A Fulfilling Experience

This past week has been an incredible experience! I feel privileged to have learned from each and everyone of you, and am excited to use your lesson plans in my own class. Although I will not be teaching Utah Studies this next year, I can manipulate a lot of the ideas to use with my students. The nice part about teaching reading is that it incorporates the integration of all content areas. I believe it is invaluable to review past material, use reading/literacy strategies, and build on students' background knowledge.

Again, thank you all for making this experience such a special one. I have loved your company, your willingness to share your ideas, pictures, and lessons. On to Big Mountain!!

A picture is worth a thousand words!

I am so excited to have a bunch of your photos to share with my classes. Thank you to everyone! Can I just say that this trip has been so educational. First off the readings, the reports/lesson plans, comments from our fearless leaders, and teaching strategies greatly enhanced my knowledge of this topic. Aside from those things... just being on the trail and experiencing it for myself first hand has really taught me more than any book I have read.

I really enjoyed the Photo Analysis Strategy that we leaned in the bus. I think that the photos from this trip are going to enhance our teaching so much. After seeing things like South Pass, Independence Rock, Fort Bridger, Devil's Gate, the ruts, Fort Laramie etc, my idea of the Mormon Trail is so much more clear. All I can say is that now I know the meaning of the prhase...a picture is worth a thousand words.

The Trip

This week has just been amazing!! We have spent a week in a bus doing what it took the pioneers months to do. The places that we have seen have made all of the stories of the past come to life. Beginning with Fort Bridger, Martin's Cove, Independence Rock, The Guernesy Wagon Ruts, the museums and ending with South Pass. The stories and information that we have learned this week will help us bring history alive in our classrooms. Not to mention all of the friendships that we have made. They say that a picture is worth 1000 words and this week we have taken a million words worth of pictures. Thanks for the fun. Debbie Draper

What a Trip!

I have enjoyed this opportunity of actually learning history on this trip. I pictured everything so different from what it really is. I have never been this far north before nor this far east (except for the florida airport, but I didnt seen anything) thanks Gene, Val and Tim. I enjoyed tapping into your knowledge about my pioneer ancestors and being with a crazy group of people that have a love of history. South Pass was not what I expected. I thought it would be more like the Devil's Gate pictures. I bet the pioneers were happy that it wasn't. Can't wait for tomorrows activities. Julie

Good times on the bus!

Wow... South Pass was so different than I had imagined. I always thought that it was in the mountains and what not and then when I actually saw the pass and how it was in such an open area I was astounded. I also really enjoyed the topics we discussed on the bus today. It is really refreshing to hear an expert give knowledge on topics that are usually very one sided or biased. I have also herd from outside sources that the book The Massacre at Mountain Meadows is worth the read and is very well done. I am interested to read it.

Speaking of reading I would love to know what books you all bought on this trip and what you think about them... and books you already have read or use in your lesson preparation or for the students or just for personal knowledge. There are just so many books out there and I don't seem to have the time to read them all so I would love to refine my search for useful books.

Our Travels

The museum in Cody was so big and full of information. The Teacher Trunks were awesome! I can't wait to check out the one on Mountain Men. I am sure my students will love it. It is really neat that they offer that to teachers.

I really appreciate all of the learning strategies that Tim gave us. I love that they are useful in all subjects and help to integrate. All of the reports and lesson plans are great, thanks everyone!!

Finally!

So...I finally succumbed to using another computer to do this blog thing. I've come to find out that technology is either your friend or your enemy. This trip... it has seemed to become my enemy. Anyways, I can't believe how fast this week has gone! I have had such a blast, and I feel so excited to get back and teach Utah history. As a first year teacher, I felt so unequipped to teach the subject. This has clarified so many of my misconceptions and understanding of the topic.

As Gene spoke today about the Mountain Meadow Massacre, it made me think about how history really is so subjective. As he listed all the different authors about the topic, it reminded me that history is what it is by the people who write it. I think it is equally important to be informed about historical events, but equally important to be aware of the sources and their motivation behind the writing.

South Pass

South Pass was very different from what I expected. I expected a narrow pass instead of rolling hills. I have really enjoyed the strategies that Tim has taught us. They are useful from the day school starts, not only in History but in everything. Thanks Tim! All of the lectures have been very interesting and informative. It has been a great trip1

It's Been Real!

It was interesting today to see the route over South Pass and see where the pioneers crossed the Green River, as well as where meetings took place with Sam Brannan and Jim Bridger. I also learned from Gene's commentary on polygamy and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I think I would like to read the Walker book.

It has been great fun to meet all of you and enjoy this learning experience on the Mormon Trail. Thanks to our 3 fearless leaders for making this such a worthwhile experience. It's the big hike tomorrow!

The Spirit at South Pass

At South Pass I could imagine all the wagons coming over the hill. I felt like I could almost see them. I love the spirit at so many of these places. It's like they're still there helping us to never forget them and what they did. I wondered if the wind blowing in their ears drove them crazy, or if they got used to it after a while. I also wondered if they thought the journey would never end as I did on the bus today!

south Pass

I really loved South Pass today. I have wanted to go there since 5th grade. I always loved reading about the mountain men and pioneers and south pass was in all the stories. I also loved Gene's lectures this afternoon about polygamy and the Mountain Meadow massacre. It is hard to find someone that really knows what they are talking about. I took notes and will keep them. I look forward to tomorrow when we hike big mountain.

Bus Ride

Buses and cars put me to sleep. I blame it on my mom, she trained me young. Anyway, I admit it I dozed during part of Gene's talk. I would like to state, here and now--I tried really hard not to sleep because I wanted to hear about blood atonement andthe MMM. Thank you to all who asked questions because it helped fill in the blanks. Gene I appreciate all you have done to make this trip so informative. Tim thanks for the strategies and how you use them. I will be using them. Val you found some good hotels, thank you. I have really appreciated this trip.

South Pass was not what I expected. I pictured like other passes not gently rolling hills. Thanks for the visual so that I can explain it correctly to my students.

I'm sorry the trip will be over tomorrow but I have some good information and materials to share with my kids. I will send the words and calls to anyone who wants to know how to teach the Virginia Reel and Oh, Jo hnny, Oh.

South Pass

What a drive! The stop at South Pass was very interesting. Standing there you can see why they followed the root they did. I never pictured it like that! I want to thank Tim for all the strategies he share with us as well they are at the classroom level and really helped me to see how to apply some new ideas. The discussions today were interesting as well most of the information I had heard before, but it was interesting to hear several different view points.

South Pass

What an eye opener for me today. I always pictured South Pass as a valley in the mountain and not such a gradual slope. It was good to see the pass and to see the whole valley for that clarification. Thanks also to Gene for the discussions on Polygamy, The Mountain Meadows Massacre, and Blood Atonement. I was the one who brought up the Polygamy question when I read it in Mormon Thunder. Thanks Gene!

Teaching Moments

Those early morning wake up moments are always a little challenging for me,  but after we took our group picture and sat down to the display of educational trunks and the brief introduction of facts about the museum, I was wide awake and ready for adventure.  The availability of materials for teachers was amazing and so appropriate. I hope we can coordinate some efforts and use them in our classrooms.  Having time to finish our expedition around the museum and sitting down with a drink (diet cokes and Italian sodas) to philosophize about various teaching viewpoints, filled up the morning quite nicely.  

The afternoon extravaganza on the river...well...a different sphere of knowledge, but knowledge nonetheless... 

Natural History Museum Part II

I too had a great time at the Natural History Museum. Now the challenge will be the time to take all those pictures and put them out so that they are assessable to my students and arrange them appropriately.

