This Day In Gay Utah History March 31st

31 March

1902 HELLS HOLLOW  YIELDS A STORY OF TRAGIC Body of Samuel Collins Bound With  Rope and Throat Cut Found In Cavern- County Officials Believe That A Foul Murder Has Been Committed While Police Say Suicide- Theories Advance to the Cause of Collins Death- Murder Theory-  Added by Sheriff Naylor,  County Physician Mayo, County  Attorney Christensen, Coroner Neilsen with other: After parting with Clyde Felt on  the summit of Ensign Peacock at 5 o’clock on Monday afternoon, Collins walked north, presumably to take a parting look, before  going to New York, at some claims he had located or intended to locate, in the vicinity of Hell’s Hollow. There he was waylaid, presumably for the purpose of robbery, and murdered.  His clothes were destroyed to prevent identification.  The body was placed in the cave and the mouth walled up with the idea if the corpse was found it would be in such a state of decomposition that it would be unrecognizable. Facts in support of murder theory:  The  body  was practically  naked and the legs and right arm  bound tightly. The clothes are  missing. The throat was cut evenly by a shape knife as if done by some person other than Collins. The right eye was badly cut. The mouth of the cavern was completely walled up with stones in such a way that it was practically impossible for it to have been done from the inside. In any event if  Collins had committed suicide the  weapon must necessarily have been  found  with him. No  knife or other  weapon  was as found inside the cave.  The roof of the cave is so low that a man cannot sit up in it, making it exceedingly difficult if no impossible to bind his limbs, then wall himself in, and cut his throat. SUICIDE THEORY Advanced by police officers Chase, Eddington, Gillespie and  Smith:  After  living young Felt, Collins went to Hells hollow, took off his clothes,   hid or destroyed them,  got Into the low cave, built up a wall of stones  over the mouth, bound his legs and  right  arm , jabbed his right eye out and then cut  his throat. Facts  in support of suicide theory: Telling that he was going to New York. Collins gave Clyde Felts a watch and another boy $5 to remember him by.  Officer Gillespie said Collins offered a boy $5 to kill him.  Before parting with Clyde Felt, Collins said he was going away on an early morning train. Previous to that he  wrote a letter  to Cashier R G Raybould of the National bank saying that he was going  to New  York  might not  return.  Lost sum of money in mining speculation. Entombed within a cavern underneath the crags at the head of Hell’s Hollow on the west side of Ensign  peak, stripped  naked except for the socks, his legs and right arm tightly bound, his throat cut and eye gouged out, Samuel Collins, an old miner was found dead at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The sepulcher had been carefully walled up by a pile of stones but the curiosity of a party of  boys out for a lark led them to pull  away the rocks and make the startling discovery. Collins was a queer and mysterious character about 65 years of age.  He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and had been a resident of Salt Lake for ten years or more.  Formerly he was a night watch man at the Wasatka Springs and bottling works near the warms springs. He was supposed to have had considerable money and he was of such a saving disposition that he was called a miser. BADE FRIENDS GOODBYE- Monday he bade his friend goodbye saying he was going to New York where his relatives are. He was said to have had about $600 at the time, although this cannot be verified.  In company with Clyde Felt, 15 year old son of D P Felt, he climbed Ensign peak that afternoon and gazed at the beautiful panorama spread before him.  He seemed cheerful and talked about more claims he was staking along the mountain side. The boy separated from him there at 5 o’clock in the afternoon.  Turning back once or twice, he saw the old man plodding slowly northward, stopping now and then to rest, and to look upon the snowy, rugged outlines of the mountains, the lofty towers of the temple, the squatty tabernacle, and the other buildings of the city, taking in all the broad stretch of landscape. No further trace of Collins living can be found. Six days elapsed. The old man had said he as going away, and consequently, his absence was expected.  Yesterday a party of boys living in the neighborhood of the Warm Springs started out the day to spend camping. They took along some eggs and other food. And started to climb the gully, a short distance from the springs.  AT THE SCENE OF DEATH-This narrow gulch is steep and picturesque. A tiny half hearted stream ripples down over the rocks. Heavy underbrush impedes the passage of man and beast. Half way up the hill and higher, the valley of the Jordan is spread before the eye with the trees and houses of North Salt Lake close at hand and the railroad trains puffing along the highway of steel. Farther away is  a narrow shining  ribbon marking  the Jordan river.  In the distance the Great salt Lake appears as another and broader ribbon while back of all, outlined sharply against the sky is the Oquirrh range. Near the top of  the gully half hidden in the brush the rotting carcass of  a broncho nearly gone except for the skeleton gave a slight foretaste  yesterday of the gruesome conditions to be found above  Close to the head of the gully or canyon, the sides come together and grow precipitous, forming a narrow gorge. This widens out about a mile from the road into an open space with perpendicular walls on three sides generally known as “Hell’s Hollow”.  A short distance below Hell’s Hollow some prospector has run a short tunnel into one side of the gorge. Here the boys the boys built a fire and cooked their eggs yesterday. VISIT TO HELL”S HOLLOW- Roaming Around after they had their meal, they ascending into Hell’s Hallow where James Ward found a pocketbook empty .Looking around further the boys came upon a pile of stones resting against the steep walls. Here although they did not know it then was the mouth of the sepulcher. In front stood a huge rock as if guarding the place while above towered the pinnacle of a lofty crag- a conspicuous monument  made by nature.  The boys pulled away some of the stones and peered into a dark hole which opened before them. The sunlight trickled into the cavern enough for them to see dimly outlined of a ghastly  face  a throat cut open by a gaping bloody wound and the naked  body of a man.  DISCOVERY OF THE BODY Frightened they ran to notify the police. The officers arrived followed by Justice Nielsen who acted as coroner. The stones were cleared  away from the e opening of the cave and body  was drapped out.  A search of the interior was made Two handkerchief, a necktie and suspenders were found in the cave but no other clothing found there or anywhere else No knife was found in the cave. There was comparatively little blood except directly under the neck.  Collins had been interested in mining He had been playing the stock market and he had been locating some claims in the vicinity of the spot where his body was found.  There is a possibility that he was paying a parting visit to the ground he had located or intended to locate when he meet death. The Sheriff, county attorney, and county physician and others are convinced that Collins was murdered presumably for the purpose of robbery.  They cite the bound  limbs,  the even gash across the throat, the gouged eye, the walled up tomb,  the missing clothes and other facts to support the belief fhat Collins was slain.  Some of the police officers declare it a suicide HOW INQUISITIVE BOYS FOUND THE DEAD BODYTen boys camping on the mountain side on a Sunday lark made the grewsome discovery of Collins body and at once notified police headquarters.  Saturday the agreement was reached by Mason Williams, Sidney McKenzie, Earl Herrman, John Pickering,  James Ward , Henry Gyllen Swan,  George and Roy Mayol,  Joseph Fulsom and Hiram D Haynes all 14 and 15 year old boys to spend Sunday camping on the mountain.  Extensive prep preparations were made and with cooking utensils and articles to be cooked they left the Warm Springs early Sunday morning.  Six climbed the themountain by one path while the other members of the party ascended by another route. The party of six reached the head of HeIl’s hollow first and at once made preparations for a fire Putting every thing in readiness they wandered about the canyon white waiting the arrival of the other boys When the other youngster reached the place eggs were boiled and the crowd enjoyed the experience of frontier life life Boys’ Suspicions Aroused -Finishing the meal the boys started to the head of the ravine in search of anything of interest that might be discovered. Scampering along the edges of the crags like a chamois the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed the sport. James Ward, in the bottom of the ravine, picked up an empty purse He called attention to his find to the companions who paid no attention to his remarks The purse was found twenty-five feet from the head of the ravine and bore no marks of having been mutilated. Almost simultaneously with Ward’s find Mason Williams, who had climbed to a dangerous ledge thirty feet above the other boys, picked up a large butcher knife. Another boy near the head of the canyon saw a pair of shoes and the boys at last grew suspicious that a crime had been committed Reveling in the mystery that had accidentally been thrust upon them they renewed their search at the southern end of the ravlne to 100 feet below a huge perciplce which which looms in front a fresh pile of rock was found. Imagining nothing of the horrible secrets of the sepulchre and caring less James Ward tugged at the boulders and succeeded in pulling one aside sufficiently to peer into the darkness. Saw Bead Body- With a frightened yell he sprang back from the mouth of the tomb and called the other boys They rushed to the place and each took a peep into the depths. Lying on his right side and perfectly nude with the exception of a pair of gray socks with face turned towards the month of the cavern a ghastly  human form with a deep red gash across his throat peered back at them. With one accord the crowd of inquisitive youngsters began a race down the mountain side.  Horrified at the discovery and shuddering at the recollection tion of the face which had pictured itself on their memories they sped down to the valley with daring and dangerous recklessness.  Breathless they rushed in a body into the office at the tWarm Springs and attempted to tell their story. One tried to use the telephone but was ridiculed by the crowd which had listened. They left the place and rushed  into a private residency and notlfled police headquarters of their discovery. Police on the Scene-Officer Gillespie with the patrol at once hasten to the place and was led  up the mountain to the mouth of the caven. Tearing away the stones at the entrance of the tomb he peered into the place. He too drew back but regaining himself peered more closely into in to the depths. A long white form apparently covered with a sheet met his gaze as the lifeless features of a dead d man grinned back back. R F Aberton, a young man who had gone with the officer crawled partly into the hole and grasped the man

