could not meet the needs of the man or woman attending, then that person could change sections.  The consciousness raising group began October 1975 Sponsored by the Campus Christian Center.  Since October 1976 it has been Sponsored by the Gay Student Union which was organized to take over the responsibilities  of the group and to broaden its base of participation.  An information table will be in the Union Building Thursday and Friday. A Gay Student Union By-laws meeting will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. Interested persons should call 533-0927 for more information. A Gay Student Union Meeting will be held Monday at 6:30 p.m. at OSH 135 (Utah Daily Chronicle 10/nov/1976 pg. 4)

 

9 November 1976 Tuesday

At work I had a blow up with Chris Duncan. She started calling me names and I told her what I think of her. I was so mad, I was steaming and shaking. I went to Willie Bolt like he told me to do and I just exploded. I said I cannot  handle the situation anymore and something has to be done! Willie went back to Chris and told her starting tomorrow I would be the lead not her which is what I had been training for anyway. Oh she was mad!  If hate cold kill I'd be a dead man. Charlene and Elaine were glad that I was taking over. They didn't like Chris' sour attitude any better than I did. Charlene told Willie it was the best thing that could have happened to the sandwich department.  Nevertheless  it was a very harrowing day. It's so hard to love some one who hates  so much like Chris does but the Lord requires it of us. I worked from 6 to 2:30. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day. Oh Mercy! I heard in the news that Smokey the Bear died at the Washington DC National Zoo.

      

10 November 1976 Wednesday

What a rough day today was! Chris Duncan was just eying every little thing I did  looking for a reasons to criticize me. i was up early today at 4 so I could be at work at 5:30. I wanted to talk to Arva Ottley first and let her know what had happened yesterday before she heard it from Chris. I sure was glad when the day was over. I worked until 3:15 9 hours. I really am looking for another place to live. This getting up so early is getting to me. I heard in the news that the Utah Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for convicted murderer Gary Gilmore to be executed, according to his wishes. 

 

11 November 1976 Thursday

12 November 1976 Friday

13 November 1976 Saturday

 Additional Material 

Auntie De’s (Dean Walton) 1st Salute to Cowboys Show a fund-raising benefit  for The Imperial Court 

The Carol Burnett Show airs Went with the Wind! a movie parody of Gone With the Wind, five days after the film's network TV debut. TV Guide ranked the sketch #53 on its list of "Top 100 Episodes of All Time".[15]

 

 

 

14 November 1976 Sunday

 

15 November 1976 Monday

 Today I found a new apartment hurray! hurray! I found a two bedroom apartment in the Avenues for $165 plus utilities. Its at 434 Second Avenue at the corner of F street. I went into work at 6 and worked until 3:30. 9 hours. Afterwards I went over to the housing office in the Union Building to make some phone calls. In the paper were listed several places so I called one that had a immediate vacancy so I rushed over there to check it out. While waiting I decided to take out my contacts but one got caught in the corner of my eye. No matter how much I tried I couldn't get it to float back over the pupil. In desperation I rushed over to Main Street's Standard Optical to  have them remove it from my eye, then I went back to the apartment to look at it. There's some stuff that needs to be fixed but all in all I was pretty pleased with it. I paid a $50 deposit to hold it. Since I get paid this Friday, I then can take care of the rest of the rent. I received a letter from mom today saying Grandpa Williams is doing poorly and Grandma may have to put him in a rest home. I called Piper up to ask if I could borrow their truck to get things moved from storage. 

 16 November 1976 Tuesday

 I was up at 4:30 this morning and when I went to work it was raining. Rain in this late of  November is strange. Isn't that something. It should be snowing but it isn't. I put my contacts in during my morning break and wore them for 8 to 6. I wasn't supposed to wear  them that long but I didn't have time to stop and fool with them. It's taking less time for me to pop them in my eye but it still doesn't come easy. I love wearing them. I see so much better with them. I have no discomfort wearing them, its juts  an issue putting them in without blinking. I called Devon Neider  up in Provo and told him that I'd be down Saturday  and Sunday to give them the phone bill. 

17 November 1976 Wednesday

I went into work at 6 and worked until 2:30 my normal shift. It wasn't a bad day at all and we all seem to getting along  much better. This morning I was so tired I could hardly keep  awake. I was a little late to work because I got one contact in my eye but couldn't get the other in .So rather than play with it, I took the one out and went to work just wearing glasses. I didn't have time to put my contacts in until lunch about noon. I wore them until 6:30. I find that it is almost impossible to follow the schedule the eye doctor set me up with. When I came home I told Ron Wyant I had found a new place closer to campus and would be moving out He didn't seem too upset. Nothing he could have done about it anyway. I also called up to find out whether James would be back in school and found out that he wouldn't. I also called the chamber of commerce to send Charline some information on Salt Lake city. I  made reservations to fly home for Christmas. If I do go it will coast $138 and I am not sure I can afford it or not. In the news that killer Gary Gilmore and his girlfriend tried to commit suicide . I wish they would just execute him and get it over with. 

 

18 November 1976 Thursday

 

19 November 1976 Friday

 

20 November 1976 Saturday

I drove down to Provo to give Devon Neider the phone number bill. He said he would pay it and I could pick it up tomorrow. No one was home but him. Meg and Steve were out of town for the weekend. I went over to Richard and Piper Holmes to borrow their truck and found out that Piper had left for California to stay with her parents for awhile. I was kind of surprised but not really because i knew something was up with them. I almost hit a dog driving Richard's truck and when I slammed on the breaks I did a spin and headed straight for a telephone pole. I turned the steering wheel as fast as I could then heading straight towards a on coming car. All I could do was turn the wheel again and spined out straight into a field. I had lost complete control  of the car but my guardian angel was looking out for me. Today is my Grandma Johnson's 55th Wedding Anniversary.

