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| James and Emma Bulkley Gottfredson |
Mt. Pleasant Pyramid
June 21, 1929
Richfield Reaper September 3, 1931
“More than 200 members of the Gottfredson family attended the reunion held here
recently at the call of Peter Gottfredson, the well known pioneer and Indian war veteran, who is
now completing a history of the family, dating back 120 years. The crowd consisted of three
families from California, two from Nevada, one from Wyoming, three from Idaho, and a number
from Utah. The young old man who financed the entire affair, at a cost of around $250, said with
enthusiasm, ‘I surely have had my money’s worth,’ and expressed satisfaction in bringing the
large family together.”
“The reunion started Saturday evening when all members of the family located at the
camp on the county fair grounds, met for a general social. Sunday morning the various wards
were visited, and in the afternoon the family organization was effected as follows: J.E.
Gottfredson, president; Merrill Gottfredson, general secretary; Adell G. Jensen and Estella P.
Poulson, assistant secretaries, representing two branches of the family; Mrs. Anna Waltamer,
vice president of the first branch, and Chester Allen, vice president of the second branch. Bylaws, rules, and regulations were adopted. Dr. D.B. Gottfredson acted as master of ceremonies
for the meeting, following which Mrs. Adell Jensen conducted a program. Mrs. Edith Rasmussen
led community singing. An original song, ‘Howdy-do,’ by Merrill Gottfredson was sung by the
entire crowd. Members of the family who took part in musical numbers during the two-day’s
reunion were Bishop E.L. Swalberg of Gunnison, Uhlan Swalberg, Merrill Gottfredson and Mrs.
James Bradfield, Mrs. Merrill Gottfredson, Miss Carol Swalberg, Mrs. Josephine Brower, who
was assisted in an Indian costume song by Reed Rasmussen, Doyle Shaw, Kenneth Gottfredson,
Melba Brower and others; Reed Rasmussen, Leda Dalby [Reva Dalton’s aunt] of Leadore,
Idaho, Maxine and Beth Orrock and Laurel Jensen. Delora Payne of Aurora, Ruth Hansen of Salt
Lake, Carrie Allen of Circleville and Joan Brower entertained with readings. Speakers were
Peter Gottfredson, Reva Dalton of Salt Lake, President J.E. Gottfredson and the oldest
member of each family: Anna Waltamore of Salt Lake, Mrs. Ruth G. Urie of Cedar City, Conrad
Payne of Aurora and Mrs. Addie G. Barney of Salt Lake. Prayers were by Lewis Jensen and
Jacob Dastrup. Mrs. Estella Poulson gave sentiments of appreciation of the efforts of Peter
Gottfredson in arranging the reunion, which was followed by nine rahs for Peter, led by Bishop
Ernest Swalberg. Mr. Gottfredson delighted the crowd with a reading, ‘The Bumble Bee,’ and a
song, ‘Courting in the Kitchen.’”
“After a program Monday, the crowd went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
Rasmussen and were treated to Danish Beer ‘like Grandma Gottfredson used to make,’ and cake.
In the evening a free dance was held at the Rendezvous. Tuesday the camp was broken up, many
going to Fish Lake and others to visit in the homes of relatives the rest of the week.
