Salt Lake Temple in Spring.

I did a post on the Salt Lake Temple in March. I'll be posting more photos of this building over the next few days. Enjoy.

Oh, and Paz . . . you make my day, too!

Young Motherhood in Bronze

I have always loved this bronze. I owe that, I think, to the fact that I have an exceptional mother who made my childhood a joy. I know that is rare in this world. Women like that make this world a better place for generations to come. They deserve a statue or 50.

Fulfilling the measure of their creation

Aren't they just lovely? I couldn't believe the size of these, and every one was just as big and bold as the others. 

Here it is . . .

A little more reward for getting through the winter.

Tulips and Hyacinth

This particular bed was one of my favorites. The Hyacinth was so perfectly formed and the contrast between them and the tulips was incredible, especially on a bright spring afternoon.

A few more Spring flowers: one

I'm just ready for a few more flowers.

Those I'll post this week were all in and around the buildings I've been posting over the last little while.

I wanted to include a close up of the pioneer sculpture - it has special meaning to me personally. There were to handcart companies which met with particularly difficult circumstances: The Martin and Willey Handcart Companies. One of my ancestors was a small girl in the Willey Company. Their story is compelling and amazing. I found a site that has an incredible description, including many photos of the areas where the events took place. It is a miracle that anyone survived.

Monuments to Pioneers and Seagulls

Just to the east of the Assembly Hall are a Monument to the Seagulls (Story to follow) and a bronze statue representing the handcart pioneers.

The California gull, Larus californicus, was selected as the state bird of Utah by an act of the legislature in 1955 (Utah Code).

The gull is considered the state bird of Utah by common consent, probably in commemoration of the fact that these gulls saved the people of the State by eating up the Rocky mountain crickets which were destroying the crops in 1848.

Orson F. Whitney says that in the midst of the devastation of the crickets, "when it seemed that nothing could stay the devastation, great flocks of gulls appeared, filling the air with their white wings and plaintive cries, and settled down upon the half-ruined fields. fields. All day long they gorged themselves, and when full, disgorged and feasted again, the white gulls upon the black crickets, list hosts of heaven and hell contending, until the pests were vanquished and the people were saved." After devouring the crickets, the gulls returned "to the lake islands whence they came."

The gull is about two feet long. The color of this bird is pearly-blue. It is sometimes barred or streaked with blackish gray. Aeronautic wizards, gulls are gymnasts of the sky, making the seemingly impossible appear effortless. They can appear motionless in midair by catching wind currents with perfect timing and precision while positioning their bodies at just the right angle. They are quiet birds, considered quite beneficial by agriculturalists, and are usually gentle creatures, exhibiting neither antagonism to nor fondness for man.

The Sea Gull Monument in Salt Lake City honors the gull, Utah's state bird. Two sculptured gulls stand atop the monument which was unveiled in 1913. (*)

The Assembly Hall

Construction of the Assembly Hall began on August 11, 1877. Building began on the southwest corner of Temple Square on the site of what was called the "Old Tabernacle," razed earlier that year. The old structure, an adobe building determined by the Church to be inadequate, was built in 1852 and seated 2500. The "Old Tabernacle" is not to be confused with the still-extant Salt Lake Tabernacle, built in 1867. The domed Tabernacle sits directly North of the Assembly Hall.
During the first two years of construction, the Assembly Hall was confusingly called the "new tabernacle." John Taylor, then President of the LDS Church, cleared up the confusion by naming it the "Salt Lake Assembly Hall" in 1879.
Obed Taylor was commissioned as architect, and designed the structure in Victorian Gothic style, which was popular at the time. Using mostly discarded granite stone from the ongoing construction of the Salt Lake Temple, builder Henry Grow completed construction in 1882 at a total cost of $90,000.
The most comprehensive renovations occurred from 1979 to 1983 to correct structural weaknesses in the building's tower and roof trusses. While rebuilding the tower, each of the Hall's 24 spires were replaced with fiberglass moldings. Additionally, all the softwood benches were refinished, and a new 3,489 pipe organ was installed. Acoustics in the building were enhanced by installing hundreds of small speakers. (*)

The Tabernacle: Four

This is an interior shot of the Tabernacle, which will allow you to see where the organ fits in the rest of of the building. On this day, the area in front of the choir seats was set with music easels and instruments. There are many many concerts in this building during the year. You can see windows on the right side of the photo. There are many windows and doors, which you might not guess from my exterior shots. 