Natural History Museum

My favorite thing today was the Natural History Museum. I was able to take some awesome pictures of so many animals that live in our area. That was an excellent opportunity. The other realization I came to today is that even though Buffalo Bill accomplished some amazing things in his early life, he was an entertainer. I thought most of his fame came from his work as a hunter, but far more reaching was his show that spread the fame of the American West. I feel that it was because of the exposure that he brought to the west that made Easterners think that the west was a wild place. He painted a great picture that became the Hollywood West.

I Feel Funny...ha ha

I have to concur with my fellow participants in saying that this has been an amazing experience. I have loved being able to discuss ideas for lesson plans and brainstorm ideas for making these lessons really come to life for the students. It is wonderful having a conglomerate of professionals to pull ideas from (and have a lot of fun with).

My favorite part of today (besides rafting of course) was walking around the garden area at the Buffalo Bill center and viewing the Plains Museum. It was incredible being able to see the different Native American houses, as well as experience what it was like inside a Hidatsa dwelling. I loved the incredible sculptures outside in the gardens, particularly the structure of Sacagawea. Being able to learn about her life, in preparation for my report, really has increased my interest in learning even more about her. I think it's wonderful when we give our students a "taste" of a concept that inspires them to take it even further.

Thanks all for all the fun!!

Nat

Mustangs!!!!

I really wanted to go on the river rafting trip today, but when I heard about the mustangs I couldn't resist. We were told to stay 500 feet away from the horses, but someone forgot to tell them. As we were standing on the ridge looking at a herd of about 45, 3 young stallions got curious about the animals that were clicking. They came to check us out and stood about 30 feet away. It was awesome. We also saw a 3 day old foal. It was rearing and galluping. I can't believe how strong it was being so young. I also didn't know we would be hiking on this van trip, so I came a sole away from knowing how it felt to hike barefoot in them thar hills. Between this trip and the museum it has been a great day. Thank you Larry H. Miller Group!!!!!!!!!!!!

Museum Part 2

I thought that the education program this morning was very worthwhile. I found the adaptations part especially useful, since that is one of our science units in the 5th grade core. I think it would be good to integrate some science stuff into a study of westward expansion and the Mormon Trail. When we study Lewis and Clark in my class, I have my students do an "exploration" of either their back yard or a park, if they don't have a yard. They describe and draw what they see and also do a leaf rubbing. I show them a sample of Lewis's journal where he sketched some of the animals he saw.

The firearms section of the museum reminded me how interested the boys are in weapons, and someone always chooses the weapons report when I divide my kids up to report on different aspects of the westward movement. The display in the museum was amazing; I'm rather illiterate when it comes to firearms, but if my brothers were along, we would be in that section of the museum until Christmas while they described the history and characteristics of every gun there. The museum was great, and too much to completely absorb.

Being There!!!

I have loved the trip so far!!! I am totally a hands-on-learner and actually seeing and being in the places that I have read about make it more meaningful. However, I still can't even imagine being a pioneer and making the trek out west. Being at the Guernsey Wagon Ruts was awesome!!! It really made me stop and think about the day to day trials they had to face. My appreciation to the pioneers has become much deeper, I truly admire them.

Working while having a GREAT time!

Who knew that learning and working could be so fun? Thank you SO much to the Larry Miller Group for giving us this gift! What a memorable experience! I've been to many, many classes during my career, but I've never had one where I felt so much like a sponge; soaking up so many fascinating things while having the time of my life!!
Not only am I gleaning so much knowledge from the different sites, readings and strategies but I'm learning SO much from the professionals I am surrounded by! What a great group!
I wanted to comment a little about the conversation about the trials of the pioneers had while crossing the plains. I'm so grateful to Tim for sharing with us his experience from losing his son. I strongly believe that we too are just as strong and tough as the pioneers. Our trials are just sometimes different, yet hard too. That's why we're here. To be tried.
Thanks for being such a great group of lifelong learners! I've learned so much from you! :)

Working while having a

Museums and New Friends

I loved the Museum today, but I also loved the chance to have a little down time to talk with new friends and get new ideas. I can't wait to order a trunk and have fun letting my class experience history the way I have this week. And lets not forget the little trip down the river........who knew a field trip could be so entertaining. Thanks for the good time

Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark wing of the museum today was incredible. The artistic representation of the events that they endured really brought the expedition to life. My favorite pictures were the ones with the white background. I also learned that Captain Clark called an antelope a goat. This may be why some people think they are related to the goat.

Lewis and Clark paintings

I was very inspired by the Lewis and Clark paintings. I made a second visit today right before the bus came to pick us up. I had time to spend some time alone just reading and absorbing the feeling of what happened. It was very personal and motivating. I want to learn more about this historic voyage and what occured during their trek. The artist did such a good job. I so wish that I had that type of talent. I would love to go and paint pictures of such beauty and magnitude. I even went and splurged and bought the book from the bookstore that had all of the paintings and descriptions underneath it. I don't know if I dare let my students use that one. I will be very special to me.

Better late than never!

Sorry that this entry is a bit late.... but that seems to be my lot in life as of late. I just wanted to comment on Independence Rock. I absolutely loved it! I can't even describe in words how cool I thought it was to walk where all of the westward travelers walked. It is amazing how much more incite you get by actually seeing the places that you teach about. I had seen pictures of Devil's Gate and Independence Rock and other various land marks but to see them in real life gives you a feeling unlike any other. Also thanks to all of you on the trip... this has been so fun!!!

Confidentiality

After traveling along the plains for several hours today and stopping at the wonderful mural and visiting with Bill Cody and his lovely assistant Annie, it was nice to return back to the long house and before retiring for bed, having a rousing game of cards that sets the heart a-racing and having conversations that include a myriad  of tales that can only be repeated...well...probably not repeated.  What's said at the card table...stays at the card table.

So far.....

I have enjoyed the trip overall so far. Of course, some parts have been more interesting to me than other parts. I enjoyed climbing to the top of Independence Rock. It was fun to be up so high. I can just imagine what the pioneer mothers were thinking about their kids being on it. In the present time, I would have been nervous if my own children were on it. That is even knowing that we have medical insurance and a vehicle to ride in to the closest hospital. Had I been a pioneer mother, I would have been a nervous wreck that someone could have gotten seriously hurt, and then what would you do??? No 911!!!

It has been so fun meeting all of these new people! Who knew what fun all of us dorky teachers could have!

I am looking forward to seeing South Pass later this week!

Extraordinary

Howdy Pardners!
Even though I'm totally a city girl, I've always been fascinated by Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and the whole Wild West Show thing. I love that Buffalo Bill took an idea and made it something legendary. I admire imagination and creativity. I also admire talent and skill. He and Annie both did things extraordinarily well. I've always dreamed of having my own school where I could do whatever I wanted and not have to answer to anyone. Now that would be extraordinary!!!

Buffalo Bill

I really enjoyed the enactment of Buffalo Bill at the museum. It was very realistic and interesting.
Going back to Mormon Thunder, I really got a different perspective on Jeddy. He was really insistent on cleanliness. Does anyone know if this was revelation or just his idiosyncrasy on cleanliness? I was suprised that some of you thought he was rough. I felt he was brusque but only out of great love for the people. I believe he wanted them to exalt the religion and reach their glory. So he called a spade a spade.

Swimming

So how many of you attempted to swim tonight? It was a little brisk. Thanks Pat for doing water aerobics with me! I loved the Buffalo Bill Museum. I had a great time with my new friends! See you in the morning!

The Buffalo Bill Museum

Wow! I think you could spend a week in the museum and not see it all. I spent most of my time today in the gun area. It was unbelievable! I really enjoyed the muzzle loading guns that had the huge barrel circumference. It was interesting to read about the different gun makers and see their different ideas. My favorite is the Browning Models. John Browning was an original Mormon Pioneer. His son continued in his work after they settled in Ogden. It was als0 fun to see some of the record animals that were in the game area.

