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Note: BIR-MAR-DEATH: Family records of Dale Andersen RELATIONSHIP: son OCCUPATION: Finish Carpenter ............................................................................. THE BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIARD JOSEPH ANDERSEN by John Owen Andersen, Grandson Written about 1970 On the west side of Salt lake City, Utah, on the 7th of July 1890 Williard Joseph Andersen was born. His father's name was Willard Erastus Andersen and his mother was Francisca Wilhelmima Abatina Floyel. They came from Copenhagen, Denmark to settle in Salt Lake City. Interesting enough, they were not Mormon immigrants. Willard Erastus was the owner of a bar on the west side of Salt Lake City. Willard and Francisca had five daughters and two sons. My grandfather was the second to the youngest child. Willard, preferably Bill, had a very rough start. He was born premature. He was so small that he had to be carried on a pillow for several months. Soon after, being fed in the "Danish manner", he developed a normal sized body! Bill had a nornal childhood. His favorite game was rolling a large metal hoop with a stick. Kick-the-can was also a pleasant pastime. His dog, Rover, was big and red and always followed Bill everywhere, even to school. Many times, in the afternoon, Bill would take Rover and the two would play along the banks of the Jordan River near his home. The Andersens were not well to do, but they seemed to have sufficient for their needs. When Bill completed the 8th grade he became an apprentice carpenter. While an apprentice, Bill learned bartending from his dad and in his spare time he made money tending bar. In the summer of 1909 Bill's pal, Lou Renshaw introduced him to the Bailey girls, Elvie and Annie out at Utah's famous Saltair Resort. Bill danced with the two sisters but nothing romantic developed. Later, on Sunday evening, Lou brought Bill to a 10th Ward Sacrament meeting. That evening Bill met another Bailey sister, Susie. He took he to a picture show. However, it was at the Bailey home that he really took notice of Annie for the first time and from them on it was Annie that held his interest. It has been Annie from that day to this, the only girl for Bill Andersen. Other girls were in love, or thought they were, with Bill, and Annie had his heart. Bill was a lot of fun, a happy go lucky sort of fellow, and generous to a fault. Bill had a fair complexion, large blue eyes and yellow wavy hair. Everyone that knew Bill Andersen loved him. Many young men tried in vain to win Annie's heart, but Annie was loyal to her steady beau, Bill Andersen. Bill and Annie's courtship was not a hurried affair. They enjoyed going places and doing happy, fun things before they settled down to married life. Bill Andersen was not a Mormon when he started going with Annie. At times his remarks were not conplimentary to the Church. He soon learned that the girl he was in love with was loyal and faithful to her church. She would never marry a man that couldn't take her to the temple. Bill made an honest effort to study the doctrines of Mormonism. He did not want to be baptized until he was truly converted to the gospel. He has been a devoted Latter Day Saint ever since his conversion. When he became temple worthy, Annie conscented to marriage. They actually dated for about seven years before they sealed their love for time and all eternity. Willard Joseph was a missionary in the Sunday School of the 10th Ward of the Liberty Stake and received the banner for the best attendance for one year! He was the stage manager and operated the motion picture projector for the 10th Ward. He acted in the presidency of the Priests Quorum and served as a Block Teacher . Bill was a carpenter in Salt Lake City and he made good money in that trade. They were able to buy a house full of furniture! While in Utah, Beverly and Glen were born. They were healthy and happy children, bing reared in a peaceful and loving home. The Andersens moved to Garvanza, Calif. (now called Highland Park) in 1922. Bill was in the Sunday School Superintendancy and also Mutual President. He was called to serve as one of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy. Bill was in charge of the missionaries of the Valley District. He then served nine years as the First Counselor to his brother in law, Bishop Albin Hoglund of the Garvanza Ward. Then he was called to the San Fernando Stake High Priests Presidency for three years. He was chairman over geneaology also. He was ordained a High Priest by the President of the Church, Heber J. Grant! Heber J. Grant came to the Andersen home and their youngest son, my father, Dale Andersen, sat on his lap as a young child. He has always remembered this event! The Willard Andersens moved aroung quite a bit in the Highland Park area. They bought their first and only home by borrowing against their insurance policy. It cost $2,700.00 and was purchased just after World War II. They had many hardships as Bill was laid off many times because of strikes. However, even during the lean times, they had love and peace in their home. They never argued or had contention between