A Short Personal History

Ada Elaine Hicken Garlick

     Born: February 3, 1934 to Cyril M. and Mazie Watson Hicken. Heber City, Utah. I enjoyed so very many things. Just being here on earth was a great blessing. I came when the folks had known hardships and the blessings that come from sacrificing and pulling together. They had been through depressions, market crashes and war. As children came it was not easy to provide the necessities. But we had them often not knowing how difficult it was for them to meet our needs.

     I was blest to have 6 brothers. After the third one was born I knew God was out of girls so accepted each boy. I was happy to care for each of them.

     Even with a heart condition I had a very pleasing and worthwhile life. I enjoyed running, playing and working on the farm. I also learned to be responsible. I was taught by my mother to love, serve, pray and try to be a Child of God.

     I was taken to church not just sent. I was Baptized in the font in the Seminary building now gone. February 8, 1934. That was my very eighth birthday. I was also confirmed that day. That was not the usual procedure but it made the day special for me. Plus two dates I do not have to remember.

     I attended Central School in Heber. I enjoyed every moment of school from Miss Kindred in Kindergarten to Mr. Giles in 6th grade. In between were many good teachers and they have impressed me with their qualities. Miss Valentine taught me in first grade. Miss Bean taught 1 an 2 grade combined. Mrs Smith was a favorite teacher in the third grade. I attended only part of the year as I had Rheumatic fever. Miss Madsen was a new teacher and we loved her. My brother Jay had a crush on her. She was the fourth grade teacher. It was very important and special to have Uncle Harvey Rawlinson teach the fifth grade. He introduced us to good music. He was a good teacher. Mr. Giles was the principal and also taught 6th grade. How important I was as I could now cross the street and go to Wasatch High School.

     This year was significant in that losing of Mother following childbirth. It was not an easy event nor ever will be forgotten but I've learned we can cope with things which are not pleasant.

     I played the saxophone in the band and loved to sing in the girl's chorus. I could not take Phys ed. class and was disappointed but there were no alternatives to running, playing ball. So I used the extra class for other subjects. I loved English most.

     From a very early age I wanted to do three things. Get a teacher's certificate, go on a mission and be a wife and mother. I filled a mission to the West Central States from 1957-1959 right after graduation from B.Y.U. When I returned home I had a job offer in Salt Lake but didn't feel impressed to take it. I taught grades 4,5, an 6 at Wallsburg. I enrolled in some graduate courses and in March was called to teach at Central School in Pleasant Grove fourth grade. How I loved it. It was a great experience and I still miss the feelings of the class room. I believe that parents should be involved in the education of their children.

     While teaching here I was told about and introduced to an eligible bachelor. He was looking for a companion too. We hit it off when he took all the potatoes at supper and I knew he was as nervous as I. Gaston Junior (Jay) Garlick and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple June 27, 1960..Thirty years from the day of my parents wedding.

4/30/00