Great Trip!

This has been a great trip! All of the people have been so fun to be with. Who would ever think that you could go on a trip with all strangers(some stranger than others) and have such a good time. I really loved the feel of Martin's Cove and Independence Rock. The ruts were one of my favorite things to see, so different than just looking at a picture. The reports have been very enjoyable to listen to, and the strategies very useful. The museum in Cody is an amazing museum, a lot to see there. Looking forward to tomorrow, the museum and the river trip.

Independance Rock

I loved being able to climb to the top of Independance Rock! It gave me an idea of the landscape of the whole area. I can see why it was a place of celebration. After weeks and weeks of crossing sagebrush flats it rises up and would give you something to look forward to. I can imagine the dances and parties they would have. Our own group even kicked up our heels, did some cartwheels, and threw some cameras around. The place can really lift your spirits!

Prayer Rock

Today I really liked the story I learned at the church in Cody. It dealt with the Mormon Immigrants who were building their 37 mile canal. They came to a point where there was a huge rock and they didn't know how to remove it. The leader prayed about it and upon finishing prophesied that the rock would be taken care of within 24 hours. The next day around 3:00 he told his men to get out of the canal. As soon as everyone had left the rock split on it's own and they were able to remove. Wow. I have also really enjoyed seeing the scenery change from the high plains to the Wind River Mountain Range. I love mountains.

J. Grant

I was really touched by the story of how Grant went back for his daughter's body only to find it was no longer there. It must have been a very difficult time in his life. As we did the "Happiness Scale" today it made me realize that his arrival into the Salt Lake Valley was not a very happy time in his life.

Impressions so Far

This trip has been an amazing experience thus far. Each day I am impressed with the amount of trials that the pioneers overcame in order to set-up a new life out west. The spots that stand out thus far for me include Martin's Cove and Independence Rock. I didn't know much about the Willie-Martin Handcart Company, thus hearing the story of such tragedy really showed the amount of fortitude people had back then.

At Independence Rock someone made the comment regarding the number of people that stood where we stood overlooking the plains. It's really neat to live in someone's shoes, even if its through virtual means and imagination. I hope to bring this same awareness to my students in my classroom.

Signing off! Bring on GOLF!!

Museum

I came to the Buffalo Bill museum many years ago, but it has expanded a lot since I was last here. This would be a great place to bring kids. How about a field trip? I'd pass on the long bus ride. . . I learned a lot of things about B. Bill that I didn't know before, such as his young age when he became a Pony Express rider. The displays were interesting - just the right amount of information.

I also visited the Natural History museum part, and enjoyed it very much. The displays were informative, and the bird sounds added to the experience. I look forward to the Plains Indians and western art sections tomorrow.

Cody's Visitor Center

I sure felt at home in the gun museum today. I could have spent another couple of hours in there and I already spent 1.5! This is a great museum. It has changed since I was here 20 years ago. I also enjoyed the Indian exhibits there are some intricate bead work in there.

Fun at Cody WY

Today we left Casper WY, and moved on into Cody WY. First we took a short tour at the local Cody WY LDS Murals. We then spent a couple hours in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. This is a museum in Cody WY that has may different sections relating to the west. I toured some of the gardens, the guns, and the natural history museum. I loved reading and spending time in the natural history museum. It was full of information on local plants, animals, and geology.

The attached picture is of Buffalo Bill's childhood home.

I had a couple of people ask me about the "Prayer Rock" as discussed at the LDS Murals. (This was a major part of building the Sidon Canal that was mentioned in my report.) Following is a site where you can read about "prayer rock"and more about Mormon expansion into the west.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=a833615b01a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Seeing is not only believing...it is knowing

Thanks to Pat & Abe who have the techno savvy to upload those wonderful pictures with their postings.  The pictures not only hold the events of a historical past but now have a current present-day meaningful insight for each of us.  The past met the present in a unique sharing of knowledge that was individual for me as well as a shared experience among us all.  We may hear stories and tales about the overland trip but some things are learned by sight and touch without a word uttered.  Today, it was the seeing that had the most profound effect on my understanding.     

Fort Laramie

Being an Air Force brat, I felt very comfortable at Fort Lamarie. I recognized what the buildings were and how they were used from seeing the comtemporary ones. I also have been hooked on American history for a 100 years (Yeah, I'm really that old. Don't I look great.) I have read and seen a lot about the services. I really enjoyed seeing what a fort in the 1800's actually looed like. Pat

Gurney Ruts taken by Jared Chaira

Here is a picture of the Gurney Ruts.

What an awesome day 2

Today we enjoyed looking at some old army ruins and then some of the old trails markings left in the side of a mountain. I got some great idea's on where to bring my family on a vacation and some good ideas for teaching about Mormon History in the classroom. Thanks to everyone for all of their great lessons and for sharing their thoughts!

Highlight

My favorite thing (like most of yours) was going to visit the ruts. I had seen pictures of them many times before, but it was very cool to be there in person and actually see how deep they are. I'm glad that they are in a location where people can come and experience them. In my opinion, there is something extra special about going to locations and seeing the "real thing" versus something that is rebuilt, relocated, or reconstructed (even though the latter three have their place in helping us visualize what things might have been like).

I would like to have seen what the terrain was like 150 years ago that would concentrate so many wagons into such a narrow little spot. It seems like there is plenty of room now for wagons to travel many different ways, but it was mentioned that there were lots of marshy areas near the river (great for birds, bad for wagons), and I wonder if the river has varied its course since the 1840's. Anyway, it was fun to be there.

I was kind of surprised at Ft. Laramie. For as much history and lore as it has, it seemed rather. . . sparse. I didn't realize that anything there that would date back to the early Mormon Trail era is gone. I walked down to see where the old fort would have been, and that was nice. And yellow-shafted flickers, house wrens, and western wood pewees found me. Since Lewis and Clark were discussed today, I'm sure many of you know that Lewis and Clark each have a bird named after them - the Lewis's woodpecker and the Clark's nutcracker. Go to Google Images if you want to see what they look like.

Guernsey Wagon Ruts

Today helped me feel like I could really understand the pioneers. I can feel a little bit when I am on an old dirt road but seeing those wagon ruts really brought it home for me. It was a great experience.

Here is a good website for all of us:

http://uintahbasintah.org/toolkit.htm

Richard

What a great day

Other than bus butt, it was a good day. I learned about why Independence Rock was named, I often wondered. It was a great day and I finally got to go and see Harry Potter!

Neat to be here

Like others have said, you can read about places forever, but nothing compares with being on site. I really enjoyed experiencing Martin's Cove, Devil's Gate, and Independence Rock. Very cool. I'm also amazed at the vast knowledge that our fearless leaders have. It's fun to learn all of this new stuff and think about how to present it to kids. And thanks to all of the pronghorn spotters! :-)

It's so much better in person...

What a cool first day. You all are a great group of people to learn with! I've heard about these places all my life(Independence Rock, Sweetwater River, Martin's Cove) and I finally got to see them. I can hardly wait to show my students the pictures I took. Yea!

It's so much better in person...

wow! Today i actually walked where my great grandfather walked. this is an odd feedling. Some of the sites we saw today were very different than I had pictured in my mind. I have seen pictures of some of the places, but the actual places are so much better. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what we will learn. Julie

First Day Great Day

What an awesome beginning! Pat thought Independence Rock was awesome. She has read a lot about it but now she has had first hand experience. Chris is grateful that there were no rattlesnakes in view! Looking forward to a great steak tonight. We can't wait to see the museum in the morning. Enjoy your evening in Casper!!!

