Tuesday, August 22…
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| Nauvoo Temple, rebuilt in 2002 using the original (1844) exterior design |
Slow start – neither of us wanted to
get up this morning. But there’s no reason we had to either, so it really doesn't matter. Eventually we found our way to the Visitor’s Center, where we got a
map and the lowdown on the various period tours (wagon, carriage, and cart).
The two we chose were short on actual history and long on testimonies of faith.
We were impressed with the Percherons (raised by local Amish and rented out for
the tourist trade – just like Mackinac Island) and also the oxen (not sure
where they come from, but they were beautiful animals). Unless ill or otherwise
incapacitated, the Mormons walked to the Salt Lake Valley. Turns out oxen are
not only cheaper and more fuel-efficient than horses, they also walk at about
the same pace as humans, which made them the perfect choice for the trek. The wagon itself is only 3' wide.
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| I wish we weren't in this pic so you could see the oxen better! I'd never seen b&w ones before. (The other pair are caramel colored.) |
After this we drove slightly south, passing several restorations of original homes and shops. The Saints lived - and prospered - in Nauvoo for about 7 years. I found the Smith family cemetery, but was disappointed to see a large, very 20th century polished granite tombstone for Joseph & Emma. I did locate markers for Joseph's parents that, while likely not original, at least looked appropriate style-wise.
Greg was interested in seeing the
Carthage jail (where JS was assassinated in 1844). A half hour drive, with a
lunch stop in the town of Hamilton.
Formica-topped tables and down-home cooking. In Carthage, the jail (very
small, a place to hold people awaiting trial) has been
beautifully restored and the story of the mob attack is simply and powerfully
told. (
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| Joseph & Hyrum riding to Carthage. |
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| Jail. The jailer's family lived here too. Just one large cell in a 2nd floor room. |
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| Departure site for river crossing that began the trek to Salt Lake Valley. |
As we left, I asked someone to
recommend an ice cream shop. Immediate, positive suggestion w/ address and
directions. But it was closed. And Carthage is small – no other options. On the
drive home, I was once again reminded of how important corn is in this part of
the country (this part meaning pretty much the entire Midwest, I think). MILES
of stalks (this is feed corn, harvested in Sept), alternating with soybean
fields.
In the evening we attended a lighthearted musical put
on by the senior missionaries (same show every night, but 3 separate casts).
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| Rendezvous in Nauvoo |
BlogThoughts…
I can’t remember most of the details, so I won’t try to share any, but I did a
lot of reading about corn and soybean production. I forget sometimes just how
important agriculture is to our economy. I look at these thousands of acres and
then think about them being wiped out in a single hailstorm. I’ll stick to
teaching junior high.
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| America's Heartland |
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