Clyde Felt

by the legs. Tugging at his frightful burden he at last drew the body out sufficiently to expose it to view. With a large rope tied firmly around the and coiled over the body pinioning the right  arm to the side lay the form of an old man who had apparently met with death four or five days days previous. A gash four inches inche wide and as straight as a ruler gaped across his throat. The deep imprints of the binding cord were clearly visible over his body. Spattered and smeared with a coating of dark slimy mud and one eye almost jerked from its socket  and nude with the exception of a pair of socks the dead form of the old man presented the most ghastly sickening sight that could be imagined . Hastily gathering the shoes knife and and purse into a bundle the officer went down the hill and telephoned for a detail of officers leaving a crowd of boys to keep guard over the sepulcher.Morbid Crowd  Gathers-Detective Chase and Sergeant Ed Eddington arrived on the scene and further investigations were began. The report of the discovery spread rapidly throughout the city and great crowds of the morbidly curious men women and children swarmed up the mountain side  to view the body. Turing to the left from the Warm Springs and winding around the circuitous path the crowd surged  forcing Its way up the ravine. Within 200e yards of the head of the canyon begin a heavy growth of willow saplings making the place almost inaccessible. They pressed on until  the narrow ravine was alive with people. The cursory search of the cavern made by  the officers revealed the fact that nothing in the cavern except two pocket handkerchiefs, a necktie and a pair of suspenders. No clothing of any kind has been found . The body was as placed on a stretcher and taken to the morgue of Joseph William Tayior on West Temple where it will remain pending the further investigation into the details of the mystery which will be made today.  LAST  THAT WAS SEEN OF  COLLINS WHILE ALIVE- The last seen of Collins was Monday afternoon when he called to his young friend Clyde Felt and asked to be joined in an expedition up the mountain.  Felt is the 14 year old son of D P Felt who he lives several hundred yards beyond the Warm Springs on the  county road. A warm friendship has for a long time existed between the man and the boy. The lad was on his way to the sprIngs at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon but was hailed by Collins who offered 25 cents to carry his grip up the mountain side.  The proffer was accepted and together they began the ascent to Ensign peak. Reaching the top of the crags they rested in their journey and Collins pointed out with pride the view spread before them out in distance glistened the lake and the smoke of the city rose from the direction. He pointed out in detail the landscape and beguiled the boy with stories. He was neither morose nor exuberrant but in the opinion of the boy was in his usual state of hope. He told of his pospects from the claims that was staking  And then he admonished young Felt not to call at his room the next morning for the reason hat he intended making a trip to New York and would leave on the early morning train Dismissed the Boy They left their point of observation and started in a northerly direction The old man halted and told the boy that he need go no further that he would proceed alone through the mountains He gave him a watch which he had worn and bade the lad an affectionate farewell I give you this watch to remember me by boy and be sure not to call me In the morning for I will be on my way to New York he said said Leaving him in the afternoon the boy returned to his home and told of the present he had received,  Since that time so far as  known Collins has not been seen seen No effort has been made to reveal the secret of the cavern further than to take the old man from the place of his death No weapon of any an description is known to be inside the place with which  be could have ended  life nor is it explained how he could have builded the huge mass of boulders in front of the entrance The whole affair is shrouded in mystery and will not be cleared up until today when the officials will make a a more thorough search of the place place Scouts Scouts Suicide Theory I cannot believe that he has done what the officers say said young Felt last night when he learned of the horrible discovery and had under gone a series of cross Questionings from the officers He acted strangely to me at times but his manner on Monday afternoon was just like It had always been He gave me his watch  but he had bought another and he told me goodbye like he told others of his friends He gave another boy $5 saying that he was going to New York York and would probably not be back soon He had a grip and some small bundles under his coat when we went on the mountain but I dont know what they were He carried some stakes and also a a hatchet which he had borrowed from my mother The hatchet was found today half a mile away from the place where he was found by some man whom I did not know and given to me. He appeared despondent at times but I cannot believe that he killed himself Went to Mountains Often He made frequent trips to the mountains and was gone for long periods. He told me often of his prospects in a coal mine which he was interested in up there I thought when he left me that he would continue to roam about and wanted me to go home to my mother He told be goodbye affectionately but had done the same thing time and again I dont know whether he had any money with him at the time or not He gave me the quarter that he pormised but it had been rumored about that he received a draft for S10 and was going n to New York on it Mother saw two suspicious looking men peering into his window early the afternoon and intended to warn him They stood at the window and then went behind the building In a wagon on approach I dont know who they were but they may have seen through the window that he had money and watchingg him go up the mountain followed and lured him to his death COLLINS WROTE THAT HE WAS GOING AWAY In the possession of Cashier B G Raybould of the Utah National bank is a note signed by Collins which seems to indicate that as early as last Monday he was expecting to be called to New York on some matter. The note is as follows: March 24, 1902 Mr Raybould National Bank: Dear Sir I may be called in a hurry to New York  City. If so it is uncertain when I will return Truly yours SAM COLLINS  The note according a to the statement of Mr Raybould