1st Day

I really enjoyed the first day! I have enjoyed the different lessons as well as the places we have visited. I was impressed with Martin's Cove and Devil's Gate. I plan to bring my family up soon. I also enjoyed hiking Independence Rock. Oddly enough the thing I have enjoyed the most today is learning some of the different teaching strategies. I can't wait to get back to use them in the classroom!

What a great day!

Let's get this party started

Julie and I are in our hotel room and ready to roll early in the morning---we hope you all have a sense of humor cause we plan on laughing our guts out and having a great time. I finally got my picture to post so I'm sure we're ready to roll.. Sleep tight. Love, kara and julie

Wagons ho... lets go!!

So it feels like I have been reading a lot lately. Between reading the books for this trip and the research I have been doing I feel like I have become so much closer to the people that took this epic journey across the west. I really have to say that I admire those who came before and founded this state. They endured so much and didn't have so many of the luxuries of life that we enjoy every day. I just think its amazing that they set up cities and made things happen. I think its a shame that Jedediah Grant died so young in life. It would have been great to see what he could have done with his life if he had had more time. I think that we needed men like Jed and Brigham Young that were out there doing things. They were not passive in anything they did and although that approach would definitely not work today I can see how it was a needed and useful attribute to have back then. Im so stoked to actually see the sites that I have read and taught about... and to meet all of you!

Jed... a man to be admired.

I've noticed that with the holiday weekend a lot of people have been talking about the settling of Utah and such. Today I heard someone telling the story of Jedediah crossing the plains with his wife/ taking her to the valley to burry her/going back to get his daughter that he had buried a bit earlier etc. I was caught off guard because I wasn't listening when the person started the story and didn't hear them mention Jed's name and I started to recognize the story and thought... oh wait I totally know this guy. Even though a lot of people have commented about how "intense" Jed was about his religion I have to give him props. I really think that people that are commitment to a cause or a religion or anything at all, to the extent that Jedediah Morgan Grant was, is rare and to be admired. The guy was proactive. There are so many people today that aren't committed to anything. Some people can't even give you a definite answer if they are going to show up to a party or the movies and such. I just think that although he had his faults- he was committed and if he said he would do something you could count on him. If there is one thing I can apply in my life from reading this book its to be more committed and there for people.

I agree...

I will agree with the previous comment on the Emigrants' guide- it does seem like more of a reference type of book and not such a sit down and read for enjoyment kind of book. I liked the book but I don't think I wouldn't recommend it only because I found something to compare it with. While I was doing my research for my topic (The California Trail) I came across a really great resource that is similar to the Emigrants' guide but in my opinion much better. It is called The California Trail Yesterday and Today by William E. Hill. It cover's much of the trail that everyone used and has really great drawings from the early travelers as well as great photos now at the same angles. I was just really impressed with it however it doesn't specifically cover from Fort Bridger to the Salt Lake Valley. So I guess the Emigrants' Guide stands as a solid resource covering that specific area of the Mormon trail.

The Emigrants Guide

I enjoyed all the new places this book introduces. I hope we get to see some of these sights so they become more real. This book was hard to read cover to cover. It is more like an encyclopedia of places and event along the trail. I'm glad we are taking it with us so as we visit these places I can review the information in the book and bring so much more insight to the locations.

JG Jibber Jabber

I like JG's audacious speeches and letter writings.  His unique use of the language makes me wonder from what books he received his education.  A favorite passage that may come in handy for me someday is his reference to the Upas tree.  I had to look up on google to find out what a Upas tree actually was and where it grew...(not in North American apparently) but I think we ought to consider certain graves to plant it over in order to facilitate a permanent delay of resurrection as JG suggested (p. 136 & 150) for the runaway judges.  

Also, in the second letter to the New York Herald, I found his characterization of Brigham Young (p. 409) to be flattering and a bit whimsical.  After stating that Brigham is a great judge, and nice person, and a lover of "all the best music that a heart can invent."  JG goes on to say, "But he has no mind for some kinds of niffy naffy finical whilly whaing."  I am not really sure that is English but it may be the influence Lewis Carroll needed for "Jabberwockey" in 1871.

Ready or Not...

I'm so excited to be going on this trip Monday morning! It's been a little tough for me to get through these books, not that I didn't find them interesting, just tough! I've learned so many new things already and I am certain that as we "sit at the feet" of those who have researched and dedicated so much of their lives to learning so much about our early Saints, we will be filled to overflowing!
Hip Hip HOORAY! Bring on the Mormon Trail! See ya bright and early Monday morning...ok...maybe not so bright! :)
~Kim Almond

Emigrants' Guide

I finished reading the Emigrants' Guide today after trying to read parts of it simultaneously with Mormon Thunder. That didn't work so well! But I have read the entire book now.

I found the pictures very interesting. Especially when there were "then and now" photos. I am looking forward to driving through Echo Canyon again so I can look for some of the rock formations. I guess I haven't realized the significance of the area when I have driven through it hundreds of times before. I can't wait to take my teenagers on a little drive and offer some small history lessons. They love when we do that!! he he he

My husband and I are wondering if the Heiner Canyon in the book is the same Heiner Canyon that his ancestors would hide out in when the government was out rounding up polygamists. He has relatives that are Heiners.

All in all, it was quite interesting to read and learn more about Utah's history.

See you in a couple of days!!

Let's figure this one out...

As I finished the requirements for this seminar I realized there wasn't a whole lot of information about the trail itself or it's daily life. Jedediah Grant was an interesting character and probably one I'd stay away as far as possbile. Dr Sessions (yep I'll use that title as well) did a spectacular job with research. I think it'd be very hard to immerse oneself in the character, such as Jeddy, as this type of book requires. Props to him!

I would love to hear what type of resources you all use in your classroom to teach this topic. I believe it would be very beneficial to all of us to see what types of resources are out there. Let's create an annotated bibliography for us to take back to our classes and schools. As we are out on the trail and ideas come to us about resources we use, let's complile them. I'd be happy to do all the compiling and get a copy to you all before school starts. What do you all think?

Here's some of the resources I use to get us going...We Were There, Too! Young People in US History by Phillip Hoose "Mary Goble: Walking to Zion" pgs 138-143. A great primary source story the kids can read. Charlotte's Rose by A E Cannon This young adult novel defintely is for a mormon audience but parts can be used to build background knowledge. The Gathering of Zion...The Story of the Mormon Trail by Wallace Stegner One of Stegner's best. It paints a great picture of trail life. A Mormon Mother by Annie Clark Tanner One of the most honest books about polygamy out there. Interesting fact-this is OC Tanner's mother.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you soon. Have a great couple of days...

Quite the strong personallity

I was rather shocked by some of the firmness of JG's attitudes and comments. I think that I kind of understand. To be in the middle of creating a new society based on a religion and so far from anything, the people needed to be strong in their faith. JG could see that they were starting to waiver and that this shacky faith would not be a good foundation to build Zion upon. However there were a few points where he went a little over board.

Misigination was one of those. Take an idian wife to improve the indian people, and if your current wife does not like it she can go. I understand that women were viewed as little more than property at times, but is there no real feelings for his four wives. I think that he did, but these are mighty harsh words.

I really appreciated learning of JG. I knew some of Kimbal, and it was good to learn of the other member of the presidency. It sheds more light onto the way things were being run and handled in the valley as the Church was getting established. I am very excited to be leaving Monday for Wyoming. Oh yea, thanks for the directions to the parking lot.