1 1 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT (Gonna Be Alright) –•– Rod Stewart

21 November 1976 Sunday

 

22 November 1976 Monday

 

23 November 1976 Tuesday

 

24 November 1976 Wednesday

After work  I came home ad made a chocolate pie and a pecan pie to take over to the Peacock's for Thanksgiving. 

Additional Material

MOVIE CRITIC THE RITZ ONLY CHEAL Flag GAGS  Helen Lacko: No matter how liberated I think I am, I still have a hard time laughing at homosexuality.  I don’t mean a behind the hand stifled snicker. I mean out right guffawing, which is encouraged by the film The Ritz currently playing at Trolley Theaters. I had seen the Ritz on stage in New York City a couple of years ago as part of a  theater tour. Then I (and several other numbers of my group) thought it was a piece of trash, two hours of shouted one liners that I felt were more damaging than prime time polish jokes. It appears that the playwright Terrence McNally, turned himself into a $50 an hour lay, “using faggot stereotypes to choke laughter” from people at $7.00 a ticket.  Most of the acting was worn out but I gave the show the benefit of a doubt. We saw it at a matinee after it had been playing for several months and the cast had to act to a half-filled house of stodgy matrons during a bleak February.  So, when the movie came out, I knew I had to see it again, if only to see an untired cast performing.  The principals are the same: Rita Moreno still steals .  show as the hilarious Puerto Rican trying to make her way to Hollywood, Jack Warden is the poor schnook whose passionate Italian brother-in-law is trying to kill him, and Jerry Stiller is the vengeful murderer. The story and nearly all the lines are the same but the overall effect is much fresher and the homo humor is not so forced.  Briefly the plot- Poor schnook learns that his brother-in-law wants to kill him because he married the sister.  When he can’t get out of town, he asks the cabby to take him to the last place the murderous maniac would find him.  So, the driver drops him off at The Ritz, which turns out to be a Gay bathhouse, unbeknownst to poor schnook.  The brother-in-law of course has poor schnook tailed by a detective and follows him there. The comedy is in the “devices” Poor schnook’s silly wig and mustache disguise, the Dick with a voice like Mickey Mouse who says he’s not Gay, a chubby chaser who becomes lustfully infatuated with poor schnook and tries to entice him with eclairs and Baby Ruth’s, the steam room that not non Gay can fathom, and Moreno’s zany night club act (her rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” is priceless.) I admit I went to see the movie out of curiosity, as I think most straights do. I thought several lines were particularly right on. (Stiller demands of the Chubby chaser who is dressed like one of the Andrew Sisters for an amateur act, “What do you think you are anyway! And the chubby chaser sneers, “fashionable”.  I enjoyed it much more the 2nd time because the performances were better, and the setting of the elaborate bath house is more suitable to film. But I think the script by McNally is a prostitution of himself. McNally uses cheap saloon gags about fags for comedic affect. He designs props and devices to cosmeticize a stupid plot line.  He contrives an ending using information learned at the very last minute. He obviously capitalized on a fad, (not homosexuality, but wisecracks about it) to make some bucks.  All this sexual searching for who we are and who we should love leaves me confused and perplexed, We’re a nation shouting for identity, and we take jabs at our individuality of which sexuality is a part.  The Gays came out of the closet, it’s cool to be queer, and a counter culture develops. But with The Ritz the kinkiness has become stilted, and the humor turns to hysteria. An interesting note to seeing the show. The night I went The Sun Tavern and KSXX had bought out the whole theater for the 10 p.m. show.  Naturally the audience was 99 and 44/100 percent pure Gay. I’ll say this for the homosexual people, they certainly have the ability to laugh at themselves. When Chris, the head queen said, “Oh I’m so glad I’M Gay,” I thought the roof was going to fall in from the audience’s resounding cheer.

 25 November 1976 Thursday

I went over to J.R. and Mary Peacock's today for Thanksgiving. They had all of their family there and grandkids. They had a big dinner just like at home with corn bread dressing, yams, Jello pudding. It was really a great dinner though it really made me homesick. If the surroundings hadn't been so familiar, I probably wouldn't been so lonesome for home. Although there was one big difference. Everyone was drinking liquor which we never had with Grandma Williams around. I brought a pecan pie and chocolate pie like Grandma Williams makes. Up here in Utah most people have pumpkin pie for thanksgiving. We had three pecan pies! That's Texas for you. JR told me how he and dad ran off to  join the army but Grandpa found out about it and went to the recruitment office and took them home. They were only 16. They both later joined the Navy. I left my pies with JR and Mary since tehy had so much company. It was kind of cool outside today. 