was brought to him about Wednesday by young  Ben Potts who lives in the vicinity of Warm Springs The young man he said told him that his little brother had found the note sticking in the window sill in the room occupied by Collins in the Wasatka bottling works. The note was in an envelope addressed  Mr Raybould and the boy brought it to him as soon as it was found. When he delivered the note the young man said Collins  hadn’t been seen since the Monday before and had given It out that he was going to New York. He had had even, it was said, given away his blankets to some boys in the neighborhood. Mr Raybould is certain that the note is in the handwriting of Collins but is puzzled to know what it means because it was the habit of Collins, he says, to visit him at the bank every two or three days and him what he intended to do. He thinks Collins intended to send the note but was done away with before be had a chance  to do so. The motive for murder, though cannot see as he does not know of any money that Collins had. He stated that Collins had never had any money in the bank there  and he was under the Impression tha he was as in financial straits. In regard to the rumor that the dead man had drawn from the bank before his death, he stated that no money had been drawn by him at all. He however stated that the old man was rather inclined to hoard his earnings and he might have had a considerable amount in some other bank or hidden about his place some where. Collins has been employed as watchman at the Wasatka works since January at a salary of $30 per month according to the statements of Mr Raybould. The works changed hands some time ago though and the old man was  let out Six weeks ago the owners gave up the place and Mr Raybould who has charge of it,  got Collins  to stay and watch the place for the money he could make selling bottied drinks He does not believe the man made very much money in this way and white he does not know he is inclined to think he played the stock market to a certain extent.  Mr Raybould stated that Collins originally came from New York and be thinks some of his relative still live there. From the circumstances surrounding the case Mr Raybould believes Collins was the victim of a Shrewdly planned and executed plot to murder him money he was supposed to have  had He does not believe there could have been any possible motive for suicide. POLICE BELIEVE THAT IT WAS CASE OF SUICIDE-The police officers are practically unanimous in their belief of the theory of suicide in spite of the fact that the officer  who arrived on the scene notified headquarters that it was a plain  case of murder.  The officers who visited the place where Collins met his death have all formed the conclusion that he deliberately sought the secluded cavern and alter having destroyed all his clothing  and all other evidence of identification put an end to his life. “He had no money.” Said one of the investigating officers, “and there could have been no motive for such a crime as murder. He could have easily piled the stones down to the mouth of the cavern and destroying his  clothing crawled Into the place and sealed up the entrance. He then deliberately cut his throat. The rope has no significance  whatever.  He was not tightly bound and it may have been placed there by him himself to advance the theory of murder in the event of his body being discovered.  The knife and purse may also have been thrown away by him for the same reason. “Had  it been murder there must have been some motive for the crime and we have positive proof that he had no money and lived in dread of being sent to the poor house.  He lost all he had  about $600  in wildcat mining speculation and decided to end his life. The rope to which the officer referred may be an important clue to establish the theory of murder and an officer  was at work until a late hour last night in an effort to learn where it was secured and by whom. He refused to state what information he it is known that he received information that other parties could identify it as belonging to one who may be able to throw important light on the mystery surrounding the death of Collins. The people could not be located last night but the efforts will be renewed today. COUNTY OFFICERS ARE TO INVESTIGATE CASE An Inquest will be held early this morning and Sheriff Naylor with a company of deputies will also make a thorough investigation into the death of Collins Mr Naylor together with County Attorney Christensen visited the morgue last night and viewed the remains Both of the officials were inclined to the theory advanced by Mr Taylor who declared that he could believe that Collins had committed suicide until given positive proof to that effect Mr Christensen stated that from the meager details which he had heard he had formed no conclusion but was in inclined to believe that a murder had been committed The sheriff had also not formed a definite opinion of the manner of the death but stated that it would be almost impossible for a man to put an end to his own life in the way advanced by others I cannot state positively whether It was suicide or murder declared Mr Naylor last night but from the condition  and appearance of the man it would be almost an impossibility for a man to cut his own throat like his was cut. However I will go to the place early In the morning to avoid the crowds that will flock to the mountain and will carefully examine the cavern. If there Is a a knife or any an other other weapon Inside with which he could have killed himself, It may then be plausible to advance the suicide theory. But if there is not It will be clearly evident that a murder of the worst character has been committed and  every effort will be made to learn the thefacts In the  case.  WOMAN WHO SAW TWO SUSPICIOUS PERSONS- Mrs D P Felt who lives ust north of the Wasatka springs bottling saw two suspicious characters hanging around there Monday. This was where Collins had been sleeping “It was some distance off and I 1 could not see their faces,” she said, “but I noticed they were acting suspiciously. They sneaked up close to the Wasatka and were looking through the windows when a team came up.  As soon as they saw the team coming they moved away and when the team got by they went up again and began lookIng through the windows. I was a littIe frightened and when they wanted Clyde our boy to stay in the Wasatka over night to watch the place after that I wouldnt let him go. COLLINS A VETERAN VETERAN OF THE CIVIL WAR Very little Is known of the life of  

