In late January 2000, the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation held Idyllwild Alive History II, a multiple-weekend event of long-time Hill residents reminiscing. I recorded the event and transcribed it for a series in the newspaper.

The first panelist, and one of the most memorable to me, was Mary Sigworth whose family bought a vacation cabin here in 1925. She spoke of the one-way rutted road her family took in a 1925 Reo to travel to and from Idyllwild. She spoke of Idyllwild’s golf courses in the 1920s and 1930s. She spoke of hiking the wilderness and entertainment in town. She talked of Idyllwild’s role in World War II aiding soldiers.

But my favorite was this: “[Harry and I] met in the third grade in Long Beach. It happens that Harry was the new boy and the teacher put him in my row and told me to take care of him. He was such an embarrassed boy and it was really something to make him feel comfortable. And through the years — it’ll be 55 years in October … I’ve told Harry, ‘I think I wish I could find that teacher and ask her if I could be excused.’”

Yet anyone who knew Harry and Mary Sigworth knew them to be tied to each other thick and thin — soul mates for life.

They had moved here full-time in 1985 and contributed immensely to the community in many volunteer roles. They both exuded gentleness with intelligence, and beautiful smiles. The warmth of Mary’s smile always brightened a room. And their patience set an example.

When they moved to the desert, as is the case with  many others who reach that age, we knew it was time, but a sad occasion to hear of.

Both born in 1922 they died at age 92 within 10 days of each other. RIP to a loving and missed couple.

Becky Clark,
Editor