Westerners in Action

WESTERNERS IN ACTION B. T. Higgs, Philosopher, Builder By Harrison R. Merrill It is certain that scores of men come upon the world's stage, play their parts well before the audience and then depart without receiving the applause that is due them. They are like excellent members of a cast who have an important part to play in the drama, but a part that merely carries on the action for the star performers. Many a play has been made by these lesser characters, and many a play has been marred by them, yet the stars receive all of the honor and sometimes, but rarely, the blame. B. T. Higgs, superintendent of buildings and grounds at Brigham Young University, is one of those whose work, though good, has not been applauded, at least publicly. Thirty years ago this man with multiple talents came to Provo to permit his daughter to1 study at the Brigham Young Academy. He had no. idea, at that time, of making his home permanently here. Upon his arrival, however, he was invited to take charge of the wood- work department of the academy, as he had spent much of his life as a carpenter in his home county, and was well known in Salt Lake City and Ogden as a builder. He left employment at which he was receiving a salary of $5 a day — a huge sum in those days — to take up the wood-work at Brigham Young Academy for a dollar a day. Now, of course, his salary is commensurate with his service. Mr. Higgs later assumed charge of the buildings and the heating system, a position which he has held with honor for nearly a quarter of a century. During that time he has not only had charge of his own buildings, but has been used by the Church as an expert in planning and remodeling the heating and ventilating systems of other school buildings owned by the Church. Men who had their wood-work under B. T. Higgs went into many of the high schools of the state where they have taught with honor. Others have gone out into practical life where they have made good at their work. For a number of years Mr. Higgs has given all of his attention to the job of making students and faculty members comfortable at the lowest possible cost at the parent Church school. To assist him in this work he has called to his aid stores of college students who have been eager to work a little to assist themselves through school. B. T. Higgs is not an ordinary custodian. He is a philosopher, as well as a practical worker at a dozen trades. He can think of some of the grand things of the universe, as well as he can fit a pipe, mend a boiler, hang a door, or do a thousand and one other things

B. T. HIGGS that, during the last twenty-five years, he has been called on to do. Though busy always, he calls his workers together occasionally for instructions. During that period he gives them bits of philosophy which have been gathered by a busy man out of a busy life. The boys who work under his direction appreciate these talks and carry away with them much that is of service to them in their lives. On some occasions he has had his talks printed in order that the boys might have copies. Some of the most prominent men in this state have worked under the direction of this philosopher-superintendent. Some of his bits of wisdom are: "Father used to tell me that unless you can do a job right, don't do it at all. "If a man would ask me to do a job with material unsuited to the job, why I wouldn't do the job at all. "Do your work well. No man ever rose to power in his pro- fession if he slighted his work in any way. "You are just young men building your manhood. The things you learn are just like drops of water in a cup: you are gaining these

276 IMPROVEMENT ERA principles of knowledge, you are linking up your material, you are getting ready to do the job you have before you. Become a master in your profession and you will become a leader. Either you will be a follower or a leader. It is better to be a good follower than a poor leader, yet it is better to be a good leader. You cannot do it just by saying you want to; you must get the determination to build a foundation." Scores of young men now out in the world engaged in various occupations and professions came under the direction of B. T. Higgs. It would give him real pleasure to hear from any or all of them and to learn in what way or to what extent his relationship with them has proved profitable. Although Mr. Higgs is approaching the age when many men rest from their labors, he is still vigorous and strong. He can ride a bicycle to a line, or saw to a mark. He is ever at work doing his bit to better the institution of which he is exceed- ingly proud, and to which he has given so much of his life. Provo. Utah. Work and Fun "Our Fathers and Sons' outing this year was held on the top of Koo.sharem mountain, August 10-12. We had plenty of fresh, Top: Part of the crowd which attended our Fathers and Sons' Outing at Koosharem Mountain, Sevier stake M. I. A. Bottom: E. Elroy Thurston and his five sons at the Koosharem Mountain Fathers and Sons' Outing.

WESTERNERS IN ACTION 2 77 spring water, tall, green pines, and were located close to a large, open space, where we conducted our games and held our evening camp-fire program. Everybody was kept busy with plenty of work and fun. All voted to come back again next year. Thanks to Brother Moroni Smith, chairman of the outing. E. Elroy Thurston had five sons present, also Soren Sorenson was present with his five sons, and there were altogether 183 who registered. — W. S. Warner, Superintendent, Richfield, Utah, Sevier stake. Dreams I dream magic dreams of such wonderful things; Of love, and achievement, and life — A life idealistic where harmony rings 'Bove the tumult of labor and strife. Of things that are fine, and things that are rare; Of love that exalts and ne'er dies; Of paintings, and starlight, and music, and prayer, And of peaks where eternal snow lies. In my dreams I would fly to the suncrest of things; I would spurn all the vulgar and base; I would soar to the heights, on undaunted wings, Till I stood on the summits of space. But I wake from my dreams, and the world presses 'round, And my rose garden rankles with weeds; The peaks are obscured — my feet trudge the ground — And my soulflight is stayed by misdeeds. And my once starlit sky sheds no glamour nor gloss; For harsh daylight has shattered its sheen; And my painting, I find, is mere pigment and cloth — And 1 find that my dreams are — just dreams. But think not that my meteor dream-flash was vain; For it lit the rough path where I plod; And I cry out with joy as I stumble again One step nearer my dream-plane — and God. Preston, Idaho. O. E. Howell.