When in doubt... go with the Emigrant's Guide

So this is kind of random but I thought I would share my discoveries with you all. I was just reading the Emigrant's Guide and came across a photo that I had seen before. It is the photo on page 120 with a log cabin and a family out front. It says that this photo is taken in Echo city, which I did not know existed and think is kind of cool; however, this same photo appears in the Utah history text book, Utah a Journey of Discovery by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel page 144. I know that some of you may use this same text book and find this interesting. The part that annoys me is that in the text book it says that this photo is taken in Kaysville and that two of the women in it are the photographer's wife and friend. So I looked in the back of the book to find out who the photographer was and I can't find anyone listed for that photo. In the Emigrant's Guide it says that the photo is taken by A.J. Russell and that the photo is of the Ashton family of Echo, Utah. I think I'm going to go with the Emigrant's Guide on this one.

No Friendly Persuasion...just dominating dogma

I appreciate the fact that Gene Sessions was able to research and gain access to the personal writings of JG.  I am not sure I would want anyone to find and publish letters of mine that would eventually give insight into my beliefs and concerns.  I know my beliefs  change over time and having my beliefs and understandings interpreted over a hundred years later may not represent my perspective at all.  Dr. Sessions (I know he hates that reference, but is entitled to it) has woven the personal letters of JG with understandings of the time they were written to invite us, the readers, in engaging considerations of what was and has become culturally relevant and alleviate misinterpretations.  

In the short time span that JG lived, he saw his adult identity and work as a missionary.  A missionary for a new religion, a religion that eventually forced a group of people to create a sense of community and purpose.  The personal insight JG provides as one responsible for enticing others to join in a community building religious experience is very enlightening to our understanding of other individuals who joined the religion as well as understanding the leadership of that new religion.

I agree with Abe that JG had very high expectations of those he came in contact with and that his method of preaching was negative and condescending.  JG's personal conviction of the religion and his understanding of what he perceived as undeniably right or wrong leads to my agreement with The Enchanted Castle (not sure whose name in our group goes with that title) who stated in one of the first postings that JG seemed to have a big ego.  In chapter 3, Grant is "concerned about his own immediate future as an itinerant preacher" and recognizes his preaching skills as an invaluable asset to the religion.  He is impatient to wait for others to prepare to go on missions with him and seems to like to be on his own.  He laments the fall of other missionaries (Benjamin Winchester) and the perceived failings of church leaders.  He is intolerant of behaviors that are not in agreement with his new-found convictions.  

Although the new religion is in an infant stage, JG expects total commitment and understandings from those appointed to leadership positions within the branches of the church. The leadership, on the other hand,  still recognizes the need for human relationships, compassion, and tolerance of the failings of others. In JG's missionary service, he states, "I have however started a church" (p. 20) recognizing his own efforts, with expectations that those whom he has converted become committed to the extent that he is.  JG is continually hopeful he will receive recognition from the religious leadership for his productive work but rarely receives it.  JG sees himself as a missionary and powerful preacher more so than a husband and friend.  He was, as pointed out on page 18, more interested in converting non-believers than mingling with those already converted, which preoccupies his every decision.  He finds satisfaction and honor in the work he is performing.  He rarely feels the need to understand the predicaments of life, the other "work" that the leadership is involved in, and the lived experiences of those to whom he expects to convert. He holds his own ideal of how others should act and show conversion.  JG's life work and profession is being a missionary in an exceedingly dogmatic fashion and this life work becomes an obsession to him.  I think I would find him a difficult person to be friends with or be related to, yet, on the other hand, I believe he would say the same of me.      

    

Mormon Thunder and Jeddy Grant

Well, I have finally finished the book. What an amazing man Jedediah Morgan Grant was! I am not a member of the church, so reading the history of this man and his part in the Mormon religion has been very interesting for me. I have learned so much about Utah's history, as well as history of the church.

Jedediah was such a passionate man! I admire his zeal for wanting the Saints to live the appropriate life that one should in order to receive the blessings in the afterlife. However, I can't help but wonder if Jeddy suffered somewhat from OCD! he he he I laughed out loud everytime he mentioned that people should be clean themselves, have clean houses and yards, and live clean lives. It makes me wonder what these people must have looked like! :)

It was cool for me to read about Jeddy coming to Morgan with Thomas Jefferson Thurston and George W. Thurston. Thomas Jefferson Thurston is my husband's great, great, great grandfather. Pretty cool to see it mentioned in Session's book!!!

I have come to appreciate reading biographies much more since reading this book. I can't wait to learn more about Utah's history!

Thanks Amy!

I can't wait to talk about my last fieldtrip! It was a wonderful experience. I want to hear all about your trip also!

Time is running out!

I can't believe this marvelous experience is almost here! I have had my granddaughter and two step-grandkids here this last week and a half and it has been a blast. I only see part of them once a year because they all live in Texas. I have had a rough time getting on the computer with them around. They want all my attention and I give it to them. I have been trying to read the book again because I read it earlier and my memory isn't as quick as it used to be. I am rereading the Guide because I started with that book because it fit so good in my class that I used it a lot in May. Now I need to write in my learning log about the book. Look forward to seeing all of you soon. Enjoy the 24th of July!

Address for Abe

The IMAX theater is on the north end of the theater complex at 9400 South and State Street. The parking lot is behind (east) of the theater. You can enter the parking lot by driving north on State Street and turning in just north of the IMAX theater.

Emmigrants Guide

Does anyone else want to stop all traffic in Echo Canyon so that you can just yell and hear the echo that the pioneers heard? I would really love to hear that myself. This has been an interesting book. I agree with the comments about pictures. I think that some of them could have been taken better. I do enjoy reading the different stories and following a story line from Fort Bridger to the Salt Lake Valley. I am stoked to be getting on with this trip on Monday!!!

NEED ADDRESS

Dear Mormon Trail Participants:

I am unfamiliar with the Sandy area. Does anyone have an address for the IMAX center where we meet the bus on Monday Morning?

Mormon Thunder

I thought I had submitted an entry when I finished this book in June.... But I see no record so I will enter another entry. I loved this book. I was amazed at the dedication and devotion that Jedediah M. Grant had for his found religion. I have always felt devoted to my religion, but have never fought for it to the extremes that J.M. Grant did. I was also amazed at the devotion of his wives and family. It had to be difficult to support a man who expected such high expectations from everyone.

I also would have had a hard time responding to his method of preaching. I like to hear the good word,...and then apply it to my life....but all in a positive and not negative condescending manner.

A great book that I have recommended to others!

Emigrants Guide

This was a very informational text but I found it a little difficult to get through. I enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading about the interesting landmarks that the emigrants saw as they were coming to Utah but I really wanted to hear more of the stories and personal insights of the emigrants. I look forward to seeing some of these landmarks on the trip next week.

Emigrant's Guide

While the Emigrant's Guide was an interesting read in terms of landmarks and routes along the Mormon Trail, I wanted more in terms of stories. I loved reading the accounts of people's experiences along the trail, and am excited in learning more. At times I felt the author glazed over key events that not all of us know about (i.e. the Willie-Martin Handcart Company), thus I am excited to talk to people and have them fill in the blanks. Can't wait to see you all on Monday!!

Thanks Chris!

I loved your comment about your trip to New Mexico and the different Native American experiences you had. Very very cool! I can hardly wait to chat more about what you saw. Have a grand day.

As I finish reading phase two and three from "Mormon Thunder", I can't help but wonder what the Saints were feeling when listening to his sermons. Some of his sermons are quite interesting to me, while some are kind of "out there".

I really had a connection to one of his sermons from chapter 11 when he spoke of netting fish. In all groups of people you will find many different character types. There will always be good and bad people in every race, religion, and culture. It is never a good thing to stereotype any group. I think we forget that far too often.

I am looking forward to finishing the book today so I can move on to the next one.

