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When the St. George Tabernacle, which was under construction, was ready for plasterers, my father, George F. Jarvis, applied for a job as apprentice to the "head plasterer," which position was granted him. He helped to mold and put on the plaster-of-paris ornaments which formed the centerpiece and frieze decorations in the building. The plaster-of-paris looked very much like flour and a barrel of it was standing outside the building. One day an Indian came by and saw the barrel of "flour," so he thought he would help himself to some. He put his hand in, took a big handful and hurriedly put it in his mouth. He jumped and sputtered and tried to empty his mouth, but the mixture, as soon as it came in contact with moisture, set firm. He was not interested in flour barrels after that sad experience.
Ella J. Seegmiller Note: Those of you who have worked with plaster-of-paris know that as soon as it gets wet, it gives off quite a bit of heat. I'm sure that the heat added to the poor fellow's surprise. [mwj] |