Small town/country life has a certain pace and feel that I could get used to. It's hard to put a finger on it, but there is a certain relaxed openness and interest in others that is really feels nice. This post attempts to capture some of the personality of the people and place.
Mistress
Earl calls this "trike" his "mistress". But actually the affection among these two newlyweds (they married four years ago) is palpable. Diana and Earl are just happy people, loving life.
They enjoy fishing and invited us to join them sometime. Diana generously shared a pint of canned trout, packed with Catalina dressing.
Mainstreet Dayton
Love the old buildings in the four-block core of the town. And the murals- very nice!
The first building in Dayton (current population 2600) was established in the 1870s by the town's namesake, Jessie Day.
Local residents love their history - so much so that there are two historical societies in Dayton!
Courthouse
Built in 1887, the Dayton Courthouse is the oldest working courthouse in Washington State. Bonds of $40,000 were issued to fund construction. It was constructed by local contractors for a total cost of $38,069, perhaps the last time a municipal project came in under budget. :)
In 1994, the courthouse underwent a $1.8 million restoration project. Isn't it beautiful?
In 1915, several teenagers decided to fire one of the cannons out front (which were used in the Civil War). The ensuing explosion broke all the windows in the front of the courthouse, and the windows of the surrounding homes. Rumor has it that the teens procured blasting powder instead of gun powder!
Homes
This beautiful home, built in 1904, is just down the street from us. It belongs to our local lay leader, Bishop Fulbright. He and his wife invited us over for dinner soon after we arrived in Dayton. They have some wonderful antiques in their home, including a Vitrolla, which he wound up and played for us. Very cool!
Lewis & Clark
The road from Waitsburg to Dayton follows the route taken by Lewis and Clark on their return trip in 1806. They camped on Petit Creek, just two miles outside of Dayton. The farmer who owns the land honored them by putting up metal silhouettes of what the camp of 35+ people may have looked like.
Train Depot
A railway spur from Walla Walla to Dayton was built in the 1890s, primarily to haul wheat. The depot was originally located a mile away from its present location. In the early 1900s, it was moved to its present location. How? First, they lifted the building off its foundation. Then using roller logs underneath, they used pulleys and winches, powered by mules, and inched the building along. It took two weeks to move it one mile!
Green Giant
The largest employer in Dayton is a food packing/seed facility, currently owned by Seneca Foods. But it was originally built by Green Giant. In the 1990s, employees of Green Giant built this monument on the hill just outside of town.
Members
We love visiting members of the Dayton Ward of our church. Such good people.
We often share an uplifting message. This is from a couple verses from the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon:
...Come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God....
....receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love....
It's wonderful to be 100% focused on sharing a message of hope, goodness, and love.
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Love seeing and hearing your mission experiences! Thank you for sharing!
Great to hear about Dayton. It is interesting to hear that the slower paced life has many benefits which we lose by gathering in bigger cities and metropolitan areas. I love the diorama of the Lewis and Clark camp!
It is hard to tell if the green giant is on the ground or standing up.
I love reading your mission updates. Thank you for sharing these wonderful experiences!
I love the update on your mission experience. It is amazing how much fun history we can learn in and around Dayton. As a kid I did not appreciate things like that.
I love history , so this post is right up my alley🎈 but I would love photos of you two with the members. Someday maybe we’ll meander thru Washington state. You are doing a good work and are in my prayers🥰
Appreciate all your comments. The "green giant" is on the ground. I just learned yesterday that it used to be lit up at night. It indeed is quite unusual.
So nice to hear your voice, Dave. As always you are making the most of wherever you are and I’m sure having a positive impact on everyone you meet.