Monday, March 28, 2011

The Music that played behind Dad's Memorial Slide Show.

This is the music that was played behind the Slide Show for Dad.

Alex Boye's "Somewhere Beyond the Moon"

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Dad's Teaching Certificate and Initial Salary

I ran across this documentation showing Dad's Teaching Certificate and 1st three contracts to teach school at Jerome.


Found the first 3 contracts Dad signed to teach school. 

1946-47 School Year (partial) - signed on 18 Nov 1946 for remainder of year for $250/mo.
1947-48 School Year - signed on 18 April 1947 for $3,300/year.
1948-49 School Year - signed on 13 April 1948 for $3,500/year.

Blows my mind how little we paid teachers back then and how little we still pay our teachers. We have slipped from a 1st rate country to a 3rd rate country mainly on backs of our schools. When will we wake up!!
It takes real dedication to teach because you love to teach and feeding your family comes second.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Slide Show shown at Carter's Memorial

The following are the slides in the order shown at the memorial.
Slide 01

Slide 02

Slide 03
 Slide 04


Slide 05
 Slide 06


Slide 07


Slide 08

Slide 09


Slide 10


Slide 11


Slide 12


Slide 13


Slide 14


Slide 15


Slide 16


Slide 17


Slide 18


Slide 19


Slide 20


Slide 21


Slide 22


Slide 23


Slide 24


Slide 25


Slide 26


Slide 27


Slide 28


Slide 29


Slide 30


Slide 31


Slide 32


Slide 33


Slide 34


Slide 35


Slide 36


Slide 37


Slide 38

End of Slide Show

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Letter from Tracy Wolfe (10-29-2010)

Dear Mr. Luther;

The jet lag forced me to rise early this beautiful day, so I thought it's time to send you a letter. I've wanted to let you know how much of an influence your teaching has had on me. I was in Jerome days ago talking with old friends and your name came up.

Of course I wondered how your were doing, and was glad to hear you are living in Gooding.

Not only me, but all my classmates gave you an A+ on your teaching methods. Your wisdom passed on to me had definitely been used on a daily basis throughout my life. I never really became a farmer but a mechanic I am and will always be. Even here in Japan I'm able to repari & keep things running despite the language barrier. I'll never forget the lesson I learned at the district mechanic contest at Twin Falls. Because of my failure to achieve proper clearance angle on a drill bit during competition I'm able to stress the importance of this when teaching someone to sharpen a drill bit. I've been lining in Alaska since 1978 and retired from the City of Sitka three years ago. Since then my wife and I are spending 5 months a year here in Yomaguchi and the rest of thear at our residence in Sitka. We have two kids and three grand kids. Thank you so much for your dedication at Jerome High School. I hope this letter finds you in good health. Please take care.

Sincerely, Tracy Wolfe
Class of 75

Letter from Kelly Jackson

In Remembrance of Carter Luther

Outside of my parents no one has had a greater positive impact on my development and life than Mr. Luther. In the 45 years since I graduated from Hish School I have applied something that I learned under his tutelage nearly every day. In addition, to being a Vo-Ag teacher and FFA Advisor, Mr. Luther provided Hygenic, Nutritional, and Personal advise and counsel. He was both a teacher and mentor.

While I did not pursue a career in agriculture, many of the things he taught still resonate in my daily life. I know tumble weeds are not "Tumble Weeds", they are russian thistles. Goat Head weed is not "Goat Head Weed" it is California puncture vine. I know the difference between 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and when they should be applied. The drafting which I have used, I learned from Mr. Luther.

When I use any power tool, his lectures regarding safety come to mind. It is hard to forget the day he brought Mr. Davis, the band instructor, in to show our class what remained of his fingers after a run-in with the planer. Push blocks, Push sticks and other safety devices are part of my shop.

Despite the fact, Mr. Luther gently explained that, unlike Larry Stuhlberg and other member os our class, I would never a welder be, I took to heart his teachings regarding the need for ventilation and the dangers associated with cutting or welding galvanized material.

I still use the Carter Luther Public Restroom Technique - Never use the cloth towels; Dry your hands with a paper towel; Use it to open the door; and then discard it in a waste basket at the door or on the outside of the restroom. I have tried the daily hand full of raw oats which he recommended and took a shot at his green tea remedy.

The FFA lessons in public speaking and leadership were applied each day of my professional life (or some might argue that I misapplied them - but that is a personal failing for which Mr. Luther can not be held responsible).