26 November 1976 Friday

 

27 November 1976 Saturday

 

28 November 1976 Sunday

I went to church today in the Ensign 7th Branch. IT's a branch for working single young people. It was really friendly. During sacrament I sat with Elaine Nychek from work. She introduced me to the Branch's President Darrell Deem and the elder Quorum Presidency. After the service I went to a fellowship meeting where they obtained my address and got to know me a little better. I also made an appointment to see the Brach President Deem. I told him the problem I have been having. He said he was going to work with me to get me back active again. One of my favorite actresses Rosalind Russell died in Beverly Hills, California today

 

29 November 1976 Monday

 

30 November 1976 Tuesday

 After work today Eliane Nychyk and I went over to the University health Center  and had our Swine Flu shots. They did it with an injection gun and it didn't even hurt. This evening the Elder's Quorum Presidency came over to interview me. I really like this branch. I hope to get active as soon as I can

 DECEMBER

 1 December 1976 Wednesday

Today is James Edgar Wach's 8th birthday.  I can't believe he us so grown already and for beat I received a letter today from Charline that had some school pictures of James, Denise, and Michael.

Additional Material

October 1976 GAY COMMUNITY CENTER The Gay Service Coalition incorporated  with the State of Utah. The group outgrowth of the group of Gay oriented persons who were members of the Gay Consciousness Raising Group.  Ray Henke and Bill Woodbury

 

pg. 1  Gay Advocate Group Ease Social Problems by Russell Weeks.  Changes in social attitudes in this city and in the United States resemble the fitful sculpture of wind on granite more than the sudden upheaval of earthquakes or floods. Like the wind a group from Salt Lake City’s Gay community works quietly to alter people’s view of homosexuality and to help other members of the Gay community adjust to themselves and to living in a heterosexual society. On  November 3, the Gay Student Union GSU was placed on the university’s register by the Committee on Student Affairs. The founding members of GSU are currently working on drafting by-laws and plan to hold elections the 3rd week in January. Officers will serve until the end of Spring Quarter. GSU intends to elect an interim president in the Spring and elect officers to full nine months term next fall.  The GSU’s purpose is to “promote and maintain activities and ideas supportive to Gay rights and Gay people through combating Gay oppression and promoting Gay dignity, unity, and liberation”.  It will also serve as a resource center for “the benefit and general welfare,” of the university and the metropolitan area by presenting its ideas through education and consciousness raising and working politically for Gay Rights, taking part in community service projects and promoting social functions to provide interaction for members of the Gay community.  Membership in the Gay Student Union is open to anyone who conducts themselves according to and in support of the goals of GSU. A $5 annual membership fee will be charged, and membership cards will be issued as receipt for the dues.  In one of the by-laws meeting the GSU considering admitting for free any BYU student, faculty, or staff member with a valid identification card to any GSU activity in lieu of an official membership card.  One of the activities the Gay Student Union now Sponsors is the Gay Consciousness Raising  Group which meets  every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in OSH 135. The Gay Consciousness Raising Group is designed as an alternative to the Gay Bars and the parks, as a setting where members of the Gay community and any heterosexual who wishes to attend can relate to each other as complete people instead of simply as sex objects.  The group also shows people who are Gay that they are not alone in their homosexuality and helps those people adjust with themselves and learn to cope with living in a heterosexual society.  An average of 40-50 people attend the Consciousness Raising Group each week. Some members of the GSU are members of the Gay Service Coalition. GSU expects to work closely with that organization. The coalition operates a Gay Help Line and publishes a newsletter The Open Door on a semi regular basis.  The Help Line 533-0927 handles crisis calls and furnishes information concerning activities of the Gay Community in SLC as does the newsletter. Acceptance of homosexuals as human beings in perhaps the most important goal of the GSU. Some members of the Consciousness Raising Group commented that since homosexuality has been so long viewed as something with which no average person would have anything to do with one of the biggest personal hurts for the homosexual is the desertion of friends after she or he tells them of her or his sexual orientation. One of these persons Spoke about his friends reactions after he told he was Gay, “After I came out, friends that were close would say Oh that’s fine, no reaction. For a couple of weeks, I’d call them up and we’d still go to bars and do things. Six or 8 weeks later, I’d start getting excuses. A lot of them were afraid to be seen with me because they were afraid to be seen with me because they were afraid, they would be thought of as homosexual too.”  A homosexual in Salt Lake City also faces the problem of parental reaction, loss of jobs, eviction from apartments, and social ostracism in general, some members said. A great social stumbling block for homosexuals in Salt Lake City and other places is organized religion. The Roman Catholic Church advocates that a homosexual; should try to become heterosexual and if her or she fails, insists on abstinence from sex entirely because no homosexual act can be justified morally.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) share basically the same opinion viewing homosexuality as “sin in the same degree as adultery and fornication.”  