Hell's Hollow above Beck Street

Samuel Collins. He came to this city city about fifteen years ago and was nearly 62  years of age at the time of his death. He was known to a few who declare that he was penurious in his habits and had accumulated a small sum of money. He has worked in various capacities throughout the city but has recently and up to the time of death been employed as watchman at the Wasatka mineral springs.  Previous to that he  was night watchman at the warm springs. Until he  took the position of watchman for the Wasatka company he lived at 413 West Second North but left that place a month ago. He served throughout the civil war and was a member of the Grand Army Army of the Republic. He received a pension and It is stated received his monthly allowance a few days previous to his death. He came to this city from California but was born and lived until manhood in New York City. He is said to have relatives in that city but so far as is known, none live in the west. JUSTICE NIELSEN TO HOLD AN INQUEST Justice C M Nielsen summoned as coroner viewed the remains and impaneled the following jurors selected from the crowd George E Wallace 250 West Sixth North Street, George Lambourne 446 North Second West street, Charles J Rosell, 35 Rosell avenue . The jurors made an examination of the body and of the surroundings and were told to report for the inquest this forenoon. Justice Nielsen believes that Collins was murdered. “The fact that the body was found well in the cave,” he said, “and that the entire mouth was filled up with stones which he could not have put there himself point strongly to murder.” Will Continue Investigation: ChIef Hilton said last night “I have have been confined to my home today with Illness and have not been able to give the case personal attention.  The  officers report to me that they believe it to be a case of suicide. The reason for this is the way he acted when last seen, his giving things to the boy and saying he was going  away. The invesigatlon has not stopped however and will not stop until we have gone into the matter thoroughly and found out all  the facts in the case. Notes-David Clyde Felt born May 10, 1888 Provo died 24 May 1973 Los Angeles. Felt married in 1910 and had tree daughters. He moved to Los Angeles befoe 1930. Samuel G. Collins was a member of 61st Infantry Regiment New York Union Army 1864. 1880 Census states he was living in New York City as a Nght Watchman boarding with Edward N Bull, 45, also a Night watchman. Collns is living as a border and his age is givena s 40 (1840) born in Ireland with English parents. His sister Mrs. Anna Thorne was living in London in 1903.

1965 -Utah Supreme Court Justice E.R. Callister Jr., 48, was arrested for being a disorderly person along with Angie Calonge.  Justice Callister”was in a motel room with a female person not being his wife,” at 522 South Main. Edward Richard Callister Jr. (September 30, 1916 – October 28, 1980) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of Utah from 1953 to 1959, and was a Justice of the Utah Supreme Court from 1959 to 1975, serving as Chief Justice from 1971 to 1975.

Paul H Thompson

1976- “I went over to Larry’s about 6:00 and stayed until almost 8:00. My appointment with President Thompson was at 8:30.  I was really scared to go and wanted some support from Larry.  I was really upset when Larry wouldn’t let me talk out some of my fears and anxieties about going to see President Thompson.  He didn’t want to hear anything about our relationship and seemed cold and abrupt.  I left depressed and drove up to President Thompson’s office scared to death but determined to do the right thing. After telling President Thompson everything I came away feeling so void and devastated. Everything came out.” Writes a BYU student in his journal.

