The Grove

The Grove. . In the 1870s with the coming of the new irrigation canal, Matthew Holt, Samuel E. Holt's father, gave permission to have the canal run through the west end of his property. This allowed him easy access to two water weirs off the canal for irrigation. The presence of water also provided an opportunity to plant trees that would have an unlimited source of water to grow and flourish. Tree lines where irrigation ditches and canals were located were a common landscape feature in rural Utah. , The area along the east side of the canal was a place where box elder, willow and elm trees were planned for shade for both the animals and the family. A line of Potawatomi plum trees lined the irrigation ditch on the north side of the property, which led to a large fruit tree orchard just north of the house. The property from the canal to the house, north of the lane was reserved for Samuel's vegetable garden, with an irrigation ditch about 50 feet from the edge of the canal. The area between the canal and the ditch became the "grove" of trees where numerous activities must have taken place, from the gathering of the harvest to informal family gatherings and parties., For almost one hundred years family and friends have gathered at the grove every spring to celebrate Easter as well as Margaret's birthday. Easter egg hunts in the grove and dry canal bed as well as pickup baseball games in the field were favorite activities for the children. The Autumn gatherings were typically held on the front lawn. The large bon fire gave plenty of warmth and the chance to roast a "weenie" and marshmallows, while catching up with extended family. At the center of it all were Samuel and Margaret Geneva and later their children, always making one and all feel welcome and loved. It is our privilege now to perpetuate that legacy of tradition and family to future generations.