Many Protestant denominations view homosexuality as wrong but feel homosexuals  deserve to be accepted in the congregation. A Gay community workshop was held 18 September 1976 at St. Mark’s Cathedral, but only two churches, The Metropolitan Community Church and Grace Community Church openly serve the Salt Lake Gay community. Because the Mormon Church’s stance on homosexuality leaves only one alternative open for homosexual, becoming heterosexual, the church as set up a counseling program for people who wish to change their sexual orientation . According to Jerry Cahill of the Mormon Church’s press relations office, the program involves the whole priesthood structure of the church and is based on four step. They are confession with a  bishop or stake president followed by regular meetings with a bishop, gospel education to completely acquaint the homosexual with the basic doctrines of the church, social support meaning having at least 1 person the homosexual can relate to honesty; and personal refinement to overcome any personal inadequacies the homosexual may feel her, or she has.  If a member of the priesthood feels he needs help or advice from professional counselors, he can request the aid of the Mormon Social Services office which has at least one professional counselor. Where Mormons services are not available, he can seek the assistance of local professionals who views coincide with those of the Mormon Church. Cahill described the Mormon Church’s method of dealing with homosexuality as “Not a matter of retribution but a helpful encouraging patient and kind approach.”  Yet  members of the Gay community insists the Mormon Church refuses to deal realistically with homosexuality. “It boils down to a bishop saying stop being a homosexual.” States one man. Also, if a homosexual does not change his or her orientation, then he or she faces disfellowship or excommunication from the church, Cahill said. A method used for changing sexual orientation is aversion therapy. One psychologist in Salt Lake City who works with aversion therapy is Dr. Robert Card. Card explained aversion therapy as a pairing of noxious stimulus with the stimulus trying to be reduced. In the case of sexually orientating a human being, he uses electrical aversion therapy and covert sensitization. Covert sensitization involves deep muscle relaxation or hypnosis of a patient then associating homosexual behavior with negative imagery. Electrical aversion therapy involves three phases. In the first phase, stimulus substitution, the patient sits in a chair with an electrical conductor attached to his forearm much like a  block pressure gauge. The patient is shown a homosexual pornographic movie until clearly aroused beyond voluntary control. While the patient is aroused the movie is switched to a heterosexual porno movie so he will begin to associate arousal with heterosexuality. The homosexual movie is accompanied by very low shocks of electricity because the object of the phase is sexual arousal. Once the patient achieves arousal to heterosexual stimulus the number and strength of the electrical shocks is increased during the homosexual movie in the 2nd phase. Card emphatically pointed out that the electrical shocks accompanying the movie are not like those seen in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and said the shocks produced tolerable pain levels only in the arm directly where the conductors were placed. The 3rd phase of the aversion therapy treatment program involves strengthening the patients response to heterosexual stimulus.  The patient attempts to avoid shocks during the homosexual film by pressing a button attached to the chair in which he is sitting. The patient escapes shocks in the homosexual film by turning on the heterosexual film with another button attached to the chair. During all the phases of the treatment half of the time is Spent counseling the patient about self-adjustment.  Card does not see aversion therapy as a panacea because “conditioning without good counseling skills is a waste of time.”  He will not accept patients referred from an agency or anyone else unless the individual shows a desire to change sexual orientation. Card states he is willing to counsel people who don’t want to change sexual orientation to help them adjust to living in a heterosexual society. He believes if no one has a real motive to change, then professional counselor’s responsibility is to help that man or woman adjust with themselves, but he says, “ I think I have an ethical responsibility to  help anyone who wants to change.” Card also points out that patients who come in for treatment may not reflect the psychological makeup of the general homosexual community and says that some data shows that homosexuals that do not seek treatment are as emotionally stable as the heterosexual community in general.  Card’s views are generally those of many professional counselors. In December 1973 the American Psychiatric Association APA board of Trustees voted to remove homosexuality from its lists of mental disorders. The following Spring the APA voted 5854-3810 to endorse the action at least in part .  Dr. Gerald C. Davidson in an article in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology questions even the ethics of offering change of sexual orientation programs because they may strength society’s prejudices against homosexuality and contribute to the self-hatred and embarrassment that may cause a homosexual to seek to become heterosexual. Davidson proposes that professional counselors stop offering therapy to help homosexuals change orientation and concentrate on improving the quality of their interpersonal relationships.  Organized Gay groups in Salt Lake City began around 1969 when a chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was formed but not until May 1975 that the Gay Community had any real organization to deal with adjusting to society, except the Gay bars.  That year the Gay Community Services Center opened an office near a popular Salt Lake Bar. The CSC folded last Spring because of disorganized leadership, personality clashes, and lack of support within the Gay community but was reorganized in August as Gay Service Coalition. In October 1975, the Gay Consciousness Raising Group was founded under the Sponsorship of the Campus Christian Center. The group grew quickly, and this fall moved to Orson Spenser Hall where it is now Sponsored by GSU. Utah Daily Chronicle

