On July 24th 2014 over sixty Mormon colonist descendants ascended Temple Hill overlooking Colonia Pacheco to honor their pioneer ancestors. They came to pay tribute to the original men who scouted future Mormon settlements for colonization by unveiling a new plaque and capstone to replace an older plaque that and capstone, which were both missing since the 1950’s.
The original monument had been constructed by the Pacheco Boy Scout troop in 1935. Dan Jarvis helped spearhead the project of replacing the original plaque and monument that was originally placed by his uncle Ray Jarvis who served as Scout Master.
Later that evening a Pioneer Day celebration was held at the home of Ed and Gayle Whetten with most of the Colonies residents attending.
(L-R) Dan Jarvis, Vila Ruth Wakkure, Michael Houghtaling, Marie Haynie Houghtaling, Linda Edwards, Carl Haynie, Joe Haynie
Marie Haynie Houghtaling and John Whetten reminisce at Temple Hill commemoration.
24th of July 2014 Pioneer Day celebration Colonia Juarez, Mexico. Home of Ed & Gayle Whetten.
Names of Pacheco and Temple Hill scouting party and settlers.
Colonia Juarez colonist Ed Whetten stands next to Temple Hill monument.
Plaques relating the story of Temple Hill.
60+ attend the commemoration with new plaque and monument on Temple Hill, Colonia Pacheco, Chihuahua, Mexico
Dan Jarvis with plaques of Temple Hill history
Me and my brother George Redd , along with Michelle and Gilbert Sandberg were in Colonia Pacheco in
June of this year and did not locate the monument. Maybe it will be easier now.
Next time we will try harder to see more of that hill to the cliffs.
I had no idea this place even existed. My Great Grandfather’s name is on the plaque, Alonzo Lafayette Farnsworth. I would love to visit there but have no idea of where it is, and if it is safe enough to travel there nowadays. Please send further information on how I could come to visit this and other sites in the Colonies.
Thank you so much, Renee Christiansen