Comments on: Master M Men and Golden Gleaners (now with pictures)

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:24:17 +0000

Okay, that helps. I’ll start with the Laurel manuals (for the group of girls just younger than Gleaners) and see what turns up. Thanks for a tip to a new puzzle of the kind I like to work on!

And I’m glad you like Keepa. We have a lot of fun around here.

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:18:34 +0000

They seem to cover both religious things and real life things. A motto or promise is on the front of the card:
I, a Laurel, standing at the threshold of life, see before me rich treasures which may be mine for the seeking. As I pursue my quest, I must choose wisely, that the treasures I seek will be of lasting worth.
I will seek that which is beautiful in thought, in word, in deed, that my life may be as a shining light, guiding others to goodness and virtue.
I will seek wisdom and an understanding heart that I may walk humbly, live valiantly, and progress eternally.
I will seek the rich blessings of love which are found in service to my fellow men and obedience to the commandments of the Father in heaven.
Thus will I seek to enrich my life with all things virtuous and lovely that I may find ‘joy unspeakable here and eternal happiness hereafter.’
Then there are things in the three ‘Pearls’ like: Speak to at least 10 admirable people whom you do not ordinarily associate with and engage in short conversation with each.
Have at least three serious religious discussions with your family.
Observe good posture habits: sitting, standing, walking. etc.
Thanks for a great site!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:04:29 +0000

Rachelle, I’ve never heard of those “pearls” but I’ll see if I can find any trace of them at the church history library. Are the requirements things that are associated with the church (anything to do with scripture or prayer or church attendance), or are they more general suggestions for living a good life?

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:47:38 +0000

i have loved this website. I found it just a couple of days ago. I wondered if anyone knows about Pearls of Wisdom; Pearls of Love; and Pearls of Beauty on a Laurel Crest card? There are 12 requirements for each ‘Pearl.’ This was my mom’s single fold card with her maiden name on it and she married in 1961 so was this part of the Gleaners?

By: Researcher

Researcher — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:58:44 +0000

About Bruce’s suggestion in 25: if I get to vote, I’ll vote for Ardis to write a Brigham Young book before she does a 20th century church administration book.

A sister in the ward was just asking my why the wards don’t do Gold and Green Balls anymore. I didn’t know the answer when she asked the question last Monday, but I do now! Thanks, Ardis, and commenters.

By: JrL

JrL — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:33:51 +0000

bfwebster, are you sure your Cubs aren’t calling their dinner “Blue and Gold”? Those are the Cub colors, and the traditional name for the annual event.

By: Last Lemming

Last Lemming — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:35:32 +0000

bfwebster,

Your Cub Scouts are not following the program. It’s supposed to be a Blue and Gold banquet (and they never did any fundraising at them when my kids were participating).

By: bfwebster

bfwebster — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:08:52 +0000

Left Field’s comments (#22) also brings up memories of standing jokes within local Church units during the 60s and 70s along the lines of “What’s the name of the YM/YW program this year?”

Having joined the Church in 1967 at age 14, I remember hearing the terms M-Men and Gleaners bandied about, but (again as Left Field notes) the programs themselves vanished while I was on my mission (72-74). I’ll also note that our current ward (Parker, CO) uses the term “Gold and Green Dinner” for the annual Cub Scout fund-raising dinner, something that always startles me a bit.

Great stuff, as usual. I still think you (Ardis) should write a book on the evolution and transition of local unit practices and organizations in the 20th century. ..bruce..

By: Maurine

Maurine — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:33:07 +0000

I was just getting ready to answer the question, but Left Field beat me to it. So, I will add something else. There was also a Silver Gleaner Award for the Junior Gleaners. It was introduced in 1950, with the first awards given in 1951. I am assuming that the Jr M Men had an award also. The youth became Jr Gleaners and Jr M Men at age 16 and went into the Gleaners and M Men at age 19. The Jr Gleaners were replaced by the Laurels in YW.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:03:32 +0000

Left Field, you’re hired!