1981-Montana amended its sodomy laws to add a fine of up to $50,000. The sentence of up to 10 years was not changed.

1984- Intermountain west Gay groups met to discuss planning a western Gay Conference next year. Called the Desert and Mountain States Conference it called for delegates from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho to discuss issues unique to the Western States.

Alma Smith 

1986, The Lesbian & Gay Student Union presented a petition to the Salt Lake Community College’s student senate to be officially recognized. All other clubs that had petitioned the senate had been accepted, but the LGSU petition stirred a debate wherein the senators voted 7 to 6 to deny the club official status. This was the first club in the school’s history that had failed to receive recognition. Cecelia Anderson threatened to bring legal action against the school and even made a false claim that the ACLU of Utah had agreed to file a suit. When this claim was corrected by the ACLU, Anderson had to step aside leaving Alma Smith to battle for official status.

1987- Jeff’s Gym closed after deciding not to contest further efforts on the part of the city to close the bathhouse down. “The decision of Salt Lake City officials to close that institution is a clear sign that AIDS has inalterably affected Gay life—not only medically but politically and socially as well.”  By agreeing not to contest the city’s license revocation, Jeff Gym deprived the court of the opportunity to set a precedent labeling Gay meeting places as “public  nuisances”

1987- KSL refused to show a CBS School break Special entitled; “What If I’m Gay?” which depicted a teenagers struggle with homosexuality. 

1988-Marty James of Los Angeles acknowledged having assisted in the suicide of a friend with AIDS, during an appearance on the television show Nightline.

1988- Resurrection MCC  hosted singing gospel group New Images, a Gay Christian Men’s Trio from Spokane  Washington. 

1988 , GAY ACTIVIST MICHAEL ORTEGA JESSE JACKSON SUPPORTERS MEET TO KICK OFF THEIR UTAH CAMPAIGN  Taking advantage of the momentum created by Jesse Jackson's recent primary victories, Utah supporters kicked off their own campaign Wednesday night on behalf of the surging Democratic presidential candidate. More than 90 people crowded the Crossroads Urban Center, 347 S. Fourth East, to select a state campaign committee and to consider ways to communicate Jackson's message. Several speakers, including a seven-state campaign coordinator, gave the gathering a Jackson pep talk. Michael Ortega, campaign vice chairman, said Wednesday's racially diverse audience reflects the national trend of wide-based support for Jackson. "Jackson does not just appeal to blacks," Ortega said. "What is appealing is talking of a program. He is talking about unemployment and what really must happen to solve the problem. He is talking about infrastructure and a people-oriented budget." The campaign committee, which has dubbed itself Jackson '88 Utah, plans to open an office in Salt Lake City and run other grass-roots offices out of homes in Utah's northern counties. "We're not big money," Ortega said. The campaign eventually hopes to pick up Sen. Paul Simon's Utah supporters once he makes an expected exit from the presidential race. Ortega said Utahns should support Jackson because his policies could help strengthen civil rights in the state and help the state meet its housing needs, particularly of the homeless. In foreign policy, Ortega believes Jackson has made a strong statement for peace, particularly in withdrawing U.S. involvement in Central America. If Jackson receives the Democratic nomination, he stands a strong chance to win over George Bush, who represents an ineffective Reagan mentality, Ortega said. "Reaganism needs to be cured," he said. "Jackson is providing a new day. He will be the saving grace for this nation." Marvin Davis will head the Utah campaign and the Rev. Robert Harris will serve as a vice chairman. © 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.

Maxine Hanks 

1995- The third annual Gay and Lesbian Return Missionary Reunion was held in the Utah Stonewall Center, Guest speaker was Maxine Hanks, noted writer, feminist and gay and lesbian rights activist. She delivered an address ``Avoiding the Mirror: A Feminist View of Homophobia and Same-Sex Bonding in Mormonism.'' There was a Jell-O competition -- prizes were given for the most original and best tasting.

 1997- Richard E. ``Dick'' Booth offered a good lesson in living:

It is never too late to start over, never too late to change.   Less than five years ago, Booth, then 59, was homeless, with no family. He had just been diagnosed with AIDS. But when he died in Salt Lake City on March 31 of complications from the disease, Booth was mourned by many who found in him a confidant, protector and friend.  Then he started a new life.   At different times, Booth was a volunteer for the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah and the Utah AIDS Foundation. Most often, he helped people his own way --cooking, cleaning, shopping and assisting those unable to bathe or shower by themselves. An avowed heterosexual,

Booth embraced the gay community, which community, which helped him learn more about his disease. Less than a month ago, he helped organize a drag show at a club called The Trapp, raising some $350 for one of his favorite causes, a summer retreat at Camp Pinecliff near Coalville, for people with AIDS, their family and friends.   ``Dick was a go-getter,'' said Dick Dotson, co-founder of the camp. ``His illness wasn't all-consuming. He was always concerned about someone else.'' [04/03/97 Page: B1SL Tribune]

1999 Planned Parenthood presents Women's Health Lecture and Discussion focus on Lesbian Health Issues 7pm upstairs at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center

