Relief Society Bazaar

Davis County Clipper, October 2, 1953

My friend, Ardis Parshall, read about our ward history project and shared this fun find from the Davis County Clipper. This was the first time I had heard of a Relief Society bazaar connected to the 9th Ward. This was one of the activities hosted by the Relief Society during its first year.

The 9th Ward Relief Society minutes capture the following with regards to this event, dated July 21, 1953. It reads, in part, "Remind everyone about the Bazaar on Oct. 9th."

LR 886 14, Bountiful 9th Ward  Relief Society minutes and records, 1953-1973

Mention of the bazaar appeared again on the eve of the event, October 6, 1953. "Sister Aamodt said the Presidency was very Grateful for the support they had received in preparing for the Bazaar on Oct. 9."

In a meeting soon after the bazaar, October 13, was the following note, "The Secretary read the financial statement for the Bazaar held on Oct. 9." 

A year end summary of the first year of the 9th Ward Relief Society brought clues found in the minutes into greater focus. The summary noted, "Two special Work meetings were held during the summer to prepare for the Bazaar. A very large and successful Bazaar was held on Oct. 9, headed by Sister Ruby S. Garrett (did I read that name correctly?). Sister Garrett appeared on Television with some of the articles that were sold at the Bazaar. The Relief Society purchased a Pfaff sewing machine with money made at the Bazzar."

Suddenly, some earlier notes made more sense. For example, this purchase of a sewing machine for $226.00."

The proceeds from the bazaar could pay for the sewing machine with funds left over for other Relief Society needs. Thanks to careful minutes, we could put together how the Relief Society spent their hard-earned money.

Finally, the summer "work meetings" came into clearer view. These minutes from June, July and August of 1953.

Mention of Relief Society bazaars can be found in multiple sources for years to come. Minutes from 1964 read, "The Relief Society Bazaar was held in connection with a ward dinner. The sewing and food articles were sold to the ward members. Many beautiful aprons, gowns, and other pieces of clothing and many household articles were for sale. Many people did much of their Christmas shopping at the bazaar, and so toys such as teddybears, sock monkeys, dolls, quiet books, and small toys and doll clothes were soon sold. There was also a quick demand for the delicious bakery goods. The Relief Society collect $411.90 that evening so the bazaar was a big success."

 A minute entry from 1970, "The last scheduled Relief Society Bazaar was held Saturday November 21st at 6PM in the Cultural Hall. Many beautiful quilts, blankets, fancy gifts were made and sold to Wad members. Dozens of cakes, pies, bread were also sold. Tasty candies, pop corn and other goodies were prepared and sold. In conjunction with the Bazaar, a tasty Ham and all the fixings were prepared for 375 Ward members and their families. Cost for the dinner was $5.00 per family. Funds earned totaled near $500.00, this will be used by the various Auxiliaries and especially to send our Ward Missionaries to their destinations."

It will be fun to learn more about the history of the 9th Ward Relief Society. I am sure that several surprises are still in store.