Emigrants' Guide

So I thumbed through the Emigrants' Guide book a few times before really starting to read it. I guess it just didn't look that exciting and so I kept procrastinating the day of reading... but I am glad to say that I have enjoyed reading it much more than I had anticipated. I really like the random stories that catch your attention and then leave you hanging. The only thing that I don't really like is the quality of the pictures. I guess some of the pictures are quite old and what not but for some of the more recent ones I am left wishing that they had a higher resolution or were in color or something. Other than that I think its a great book and I am excited to see some of these places first hand and take my own pictures!

Bring on the Thunder!

I'm so excited to finally have figured out what I am doing on this blog thing... it's been a work in progress but here I am. My thoughts on Mormon Thunder have continually changed as I have read the book. Although I couldn't figure out how to post my own comments I have read yours and I must say that I have had so many of the same ideas. This has made it more difficult to come up with something new so I will simply agree with you all... you have such great incite! As I started the book I really liked the feel of it and was excited to keep reading more. I was very excited to see who Jedediah would choose to marry etc because he is such a devoted mormon it would take a special girl for him. I was very disappointed to find that that whole aspect of his life was glazed over so quickly it was as if it wasn't very important. Even now I can't remember his first wife's name. After that disappointment the book seemed to go much more slowly and it was hard for me to stay interested. I will say on a more positive note that I do like the style of journals and letters and then commentary that moves it along. I haven't read many books that use this tactic and I like it. I'm not quite finished with the book so I will sum up my consensus when I do. Oh and thanks for all your posts... they have helped me stay interested.

Answering Tiff

I think that Fillmore was selected to be the first capital because Brigham said that it was located in
the center of the state. even when we weren't a state, it was pretty central to the territory. Many people had to travel great distances for the opportunity to meet together. Traveling from St. George (and Beyond) to Salt Lake City would have been a hardship and this only made it easier for the people in the southern parts of the territory to be included.

Emigrants' Guide

I finished the Emigrants' guide today. I found the book pretty interesting and enjoyed looking at the pictures and reading about many places. It even mentioned Croydon in the book which is were I grew up (although I am a little embarrassed to admit that). I have seen many of these places and picturing the pioneers there with all the obstacles they had to face on their journey is truly amazing. I really admire all the pioneers who kept journals. I love hearing first hand accounts of their experiences as they traveled to the Salt Lake Valley.

I am really looking forward to our trip - see you all next week!

Rocks, Canyons, Mt. Ranges, Water, and Stations, Oh, My!

At first I couldn't figure out why anyone would write a book like this, but as I went back to write my journal entries, I got the bigger picture. It wasn't so much about places as it was about the people who traveled there. I could imagine the pioneers at each spot. I loved that they carved their names in the rocks. It makes them so much more real somehow. I liked hearing about all the places close to our little town of Morgan like Echo Canyon, East Canyon Creek, and East Canyon Reservoir. Our family has many memories associated with these spots. We got caught in a flash flood at East Canyon during a fish fry. My son caught an 18" trout in the East Canyon Creek when he was a small boy. I'm tempted to go to Echo Canyon and see if I can really hear an echo. I'm not quite sure where to go off the interstate so I don't get seriously killed, however. I was also glad to learn there is an upper and a lower Weber Canyon. Who knew? I was confused at first when they talked about it. I'm grateful for the pioneers and their perseverence. What a great heritage they've left us!

"...and should we die..."

". . .and should we die before our journey's through, happy day, all is well." This line from the LDS hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints" is what struck me as I finished Mormon Thunder. I thought of Jedediah Morgan Grant dying at 40 years old, a premature death even in those days. He stood by his ideals to the end. He never wavered. He was totally self-disciplined and totally loyal to the two prophets he associated with. I admire his spunk, but think he was a little zealous. As I read the conference talks from the current general authorities of the LDS Church, they couldn't possibly be any more opposite from Jedediah Morgan Grant's. Today they are kind, loving, compassionate, and forgiving. I wonder if it's the difference in the evolution of the Church and/or its people. I'm afraid if he'd talked to me like he did to them, I'd have apostasized myself. I'm grateful for getting to know "Jeddy" Grant. Even my husband has taken an interest in him. We went to a garage sale last Saturday, and he found an old book about Heber J. Grant, Jedediah's father. He immediately checked to see if there was anything about JMG in it, and lo and behold, there was. I hope I can muster up some Grant-style enthusiasm as we embark upon our journey together next week. See you all then.

Thoughts on Mormon Thunder and Jedediah Morgan Grant

Well, I finally finished the book at about midnight last night, better late than never.

I took a Utah History class in college and learned a lot about our state. Reading the history of Jedediah Morgan Grant has really increased my knowledge of Utah History, but has also left me with some questions. This blog has been really helpful in answering those questions. It has been fun to read others' opinions and discuss the book with other teachers.

Grant really was an interesting guy. He made a lasting impression on all those who knew him or heard him speak. He was a very powerful speaker who preached what he believed in. I found it very interesting that not only did he preach about being spiritually clean, but physically clean as well. I think the author, Gene Sessions, described Grant best when he wrote ". . . he rose to the ruling councils of the young church, religion encompassed all in his world, from keeping ditches and bodies clean to attending to prayers and obeying counsel. He was in every sense a professional Mormon."

This is the place.....to blog...and I can FINALLY do it!

Finally……I can start blogging! I have had quite a time trying to get set up to actually do this. So, I have finished the first two sections of the book and have three left to go. In the first section, I was having a very tough time reading the book. Jed’s journal entries were filled with so many errors, it was difficult to read fluently to construct any meaning. I struggled with it, even having worked in Special Ed. for several years! I wonder what happened that made his journal entries improve over time???

I was very amazed at how Jed took this work to heart for so many years. What a testimony he had! I can’t believe how much of his life was dedicated to the church. I can’t imagine what a tough decision it must have been when it came time to head west when he had an ailing wife and new sick baby. What a rough time these people went through in order to live in their new land.

I SO do not get the whole idea of polygamy! What an icky thing! For whatever reason the need for it was; I just don’t get it!!!

Fillmore

For some reason, my (outdated) computer won't let me post comments to other people's posts, so I'll comment as a new post instead. I checked a couple of places to see if there was a quick answer to Tiff's question, but I couldn't find one. I would guess that perhaps they wanted a place that was more centrally located, since the territory covered a huge area - not only present-day Utah but also parts of surrounding states for a time. Then the size of the territory was carved back until it reached the current size of the state of Utah. Fillmore didn't last too long as the center of government; things were shortly moved back north to Salt Lake. I learned something in my little search, though. Fillmore was actually settled with the intent of making it the territorial capital; it wasn't an afterthought.

Better late than never!

July 4th

Better late than never! I've finally, with a lot of help from my team, figured out how to post something on this BLOG. I'm something less than techno savvy!!! Sometimes I feel like a dinosaur as I see what the new teachers are able to do almost without thinking. Well, enough of that. I hope all of you fellow Utah history participants are spending as much time reading and writing as I am. I feel like I'm in slow motion. I'm almost finished with Dr. Session's book. I knew basically nothing about Jedediah Morgan Grant, and now I feel like a relative. Since I live in Morgan, which is named for him, you would think I would have had a clue, but NOOOOO! The whole trip is coming way too fast for me. I know it'll be here before we know it, and after that it'll only be 13 days until we're back in the saddle here in Morgan. Que sera, sera. (spelling?) Well, gotta run and get a 4th of July Bar-BQ ready for my family. There are nineteen of us now including my husband's parents. I have a husband, four children (3 daughters and a son), 3 sons-in-law who are great guys, and a new daughter-in-law who we all love to pieces. Our seven, soon to be eight, grandchildren are extremely beautiful, bright, and charming, of course! Have a happy 4th!!!