 

2 December 1976 Thursday

I worked from 6 to 3 today which was pretty good at work. Chris and I are getting a long better now. I almost look forward to going into work. After work I saw Elaine Nychyk waiting to catch a bus so I gave her a ride home. There I cleaned  up some and then went to the Credit Union soto cash a $10 check so I could go grocery shopping. I hadn't any groceries in the place for so long. I also called Fran Fuchs up to make plans for our date this Saturday. I said I'd like to take her out for dinner and a movie. We talked for a while and I'm looking  forward to Saturday as I think she likes me. I typed some more on the Willaims family history. On the Walton's tonight was a show  called the Greatest Gift on how I really like about the ideal of family exaltation.

Additional Material

pg. 7 Utah Daily Chronicle Gay Protest This letter is to protest the article by Helen Lacko on the motion picture , The Ritz. If you would reprint the article and put in nigger in place of flag each time she used it, the ACLU and NAACP would have filed a law suit.  She also accused the audience of being Gay because they laughed at what she called fag jokes. Each member of the audience could and should file a law suit against your paper. and Helen Lacko. The Daily Utah Chronicle is ready we hope to point an apology. Nikki Kramer.

3 December 1976 Friday 

I was off today and today was sort of fun as I was up at 7 to clean the apartment. I was running out of clean garments so had to do some laundry. At 10 I went up to work to check if the pay had come in yet but the checks hadn't. I went to the post office where I used to live at 29 West and 2700 South to finally fill out a change of address card. I then went back to the U  and at 1  picked up my check. I cleared $181 and took out $25 for gas and my date tomorrow. I then drove down to Provo where I went to the city's small claims court and filled out an affidavit against the Neider Boys. I also decided to go see Wayne Tuck. I hadn't seen him in so long. I was rather tired  but he wanted to go do something so we went to the Italian Place for dinner and then to the Scera Theater  to see "Pony Express Rider. It was just fair but Tuck and I had a really great  time. He's one of the great ones. I really didn't get home until midnight an went to bed at 12:15.  My favorite songs out right now are ABBA's Dancing Queen and Queen's Somebody to Love.

4 December 1976 Saturday

I went into work at 6 and worked until 3 with Charlene and Eliane Nychyk. It was a pretty good day without any issues. It was a cloudy day . When I came home, I cleaned up the apartment. About 5 when I was getting ready for my date, Richard and Piper Holmes dropped by. They wanted to show me their new car. They bought a 73 Datsun and it's really nice. When they took me back to my place after a drive, I got dressed and ready for my date. I went and picked Fran Fuchs up at 6:30 and we went to China Village on Main Street by the Post Office for dinner . I had sweet and Sour pork with ham fried rice. It was pretty good. It was so easy to talk with Fran and I really enjoyed being in her company. when we were through with dinner, we went outside and it was snowing. It was the first snow here in Salt Lake all year. It was melting as soon as it hit the ground but none the less it was really neat.  We walked up to the ZMCI Center  since the movie didn't start until 9:30. We looked around at all the Christmas decorations.  We went and saw Woody Allen's The Front at the Centre Theater on State Street and Broadway. I finally went to bed about 12:15. It was a neat day. 

Additional Material

Dear Edgar & June, How is this for Speedy I really don’t know why I didn’t set down & send this check when we got through talking.-Just knew I had Time, I guess. Hope you are both well & that your Dad is improving Edgar. Kay & family all have bad colds now. So far, we have missed them. Have you done any shopping yet? I haven’t. Been trying to get cotton out so we could. I did get Neil a tricycle for his birthday. We plan to give him more for his birthday than Christmas as he gets a truckload then. We hope to get through pulling Monday. Sure, will be glad John and Carla are coming for Christmas if she is able so of course that will make it for us. It has been a long time since John & Kay have been home for the holidays. also talked to Chris & him hopes they can come. Guess the baby is growing. would love to see him & Charline’s kids know they have grown. We were glad to hear Junior liking his job & doing really good. Well time to pull off another trailer so must get. Know you will have a great Christmas with all your family close by. The folks are sure looking forward to coming. Love J.W. & Pauline.

5 December 1976 Sunday

I woke up at 9 as I was so tired from last night. I had been up for 20n hours with only 5 hours of sleep the night before. I dressed ad went Sunday School at 10:15 in the 7th Ensign Branch. The meeting house is so beautiful. I went to the Genealogy class but  as it was a beginners class  I don't think I will attend it again. I think I will go to the Book of Mormon one. That is what the church wide is studying now.  I walked to church as it was very far at 465 K Street.   It was just a beautiful bright, clear and crisp day with snow on the ground. Today I wrote Charline to tell her about the weather here . She wanted to know the highs and the lows in case they move up here from California, I wrote President Wyman at BYU where I am living as part of my disfellowshipment. Tomorrow I am going to make a point of sending out Christmas Cards. I kept think of Fran Fuchs for most of the day. I'm starting ti get scared that I might be getting way over my head again like I did with Linda Prindle.

6 December 1976 Monday. 

I went into work at 6 and worked until 3 which was just an average day. After work I called Fran Fuchs up to see if she wanted to go to the dinner that the U of U is having in the Panorama Room for Christmas. She said yes!! Also that she'd go with me to the dance this Saturday at the Cottonwood Mall that the church is putting on.  I didn't go to Family Home Evening  as I was to tired. I just stayed home and finished typing of the life history of George Kearse Williams, Grandpa Williams' grandpa.  I guess its appropriate as he was born and died on this very dad. He died 45 years ago the day before Pearl Harbor.

7 December 1976 Tuesday

Oh what a long, long day. I went into work at 6 and work straight through until 5:30. Charlene had to leave early ay noon because of an emergency and we had a lot of large orders to get out. I was so  tired that when I came home I just watched Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley before going to bed. 

VIRAL OUTBREAKS HEALTH ISSUES pg. 7 Utah Daily Chronicle A free Swine Flu Immunization Clinic Will be held Wednesday. When a novel virus was first identified at Fort Dix, it was labeled the "killer flu." Experts were extremely concerned because the virus was thought to be related to the Spanish flu virus of 1918. The concern that a major pandemic could sweep across the world led to a mass vaccination campaign in the United States. In fact, the virus--later named "swine flu"--never moved outside the Fort Dix area. Research on the virus later showed that if it had Spread, it would probably have been much less deadly than the Spanish flu.