31 March 2000 The Salt Lake Tribune Page: B2 Weber State to Identify Donors to Gay Scholarship THE ASSOCIATED PRESS OGDEN -- Weber State University plans to release a list of donors to the Matthew Shepard scholarship fund to anyone who asks in writing for the information. The fund was created in memory of Matthew Shepard, the Gay Wyoming college student beaten to death in 1998. The scholarship program was expected to garner $40,000 but has already drawn $56,000 from 203 contributors. The scholarship will provide $2,000 to a Weber State student who serves the Gay, lesbian and bisexual communities. The first recipient will be selected this spring. The program has come under criticism from some faculty, alumni and donors. It has received so much publicity that supporters raised more money faster than they expected, creating a surplus that could be used to boost scholarships or create a second annual award. Already, two requests for a list of donors have been made, although one was withdrawn and the other, submitted anonymously, couldn't be honored. Weber State President Paul Thompson said the college must release the information under the Government Records and Management Act, but donors will be contacted for permission before their names are released. "If they choose to make an anonymous donation we have to respect that," he said.    Only 10 percent of the donors have asked to remain anonymous, said Carol Hansen, a Weber State librarian and member of the Shepard committee.     "Most of the donors are proud of their contribution," she said.

Chad Keller

2002-Salt Lake City, UT- "The accurate presentation of the history of the Utah Lambda community is the most important resource as a society we can provide," stated Utah Stonewall Historical Society Curator and Co-Chair Chad Keller. Since the revival of the historical society, member historians have received many requests to assist in providing insights into the diverse past of the GLBT community. Accordingly the USHS has created two publications, 'Glimpse into History'; a time line publication, and 'From the Record'; a publication highlighting local Gay and Lesbian events in newspapers and periodicals. Each publication can be used to compliment community events, rallies, lectures, parties, in a negotiated partnership with USHS. The service for now is offered free of charge to reintroduce to the Lambda community the importance of history. Most recently the USHS provided a 'Glimpse' edition on the ‘History of Sodomy Laws in Utah’ to Unity Utah for their Sodomy Law Town Hall Meeting, and to the Leadership Summit, hosted by the Pillar Community Leadership Forum. on the history of The Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah. "We were excited to be of assistance, and were excited to participate with them. We look forward to doing more with both of them in the near future," stated Keller. Other specialty publications are in the works and will be introduced at a later date.      Additionally the Utah Stonewall Historical Society has created a number of kiosks that can be used in higher profile events by Gay organizations and groups. Historical information on the kiosks can be tailored to fit any event with historic tidbits, who's who, fun facts, and other insights into the community; complete with photos, graphics, and reproduced historic documents as available. Created as a vital element to the development of the USHS, the society will keep the kiosks rotating throughout the community in a variety of ways. "Our history needs to be shared accurately," stated Ben Williams, Head Archivist and Co-Chair "We don't expect them spending too much time in storage." The USHS visual committee is actively working to create four video kiosks for 2004 and promote a trade show exhibit to showcase the visual collection by 2005. These items will be available for use by the USHS members and its community partners.  "All to often organizations and community leaders have rewritten history in a public relation move to remove a blight or mistake from their organizational history," stated Ben Williams, "because of this, our national, regional, and state Lambda history is full of urban legends and twisted facts."    

• 2002-Salt Lake City, UT- Since the revival of the historical society, member historians have received many requests to provide insights into the  past events of the GLBT community. "The accurate presentation of the history of the Utah Lambda community is the most important resource as a society we can provide," stated Utah Stonewall Historical Society Curator and Co-Chair Chad Keller.  Accordingly the USHS has created two publications, 'Glimpse into  History'; a time line publication, and 'From the Record'; a publication highlighting local Gay and Lesbian events in newspapers and periodicals. Each publication can be used to compliment community events, rallies, lectures, parties, in a negotiated partnership with USHS. The service for now is offered free to reintroduce to the Lambda community the importance of history. Recently the USHS provided material on the 'History of Sodomy Laws in Utah' to Unity Utah for their Sodomy Law Town Hall Meeting, and to the Leadership Summit,  hosted by the Pillar Community Leadership Forum, on the history of The Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah. "We were excited to be of assistance, and > were excited to participate with them. We look forward  to doing more with both of them in the near future," stated Keller. Other specialty publications are in the works and will be introduced at a later date. Additionally the Utah Stonewall Historical Society has created a number of kiosks that can be used in higher profile events by Gay organizations and groups. Historical information on the kiosks can be tailored to fit any event with historic tidbits, who's who, fun facts, and other insights into the community; complete with photos, graphics, and reproduced historic documents as available. Created as a vital element to the development of the USHS, the society will keep the kiosks rotating throughout the community in a variety of ways. "Our history needs to be shared accurately," stated Ben Williams, Head Archivist and Co-Chair "We don't expect them spending too much time  in storage." The USHS visual committee is actively working to create four video kiosks for 2004 and promote a trade show exhibit to showcase the visual collection by 2005. These items will be available for use by the USHS members and its community partners.

 2003 Greetings, Many of you have been asking about Gay and Lesbian Soccer this year. The official start date will be Sunday, April 27 (the weekend after Easter). We will play at 2:30 p.m. on the centralfield at Fairmont Park (as in years past). We may be playing unofficially on Sundays prior to then. Watch your email box for more details. If you have any questions, please email Martin at jesper2@hotmail.com or Brian at jedibrian@hotmail.com. Thanks, Brian and Martin

2003 Kathy Worthington to Ben Williams I would really like a photocopy of the Salt Lake Tribune article about a  queer nation protest at Temple Square in April of 1991.  Does someone have a copy of it?  Or of other articles about that protest? I need it for a possible lawsuit about the right to resign from the church.  I think the Trib article has something in it about how people can 'get their names removed from the records' of the church. Kathy Worthington 

• Ben Williams  to Kathy Worthington-Kathy this is Ben again...Look in the photo section of this groupsite under Toni Palmer's collection. I downloaded an image of the article you want on this site as section #2. You probably might want to contact her for permission to use it. Hope it helps. BTW Hope you and Sara are doing well 2003 BW to Kathy W Hate to keep pestering but have you read this past weeks Salt Lake City Weekly? Good article on the Tanners and how they tried to post the LDS General Handbook of Instructions on how to leave the church. Ben

2003 Ben Williams to Chad Keller Good morning...Chuck Whyte is ready to come on board as treasurer...Are you going to LGSU tonight? I am staying home to get April's history chronology done for the group site...Chuck said he would be there on April 7 when we meet with Charles Milne again... The fur is going to fly...