July 10th
I'm back from Jackson Hole. We had a great trip. We went whitewater rafting, and it was a blast! I've been thinking a lot about Utah and the people who were instrumental in settling it. Jedediah Morgan Grant was quite the guy. At the beginning of the book he seems like quite a religious zealot. Then he seems almost fanatical. It's like you have to read between the lines to see that he's just a very devoted, loyal man with strong convictions. If I ever have to stand for what's right, I want him on my team. I like reading the letters to his family. He shows his tender, gentle side. I believe he really loved and cared about his family. It's amazing to me that any man can think about and take care of more than one wife and family. My husband has a hard time just with me now that our kids are gone. I hope someday to understand the whole plural marriage thing. I hope things are coming together for you as you make your preparations for the "big trip". I'm looking forward to meeting all of you.

Thoughts on Jedediah and The Emigrant Guide...

So I finished the Emigrant Guide. I can hardly wait to see some of these colorful places now that I know more about them. I just kept thinking how fun it would be to make some of the discoveries that John Eldredge made. How cool would it be to stumble upon a fur trappers grave site? The reasons why fording a creek/river at the end of the day made perfect sense. It really got me thinking about all the little things a person would need to know to survive on the trail. As I'm reading about "Jeddy" I'm wondering about the response of the normal everyday person to his discources. Were they well received or was his truth hard to hear? Are there journals or records that describe the reactions? It would be interesting to get the listeners perspective on this interesting man.

Gene Sessions as Author

I feel the Gene Sessions did a remarkable job in bringing to light was Mormonism was and will never be again through publishing this book about Jedediah Grant. He showed how remarkable he was a one of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the influence and impact he had on leading the early members of the Church. Sessions was able to show what early pioneer life was like and the difficulties they faced as they were forced to leave their homes in Ohio and Illinois and then travel West to settle in a new area. He shows how Smith was not only just the father of the later prophet Heber J. Grant, but shows what an inspiring missionary he was to those he taught and came in contact with, an obedient servant, and the difference he made as a spent the last few years of his life as a counselor to the prophet Brigham Young. Sessions was able to show, within this book, the spiritual and historical sides of Jedediah Grant in a way that I don't think any other would have been accomplish.

Jedediah as a Man

Jedediah was a man who refused to compromise his standards when it came to the principles of the gospel. This book showed an interesting side as to his change from a radical preacher to a full-fledged member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles under Brigham Young. His voice truly comes out within the pages as he befriends Thomas L. Kane, was a captain of one of the company of the pioneers as they entered the Salt Lake valley in 1847, served several missions to the east in an attempt to spread the gospel to all parts of the world and also to bolster the image of the Saints during the crisis of polygamy. He was one who urged his people to sacrifice all that they possessed in a stern voice, but we also see the tenderness of Jedediah as he communicates with close members of his family.

Question???

In chapter 13 it talks about the first presidency leaving the Salt Lake Valley to attend the legislative session in Fillmore, the new state capital. I knew that Fillmore was the first state capital, but I have always wondered why. I would have thought that somewhere around the Salt Lake Valley would have been a more obvious pick than Fillmore. Does anyone know why Fillmore was chosen?

Finished Emigrations Guide

I enjoyed seeing pictures of the places that I have heard about. Some of the places I hadn't though. I can't imagine walking up a mountain and facing all the hardships that that could entail , and once there seeing another mountain and I would have to do the same thing again. My mental picture of the pioneers has changed. Some of the places mentioned were in my great grandfathers journal. I look forward to being able to see what he saw as a small boy in a handcart company. Can't wait for the trip.

Thoughts on Happiness

In chapter twelve, The Eye of the Storm, Jedediah Grant states, "I want the Saints to be impressed with the motto of being happy all the time....If things do not go right, let them go as they will, if they go rough, let it be so; if all hell boils over, let it boil. I thank the Lord for the bitter as well as for the sweet" (205). In this passage, I believe Grant shows a lighter side of his character. Although he seems quick to admonish the Mormon people for not always demonstrating an ardent passion for religious matters, Grant's words demonstrate the importance of maintaining a positive spirit, even in times of strife. This passage reminds me a lot of the film "Pollyanna" and the message of "gladness" that she spreads throughout her community. I think many can learn to adopt a happy spirit, and find the good in even the most challenging of situations.

Infant Mortality

I was listening to a program on the Mormon Channel today (the new LDS radio station), and they were interviewing Jenny Lund, who is one of the people in charge of the LDS Church's historical sites. Her topic was Winter Quarters. I know we aren't going there, but it was a major jumping-off point for the trip west, and was also the "headquarters" of the Church for nearly 2 years. The Mormons only had permission from the Omaha and Oto Indian nations to stay there for 2 years. Amazingly, the pioneers built up this waystation town in about 2 months. It was set up according to Joseph Smith's "City of Zion" plan. That is also how most of the early towns in Utah were laid out - lined up as closely as possible to the cardinal points of the compass, houses in the center of the city with farms around the outside, etc. One thing that surprised me was that 46% of the deaths in Winter Quarters during 1846-1847 were children under the age of 2. Many of the deaths were due to malnutrition.

After the Mormons left Winter Quarters, it is thought that scavengers came in and took the wood that was left from their homes and fences and used the wood to power steamboats that were traveling up and down the Missouri River. Then, in 1850, there was a big prairie fire that wiped out whatever was left. In the pioneer cemetery there, only one headstone remains from that time period. There used to be a small home adjacent to the cemetery that was operated by my great-uncle as a visitor's center. Then the LDS Church built the Mormon Trail Center on the site in 1997 (the 150th anniversary of the 1847 trek), and a few years ago, a temple was also completed there.

That's probably more than you wanted to know, but I thought it was quite interesting.

Emmigrants Guide Finished

I finished the Emmigrants Guide text. It is quite detailed in describing this portion of the Mormon Trail. I did find some of the stories and journal entries amongst the sight descriptions interesting. Most of all it made me think about how much the landscape contributed to the experiences the pioneers had as they made their amazing trek west.

SPAM

This blog was reported to be SPAM. I requested an appeal and it was approved and verified that this blog is not spam. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. For those of you having trouble posting please email me at tallen@morgan.k12.ut.us I will send you a new invite that will update your profile. For some reason the blog software glitched and changed some authors to followers.

Thanks
Terry

Final Thoughts about JGM

As I have pondered the book all day, I have realized that JGM was a great man. As I read of his death, I could see that he had a vision of what the church should be. I didn't know that the church had gone through a reformation period and this bothered me a bit. but as I pondered, I can see a need for this to have happened. Many had been through trials that would have weakened anyone and they needed to be shocked back into the reality of the church, They needed to remember what it stood for. I have asked many of the elder members of my family and they were as in the dark as I was about this topic. Really makes you think.

Finished The Thunder.

What a roller coaster of a book. I marvel at the faith of the pioneers. Jedediah must have been a personality that commanded a lot of respect. i really don't know how I would have measured up during that time. I would be siding with him as he talked to the saints about cleaning up Zion and then I'd turn around and be so angry with Jedediah for butting into some of the everyday life things like bathing. I think that the saint needed to be brought to account for much, but if felt people had to measure up to his standards of Zion. Glad I live now.

More Insights

In reading Chapter 11 of Mormon Thunder, I was impressed with the words of Jedediah Grant regarding one's work ethic. He states, "If you want a heaven, go and make it" (180), then encourages the people to look first at their spiritual nature, and then focus on their temporal needs. It's interesting how industrious the people of Utah were, in terms of going out and constructing a home out of nothing. It's sad that society has changed so much that people expect so much and yet do not want to put forth an effort to gain it. Many could learn a lot from the work ethic and mindset of the people from this age.

Thunder is right!