On a lighter note, I remember the 1947 tan Chevrolet Coupe. It was his pride and joy. On one occasion , a fluids salesman convinced him that he had a product which would dry out wet ignition system parts. The salesman sprayed the distributor, ignition coil and spark plug wires with water and then applied the magic potion. After the dutiful wait, Mr. Luther tried to fire the old girl up, to no avail. Mr. Luther's reaction was priceless and left the salesman speechless and on the run.

In my case Mr. Luther's influence has permeated almost every facet of my life. I have benefited from the association ways large and small. No remembrance of Mr. Luther would complete without mentioning Mrs. Luther. They were a team and set a great example for each of us as individuals and as a couple. Their warmth, kindness and thoughtfulness blessed my life.

Mr. Luther will be missed but not forgotten. The better days which each of us have enjoyed because of what we learned from him will be passed on to the next generation in a "Promise of better days through better ways".

Kelly Jackson, Class of 1965

Cards and Comments

From Sara Boelter - (w/note)

Dear Aunt Lu, Gary, Gerald & Lorna;
I wish I could have been there for Uncle Cart's service but I had prior obligations.
My thoughts and wishes not only went our to you all on that day but for years prior and since. Although he will be missed by all, he is now at rest and Remembers everything.

He truly was an amazing man and was dear to us. Our families had always been so close, and I hope we will be again someday.
I remember going to the house in Herome as a kid and Uncle Cart talking about all the fruit trees and showing us what he had created by grafting etc. and I remember sitting in their kitchen while Aunt Lou cooked - Remembering a turquoise spotted melmac bowl....weird.
Anyway - Love and peace to you all and a wish of eased pain through this difficult and emotional time.

All my Love,
Sara
(Luther - Boelter)

From Tom & Jessie Warner; Paul Warner -

Terry & Mari Luther - We Love you Grandma Luther.

From Marvin & Susan Jacobsen - Your dad was a special man & he gave many years to the students in Jerome. You are in our thoughts & Prayers.

From Ken & Dixie Dixon - We love you two!

From Jack & Maxine Bell - Thinking of you. We have fond memories of our association with Mr. Luther. Sincerely, Jack & Maxine

From Mona & David Fulton - John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

Dear Gary & Marsha,
We are thinking about you at this time os loss. It seems wenever have enough time with out loved ones. You will cherish those good memories and times together.
I hope you both are in good health and enjoying visits with your boys and grandchildren.
I spoke to Lorna and don't know if we'll make it to the memorial. Our love is with you.

"Cuz" Mona

From Mildred C.

Dear Luella,
I was sorry to read of the passing of Carter but he really lived a long full rich life. He helped, taught and influenced so many Five of my sons benefited from him as Vo-Ag teacher . I think I received garden plants from those grown by the boys in Ag.
My husband Lee, is gon since Aug. 2009 - It's hard --Children are a God-send. Four of mine live close and help me so much. The 5 out of town call often and visit too. We've had winter since  a ft. of snow since Thanksgiving. Enjoy Calif. warmth.
Love, Mildred C.

From Mary Fuller - It is slways hard to say goodbye to a loved one. My prayers are with you. Miss seeing you on Sundays. Sincerely, Mary Fuller

From E. Dale & Teddae Hansen

From Lavar Buttars -

Re: Carter Luther
Many good classes in the old white building behind "Central Elementary" (the old High School).
Historically: The Ag Class; one day we spent at the previous "Interment Camp" Hunt.
Planting trees and shrubs, fencing and ditelps etc.  Watching fields worked and a "Home In A Day" built on the property.
National News: "Farm In A Day"
Thanks for many good memories.  - Lavar Buttars

From Lorena Heath - My thoughts & prayers are with you. Lorena Heath

From Mildred Chojnachy

Dear Gary and all the Family,
I'm sorry about the loss of yourFather. He was well known - a very successful teacher and talented man. I tried calling you to get an addres for you Mom, but got no answer. Will you please send on her letter? you may want to add a note, read my  - or both - to her. Thanks you for doing this for me. Your mother will be "lost". They were always together and she helped him so much - in school and always I imagine. She'll have many good memories. My Prayers & Love to All - Mildred Chojnacky

From Dave & Kerry Randall - I have a lot of memories of Carter as a great teacher and after school as a friend. He was a great person. Taught me many things I have used my entire life.  - Dave & Kerry Randall

From Mark, Katie, and Sam Luther - Dear Family; We are so sorry for your loss. Love & Prayers in Jesus. Mark, Katie & Sam

