By Diane & Neldon Jensen
Garth & Harriet Hill came to Salem in 1974 after looking for a home from Salt Lake City to Payson. They could not find what they wanted until, through the grapevine, a relative of Garth's told them of some property in Salem he would sell them. One look and the sale was made. It overlooks the beautiful pond now, but at the time it was full of weeds and bulrushes. They have made it a show place, not only in the summer, but in the winter as well.
Garth was born and raised in Payson and, during his youth, he worked for most of the farmers in the area. His father told him after school was out in the spring he had 5 days to find a job or he would find one for him. Back then there were very few jobs to be had except for farm labor--be it weeding, thinning or harvesting. He graduated from BYU in engineering and earned his doctorate at Colorado State. He has taught school from Salt Lake City to Provo and retired from the Department of Engineering at BYU.
Garth & Harriet met while attending BYU and now have 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. They were "Family of the Year" in 2001 and Garth served on the Salem City Council for 4 years.
Harriet grew up in Idaho and after her children were raised, she worked as a Pink Lady at Payson Hospital (which she loved). Later she was employed by the hospital in the records department.
They have a son in the military and have had the opportunity of traveling to London, Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, and with a child in Washington State, Seattle is often visited.
Their home overlooks the pond and Garth has constructed 18 trees to decorate at Christmas. He has also made a star on top of a pole which, at night, looks like it is suspended in the sky.
They are great people and Salem is a much better place because they live here. The one thing I wonder about Hariet is . . . she doesn't like chocolate . . . but then again I don't like popcorn . . . .
We thank you for your service and friendship to all.
MAY GOD BLESS OUR SENIORS!
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From "Senior Spotlight", Salem City Newsletter, October 2012 - P 3
On August 7, 2014 at the Salem Days Senior Dinner, Garth and Harriet were recognized as the second annual "Seniors of the Year".