Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Grocery Business Helps Dream Come True

Looking at them, it's hard to believe they're old enough to have been married 51 years.

However, Everett and Anice Ward exchanged their wedding vows in 1945.

Now, after more than half-a-century, the Wards are Nevada County's Farm Family of the Year.

This honor was achieved in a circuitous manner.

When World War II broke out, Everett was in college on a basketball scholarship. He left school and joined the Naval Air Corps.

His dream, though, was to own land. This, he thought, was the best investment a person could make.

The Wards lived as cheaply as they could, squirreling money away from Everett's paychecks.

Anice used a tried and true method of bookkeeping -- envelopes marked rent, food, utilities and savings.

When Everett was paid, she placed money into each envelope as the young couple worked toward making their dream come true.

Two years after the war ended, Everett resigned from the Navy and returned home to Prescott.

The dream of owning land and raising cattle was placed on hold as the Wards used their savings to buy half interest in a grocery store.

Business was successful as they outgrew their original 2,000 square foot building, constructing a 7,200 square foot model, which also proved to be too small after a while, and finally built a 13,000 square foot structure. This is now Taylor's Big Star grocery.

They bought their first 200 acres in 1948 when someone was willing to risk a gamble on the young man and wife. From there, the rest is history.

However, as it is with most young couples, their first house was less than ideal.

The floors had cracks so bad the ground below could be seen through them. The latch on the back door wouldn't hold and the winter winds blew through the house.

Still, the Wards lived there, making the best of things until they could afford to buy a better house.

This house was bought 36 years ago inside the city limits of Prescott. They tore this structure down, using the lumber to build their current home.

This house, they said, has five walls and insulation, making it extremely energy efficient. The heating and cooling is done by a SEER system, which also helps cut down on utility usage.

The Wards also practice conservation and energy management on their farm.

Hardwood trees were planted to provide a desirable habitat for wildlife, and gulleys have been filled in to prevent erosion.

They also installed automatic floats in water troughs for the cattle. They use a nine-foot mowing machine and a 10 wheel "V" hay rake to conserve fuel.

In 1977, Everett had heart bypass surgery. This proved to be a wake up call for the Wards to watch their diets.

Anice enjoys cooking and used the surgery as a challenge to prepare low-fat, low-cholesterol meals.

She still reads the labels on items bought at the grocery store, eliminating the ones with undesirable ingredients.

In addition, the two have regular medical check-ups, as well as a walking program. However, the farm gives them plenty of exercise through good old-fashioned hard work.

Everett and Anice have two daughters, Sandra Dunham of Maine, and Susan Jackson of Hot Springs. They also have four grandchildren: Matt Dunham 15, Ashley Dunham, 13, Hunter Jackson, 15, and Ginny Jackson, 13.

While in school at Prescott High, Sandra was voted class favorite for three years as well as being tabbed Miss PHS. She competed in the Fair Queen contest, was chosen to be Homecoming Queen, was a drum majorette, member of the student council and National Honor Society.

In addition, she was secretary of the senior class and a member of the Future Homemakers of America for four years.

She was selected to attend Girl's State as well.

Sandra is currently married to Tom Dunham, who owns a commercial real estate business in Maine.

She is still active locally and statewide on behalf of Downs Syndrome children.

Additionally, she was one of the founders and is the current president of the Maine Parent Federation, Inc., a coalition of parents and professionals committed to helping those with special needs to become full participating members of their families, schools and communities.

She was also a pioneer in advocating for total classroom inclusion for students with special needs in Maine.

Her other activities include being a past member of the Greater Portland Landmarks, working with the Children's Museum of Maine and is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Susan, during her high school years, was also voted as class favorite three years, and Miss PHS.

She was a cheerleader and drum majorette for the PHS band, along with being a member of the homecoming royalty.

During her high school career, she was a member of the student council and National Honor Society. Susan also edited the Wolf Trail, PHS annual, and was bestowed with the honor of being chosen for Girl's State.

She is married to Dr. Don Jackson, OB/GYN. They have two children.

Four years ago, Susan decided to fulfill a dream and worked to earn her pilot's license, now flying her own plane.

Along with being a pilot, she is involved with the Parent Teacher's Association and serves as a "Team Mom" for her daughter's softball team.

She has also served on the board of the Young Men's Christian Academy (YMCA), and was a co-chairman of a committee successfully formed to pass a millage increase to support Garland County schools.

Their daughters caught their parents' enthusiasm and inherited their energy as well.

Everett is a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he has served on the Board of Stewards.

He is also an active member of the Nevada County Cattlemen's Association, serving as state board representative to the group.

At one time, he was president of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, and is a past member of the Prescott Rotary Club, Nevada County Fair Association and Post Commander of the local American Legion Post.

He also helped organize the first Little League baseball team in Prescott, and currently serves on the Nevada County 4-H Foundation Board.

Anice has been no stay-at-home herself. She, too, is a member of the FUMC, where she has served in a number of capacities, including being a member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Memorial Committee, Administrative Board and chairman of the Communion Steward Committee.

She also taught fourth grade Sunday school classes for many years and helped organize an "Early Christian Awareness" class.

Since returning to Prescott, she has been an active member of the United Methodist Women, serving as treasurer and circle leader several times.

Her work with the church has also seen