Los Angeles Times Photo

This is the only official news article about the flood which Wilford saved.  Brad, a grandson,  was serving a mission in California and spotted the mis-captioned  photo as Wilford's house wrapped in all the logs from the sawmill.

The Pre Teton Dam Flood

Here are a couple of views of the old brick house and the wood house in winter.  Note the location of fences, other sheds and the outside stairway. Uncle Vel's house was in the back to the west.

The failure of the Teton Dam was Wilford's last great adventure.  We'll look at some of the photos found in his collection and add to it with some taken by family in the days after the flood.

Thanksgiving 1972

Wilford and grandaughter, Marla, visit the Kenningtons in Afton over Thanksgiving. 

 Even at 76 he enjoyed the day trips.

Christmas 1967 at Rexburg

In the Frontroom Christmas Morning

L-R:  Wilford, Garth, Donna, Dorothy, Ann, Forrest, Lynette

I believe this was the year Grandpa and Berry sawed the big long burgundy sofa in half and made a love seat out of it.  They felt it fit better.  

That was something that probably wouldn't have happened if Grandma had been alive.

Wilford Day Tripping

Wilford loved a day trip. Sometimes he would bring Brad or Mike up to Bedford along with a trunk full of rasberries.  Lunch, a horseback ride, a quick visit and they'd head back down the country.  This picture hints of engine trouble with the old brown car.  Maybe it was a hot ride up.

Grandkids at Christmas

 Above: Christmas about 1964   

Left to Right: Jackie, Doug & Mike in back, Hal and Rudd in front, Kelly, Brad & Marla

Below:  Christmas about 1960

Front:  Kathy, Brad, Marla. Middle:  Hal, Jackie, Mike.  Back: Dorothy, Ann, Charlene, Rudd.

Cora & Wilford visiting family

L-R Back Row:  Cora, Charlene holding Judy, Wilford, Wilford's sister, Dorothy, Garth, Forrest.  

On floor:  Hal, Jackie, Rudd, Doug, Bill, Ann, Kathy.

Location:  Kennington home in Kaysville.  Photographer:  Joe C.   Date:  1962.

Wilford & Grandkids

Wilford had this in his box of photos.  Taken about 1954, Wilford is playing in the front parlor with grandkids, Marla, Mike and Kathy.   Take a look at those diapers - and no plastic pants!  You young parents should thank your lucky stars that technology brought disposable diapers along.

The Boat Club Years

Caption in Wilford's hand:  "Care Taker - Rexburg Boat Club"

 Looks like he was ready for any eventuality.    

Caption in Wilford's hand:"Left to Right:  Earl Hall, 

Cora Eckersell, Ila Koon, ___Koon, Wilford Eckersell"

The Boat Club years were exciting especially for grandkids.

There are pictures of Marla and Mike on the docks spending time with Grandpa and Grandma.   Update - found the picture of Marla and Mike above.

I believe Jackie and Doug were there when the Yellowstone earthquake happened and had a harrowing ride in the back of the truck over the dam.

Any memories you guys would like to add?  It would be great to hear first hand accounts.

I remember the great view down to the dock and lake from the big picture window in the cabin, visiting neighbors who were taming a little deer, the out house - watching Grandma clean it and being down  at the dock when an after shock happened - Mom and Grandma ran out of the cabin saying the old cooking stove was bouncing around, but we hadn't felt anything.   Once they pointed it out, I remember the waves were a little higher on the shore.

Marla and I were getting old enough to be a little independent and I guess the cabin wouldn't sleep everyone, so we bunked out in our old red and white station wagon with a few blankets and some magazines.  Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" was the rage right then.  Marla was a great story teller and we stayed up half scared and half frozen.  I can still see the pines swaying in the moonlight and "things" hitting  the roof of the car - killer birds I am sure. We probably needed to go to the bathroom too.  There was the outhouse and the cabin,  just a few yards away...in the dark...with all those killer birds waiting and watching... What a  long night.

I'm not sure how many summers they were caretakers, but I remember it was a nice  experience for all.