Hanson begins by telling the story of her parents' move to Mesa at the request of Brigham Young; they were asked to help ?colonize? the area. Her father Hyrum Smith Peterson served as the Town Marshall of Mesa but was killed while serving in office. She talks about becoming a teacher and marrying Thomas Franklin Riggs a blacksmith. Hanson discusses plays parks dances and other things residents of Mesa had for entertainment. She describes dealing with the hot weather medicine and other challenges of daily life. She also recalls when President Theodore Roosevelt visited when Roosevelt Dam was dedicated. Hanson tells the story of her first husband's death being a widow and then marrying Brother Hanson. She talks about her family and how proud she is that they are all active in the Mormon Church.