--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young, Levi Edgar collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 2 published: 1924-12 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Levi Edgar Young, “Prophecy and History: A Study for the Advanced Senior Class,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 2 (December 1924)*: 150–154." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2802unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2802unse start_page: 150 end_page: 154 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1924-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2802unse publication_year: 1924 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1924, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Prophecy and History: A Study for the Advanced Senior Class PROPHECY AND HISTORY A Study for the Advanced Senior Class M. I. A., 1924-25 History — The Founding of Utah By Prof. Levi Edgar Young, of the University of Utah Lesson X. Chapter XXX, XXXI, XXXII Introduction: — This lesson deals with various subjects pertaining to the educational and social history in early day Utah. How the pioneers fostered the theatre and created libraries in the wilderness is a story of sublime saciifice on the part of the founders of Utah. The pioneers had to have some kind of amusements; they had to have recreation, for their days were filled with toil, and every one — men, women, children — knew the drudgery of hard work. They created their own amusements, and holding to ideals that were their heritage, they fostered libraries and built theatres; they had their concerts and dances, and indulged only in those recreations that rested body and mind, and gave them renewed hopes for the future. It may be safely said that every company of immigrants over the plains carried books of some kind. The story is told of one pioneer who lived with his family in a dug-out during one winter, and at night read Aesop's Fables to his children. The pioneers had their dances, and they loved and encouraged the best in music. David O. Calder opened a music store in 1854, and across the plains were brought song books and musical instruments from New York City. James Dwyer's book store had the best books that were published, and the old records of Harper Brothers of New York show invoices of books that were shipped to Utah by way of St. Louis in the 50's. You should emphasize in this lesson the history of the Theatre as well as the story of the encouragement for libraries throughout Utah. The "Mormon" people were readers in those days. They read wholesome books which made them think. Then they built their "Theatre in the Wilderness." The "Mormons" had a threatre at Nauvoo and one of the chief promoters there of the drama was Joseph Smith. As early as 1842, one of the leading American actors played in the amusement hall of Nauvoo. This was John Lyne who had been playing leading role to Edwin Forrest and the elder Booth. In Nauvoo during that winter, 1842 the people saw "William Tell," "Virginius." "Damon and Pythias." and "Pizzarro." When the "Mormons" emigrated to the far West, they carried with them a love for the drama. William Winter, the great dramatic critic has said: "You must study popular amusements if you wish to understand the mental condition and tendencies of a people." Among the "Mormon" pioneers the stage was something more than for amusement; it was as sacred as the hearthstone. The pioneers erected a "Bowery," in the summer of 1847, on Temple Block. Meetings and concerts were held there. Here the first play was staged in 1850. It was "Robert Macaire" or the "Two Murderers." The cast of this play was as follows: Robert Macaire John Kay Waiter Robert Campbell Jacque Stropp ...H. B. Clawson Clementina Robert Judd Pierre Philip Margetts Celeste . Miss Orern PROPHECY AND HISTORY 153 Several other plays and concerts were given that season. The first advertisement for a concert in the "Bowery" appeared in the Deseret News for June 2P, 1850. It reads: "We purpose giving another concert in the Bowery on Thursday evening, July 4," when we will endeavor to introduce an interesting variety of sentimental and comic pieces, and songs which will be new to the people of Deseret generally; together with some original pieces. In order to save time, and avoid confusion at the door, we shall have tickets for sale at the Tithing office and the Post Office, for twenty-five cents each. For further particulars, see bills. In behalf of the band. — William Clayton. Plays and concerts were given in the "Bowery" until 1853, when the Social Hall was finished. This was the first threatre and concert hall in the far West. Read Chapters XXX, XXXI, and XXXIL— These chapters will tell you about the history of the Salt Lake Theatre and will give you much information as to how the pioneers loved amusements in the early days. In connection with the subject of the drama and music, it will be well to tell something about the history of the Great Tabernacle and how it was built. The following paragraphs tell something about its history: "It was in 1863 that the large Tabernacle was begun. President Young and the people had given the subject of building a large 'meeting house' due con- sideration. Brethren were called to the task, some contributing money, others giving their labor. In the spring and summer of 1863, men were busy getting out timber and sandstone from the mountains east of the city. The plan of the building was due to President Brigham Young, William H. Folsom, and Henry Grow. "Mr. Grow had a unique scheme for the roof, a plan which was adopted and executed. Some few years before, he had built a bridge over the Jordan River, immediately west of the city. 