1928 Udalls

This picture was taken during a visit to Mesa--judging by the ages of the children and their bare feet-- sometime in the spring or summer of 1928. At the time, Grandfather David K. Udall was the President of the newly dedicated Arizona Temple. He and his wife, Ella, were living in a home located on the south side of 1st Avenue one lot east of Mesa Drive.

The Udalls had driven over to Mesa from their large home at 336 East Palm Lane in Phoenix. This photo captures an image of a pleasant moment in the lives of a busy, young family.

One can sense the pride and optimism possessed by John H. as he looks over his children. He appears to be enjoying a brief respite from the demands of his work as the Federal Prohibition Director for the State of Arizona. Note that he was also serving as the Bishop of the Phoenix First Ward. Could the family be in Mesa for Stake Conference? The Phoenix/Mesa area was all part of the Maricopa Stake.

During this time period, John H. made an unsuccessful run for the Governor’s Office on the Republican ticket: Arizona in those days was a strong Democratic state. (In modern times, this picture would make an excellent campaign photo as it showed the candidate’s links to the past, present and future of the state.)

There is no doubt that Leah was happily involved with the daily chores of mothering her big family; after all, she loved her children more than life itself. Her Snowflake small town roots and her own shy ways were taxed by the “big city” life she now existed in. Could the fashionable hat and dress be an indication that she was trying very hard to fit into her new surroundings?

The children sitting and standing on the porch from left to right are: King, Ruth, Reed, Jan Nick, Earl, Josephine and Jesse. Three more children-- Sam, Idella and Pauli-- were yet to be born.

Nick, the oldest, was about fifteen years old and his next younger brother, King was about eleven years. Earl and Ruth were nine and eight respectively; Reed was six; Jan was four; and Jesse was a toddler of two. Finally, born just the year before--not long after the family’s arrival to the valley--the only true Phoenician, baby Josephine.

The Udall family had no idea of what future trials were in store for their family. The Great Depression and World War II would impact their lives over the next two decades. The natural progression of life would cause grandparents to pass on and it would also cause children to grow up and grow away: that is the plan.

So, on an afternoon in Mesa in 1928 this family’s gathering was photographed and for a brief moment of time they all had each other. The Udalls took pride in their heritage, they looked forward to the future and they were happy: and that too is part of the plan.

I love this picture as it shows the timelessness of family life. It is comforting to see parents and grandparents who love their children and know that it is part of my own legacy.