themselves or ever with the children. Their home was a little bit of heaven on earth! During the 1920's Beverly and Glen attended Garvanza Elementary school. Bill worked at the Denver and Rio Grande RAilroad, while Annie stayed at home and made ends meet. Christmas was always very special to the Andersens. It was always the time for fun and having family near at hand. Grandmother Andersen would cook Christmas dinner while Bill would wrap the gifts. The children would help Annie put up the decorations. In 1934 Annie gave birth to he last child, Dale Owen Andersen. Annie was forty at the time and Bill was forty four. Everyone was excited when Dale was born. He was born at the French Hospital near Chinatown in Los Angeles. He was a healthy happy baby and he matured quickly. Three years before my dad, Dale, was born Bill had changed jobs. Because of the Depression, Bill Andersen, and Al Shupe organized the L.D.S. Cooperative Salvage Dept. of the Garvanza Ward. This organization was the forerunner of the Deseret Industries. The Andersens were never rich but they gave freely of what they had. Bill and Annie were always a happy couple but married life was not always a "bed of roses" for them. They had heartaches, disappointment, frustrations, and crippling disease, but inspite of everything there was always a warm friendly welcome in the Andersen's home. Few homes can make that claim! ............................................................................. PATRIARCHAL BLESSING Feb. 13, 1919...............Salt Lake City, Utah A blessing given by Joseph Keddington, Patriarch, upon the head of Willard Joseph Andersen, son of Williard Erastus Andersen, and Francis Floyel, born July 7, 1890 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Brother Willard Joseph Andersen, I place my hands upon thy head and by the gift and power of the Lord and the desire of thy heart I give thee a Patriarchal Blessing. The Lord will make known unto thee thy duties and thy mission, and what is in store for thee in the future. Thou hast made covenants before the Lord and his servants to serve and keep His commandments. Thou hast received the Holy Priesthood, and have been called to a responsible position. Thou art one of the watchmen upon the towers of Zion and hast been entrusted with the souls of men, it is thy duty to seek the Lord earnestly for His blessings and thy prayers shall be answered. Thou art entitled to the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant and the blessings conferred upon thee shall bear thee up and strenghten thy faith. Thou art of the blood of Israel and the seed of Joseph, through the loins of Ephriam, and the blessings pronounced upon him and his seed after him shall be thine. Thou art born of goodly parents and have been reared in the midst of the mountains of Ephriam. It is thy privilege to witness the power of the Lord manifest and I say unto thee, prepare thyself for the Lord lovest thee. Thou shalt be tested and thou shalt be tried and through thy faith thou shall have strength to overcome the adversary of the souls of men. Thou shalt be lifted up and powers shall be given thee over unclean spirits and over sickness and over death, and many shall seek after thee. Through thy faith the saints shall be blessed and their faith strengthened and they shall turn unto the Lord with full purpose of heart to serve and to keep all the commandments. Thou shalt be humble as a child and as firm as a rock, and shall not be moved out of thy place. Thy table shall be spread with the bounties of life and none shall be turned from thy door hungry or naked. The sick shall be comforted and also those who are called to mourn shall receive blessings under thine hands. Thou shalt witness great changes take place in the earth. Thou hast witnessed the fulfillment of prophecy in the wars and the pestilences and troubles shall arise and the whole earth shall be in commotion for the wicked shall rise up against their masters and many shall loose their lives. Many cities shall become empty until the people are humbled and repent of their sins, and receive the testimony of the Elders. It shall be thy privilege to go forth as a representative of the Lord and His son Jesus and preach the Gospel and gather the righteous. Thou shalt rejoice greatly in thy labors, and shall assist in preparing the people for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in great glory. The sons of Zion shall appear terrible in the eyes of the wicked and they shall not go up against the Saints of the most high. The destroyer shall pass over as it did in the days of Israel, and thy name shall be recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Thy partner shall sustain thee and be united with thee. Thy children shall adhere to thy counsel and shall rise up and shall call thee blessed, and none shall go astray. Thou shalt be counted as one of the noble sons in the midst of Israel. Through thy faithfulness, thou shalt witness the cleansing of Zion and the purification of the Saints. And shall be prepared to meet the Savior when the cry shall go forth, "Go ye out to meet Him". Therefore, be faithful and keep thy lamp burning. Through thy faithfulness I seal these blessings upon thee and seal thee up to come forth in the ressurection of the just, with thine helpmate and a numerous posterity and with the saints of the Most High, clothed with immortality and eternal life, in the authority of the Holy Priesthood, and in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. ............................................................................ A BLESSING ON THE SICK A few months ago Ralph Shaffer shared with me a special spiritual healing from his youth...."I lived with my parents in a small house on Ave. 51 in Highland Park. It was one block south of York Blvd. At about age 8 (abt. 1933) I contracted hemorrhagic scarlet fever. My skin had turned purple. I was in a coma and our doctor, Herbert T. Cox, informed my parents that they should prepare for my passing. My mother invited Bishop Hoglund to our home. He soon came, one evening, with Brother Billy Andersen, but they could not enter since the house was quarantined. They knelt at a secluded area of the front yard, asking our Heavenly Father to spare my life. About two hours later, the night nurse who was attending me, came into the room where my exhausted mother was attempting to get a little rest. She said, (and the following words are in essence what my mother recalled to me) 'Mrs. Shaffer, a miracle has happened! Your son's fever has dropped; he is perspiring and breathing normally.' Several hours later I came out of the coma. In a matter of weeks I was able to fully recover. From that time forward I have regarded the experience as one of divine intervention occasioned by the righteous and fervent prayers of Bishop Hoglund and Brother Bill Andersen. The experience is written in my journal and I have born testimony to it many times." (Garvanza Ward Old Timers Newsletter, abt 1997) ............................................................................. HISTORY OF GARVANZA WARD, BISHOPRIC CHANGES Bishop Albin Hoglund was released on April 30, 1939, after 16 years as head of the Garvanza Ward, along with his counselors; W.J. Andersen and Stanley Farnsworth who had been in the Bishopric for about three years, and Elder Charles Clayton as Ward Clerk. While in th group Elder Andersen was noted as friend of the poor, and his wife, Annie, who served as Secretary of the Relief Society for fourteen years, loyally supported him. She is loved by all who knew her. Stanley Farnsworth was particularly successful in Ward social activities. While serving in the Bishopric, Elder Andersen inaugurated a salvage program to gather furniture, clothing, and other cast off items which could be sold or given away for the benefit of the poor. Patterned after the Goodwill Industries, this program became so valuable that the Stake, and finally the Church took charge of it, putting it on a church wide basis and naming it the Deseret Industries. ............................................................................. HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE DESERET INDUSTRIES (In response to a request from Salt Lake, Annie E. Andersen wrote the following letter with the help of Annette M. Andersen) June 24, 1965 Weston N. Nordgren 2625 S. 3rd East Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 Dear Bro. Nordgren: In reply to your letter regarding Williard Andersen, and the L.D.S. Salvage, I have written the following information: Williard J. Andersen and Orville Shupe, having the desire to help the saints in their temporal needs, after the depression years, began collecting salvage. The listed their undertaking with the Los Angeles City Hall of Records as the L.D.S. Salvage in 1932. Williard collected furniture in his 1928 Chevy Coach and Orville used his sedan. The salvage was first stored in brother Shupe's garage and yard at 5939 Bennner St., Los Angeles, CA. Bro. Shupe worked full time on the project and Williard worked evenings and Saturdays. They paid the saints who worked for them what they could as they sold the furniture. This project gave work opportunities to men who would otherwise been out of work. Furniture was also given away to those saints who needed help but could not pay. They needed a truck, so brother Andersen traded a woodworking machine for a Ford truck. However, the truck did not hold up. President Cannon, President of the Hollywood Stake, was very pleased with the project. He bought a used one and one half ton Ford truck for L.D.S. Salvage. When the Church bought the lot for the Garvanza Ward at 5260 Lincoln Ave., there was an old building on the property. The furniture was moved into the building until the Church was ready to build the chapel, at which time the old building was torn down. They rented a store for the salvage on Pasadena Ave. (now York Blvd.) across from Chili Ville. Brother Andersen and President Cannon held several meetings and Bro. Cannon decided to notify Salt Lake about their activities. Harold B. Lee and three other men met in the Adams Ward with Pres. Cannon, Williard Andersen, and others and the Church took over the project. The name was changed from L.D.S. Salvage to Deseret Industries. The new location was on San Fernando Rd. Fred