The Idaho Falls Temple: The First LDS Temple in Idaho

The Idaho Falls Temple: The First LDS Temple in Idaho by Delbert V. Groberg (Author)

This history of the Idaho Falls temple is very well annotated and includes details of almost every person and event involved in early Idaho Falls history. The temple was started during the Great Depression. The church had not built a temple for many years before this temple was constructed. Both the church and the community were very eager for this project. The church members were excited from a religious point of view. The community, including city leadership and chamber of commerce were also enthusiastic about having a grand building and the many jobs that would be provided by construction and the supporting of future visitors. 

The book includes numerous pictures of people, maps and buildings. There are reproduced newspaper clippings as well as verbatim copies of various talks and newspaper articles. The narrative does jump around a bit, but can be read from about any location. Much of the book covers the building and initial dedication of the temple. However, there are some accounts of the operation of the temple. The special 24 hour operation as well as the first Black man to go through the temple are two stories that come to mind. The detailed accounts and pictures of people make this a great historical and family history resource. 

An Abundant Life: A Biography of Delbert Valentine and Jennie Holbrook Groberg

An Abundant Life: A Biography of Delbert Valentine and Jennie Holbrook Groberg by Anny Fritzen Case

The world changes a lot in 90 years of life. Once you start adding the parents, there is even more that changes. Delbert and Jennie's parents grew up hearing the family stories of immigration to Utah. They, however, had greater roots in Utah. Jennie as somewhat of a small town urbanite as the granddaughter of a BYU president in Provo, Utah. Delbert had a rougher childhood. His parents died when he was young, leaving him to be farmed off to relatives in Utah and Idaho. He seemed to endure life happily. It was interesting that he was able to take a train into Ogden to go to high school. Alas, that train line has long since disappeared. 

Jennie was raised in a large family that valued education. She completed college and worked briefly as a teacher before getting married. After getting married, she raised a large family of her own. In addition to raising her family, she kept busy with a large amount of work. She was active in many positions in church. She also produced multiple theatrical productions and spent a great deal of time writing. She wrote to family members, wrote a detailed family history and organized her grandfather's collection of writings. This was far from "homemaking". (They would often have helpers in the house to help with chores.) It is also interesting that the "old" house they purchased are still standing in Idaho Falls. Raising a large family was not easy, but it could be done.

Delbert was busy in  business endeavors. He was also a rare Democrat politician in Idaho Falls. He was elected Justice of the Peace, but failed to get elected Mayor. He became a skilled appraiser, and also helped out with real estate development, the local media, civic organizations and the local banks. He would take numerous business trips, sometimes taking family members with him.

Later in life, they would explore many parts of the country with their children. It is interesting that they could have both very localized views as well as a broad exposure to many cultures. Their faith was the most important aspect of the life. The world was seen through this lens of faith. This approach flips the concerns that often appear in modern society. A child eloping before a temple wedding may be a more upsetting than other seemingly greater worldly challenges. This allows one to be at peace living in the world. Death after over 90s years of life is nothing more than a transfer to the newest calling.