Margaret Clark Journals

April 30, 1997

Location: Fullerton, Nebraska - Location: 41:21:48N 97:58:08W Elevation: 1630 feet

Summary: Genoa to Fullerton

Journal entry: It rained and rained and rained last night and this morning we were stuck in a Nebraska cornfield. The wagons and horses were not stuck. They just pulled out as pretty as you please--but those RVs and trailers and cars were stuck. Even the relief bus had to be pulled out by a tractor. In some instances, those pioneers were lucky with horses

The morning was wet and cold and we pulled out anyway. The North winds were terrible. They blew all day and it was very cold. The riders and teamsters feel the cold more than the walkers because they are up on the wagons with no protection. Many of the drivers actually climbed in the back of the wagon to drive the horses. The walkers and handcart people got warm very quickly and started shedding coats and jackets. There were no extra walkers today, so we all pushed and pulled the handcarts. The winds would buffet us one way and we had to have two people on one side of each handcart just to keep it straight. It was tough.

Before I leave Genoa I have to mention several people whom I met and give them a big thanks. Patti Score the postmistress at the Post Office created a memorial commemorative cancellation stamp for April 29 in memory of our coming through. It is truly a beautiful reminder to us that Genoa was the first way station for the pioneer group that followed. Jerry Clayton and his wife have done hours of work for us. Thanks Jerry for your knowledge of history and the tour of the area. Also I want to thank Joel at the Genoa Public School for his computer knowledge and for helping me get the word out. Kathy and I truly thank you. Hi Kids!!!

We really hurried the trek today because it was so cold. The roads were mostly paved, so for the walkers it was easier. When we arrived in Fullerton, the people were waiting for a parade greeting through town. So we agreed to walk another mile through town for the parade. It was kind of a joke for us Then I read our Daily Gram--our daily newsletter that tells of the 1847 trek and the present day modern trek. One hundred fifty years ago it took the Pioneers an hour to find camp. They were looking for shelter from the wind (I understand!!!). The similarities were kind of funny. We took an extra hour too, but we held a parade instead. What a party Fullerton gave us. There was square dancing and singing. It was a real crowd pleaser

I talked tonight to a fellow from Fullerton. I believe his name is Ted Wilden (sorry if I got that wrong).He is very knowledgeable about the area. He pointed out a bluff to the west of town called Lovers Leap. The story goes that in the 1800's a Pawnee girl and a white boy fell in love. But they were forbidden to marry. In their remorse they jumped of the bluff to their deaths. History also claims that this was a cliff the Pawnee would run the buffalo off of to get their needed food for the winter.

Tonight was very cold. We were invited to camp out in the barn for the night. This many of us did...very willingly.

Let me introduce you to some of our permanent walkers. Roger and Lisa Holgreen are brother and sister from Bountiful, Utah. They are walking and helping with the carts and planning on going to the Valley. Roger is very tall...six foot three inches. Lisa is five foot ten inches. Roger spent his college years in St George at Dixie College in Utah.

Roger says he is here to remember his father who recently died. Also he and Lisa have three ancestors buried in the Pioneer Cemetery at Florence. NE. He says his feet are very sore. He has eight blisters right now on one foot. He says he has a great deal of respect for the pioneers. Lisa is waiting at the moment for her mission call and this is to prepare her for that. She is impressed with the nice friendly people she has met along the trail. She knows of nothing that has been too bad yet.She is happy to be here.

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