Hatch was named chairman and Walter Burnett was the manager. Williard J. Andersen stayed on working at his trade as a mill machinist making furniture at J. Neiderer's Furniture Co. Very soon the Deseret Industries out grew the San Fernando Store and it was moved to Lewllyn St. close to North Broadway in Los Angeles. A few years later Bishop Grant called Brother Andersen to be the manager of the furniture repair department. He first worked under N.C. Christensen, then John Iversen and now Brother Bergstrom and Brother Hansen. Williard has been with the Desert Industries since 1948. In July of this year (1965) he will be 75 years old! His daughter, Beverly Andersen, takes him to and from work daily. Because of her help in getting him there, he is able to go to a job and reap the rewards of being useful that so many other older people don't enjoy. Thank you for your interest in history of the Deseret Industries. I hope that what I have reported will be of value to you. Sincerely, Annie E. Andersen 1426 N. Ave. 55 Los Angeles, CA 90042 AEA:ama ............................................................................ A business card is in possession of his grandson, John O. Andersen and it reads: Phone CL 62750 Address L.D.S. Co-operative Salvage Dept. Mgr. W.J. Andersen ............................................................................ After the above letter was submitted, the following book was published by Bookcraft: MORE FAITH THAN FEAR.....THE LOS ANGELES STAKE STORY By Chad M. Orton page 63......Williard J. Andersen, a member of the Garvanza Ward, took it upon himself to gather surplus furniture, clothing, and other goods that could be given to the poor, and his efforts can be seen as foreshadowing the establishment of the Deseret Industries. ............................................................................ CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE ANDERSENS (Written by John O. Andersen, abt. 6th Grade) A cold, sharp wind blew fiercely as thick dark clouds gathered over the city. The Andersens spent the chilly afternoon making final preparations for the Christmas activities the following day. Annie spent her time in the kitchen baking fruit cake and warm rolls for the Christmas dinner. Bill cleaned the yard so it would be in good condition when the relatives came the next day. He diligently trimmed the lawns and raked up the leaves which had fallen. Glen and Beverly went after him and picked up the piles. Just as the last pile was picked up, it started to rain. Before the three could get into the house it was pouring. Beverly and Glen went into the kitchen and helped their mother clean the pots and pans. Bill relaxed on the sofa and read the newspaper. After a few minutes, the family sat down to eat. The conversation at the table that evening was lead by Beverly and Glen who talked about Santa Claus. Following the meal, the family gathered around the fireplace to have their traditional Christmas Eve activities. The children sat in their parents' laps and listened to father as he read the beautiful Christmas stroy from Luke. Upon finishing, the family sang their favorite Christmas carols. Later on, Glen entertained them by reciting a poem he had learned in his first grade class. The rain was still pouring as the Andersen's prepared for bed. After kneeling for family prayer, they retired to their warm beds. On Christmas Eve, Bill would sleep on the sofa in the front room so he could help Santa distribute the gifts. The children would sleep with their mother in the back room. Annie would try and try to get them to go to sleep by threatening that if they didn't, Santa would not come. They, however, were so filled with excitement that they could not keep their eyes shut for thirty seconds. After a long while of tossing and turning, they finally fell asleep. The next morning, the sun broke through the scattered clouds and shed its warm rays on the water soaked land. The two children and their mother were suddenly awakened when father came rushing into the room exclaiming, "Santa has been, get up! Get up!" The children quickly crawled out of their beds and followed their parents into the front room. When they saw their gifts they were filled with joy. For a few wonderful minutes, the children were in a world of fantasy. Glen had been granted his heart's desire by receiving a bright red wagon and a set of books. Beverly received a shiny scooter and also some books. In each child's stocking were some peanuts and an orange and a huge pepperment stick. The Andersens never had an excess of money. As a result, the material part of their Christmasses was meager. They, however, realized that the true spirit of Christmas was in serving others, and not having a living room packed with toys on Christmas day. ............................................................................. THE GARVANZA OLDTIMERS NEWSLETTER (January 1995) BILLY ANDERSEN (By Shirley Schulthess Rice) Another of our "greats" was Billy Andersen; quiet and unassuming, but always there when needed. He was our Hometeacher in a fatherless home and gave my son Jim his name and a blessing. Jim's dad was a nonmember. In the