'It was constructed after the Remington patent of lattice bridges, in which planking and pegs were used.' Mr. Grow was a bridge builder in his native state, Pennsylvania, and had constructed many bridges of the Remington type. On coming West, he obtained permission from the inventor to use the idea in Utah, and it was accepted by President Young as the one practical theory for the construction of the new house of worship. The two mechanics, Grow and Folsom, drew the plans for the building which will ever mark them as geniuses in the profession of architecture. "At the semi-annual conference held in October, 1861, William H. Folsom was sustained as Church architect, and in April, 1863, 'Surveyor Jesse W. Fox began the survey for the Tabernacle just west of the Temple foundation.' It was William H. Folsom who superintendented the erection of the building, and the work of construction began September 1, 1865. While there were delays at times, owing to the lack of timber and other material, the building was sufficiently completed for religious services in 1867. The sandstone used for the buttresses and foundation was brought from the quarries immediately east of the City. Large stones were placed on heavily constructed drays with two large wheels. It some- times took two and three yoke of oxen to haul a load to the temple grounds. Men worked in well organized groups, and the construction went quietly and systematically on to completion. Masons, carpenters, and plasterers were brought from different parts of the territory and given work, and the maximum number of men employed during the construction was 205. An average of seventy men was employed in plastering the building, which was dedicated August 6, 1867. People came from all parts of the territory to attend the exercises. Some walked hundreds of miles to be present at the services, and great was their joy on seeing the house of worship completed." 154 IMPROVEMENT ERA Questions and Topics Tell something about the early-day amusements in the town or city where you live. (If possible have some of the pioneers come and tell what they did for amusements.) Where was the first amusement hall of your town? Was there a theatre in early days? Give the story of the building of the old Social Hall. Where was it located? Tell the history of the building of the Salt Lake Theatre. What great actors have you seen on its stage? Why should the building be preserved? What does it mean to you. Give something of the history of the great Tabernacle. Why is it an interesting building to you? Tell about the first public library in Utah. Where were the books purchased? What did the library cost? And where was the money for it obtained? Quote some of the old laws pertaining to libraries. Comment on the following statement: People whose lives are influenced by a deep religious idealism have found expression of that idealism in erecting magnificent buildings, and creating high standards of art. In the days of King Solomon a temple was built to Jehovah. It was a central holy place, to which all the tribes of Palestine might come and pay homage. It created a loyalty to the dynasty of Solomon which tended to a higher ethical and civic standard, and was a place of worship as well as prayer for the priesthood of God. The Greeks gave to the world the most beautiful Temple of ancient classical days, the Parthenon. It stood on the Acropolis and invited thousands to the sacred shrine of Athena. Many of the Roman Temples still stand to attest the deep-seated beliefs of ancient Pagan times, and during the Middle Ages the cathedrals were built as monuments to the faith of the people in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the World. The Milan Cathedral, Westminster Abbey in London and the beautiful Notre Dame of Paris, are all the creations of peoples deeply religious. So in all history, religion when conducive of high moral endeavor and intellectual development expresses itself in the production of great pictures and sculptured forms in art, and eventually in the building of places of worship, where the Spirit of God may come and enter the hearts of the worshipers with mellowing, warming influence. The Sun Temple in the Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, tells of a group of people moved by high religious idealism, and the temples of Mexico and Central America attest the character of the inhabitants who once dwelt in those climes. Lesson XI. Chapters XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXV. Introduction. — In lesson XI, it will be well to emphasize something of the lives of our early day writers. I recommend that you make a list of the men and women who have left us a literature that is distinct and individualistic. Among some of those names will be Orson Pratt, Orson Spencer, Sarah Carmichael, Eliza R. Snow, Emeline B. Wells, Henry Naisbitt, Emily H. Woodmansee, Edward W. Tullidge, and John Lyon. A word about Orson Pratt. He was a great student of theology and philosophy. He was a scientist as well, and his book on Biquadratic Equations was published in London in the early sixties. Genius is always original: but Orson Pratt had genius of a subtle kind. In a new country with but few opportunities, he out- stripped all with his learning. His mind took in the largest ideas, and held them firmly. He read John Locke and was a life long student of Emanuel Kant, whose books he read in the original German. A thinker from boyhood, he learned to PROPHECY AND HISTORY 155 v write in his youth. A keen observer in natural science, he reasoned out many principles afterwards discovered by experiment. . A profound mathematician, "he had a keen wit, and a potential imagination." He used to say. "Let me live with all my might while I do live." Orson Pratt was one of the great thinkers in American History. Questions and Topics Can you give any reasons why the "Mormon" pioneers loved good books and learning? Give the story of the founding of the Deseret News. Why were many of the early-day writers inspired to write? Name four writers of the early days about whom you can say something. What have you read of the work of John Lyon, Sarah Carmichael, Orson Pratt, and Orson Spencer? (Orson Spencer's Letters are among the great writings on "Mormon" theology that we have.) Who were some of the musicians of early days? Some of the artists? "Hamlet" was played on the stage of the Salt Lake Theatre, in 186 6, and the