Forgotten Cemetery

O

n Memorial Day 2010, one small purple iris was all that was paying tribute to past loved ones in this forgotten cemetery in Arbon. The flower, much like the homesteaders who came into the Arbon Valley, is unbreakable and determined that Arbon is worth the biting cold, the fierce winds, and the  hard work it takes to survive here. It is planted over the grave of a little girl, Lucille Danken Fredrickson, who was laid to rest November 19, 1914. Incredibly, this plant has survived on its own for nearly one hundred years.

This is not the main cemetery located off Bailey Road but a small acre of ground about a mile west of the Arbon School. The hallowed ground lies surrounded by CRP fields, belonging to the Estep and Adams families and has no public access road. It is a lonely hill seldom visited by anything other than gophers, rabbits, and an occasional coyote.

Many of the grave markers have rotted away, disappearing into the ground. One partial wooden grave marker still stands while another lies next to it in the grass. Both are washed clean by sun and weather. The last burial here was in 1939. Other markers and headstones, still in existence, date back to the 1920’s, and many belong to babies who succumbed in 1915 and 1916. A hand drawn map exists of others buried in the graveyard. According to the map 24 known people are buried on this hill. This cemetery is listed as an official cemetery in Power County, set aside for burying the dead and is not privately owned.

In the fall of 2009, Braden Campbell fenced, mowed the area, and installed a gate for his Eagle Scout project. He received help from adults, Ken Campbell, Stu Adams, and David Lusk. Members of his Scout troop, Eric Ward and Hank Fitch also helped in this endeavor. Many thanks go out to this group for repairing this memorial to the dead.

Spring found the cemetery looking as if it had green mown grass. Once again those family members who have loved ones resting here can be assured they are well-cared for and honored in their final resting place.

Branding

Nostrils are flaring as acrid smoke rises from the valley and stunned calves hobble off to find their mothers. Once again cowboys and cowgirls are heating up the branding irons for the annual branding of the calves.

Many in Arbon still brand the tired and true way of the West. Calves are roped, thrown down, and held in place awaiting the hot iron which will designate ownership of the calf. Neighbors all pitch in and help each other. Often city slickers attend making for an interesting day. There are those who believe they can keep their new white tennies clean by tiptoeing in manure. Some can’t stand the sight of burns, blood, and the never ending bawling of the calves, let alone castration! Which came up in a class discussion last week at high school.

Trying to keep a straight face and use school appropriate vocabulary, the discussion ensued. It all began with the vocabulary word castigate. After several mispronunciations it went to castrate and on to Rocky Mountain oysters. Very few in the junior English class knew what they were or why they are removed.

What are Rocky Mountain oysters? They are calf testicles that are removed to help the calf grow meatier and become more docile than the average bull. These calves are now known as steers. The oysters are peeled, washed, rolled in flour, and fried up in a pan . According to history this practice dates back to the Roman times and is presently considered an aphrodisiac in much of the world. And one bright boy told me they taste just like chicken! I wouldn’t know! Just in case your curious about such cowboy fare, many recipes can be found on the internet for your cooking pleasure. Bon appetit!

Where in the world is Arbon?

A rbon seems to be hiding in numerous places in Southeastern Idaho. Exit 52 on I-84, states this is the Arbon Valley Exit. This spot is not a valley. No mountains come together here, opening into a valley floor. Nevertheless, people living in Big Sky claim they live in Arbon. The infamous “casino” better known as Bannock Peak is said to be in Arbon.

Let a fire start anywhere between the Power County border and the Arbon Valley Exit and it will be reported as originating in Arbon. One one occasion, citizens of Arbon attending meetings in American Falls were told to rush home for Arbon was being evacuated because of fire. Family and friends called us on the phone concerned for our welfare because all the Idaho TV stations were reporting that we were on fire. The fire was actually in the wheat fields near the Sod Farm.

We hear about wrecks, fires, and notorious citizens of the valley being arrested and puzzle who they are and search the sky for smoke. Newscasters haven’t a clue. Heaven save us if an ambulance needs to come to the valley.

The Machaud Creek and Bannock Creek areas have faded into the sagebrush. Even though folks residing along these creeks do not lay claim to being citizens of Arbon.

The idea of 23 miles between the exit and the valley is incomprehensible to some people. If your house lies anywhere north of the post office, your address is listed as Pocatello. However, is the post office located in Arbon? Most of the natives would tell you it’s in Pauline. Some claim the official starting point of Arbon is the Church Road. I used to live ten miles south of there and still thought I resided in Arbon. But then where does it end??—— in Summit, Buist, maybe Crystal?