8 December 1976 Wednesday

I went into work at 6. I still didn't feel so great from last night. I thought I was going to throw up all night. I didn't get any sleep. I was so tired . Work went a lot smoother than yesterday though we had to stay until 4 to finish. I was so tired standing on my feet all day when I came home I cold barely do up the dishes but the place was really a mess. I saw Fran Fuchs at work today. I feel attracted to her because of her personality. Like its so natural  to be with her. I bought tickets for tomorrows Christmas dinner at the U of U . When i came home I called her up to let her know when I would pick her up tomorrow. We talked on the phone fin the phone booth on the corner for about 45 minutes about the gospel and what it means to us. After visiting with her, i went back to the apartment to change my clothes for he MIA activity. I have to call Fran from a phone booth on teh corner and I nearly  freeze by the time we are done talking. I saw Elaine Nychyk at the ward chapel at 7  and the speaker was really interesting. he was the first medical missionary called by the church. He was sent too Samoa. After the program we went to Trolley Square to get some Ice cream there.

Additional Material 

Elaine Nychyk lived at 228 1st Av Apt 18

9 December 1976 Thursday

I went into work at 6 and worked until 4. It was really hectic day because Debbie Reich called in sick and we had a lot to do with lots of campus office parties. 

11 December 1976 Saturday

I picked Fran up at 7 where she is living on 13th East to go to the Church sponsored dance at Cottonwood. It was super crowded and we kind of felt rather older than most the younger kids there so we only stayed a little while before leaving and went driving around to get to know each other better.  She is originally from Minnesota and liek me the only member in her family. I kissed her for the first time. 

16 December 1976 Thursday

The US government halted its swine flu vaccination program following reports of paralysis apparently linked to the vaccine.

17 December 1976 Friday

I didn't have to work today so I went to my credit union to see if my loan had been approved. It had  but I have to have another signature from J.R. Peacock notarized. Another hassle. I won't get it now until at least Tuesday. Damn! I went into work and picked up my pay check. I cleared $204 which helps somewhat. I'm really finding it difficult to live on $100 a week. I picked up Fran at 3 and we drove down to Provo. We stopped first at the Y and went to the bookstore there then walked a little around the campus. I love BYU. It has a lot of neat memories which out  weighs the bad ones. We then went to visit Meg and Steve Madsen. Meg was busy as usual with some project but it was good to see them again. After that we went out for dinner at El Azteca. I really enjoy their food.  The place has a nice atmosphere and I think Fran enjoyed herself.  Afterwards we went to see Piper and Richard Holmes while waiting for the movie. Richard wasn't around but Piper and her mother in law were. When we went to see King Kong the line was so long that we decided to skip it and wait and see it sometime later. 

18 December 1976 Saturday

I was up at 730 so I cold get a good start on moving into my new Apartment at the Lynn Gray. I am so tired of moving  as it seems that is all I ever do anymore. It took all day to get moved in. My new address is 205 2nd Avenue apartment 29. I like the  this place  so much better and it feels so good again to have furniture. It feels good not to  have to eat, sleep and sit on the floor  like at my old place. I have a pretty view of the state capitol from my front room as I am on third floor.  I wish I could see the temple. I really didn't get anything done except move today. 

19 December 1976 Sunday

Today was rather special. I spent a lot of the morning and afternoon typing up the genealogy I found and at 3 Piper and Richard Holmes  dropped by to invite Fran and me for dinner. I went and picked Fran up for Sacrament  which began at 4 and it was their Christmas Program which was really nice. Fran and I both enjoyed it. After Sacrament, I took Fran up to see my apartment. Both Piper and Richard  liked it so much better than the old place. Fran and I spent most of the evening at Richard's aunt's place on First Avenue which is right across from Brigham Young's Grave. After dinner, we all walked over to see the lights on Temple Square. It was a really nice day. Although it was cold in the evening  and I need to get the Pinto's heater fixed for Fran.

20 December 1976 Monday

Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley died at age 74. In 2000 Adam Cohen and Elizabeth Taylor authored the biography: "American Pharaoh."

 23 December 1976 Thursday

Today was so weird. I went into work at 6 and worked until 2 in the afternoon. It was a really slow day as the campus is on Christmas break.  I then went home to pack and get everything ready to fly home to Garden Grove for Christmas. I just couldn't believe I am actually going to go home after all the harassment and worry.   Fran said she wanted to stay at the apartment  while I am gone to take a break from Murray Van Wagoner's house full of girls.  We exchanged with gifts.

24 December 1976 Friday

Mom and Dad picked me up from the  Orange County airport out near Costa Mesa so they wouldn't have to drive into L A on Christmas Eve. It was only  a little more than an hour flight from Salt  Lake. The weather seemed balmy in the mid 60's compared to Salt Lake when I left. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson were at the house when I got there. I only brought a small suit case. I borrowed Moms car in the afternoon to do a little Christmas Shopping.  I slept on the pull out sofa as mom had turned my old room into a sewing room. Dad made some Chili for Christmas and Charline and Dennis came down from Corona for Christmas Eve. I could tell that Mom was hurt that Donna didn't bring little Kenny over.

25 December 1976 Saturday

Mom fixed a ham dinner for Christmas Day which was kind of quiet. Grandma and Grandpa stayed in Yucaipa as Grandpa was too frail for the trio down. Milton and Marie went up to Yucaipa so Minnie and Bonnie and Bill were all up there. I was kind of surprised to see Donna come over in the afternoon without Ken but with the baby so Grandma and Grandpa could see  him. I am glad but also glad I didn't have to deal with Ken.  After Grandma and Grandpa went to bed I mainly watched television with some of my favorite shows, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, All in the Family,  Alice, and the Carol Burnett Show.  Fran spent Christmas with Murray Van Wagoner and I talked to a bit to see how she spent Christmas.  She said she misses me. 