The Tabernacle: Three

This is the famous Pipe Organ of the Tabernacle, and the choir seats called home by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The choir does a weekly broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, from the Tabernacle. 

Today, I wanted to give you some history and background regarding that program. 
The first broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word was on a hot summer afternoon in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, July 15, 1929. The announcer climbed a ladder to speak into the one and only microphone, suspended from the ceiling. He stayed perched on the ladder throughout the half-hour program. An audio engineer was alerted by telegraph when to start. Hand signals cued the announcer. He began: "From the crossroads of the West, we welcome you to a program of inspirational music and spoken word." Those words, from more than seven decades ago, still open the program.

Today Music and the Spoken Word has become the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast and is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems. It has been broadcast from locations across the country and around the world. Since its first broadcast, the program was an immediate success. The president of the radio network sent a telegram:"Your wonderful Tabernacle program is making great impression in New York. Have heard from leading ministers. All impressed by program. Eagerly awaiting your next." The program was off and running. In 1954, to commemorate the 25th year of weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts, Life magazine commented on the program's legacy with these words: "Those who know this program...need no arguments for listening to it. Millions have heard them, and more millions, we hope, will hear them in years to come. It is a national institution to be proud of." Through all the ups and downs, the twists and turns of the past 75 years, this broadcast has walked through the pages of history. It has lifted spirits, comforted souls, and brought one generation after another closer to the Divine."

Every week since 1929, young ears have pressed against radios, aging hands have found a familiar station, and anxious eyes have looked for a trusted friend, the choir's broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. And while the times and technologies have changed, the essence of this broadcast has remained the same. In a world that is so often noisy and full of distraction, Music and the Spoken Word remains a welcome reprieve. It's a beacon of hope that steadies troubled hearts and brings upon joy. Now, as we commence 75 years of continuous broadcasting, we look forward to the future and pause, as we do every Sunday, to say, "May peace be with you, this day and always."

Music and the Spoken Word site

The Tabernacle: Two

Here is a view down the side of the Tabernacle. The building completely round at the East and West ends, with long straight sides between. One of the new things that came during the renovations was the shiny roof. Personally, I thought it was a fantastic choice. The support pillars that run around the outside are all fairly evenly spaced. You can see part of one door with a window above, in this photo.

The Tabernacle: One

Here's a little bit about the history and re-fit of "The Tabernacle."

Creating and Building the Tabernacle

Brigham Young turned to Henry Grow for help in transforming his vision for the Tabernacle into reality. A convert to the Church and a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brother Grow was a skilled bridge builder with the skills necessary to take on such a task.

Plans were made, and in 1863 construction began.

Unable to acquire many common building materials, workers recycled materials and used local resources to build the Tabernacle. Lumber was harvested from local canyons; excess stone was taken from the Salt Lake Temple construction site; leftover military equipment and wood oxen shoes were transformed into nails and washers; glue was created by boiling animal skins; and plaster was created from local limestone and enhanced with animal hair for strength.

Considering the materials available at the time, the Tabernacle truly became a symbol of the pioneers’ faith and ingenuity.

Four years after construction began, conference was held in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was officially dedicated in October 1875 after the addition of the balcony.
Since its was first used for general conference in 1867, the Salt Lake Tabernacle has stood as a symbol of the pioneers’ faith and ingenuity. Now, nearly 140 years later, the Tabernacle still stands, and never before has it rested on such a firm foundation.

During the Saturday afternoon session held on March 31, President Gordon B. Hinckley rededicated the Salt Lake Tabernacle after two years of renovations.

New benches, made of oak, were installed and spaced farther apart to give visitors more leg room; the original staircases leading to the balcony from outside were relocated indoors to provide easier access for visitors and two new staircases were added inside; a new layer of gold leafing was applied to the visible pipes of the organ; the ceiling was repaired and repainted; new dressing rooms and music library for choir members were created; the rostrum can be removed to accommodate a secondary seating arrangement or a stage for performances; and all plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems were replaced and brought up to code.

Although the Tabernacle received these noticeable upgrades and more, the most drastic and important changes in the Tabernacle are those the general public cannot see.

The foundation and walls of the Tabernacle were modified to improve structural strength in order to better withstand earthquakes.

