Tree Street Tuesdays

Before the snow fell yesterday, I noticed little hints of bulbs pressing through the chocolate colored soil in the garden.  Spring in the Tree Streets is always anticipated with the same excitement of a four year old on the night before their fifth birthday.  Come Mother's Day, all chit chat revolves around the how-to's and what-nots of gardening.  

Not more than sixty years ago this land was still doused with fruit trees of every kind--apricot, pear, apple, peach, plum, cherry, hence the nick name "The Tree Streets."  Orchards spilled down from the mountainside up until the time it was developed in the Brady Bunch era.  Old-timers recall when 900 East was nothing but a dirt road.  There were only a few families thriving on this rugged mountain terrain--The Muhlesteins, Leichtys, Calders, and Taylors.  Descendants of these families still live here.  I spoke with Joan Muhlestein on the phone tonight.  She is the grand-daughter of Joseph and Alice Muhlestein who originally broke ground here in the late 1800s.  She still lives in their pioneer home on Old Willow Ln. and claims she will "stay there until she croaks." 

People move here and they never want to leave.  The Glediator has lived on four different streets in this neighborhood throughout his life.  I have lived on three since I met him here in 1997.  We have tried to move away, but somehow get drawn back every time.  I love the people who live here.  A significant part of the population teach or once taught at BYU.  Professors and scholars of every kind have been infiltrated into the grid.  Artists, writers, actors, musicians and the like seem to appear on every corner.  Our home on Cherry Ln. was previously owned by Newell Daley.  He penned "I Feel My Savior's Love" and taught trumpet lessons to a young Kurt Bestor in our study.  

I am delighted to introduce you to these dear friends and neighbors.  Starting next Tuesday I will begin a series called Tree Street Tuesdays by posting a weekly interview with someone from the neighborhood.  In fact, I have a few other series in mind.  Stay tuned for Musician Monday and Family Friday!  I think I might have an alliteration addiction . . .