Messiah of Handel was given in the Tabernacle. What is the play of "Hamlet?" Who was Hayden and what is the "Messiah?" Tell about the societies of early days, organized for the study of science and philosophy. What do the playing of "Hamlet" and the singing of the "Messiah" indicate as to the ideals of the pioneers of Utah?" Were there any writers in the early days in the town or city where you live? What have you done to preserve their writings? The following will tell you something about the history of the tabernacle organ. It is an expression of the people's love for art and music. The building of that great organ is inseparably connected with the name of Joseph H. Ridges. He was a native of England, but emigrated from Australia to America in 185 6. In Australia Mr. Ridges followed the trade of carpentry, and worked in a music factory, where by his careful observation he learned many details of organ building, which stood him well in his future work in Utah. A student of history, he was accustomed to speak on the music of the Middle Ages, and it is said that he was well acquainted with the Gregorian chants and the music of the old Cathedral days. Fascinating was his story of Ctesibius of Alexandria, who lived in the third century before Christ. It was he who invented the mechanically blown trumpet, and Hero, his disciple, caused a row of musical pipes to be blown by mechanical means. In the early sixties, Mr. Ridges was selected by President Brigham Young to build an organ in the Tabernacle, and the idea endorsed by a host of other citizens, among whom were David O. Calder, Daniel H. Wells, George A. Smith, Alexander C. Pyper, and Dr. J. M. Benedict. After submitting preliminary drafts to President Young and his counselors, Mr. Ridges began making arrangements for the construction of the instrument, and was assisted by his associates, Shure Olsen, Niels Johnson, Henry Taylor, Frank Woods, and others. Meetings were held with these men almost daily, and the reports of each man's work were listened to. While one was collecting various specimens of wood from the canyons of Utah, another was devising good tools to work the wood with, while still a third man was experimenting in making glue. So the preliminary work went on. Specimens oi wood were sent by the colonists from all over Utah, and it was finally decided that the best wood was found in the hills around Parowan and in Pine Valley, more than 300 miles south of Salt Lake City. It was a fine grain of the white pine variety, free from knots and without much pitch or gum. For the large pipes, it was especially well adapted. The larger pipes, some of which measure thirty-two feet, required thousands of feet of timber, all of which was sawed on the ground where the trees were cut down. Over the long, lonely roads trudged the oxen day by day, hauling the 156 IMPROVEMENT ERA heavy logs to Salt Lake City. At times there were as many as twenty large wagons, each with three yoke of oxen drawing its load. The roads were rough and dusty, and many streams had to be bridged, that the wagons could pass over without dif- ficulty. In crossing one stream in southern Utah the logs were let down over the bank with ropes and the oxen driven some miles to find a ford, where they crossed and followed on down the bank to pick up the wagons and loads again. The timber was finally landed in Salt Lake City. Another important necessity for making the pipes was glue. This was made of hundreds of cattle hides as well as buffalo skins, by boiling the strips in large pots over fires. The organ was begun in January, 1866. About one hundred men were em- ployed constantly in its construction, and it was dedicated in October, 1867. Lesson XII. Read Part IV Founding of Utah This part tells how the people crossed the plains in early days, by ox team and stage coach. The story of the building of the transcontinental railroad and telegraph is emphasized. The last chapter of the book — chapter XL — gives something about the economic and social conditions in Utah today. In giving the last lesson in The Founding of Utah, the opening paragraph of Chapter XXXVI, should be read carefully. It is: From ox-team to airship has been the development of transportation in Utah since 184 7. Our fathers and mothers will remember when Salt Lake City was a thousand miles from the railroad. The story of transportation in Utah which began with the six-yoke ox-team and emigrant wagons, tells of the freighters, pony express, overland mail, and daily overland stage, the coming of the railroad in 18 69, and finally the automobile and aeroplane. This, in the short time of seventy years, is a development more remarkable than any other line of progress in the world's history. One last word. I hope that the study of the Founding of Utah will .inspire the men and women of Utah to a greater love for the history of the pioneers. Poverty was a stern, but successful, teacher. The people were poor in the early days. Their first problem was that of existence. Gradually the richness and abundance of our natural resources was realized; slowly capital was accumulated and vested in all manner of industries. The intellectual life of early day Utah expressed itself in schools and educational work of a high order. The threatre and libraries were built, and the pioneers recognized the essential relationship between knowledge and power. Read all of Part IV, or chapters XXXVI to XL, inclusive. It will be well for the members of the class to give in imagination a trip across the plains to Utah, by ox team in the early 50's. Then contrast this trip with one they make to the Missouri river today. Questions and Topics Tell a story of the ox-team days. Give the history of the building of the transcontinental railroad and telegraph. What was the pony express? Why was it important in our history? (Have some pioneer tell about his overland trip in the early days.) Tell about some of the difficulties and hardships of the plains in crossing to Utah, by stage coach or ox team. Why is Utah a great State today? (See the last chapter of Founding of Utah.