27 December 1976 Monday

This morning Janet Peavy called and said she wouldn't be able to go down to Laguna Niguel with me after all until tomorrow. I was rather disappointed and itchy to be doing some genealogy. Mom took Grandma and Grandpa down to Huntington Beach to the pier  today to see the waves from the storm that's supposed to be off the coast. When they came home about noon I asked mom if I could take the car down to Laguna Niguel and she said I could. I was so excited . When I arrived there though it was so crowded that I hardly had any time to use the microfilm readers . I did find Piper's information today that she wanted me to look up so I can concentrate on mine tomorrow. I was back home about 5 and there I talked to mom and asked she would be upset if I went back to Utah tomorrow  instead of Wednesday. She said she understood. I am anxious to be in Salt Lake again and back to work  but especially to be with Fran again. I told mom how special I think this girl is but I don't dare tell her too much. 

28 December 1976 Tuesday

I was able to change my flight back to Salt Lake but late at night. So I spent a lot of time at the Ziggurat Building in Laguna Niguel looking up family censuses. The place is cavernous.  I really didn't spend much time visiting with Grandma. I guess we are still at crossroads and better we not talk. I told mom what Grandma had said to me last Fall and she said just not pay it no mind. I had Mom and dad take me to the airport early and not to wait because they had to work tomorrow. I guess Grandma and Grandpa are flying back to Texas tomorrow.  The airport wasn't busy at all and in Slat Lake I took a taxi home to the apartment and surprised Fran because I didn' let her know I was coming back tonight.

30 December 1976 Thursday

I was back at work today but mainly with Willie Bolt as the Sandwich Department was still off for the holidays. It snowed a little in the evening and it was only in the mid 30's for much of the day

31 December 1976 Friday

Something really important in my life happened today. Actually it was this night. I asked Frances Fuchs to marry me and she said yes. It feels so right. No one has ever thrilled me as she does. We spent all of New Years Eve together at my apartment. She made some clam chowder and I had some vegetables and dip for the occasion. We stayed home alone together and watched it's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" then some other programs until after midnight. I hadn't really planned on asking her to marry me until I could be more sure of her affection for me. I had grown to love her for a while now but I wasn't sure that she felt the same as me. We decided to get married quickly about the 17th of July since that was the day she was baptized into the church. I am terribly happy. I finally found someone to love. 

Additional Material 

Addresses 

Mike Allred  Box 24  Afton Wyoming 83110 and 45 South 900 East #2 Provo Utah

Fran Fuchs 355 South 1300 East Salt Lake City Utah 

Annette Hetzel 320 South State #46 Orem, UTAH 84057

Richard and Piper Holmes 1166 East 700 North  Provo, Utah 84601

Steve and Meg Madsen 45 South 900 East #1 Provo Utah 

1976 was a pretty crazy year for me when I was 25 years. It was a year of great changes due to my incessant connection with the Mormon Church of which I made it my identity instead of my Gayness which I still thought homosexuality was something I gave into as aw weakness instead of it being an essential part of my nature. As I became more sexually active I had an affair with Larry Copenhaven that led to my dismissal from BYU and a disfellowhipment from full participation as a church member. I was basically exiled from Provo after my arrest in a city park and returned to California distraught and defeated. I needed a change so I went on a cross country journey to explore the possibility of moving to Washington DC. I was alone in the world by choices I had made and some I didn't make. I lost my California friends and Family by being a Mormon and I lost my Mormon friends and status for being homosexual.   I ended back up in Utah  not in Provo where I did not belong but in Salt Lake City working at the University of Utah in a strenuous job in the food service department. I was still alone trying to straddle my former world of BYU and my new world of the University of Utah. Desperate to be accepted back into full membership in the Mormon Church despite its rabid homophobia, I met a woman who worked as a part time waitress in the Panorama Room at the top of the Union Building where I occasionally had to work in the kitchen. She was attending the U of U working on a degrees in Social Work. She was a convert like me alone and adrift and very gregarious and strong willed. She was also 31 years old and was a desperate to rejoin the Mormon church as she too was in a state of disfellowship although I didn't know it at the time. After dating a few times and being extremely lonely and believing marriage would cure my sexual interest in men, I asked her to marry me at the end of the year and she said yes.  It was indeed a roller coaster year of a few highs but lots drops.

While I was at BYU Elizabeth C. James submitted a Ph.D. dissertation  entitled “Treatment of Homosexuality: A Reanalysis and Synthesis  of Outcome Studies” and  Max Ford McBride submitted a doctoral dissertation  at BYU entitled “Effect of Visual Stimuli in Electric Aversion Therapy”  McBride experimented on 14 Gay male subjects to determine if using photographs of nude men and women from Playgirl and Playboy type magazines was helpful in electric shock therapy. 

1976 The Gay Student Union Emerges

The 1970s were the origins of a Gay social revolution here in Utah. Activists, teeming with idealism and social consciousness, thought they could make a better world. By 1976 the Gay landscape of Utah had changed dramatically from 1969 with 24 different Gay identified organizations, businesses, and publications, whereas at the beginning of the decade there had only been one, the Utah Gay Liberation Front.  Important organizations formed in 1976, were the Gay Service Coalition, The Imperial Court of the Wasatch Empire, Women Aware and the University of Utah’s Gay Student Union.