2003 Dr. John Reeves PhD to Ben Williams Ben-- What a wonderful article you've penned. Thanks so much for sharing it. I hope you're appreciated for the great work you're doing, keeping a lot of Utah gay people on track and aware of their history. I'm not sure if I'll ever come to Utah again, but who knows. I'll just have to try and convince you that you need another trip to New England and New York, so Jimmy and I can host you, entertain you, wine and dine you and we can again trade stories, lies and whatever. Love always, John

Lauren Littlefield

2004 Wednesday An LGSU rally was held  at the University of Utah

Derick Stephensen

in response to the Utah College Republicans planned Mock wedding demonstration against LGBT families. Urgent!!! Support LGBT Families = Support the Constitution Rally Wednesday March 31st, at the University of Utah Where: University Union Patio West Side of the Building (200 S. Central Campus Drive) When: 10 AM - 1 PM This rally was formed in response to the Utah College Republicans planned demonstration against LGBT families. The University of Utah Lesbian Gay Student Union will be staging a non-confrontational display to better inform students and the public about promoting our families. In turn, the display will support the constitution by not allowing it to be used to deny rights to certain groups and imposing moral issues through the constitution. We will meet on the University of Utah Olpin Union patio at 10 AM. We will then march towards the Business School. We will rally to send a message that Gay and Lesbian Families are just as strong as any other family. We want to show that amending the state and federal constitution to deny civil rights is not American! This rally has formed to show the Utah College Republicans and the public that marriage is about strong committed couples. If you have any questions please e-mail Derick Stephensen or Lauren Littlefield

Todd Bennett & Ron Hunt

2005 The Board of the Utah Bear Alliance would like to announce and welcome our newest Board member Ron Hunt.  Ron will serve as our Treasurer and Membership Coordinator. Ron brings the Board great experience and knowledge and will be a wonderful addition to the group. We would like to thank Ron for his value and support to the UBA. Everyone come out to Bear Coffee and the monthly Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm at the GLBT Community Center.  You can meet Ron and help us plan activities and fund raising efforts.  We are continually appreciative and excited for all the great times with this group.  Lets keep it moving forward.

2005 Center Space Invite your family and friends for a discussion on: Homosexuality in Utah  View the KUED documentary:  Friends & Neighbors, A Community Divided then discuss why this issues brings up such strong emotions for  individuals and families. Panel discussion with Rob and Kathryn Steffensen - who are featured in the documentary.   “Mere mention of homosexuality elicits strong emotions in many Utahns. Here, as in many places throughout the nation, debate over acceptance and inclusion of openly gay and lesbian people has divided communities and families. While the headlines and public debate bombard us, it is within the intimacy of their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and churches that many Utahns must contend with the frustration, pain, and outright anger this issue often evokes.

2005  John Hoffman wrote: Hello Ben.  I'm a researcher in Los Angeles and while browsing through articles on vaccines and the military, I came across your article on a potential origin of HIV.  I'm sure some would consider it paranoid; however, you only need open the history books to 1972 when the Tuskeegee Experiment was finally revealed, and it puts your argument into perspective. My question is this: was G.D. Searle & Company one of  the Vaccine suppliers for the Gay Men's Heath Drives in 1978? If you don't know, how would you find out?   All the Best  John Hoffman

• Ben Edgar Williams wrote: My readings indicate that the hepatitis B vaccine used by Smuzness was developed by Merck, Sharpe, and Dohm Inc.  Perhaps Freedom of Information Act would be useful. Readings: Dr. Alan Cantwell, author of AIDS and the Doctors of Death: An Inquiry into the Origin of the AIDS Epidemic and Queer Blood: The Secret AIDS Genocide Plot, believes that HIV is a genetically modified organism developed by US Government scientists; that it was introduced into the population through Hepatitis B experiments performed on gay and bisexual men between 1978-1981 in Manhattan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Denver, and Chicago. Cantwell claims these experiments were directed by Dr. Wolf Szmuness; and that there is an ongoing government and media cover-up regarding the origin of the AIDS epidemic. Similar theories have been advanced by Dr. Robert B. Strecker, Matilde Krim and by Milton William Cooper, author of Behold A Pale Horse. Matilde Krim, a cancer virologist, AIDS expert, and the co-chairperson of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, has also suggested that Dr. Wolf  Szmuness' hepatitis B vaccination experiments of the  late 70's caused the AIDS epidemic. Unlike Cantwell, however, she attributes this to accident rather than  conspiracy. Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz, author of Emerging Viruses: AIDS & Ebola. Nature, Accident or Intentional? And  Death in the Air: Globalism, Terrorism and Toxic  Warfare, has advanced the theory that the AIDS virus was engineered by such US Government defense contractors as Litton Bionetics for the purposes of bio-warfare and "population control." Dr. Horowitz believes that Jews, blacks, and Hispanics are prime  targets in these attempts at "population control." He cites the historical preoccupation with eugenics on the part of the American medical establishment as evidence of a greater conspiracy to commit genocide.
• Thursday From:  "John Hoffman" Subject: Re: Quick questions To: "Ben Edgar Williams"  “Hey Ben. Thanks for responding, and I appreicate the suggested reading.  I was asking about Searle because Rumsfeld ran that organization and has been Sec. of Defense twice running; the vaccines they've forced on the military have been backfiring, triggering auto-immune related responses, according to a lot of people in those areas.  Creepy. Thanks again! Regards, John Hoffman