blessing, Billy did not mention a temple marriage or a family, but did say, "When your mission here is complete, you'll be welcomed home by the words, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'." My son Jim died at eighteen years of age. We then realized why his blessing had not said more. Billy was always available for healing blessings. We never called a doctor, just Billy. We loved him. (By Helen Valentine Stay) I would like to pay tribute to Brother Andersen, Glen and Dale's father. It was during World War II and I was living home with my folks because my husband, Jesse was overseas. Brother Andersen was our hometeacher. He drove me across town to the hospital when our oldest daughter was born, and brought me home again. He was a great and good man. You always got a hug from Billy Andersen. He made you feel loved. ............................................................................. THE DEATHS OF GRANDMA AND AUNT BEVERLY (Written by John O. Andersen, abt. 6th Grade) On Thursday night, October 25, 1973, we received a call from Grandma and Aunt Bev. They had not seen us for over a month and therefore, desired to come the next evening to visit and share with us some crisp Jonathan apples from Utah. We said we would like to see them, but on Friday night only Glen, Steven and Susan would be home. My parents, my sister Marilyn and I already had made a dinner appoinment with some friends. We suggested they come the following Friday, but they for some reason still desired to come the next evening. We, therefore, said they could come. Friday, the 26th, was a cool Autumn day. The dead dry leaves and the cool breezes signified the approach of Winter. While Aunt Beverly was a work, Grandma wrote letters to her surviving sisters and a grandson in Germany. After eating a small lunch, she laid down and took a nap. Following her nap, she read the newspaper. At about 5:30pm her daughter, Beverly came home. Grandma and Aunt Bev ahd a quick dinner after which they headed to our house. Upon arriving, they took Glen, Steven, and Susan to Thrifty's to get some banana split ice cream. When the group got back to the house, they ate the ice cream and talked while watching television. Thours swiftly slipped by and soon it was time for Grandma and Aunt Beverly to go home. Aunt Bev put Steven and Susan in bed and with Glen's help, aided Grandma in getting out of her wheel chair and into the car. After all this was accomplished, Glen kissed Grandma and Aunt Bev goodbye and waved as they drove away. Since the next morning was Saturday, we were up early doing our Saturday cleaning. Just as soon as we finished breakfast, the telephone rang. The voice on the other end of the line was that of Bishop Coberly, who was Grandma and Aunt Bev's Bishop. He sadly told father that both Grandma and Aunt Bev had been kille late Friday night when their car flipped off the freeway and crashed onto a street 120 feet below. We were shocked when we heard the news. We tried in vain to convince ourselves that what we had heard didn't happen. However, all of the rationalizing in the world could not change the truth which was that Grandma and Aunt Bev were dead. With millions of thoughts running through his mind, our father assumed the task of calling and informing the family of the tragic news. With a great amount of emotional stability, he soon had accomplished this difficult task. The funeral which took place on October 31, 1973, was a lovely one indeed. So many people attended that the chapel was filled to overflowing. Numerous experiences were related of how Grandma and Aunt Bev had given untiring service to their fellow men. Grandma was said to have lived to the end with a good attitude about life, despite her many physical infirmities. This fact was evidenced by the following newspaper clipping found in her purse at the time of her death: Dear God: Help me to be a good sport in this game of life. I don't ask for an easy place in the line-up. Put me anywhere you need me. I only ask that I can give you 100 percent of all I have. If all the hard drives seem to come my way, I thank you for the compliment. Help me remember that you never send a player more trouble than he can handle. Help me, Oh Lord, to accept the bad break as part of the game. And may I always play on the square, no matter what the others do. Help me to study The Book so I'll know the rules. Finally, God, if the natural turn of events goes against me and I'm benched for sickness or old age, please help me to accept that as part of the game, too. Keep me from whimpering or squealing that I was framed or that I got a raw deal. And when I finishe the final inning, I ask for no laurels. All I want is to believe in my heart that I played as well as I could and that I didn't let you down. (Richard Cardinal Cushing of Boston) Aunt Beverly and Grandma had always been peacemakers and had developed many other Christianlike attributes. True, they died tragic deaths; but when people remember them, they don't remember that so much as they do the wonderful lives these two women lived. They were beautiful examples of how to live happily!
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