From Mickey Ploss (2) - Lorna, Love Always, Mickey

From Kelly & Carol Jackson - Dear Mrs. Luther, Gary, Gerald & Lorna - Our thoughts & prayers are with you. - Kelly & Carol Jackson

From Layne & Bev Hall - Dear Lou, Gary, Gerald, Lorna and all the Family, Please know our thoughts and pryers are with all of you in the loss of Carter. He was such a fine teacher who truly cared about his students. Very Sincerely, Layne & Bev Hall

From Jerry & Frances Wayment - Carter touched the lives of so many people in this area. There are hundreds of memories to share. Sincerely, Jerry and Frances Wayment

From Arvella Hendrickson - Dear Luther Family, Your father was a good neighbor. My husband really enjoyed visiting with him. He told him what to spray the peach and apple tree with. My sincere sympathy - Arvella Hendrickson

From Rob & Susan Williams - Our thoughts are with your family. May you find comfort as you reflect on the life of this good man. - Rob & Susan Williams

From Alvin & Elizabeth Chojnacky - Love & Prayers - Alvin & Elizabeth Chojnacky

From Neva, Chuck, Florence & Howard Cox - God be with you always. - Neva Cox, Chuck, Florence and Howard Cox

From "Peg" Marguerit Roberson

From Beulah Easton, Willard & Shirley Shropshire

From Emal Lee (Gooch), Debbie (Gooch), & Sean - To all of Carter's Family

From Mona & Rollie - With all our Love as always. You can feel that he is at peace now. I know Jason is really upset that he can't be here, but that's life. Take care Lu. As ever Mona & Rollie

From Lori Buttars - Dear Brother & Sister Luther, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lori

From Donald & Esther Daw - Dear Bp & Mrs. Luther, Out thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love, Donald & Esther Daw

From Max & Sheila Coy - We hope you have alot of cherished memories that will bring smiles to your face until you see your dad again. Max & Sheila Coy

From Lorrie Eaton - Dearest Family, My love & prayers are with all of you. It's very hard to say what's in my heart & what you need to hear at this time but I love all of you. Love, Lorrie

From Virginia Hall, Jim and Beth (Hall) Campbell

From Dale & Linda Clark - We are sorry for your loss. Always know our prayers are with you and your family. We have come to know and love you both and so appreciate all you do. Thinking of you, Dale and Linda Clark

From Wayne & Lynn Sills - In Deepest Sympathy -  Wayne & Lynn Sills

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

A Letter from John Mundt, Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho

To the Family of Carter Luther;

In the fall of 1966, I was about to begin my senior year at the University of Idaho. My major was Agricultural Education. In August of that year I finished my summer job doing farm work for our neighbor and on my father's farm in east Idaho. Before heading to campus I was assigned to begin my student teaching experience in Jerome Idaho with the agriculture instructor whose name was Carter Luther. So in the fall of 1966 I drove from Firth Idaho to the town of Jerome.

Little did I realize that the experience with Mr. Luther would have a big impact on my life and my future career as an agricultural educator. All I can say is that my time at Jerome High School with Mr. Luther was just a wonderful experience. He taught me so much in such a short period of time. He taught me in a larger sense how to teach, design a lesson, work with young people, and manage a classroom. On top of that I learned some content areas that I never would have learned if it had not been for Mr. Luther. We worked hard driving around Jerome county picking up weed and crop plants to use in class the next day. In addition he taught me how to use the farm level and surveying.

I think the most important thing that Mr. Luther instilled in me was that he wanted me to be a successful teacher and above all when Dr. Kindschy made his supervisory visit to observe, Carter wanted that day to be very positive. And it was, Dr. Kindschy was very impressed with my student teaching. Before my student teaching experience at Jerome High School I really wasn't sure that I wanted to teach school. But after such a positive experience at Jerome I knew that I could be a good teacher and I wanted to teach school.

My career in Agricultural Education included: teaching Agriculture at Meridian High School, serving as State Supervisor of Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor, and I finished my career as a Professor of Agricultural Education at the University of Idaho.

Obviously, when one reflects back on their life there were many turning points and forks in the road. And, there are those who made a big impact on one's life. As I reflect back I am thankful for my parents, my spouse and family, for the professors at the University of Idaho, and I am thankful for Carter Luther. He was a great teacher who helped me become successful in my career. For that I will be forever grateful

Thank You Mr. Carter Luther.

Sincerely,

John Mundt, Professor Emeritus,
University of Idaho
Agricultural & Life Sciences