I love how Jedediah carried himself! Converted completely he was never afraid to share his convictions with those that he taught. They were right to call him "Brigham's hammer".
The other realization that this text helped me remember is the amount of travel that the missionaries and brethren do. With the modes of transportation available then the time and effort would have been extensive. In response to one of the other posts I too have noticed common themes in the church's conferences today. It's interesting how we seem to need the same admonitions today as they did back then. I kind of wish Elder Grant could speak in his typical manner at one of our modern day conferences. It might open some eyes.

The Emigrant's Guide

Hooray. I finished the second book tonight. It had some interesting things in it that I didn't know. First of all, I found it extremely interesting that Thomas C. Durant was on his way to the celebration of the joining of the rails. He was one of the big guys for one of the rail road companies. When he got to the town of Piedmont the took him and held him hostage because the company had failed to pay the townspeople for their work. They didn't release him until the money was sent a few days later. This caused the Joining of the Rails celebration to be postponed from May 8 to May 10 1869.

I was also inspired by the story of the Edward Bunker Handcart company. You always here of all the hard things that many of them endured. This company had a man with one leg, 2 blind people, a person with one arm, and Ellenor Roberts left her shoes on the banks of the Misouri River and walked the 1,000 miles with bare feet. This must amazingly more difficult.

I also love William Clayton's description of Echo Canyon. I really like the canyon with all of it's beautiful rock formations and colors, but he described it as the most romantic spot he had ever seen before. I wonder if he had been introduced to polygamy at this spot. LOL. I also wondered which defenition of romantic he was talking about.

Finally I didn't know that it was at the top of Big Mountain that Brigham young recieved the revelation that the Salt Lake Valley was the right spot for them to stay and be safe.

One criticism of this book. I loved the pictures, but I found all the detailed explanations about the different rock formations boring. Maybe it is just me. My kids might like it if I had actual pictures to show them in the class with the name and the reason behind it.

Assignments

Just a reminder that both texts need to be finished and with you on the seminar. Learning logs filled out and ready to be turned in. Blogs posted. 35 copies, three-hole punched of your one page (front and back) paper completed and lesson plan developed from the paper. Preparation is the key to getting the most out of this amazing experience. I can't wait.

Heya!

Ok, so I'm a little slow in making my first entry. I've been in the Washington DC area finishing up my district's history grant and also seeing some amazing things. Now it's time for this adventure with you all. The posts I have been reading are really insightful. You guys will be great to travel and learn with. See you soon!

The Emigrants Guide

I just finished reading the book. I can't believe how many things I never really knew about the history of Utah...Being the great granddaughter of pioneers and a lover of history, I always thought I was pretty knowledgeable about state and pioneer history. Boy was I wrong. I hope I haven't let some poor kid astray in my teaching.. I just can't imagine having to wake up every day to another really awful day on the trail. These saints must have had such strentgh and faith. I had to sleep in my car, on an air mattress for two hours and thought I'd go nuts. No wonder it ws my ancestors who came across and not me.. Two weeks isn't long enough to be ready.

Thoughts about Emigrant's Guide

I thought that this book was very informative. It got me way excited for the trail and the expected sites to see. I didn't have any real in-depth comments or questions arise as I read. However, one thing that I found interesting and stood out to me, was the history behind Fort Bridger. I was surprised how it was acquired by the Mormon settlers and how they burned a large part of it down when the US troops began to come in. I was kind of shocked by their reaction to the situation. So I think that the reading of JMG has helped fill in some of my questions regarding that time, and the views the Mormon settlers had towards the US government.

I'm ready

I can't believe that it is almost time to go and experience the great Mormon trail. I really look forward to seeing all the wonderful sites. I think that the summer is going by way to fast for us to really enjoy it. The book as been amazing to see how Jedediah went and worked through out his life. The first few chapter were slow with a lot of dates and other facts. All in all a great book.

Finally I can blog (I hope)

Ive' been reading Mormon Thunder and at first I had a hard time. i felt that Jedediah was hollow. His journals only listed the places he wen , how many meetings were held and how many baptisms. I told my husband that JG seemed to have a big ego. My husband said it was a guy thing. As i read further in the book, Jedediah begain showing his feelings a bit more. I am enjoying reading about the events and people and not just the statistics of his mission. Julie

Emigrant's Guide Blog

On the participant's requirement in the binder I had originally asked for three blogs per book, but this one is not of huge substance, so I am changing that to one entry to cover your thoughts of the book. Some of you are sharing titles of other worthwhile material. Please continue to do this. I hope that you are anxious to be a part of this experience.

Emigrant's Guide

Since this book is not divided into chapters I am going to have you do four learning log entries (one complete learning log page) across the entire book. Make it legible as you will be turning it into Dr. Sessions.

finished the book

I recently finished the book... It gave new meaning to "Utah Mormons" I admire the grit and courage of settling Utah and keeping the faith of the community strong. I do wonder why Jeddy didn't try and get the Gentiles to join the church but kept things very separate. Was it just me, or was he quite mean? It has certainly made me reevaluate religion and my purpose here. I also just finished taking a Religion, Rights, and Responsibilities class and it was fun to see how the two intertwine and how I will be teaching it all in my class this year.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

I'm reading 111 Days to Zion, by Knight and Kimball just for kicks, and I learned a couple of interesting things today. William Clayton (who wrote "Come, Come, Ye Saints" and a trail guide for immigrants), wasn't even planning on being part of the vanguard company. He was laying in bed with a toothache, and was told he had 30 minutes to get ready to head west. He had no wagon, and became a passenger in Heber C. Kimball's wagon.

Now for the explanation of the title of this post: There were 3 women who came along in the first company. There were really only supposed to be 144 men (12 to represent each of the 12 Tribes of Israel), but Harriet, the wife of Brigham Young's younger brother Lorenzo, insisted on coming along with Lorenzo, or HE wouldn't be going. Apparently she had plenty of pull, because she was included in the company. It was determined that one woman couldn't travel alone with a company of all men, so one of Brigham Young's wives and one of Heber C. Kimball's wives also came along. Harriet also insisted on bringing two children. One of the men dropped out after only a few days, so that is how the company ended up with 143 men, 3 women, and 2 children.

During the first 2 weeks on the trail after leaving Winter Quarters, the leaders went back and forth to Winter Quarters constantly to pick up supplies and meet missionaries coming back from Great Britain. They also went back to pick up $500 worth of scientific instruments that John Taylor brought from England. These included barometers, sextants, and a telescope, among other things. Five hundred dollars would have been a princely sum in those days, especially since these people had virtually no cash. Interesting stuff.

Ready to Blog

So school is out, vacationing is over, and I’m ready to blog! I just finished phase one “Gathering Wind” in Mormon Thunder. Like others have stated, I also didn’t know much about Jedediah Morgan Grant. He was a very dedicated man. He was so devoted to his religion and missionary work. I can’t imagine what he went through as he led his group west. They faced so many trials and hard times. He was able to push his group forward to the Salt Lake Valley while suffering such a great loss of his wife and baby.
I thought the accounts told by Susan Noble were very interesting. She experienced a lot on the trail and took on some great responsibilities for a fifteen year old. I can’t imagine making the trek; the pioneers had so much faith and determination. Now on to phase two “Thunder in the East”.

Quite a Character

I've just been reading Grant's letters to the New York Herald (found in the Appendix), and I must say they are enlightening and entertaining. Although he states at the beginning "I am no writer," Grant's prose demonstrate differently. I love how he integrates stories with his admonishments and accusations, thus capturing the attention of his audience. The manner in which he lays out each argument demonstrates a mastery of persuasive techniques....a mastery I wish my students could adopt. If this written work is a demonstration of his oratory skills, I can honestly say it would have been a treat to hear him speak. More later...