This poem is in the front of the 1968 book “Reminiscences of Frant and Annie Esplin”. Although no author is listed, I am fairly certain this was written by Annie on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary Celebration.


Come with me, my children, back to the long ago
To visit people and places that I would like you to know.

First let’s meet Thomas and Ellen -- the original Chamberlains they.
To get to really know them with happiness will pay.
John James and Harriet Lenora -- parents of the Esplin clan,
Also paid important roles in the United Order plan.

When the order was disbanded, homes were assigned from Order pay.
Thomas and John J. chose ranches from each other not far away.
Both raised large families of happy girls and boys,
Who obeyed their parents’ teachings and brought them many joys.

Frant and Annie met in Grade school, where they had a lot of fun.
School activities, sleigh riding and parties kept them on the run.
Annie’s summers at Hidden Lake were a joy for the girls of the Valley.
And to the Chamberlain family helped to bring Mercy, Cora and Sally.

Then winters away at High School -- summers for rant with the herd.
But home again for a visit and it took only a word,
To arrange boat rides in the moonlight on beautiful Hidden Lake,
And horse back rides a-plenty, what more should it take
To form a lasting friendship that would endure the years.

Six years this friendship lasted and blossomed into love.
They were married in Manti Temple and the Angels from above,
Seemed to bless that day and hallow it and ease their doubts and fears,
To bring them joy and happiness through fifty pleasant years.

Now, this is Grandma speaking to our children, grand and great.
If you wish a happy marriage, as companions you will date,
Be sure they are clean and wholesome as you yourself will be.
Remember your noble heritage and your ancestral tree.

If you want to make it super, as have been our fifty years,
With the maximum of gladness and the minimum of tears,
Select a man like Grandpa, with character strong and bright --
Firm as the Rock of Gibraltar in his stand for truth and right.

You follow a noble father and are a goodly clan
Which, as Grandpa could assure you, is the greatest blessing of man.
Be true to those who’ve loved you and showed you the way to go
And lives of equal satisfaction you each and all may know.