All 44 piers that support the Tabernacle’s unique roof were reinforced with steel bars, which were inserted into the piers from top to bottom. The foundation of each pier was also reinforced with concrete. Steel boxes were used to connect trusses to piers, and long ceiling trusses were also attached to the piers, cinched tight with structured steel.
(*)

Beehive State

Utah is known as the Beehive State. The early settlers were hard-working people who revered industry. They likened themselves to Bees and it has been a symbol of our state ever since.

Here is a tidbit I found on the net:

The beehive became the official state emblem on March 4, 1859. Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance. The beehive was chosen as the emblem for the provisional State of Deseret in 1848 and was maintained on the seal of the State of Utah when Utah became a state in 1896. (*)

Reflected Pattern

Coming down the hill from the Capitol, we saw what looked to be a Zebra Pattern on the side of a glass building. It turned out to be the Church Office Building reflected in the glass.

Church Headquarters

World Headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I want you to see this building so that you'll have some reference for my photo tomorrow.

Guitar and Banjo.

I just thought this place was interesting. It is down the hill from the University and the hospitals.

Up to Bat.

What a great game! This is my oldest son, up to bat for his baseball team. Only a few weeks of games left. It's hard to believe that we are halfway through May, nevertheless, there it is.

The Salt Palace.

This is the South East Corner of our big downtown convention Center: The Salt Palace.

University of Utah Hospitals - from Downtown

the University of Utah hospital complex can be seen easily from most places in the city. This photo was taken from a window on the East side,10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The Hunstman Cancer Institute is highest on the hill. There is a glass "side" on the right, the glass wraps immediately around at a very acute angle and returns to the building. At the top of that glass pie slice is a cafeteria called "The Point". You can see anything in the valley from there, and the view is spectacular - especially at night. The space is often used for catered events, including weddings. The food is excellent, and very healthy.
The very large white building is the U of U hospital, a teaching hospital connected to the U of U Medical School. The Moran Eye Center is between these two, and Primary Children's Hospital is in front. I believe that the brick buildings visible to the right of these hospitals is the Medical School.

The the foreground of the photo is the Cathedral of the Madeline, with the other two visible buildings being office and apartment buildings.

University of Utah Hospitals

The Hospitals are: Primary Children's Medical Center, U of U Medical Center, The Moran Eye Center, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. (Lance Armstrong visited the Cancer Institute on March 5, 2008.) The hospital in this photo is the U of U Medical Center, where two of my children were born. Tomorrow I will show you a view of the hospital complex from the city.

Tulip Festival 2008: ten

This waterfall is in the gardens, on the east side. It is at the base of a very large grass amphitheater, which is often used for concerts.

Tulip Festival 2008: nine

Tulip Festival 2008: eight

This is a bed leading into the carousel garden. For the last couple of years, some of my favorite colors and arrangements have been in these beds. I guess if I found out who was in charge of it, I might be able to get them to teach me about their style.

When we were at this spot in the gardens, my Grandmother started to tire. What she didn't know was that we still had the steepest climb to go. There happened to be a garden employee there working on the beds. I asked if he would be willing to bring us a wheelchair and he cheerfully went to find us one. I've never needed anything before while I was at the gardens, but this one experience was so positive - I think I need to write to them, and tell them about it. In the meantime, the least I can do is put it on my blog, right?

Tulip Festival 2008: seven

These photos are of the Carousel Garden. It is a very formal, symmetrical formally laid out garden, and always one of the children's favorites. My four year old has often tried to "get a ride," - although now that he's old enough to understand that the animals are covered in plants, he is less anxious.

Tulip Festival 2008: six

This photo gives you a sense of how large the gardens are, 55 acres is all. You could spend all day - but at least you ought to plan about 2 hours if you want enough time to see it all, I like to have at least 3 hours when I go there.

Tulip Festival 2008: five

A double horseshoe bed filled with Apricot and Red.

Tulip Festival 2008: four

Tulip Festival 2008: three

It would just be amazing to have borders like this around my yard. I can't even imagine the work that goes into this - I just know it's beautiful and I love it!

Tulip Festival 2008: two

These Tulips were so beautiful, they almost looked like poppies. Yellow on the outside and an orange tint inside, I couldn't stop photographing them.

May Theme Day: Numbers

This is the LDS Conference Center, North of Temple Square. It is a stunning piece of architecture, of which I could only show a very tiny piece for this "Theme Day". This article in Architecture Week has many incredible shots of it's interiors and exteriors, and well worth a moment of your time.

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