 

At the beginning of 1976, the growing community was still serviced by two religious organizations, the Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake City and it splinter church the Grace Christian Church.  The Gay Media, essential to building community, was basically still the California based Advocate, whose editor was a former Utah LDS Missionary named Robert McQueen. Our paper was the Salt Lick, was a published by the Gay Community Service Center. As the year began , the board of Trustees of the Gay Community Service Center however changed the name to the Gayzette, with Babs DeLay its editor.  The Gayzette ended with the closure of the community center but by the end of the year, the Open Door, was published by the Gay Service Coalition as a community forum.

 

Interestingly, the Salt Lake Tribune even recognized the societal changes taking place when on 8 January 1976 they opined that “Two women who had applied for a marriage license in Salt Lake County probably should have been issued one, according to Utah law. Utah statute does not specifically prohibit marriage between members of the same sex, a spokesman in the Salt Lake County the Attorney office said.” The women were referred to the county attorney when they attempted to obtain a license. However they didn’t go to that office and one can only speculate what would have happened if they had.

 

There were five Gay bars at the beginning of the year; The Radio City Lounge on State Street, The Sun Tavern on South Temple, Sweetwater Tavern in Ogden, The Rusty Bell on Redwood Road, Sisters on West Temple, and The Sunset Room on 400 west.  They were soon joined by a new Gay bar called The Name of the Game Jr. at 535 South State. It had changed from a straight bar to a Gay Bar  because the owners said “Gays get down a lot more and are less trashy than some of the straight street people we get in here.” The bar even offered free drinks on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8-10 PM for “ladies”, and “men in drag”, a first for any Gay Bar.

 

One of the more important organizations founded in 1976 was the Gay Student Union, the forerunner of the University of Utah’s current Queer Student Union. Responding to a Daily Chronicle’s article, “Homosexuals Discuss Gayness and Society”, in January Paul Larson wrote a letter to the editor to promote his new organization. In part it said “Of interest to Gay Chronicle readers are some of the activities of the Campus Christian Center, 232 University Street. We are offering an ongoing Gay Consciousness Raising Group and a two part presentation on Gay History and Literature, Sunday evenings March 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.” The Gay Consciousness Raising Group was formed by Larson to show Gay people that “they were not alone in their homosexuality” and to help people “adjust and learn to cope with living in a heterosexual society.”  The Gay Consciousness Raising Group was also designed as “an alternative to the Gay Bars and the parks”, and “as a setting where members of the Gay community and any heterosexual who wishes to attend can relate to each other as complete people instead of simply as sex objects.” Additionally Paul Larson’s course on “Group Dynamics” at the University of Utah was probably the first real Gay lecture ever presented in Salt Lake City.

 

In September 1976 the first workshop for the Gay community was held by the Gay Consciousness Raising Group at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Twenty people attended with Hal Carter and Paul Larson facilitating the meeting.

 

At the beginning of the University’s  Fall Quarter, an average of 40 to 50 people were attending the Consciousness Raising Group each week. By October the meeting, which had started out with six people,  grew to such an extent that the original group had to split into two.  One of these groups left the Campus Christian Center to meet in room 324 in the Student Union Building on the U of U campus.  This group was called the “Gay Awareness-Conscious Raising Encounter Group” which was formed by students to talk openly of “their hang ups, of pressures put on by society, and family and religion and to express their hopes, dreams, and long term goals”.

 

The student leaders of the Gay Awareness-Conscious Raising Encounter Group then pushed to have their group listed as a campus club. On 3 November 1976 the club was placed on the University Register by the Committee on Student Affairs formally as “The Gay Student Union.” Its first formal meeting had forty-six people attending the session.

 

The Gay Student Union’s stated purpose was to “promote and maintain activities and ideas supportive to Gay rights and Gay people through combating Gay oppression and promoting Gay dignity, unity, and liberation.” The format of the club was still a “rap group” designed for “getting people together, sharing feelings, and ideas”. The Gay Student Union sponsored the Gay Awareness-Conscious Raising Encounter Group and met every Monday at 7:30 in room 135 in Orson Spencer Hall.

 

Membership in the Gay Student Union was open to anyone who conducted themselves according to and in support of the goals of Gay Student Union and was not limited to university students although its officers had to be enrolled on campus. A $5 annual membership fee was charged for membership cards. In one of the by-laws meeting the Gay Student Union considered admitting for free any Brigham Young University student, faculty, or staff member with a valid identification card to any GSU activity in lieu of an official membership card due to the ongoing persecution of Gays enrolled in BYU.

 

These “peer” discussions meetings of the Gay Student Union consisted of a “getting acquainted section” and then breakout sessions where issues relevant to the Gay community were read and discussed.. These breakout sections were divided into four groups with one person in each room designated as a facilitator to keep the discussion topic focused. If one of the discussion groups did not meet the needs of those attending then that person could change sections.

 

The Daily Chronicle featured three stories in the fall of 1976 on the new campus Gay club. On 10 November 1976 an article entitled Gay Group Discusses Social Bars, stated “Salt Lake City is unique in that it is one of the places in the United States where people are concerned about the oppression of homosexuality.” Again on 1 December 1976 a reporter named Russell Weeks wrote a lengthy article, called “Gay Advocate Group Ease Social Problems”. In it Weeks detailed the origins of the Gay Student Union as well as the community at large. A third short blurb was published 6 December 1976 in the “Chrony’s Weeks Events”. “Gay Student Union 6 p.m. OSH 137- Will discuss membership drive, elections and plans for Winter Quarter.” “Gay Consciousness Raising Group 7:30 OSH 135.”