Tom Geddes

2007 Thomas M. Geddes 1947 ~ 2007 Tom passed away at his home March 31, 2007. in Salt Lake City. He was born March 3, 1947 in Eugene, Oregon.A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a wake, Sunday, April 15th, 5 p.m. at the Trapp, 615 West 1st South. Directors, Deseret Mortuary. A prominent character in the community.

He had a pleasant singing voice and had a special seat at the bar at the Trapp

George Chauncey

2007 Mark Swonson  wrote: Hi Ben- It was an excellent lecture. Prof George Chauncey wrote a book called Gay New York which I think I will buy. He is also, starting another book that looks at Gay New York from 1940-1969 era. Which should be coming out with the next year. I took a look on Amazon and it goes for around $13.00. It was a packed room with a lot of students and some members from the community. Hopefully, we can go to something else just let me know. Are you feeling any better? Also, your columns have been excellent by the way. Lets keep are history alive and accurate. Not by any of those damn straight historians either otherwise are Gay history will then be even more fucked by those bastards. As the say "White washed" like how most American history is written in this society we live. Hugs, Mark.

• From: "Ben Williams" To: "mark swonson" Thanks for the update...ten years ago I may have fought my way up to the U after being down with the flu but at 56 the old body just doesn't snap back like it use too. Wednesday I went straight home after work even though I was suppose to stay until 6:30 for parent conferences. I was so weak and achy, and coughing up a lung.  I went straight to bed taking some codeine and Excedrin pm and slept for 13 hours.  Thursday I had to go back into work because I didn't have a sub so that's why I had no energy to make it to the lecture.... That night I broke my fever by drenching my bed.. (more information then needed LOL) so I am feeling 100 percent better just a little slow on the draw.  I have the makings of a fever blister now so vanity is keeping me in which is a good thing. I have the Gays of New York the first book he wrote if you want to borrow it.  It's really good but then it’s also all about New York. I am updating my 360 degree USHS blog site to start chronicling my chronologies  by dates. I am also working on making my USHS Yahoo Group Site a repository for my files and writings and pictures. We do have to get together and now that Spring is here I will be out and about more.PS- Keep up the hard work on yourself...besides what great things its do for your head you really look hot! 

2014 An Idaho woman who left her husband because she is in love with a convicted murderer who is housed in Oregon is suing the Oregon prison system in U.S. District Court in Portland. Renee McKenzie is suing because she wants to hold hands with, hug and kiss her inmate boyfriend. McKenzie also is suing for the right to get married to Lance C. Wood, who was found guilty in 1988 for the Utah kidnapping, torture and killing of a gay college student.

Robert Moolman

2020  QSalt Lake Utah Pride Festival postponed to September. The Utah Pride Center announced today that the annual Utah Pride Festival, normally held the first week of June, has been postponed to September. “In an effort to keep everyone safe and allow the tens of thousands of people who enjoy the annual event to attend, the 2020 Utah Pride Festival is being moved to the end of September,” leaders said in a statement. “The Pride Days theme for 2020 is ‘Love On, Live On’ – our hope is that we can all focus on this message as we move through these uncertain times with optimism for better days to come.” “The 2020 Utah Pride Festival, presented by Mark Miller Subaru and Young Automotive Subaru, and the Utah Pride Parade, presented by Intermountain Healthcare and SelectHealth, and all of the related Pride Days events have been postponed due to imminent mass-gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. This decision was made based on Governor Gary Herbert’s ‘Utah Leads Together Plan’ and in consultation with our local public health sector,” the statement continues. The new dates for the Utah Pride Festival and Parade are September 26–27, 2020. As usual, the March and Rally, OUTdoors and Proud 5K, and the Festival Opening Ceremony will happen on Saturday. The Pride Parade and final day of the Festival in Washington Square will occur on Sunday. “With all the uncertainty and stress we’re all feeling due to this pandemic, let’s have Pride last all summer long, culminating with the biggest turn out we’ve ever seen at the Pride Festival in September. I think we could all use more love and Pride this year,” said Rob Moolman, executive director of the Utah Pride Center. Organizers are moving forward with volunteer applications and registration to be vendors and parade participants. They have extended the deadlines. “Parade applications have been extended to May 1st and early-bird pricing for vendor booths has been extended to April 17th for the first 50 finalized booths,” the statement reads. Vendors and parade entrants who have already registered will have the option to participate on the new dates or receive a refund minus any application fees. For more details on these options, are available on the Utah Pride Center website.
“As always, we continue to offer support to our LGBTQ+ Community and allies at the Utah Pride Center. We will continue to monitor and follow any public health directives and update accordingly. In the meantime, we look forward optimistically to celebrating with you in September,” the leaders continued. “Even as we have temporarily closed the doors of our building, we are responding to the needs of many of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. For an update on our current operations, including virtual programming and mental health services visit https://www.utahpridecenter.org“ Robert Moolman wrote Ben Williams saying, “I think we are all body venturing into some uncharted waters. I hope everyone is saying prayers and providing offerings to whichever deities that they might or might not think will help with the NO RAIN situation. Instead of first Pride of the year in Utah, in 2020, we will be the last.”