The New Female Costume, Part 2

A continuation of an idea set forth in the late evening news organ.

I tried to go shopping for missionary clothes a few times while in Utah, assuming that they would have the best selection. I don't know why I felt such a rush--I was nervous, I wanted to get everything before I left, etc. Besides, who sells modest things in San Diego? Seriously.

Anyway. I got a thin black skirt, two sweater vests, and a nice wool winter coat in Provo. But a missionary needs much more that. Of course.

Mom and Loll and I hit the sales racks on Boxing Day. And we found a lot of things to buy: five skirts, two blazers, a sweater, and a white blouse. And shoes. (expensive! very, very expensive.) The best place to find clothes, I've discovered, is JC Penny's. They have a lot of professional wear (I sound like a commercial) that is very appropriate for missionaries. When I was checking out, the cashier said "Wow, I don't ever see anybody buy long skirts." Well, well. well. Sister Smith certainly buys long skirts.

Here pictures of my new gear:

Two blazers and winter coat.

Shirt and sweaters. I think I need to add more color to my wardrobe...

Skirts. Pretty, of course. Five of them. I have one more thin black one that falls off unless I pin it to my slip. Its because I don't have a butt, in case you were wondering.

My shoe. Made by Dansko. Very comfortable, and wonderful.

My sweater vests are somewhere in limbo between my Utah and San Diego homes, otherwise I'd post them because they are so beautiful.

g'night, ya'ol organ

"well, that smell got inter ther papers. ther evenin' organ was quite excited erbout it." -The OED (retained for Melissa's reading pleazhure)

Well, its time to say good night to the evening news organ. Now I'm quite new to the blogosphere, but According to Natalie's friend Carrie, a good blog MUST have a good theme--a hook, if you will. Something to unify it into a cohesive whole. (I would go on about this, but I think that's enough.) My two faithful blog readers have seen that the theme of this beautiful, fantastic blog centered around my job at the BYU library making an index of 19th century newspapers. I loved this job, but alas, it is over. No more. I quit.

Because, well, I'm going on a mission. To Kennewick, oh beautiful Kennewick.

I was awfully sad to leave my job, and consequently my sources and inspiration for this beautiful blog.

But I think I have a good reason.

Anyway. So this blog needs a new purpose. My darling roommates suggested just such a purpose: my mission. I am reporting on Jan 23, which is in less than one month. I have many friends and family and loved ones who (I hope) wish to follow my progress and keep in touch with me as I am gone. I will attempt to correspond faithfully with everyone who writes to me, but I can only promise consistent correspondence with my immediate family, and perhaps with my love. SO I will persuade my darling sister (or mother, or whoever is up to the task) to update this blog with my letters, emails, pictures, etc whilst I am gone.

Until my departure, I guess I will discuss my preparations and other things on my mind.

That is all.

Love,
Sister Smith

The Utah Expedition

“We trust the Saints will decide upon such a move, and thereby relieve us of the disagreeable duty of exterminating them. In Sonora they would have the opportunity to develop the beauties of their religion, and if it contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction—as we all believe it does—it will crumble to pieces and disappear, and will be numbered with the numerous false religions that have sprung up and had their day, and are now only known in history.”

The New York herald: NY-H no. 7770 (10 Dec 1857) p. 4, columns 4–5, 24 ½ col. in

I like this quote because I find it ironic. Several newspapers have made similar statements, all expressing the idea that Mormonism will fall a part, especially after the government is through with it. Some say that Mormons have a persecution complex, and this is true. But seriously, read this article! They wanted to exterminate a group of people! Of course the Mormons were antsy and anxious and feeling a little anti-American! I don't know what our excuse is now, tho. Maybe the remains of such sentiments.

World's First Deseret Book

World's first Deseret Book. Even then, there was a niche in the market for and LDS bookstore. And that was a long time ago...and even in England!

From London, 1857

“The Mormon book dealer, from accident, necessity or design, is like the Gentiles of the profession—in quiet retirement. At the corner of a quiet narrow street, and a still quieter and narrower crescent…the attention of the passer-by is arrested by a great display of busts, engravings, and books, set off in the best manner, to ensure at least a momentary examination. This is the “Latter Day Saints’ book depot,” in the city. The busts are representations of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the engravings are the twelve Apostles and the leading elders of the movement, for the adornment of the walls and mantles of the dwellings of the disciples. The books and pamphlets are of course for the edification of Jew and Gentiles, but here the Mormons display considerable tact. Books are not in this window arranged for the display of the binder’s taste and handicraft. Propagandism is the one aim of the Mormons, and here they displace some cunning in the manner they set about it. An open page with some startling vision the relation of some astounding miracle; an argument on the principles of faith, and, not the least attractive of all, something rich on polygamy. Can all be read at this window for nothing. By way of business, this is not a bad dodge, Once interested, the passerby is almost certain to turn in to get the work—the end of the story; at least I speak from experience."

The New York herald: NY-H no. 7764 (4 Dec 1857) p. 2, columns 5–6, 31 col. in.

Cannan and Utah

“The analogies, too, in the physical geography of the country, between their present location and the Palestine of the East, are too striking not to have made a deep impression upon their minds. Who can fail to see in the Great Salt Lake the counterpart of the Dead Sea of the plains; in Lake Utah the Sea of Galilee, and in the river that connects the two the Western Jordan? Only reverse the points of the compass, and the resemblance is perfect.”

The New York herald: NY-H no. 7761 (1 Dec 1857) p. 2, columns 4–6, 61 ½ col. in.

More later.

Mormons--Emigration and immigration

WHY do we have TWO words for emigration/immigration???

That is SO gay.

I think the official distinction is this: e for exit, i for incoming. As in, the emigrants left England on Wednesday. Three months later, the immigrants arrived in New York.

We should just go with migration. Like birds. My ancestors migrated in the nineteenth century...has a nice little ring, don't you think?

Of course, the term "migrant" may be a little confusing, especially because of the modern usage of "migrant workers."

whatever.

The Mormon Handcarts

The following includes a few of my favorite things: handcarts, Old Briggy, English, and oldness.

“He thus describes the new propelling power which “the Lord revealed unto the Later-Day Saints by the Prophet Brigham” last year, whereby a saint can become a “perfect boss” on the Plains—A handcart train!

“It was certainly the most novel and interesting sight I have seen for many a day . We met too trains—one of them thirty and the other fifty farts—averaging about six to the cart. The carts were generally drawn by one man and three women each, though some carts were drawn by women alone. There were about three women to one man, and two-thirds of the women single. It was the most motley crew I ever beheld. Most of them were Danes, with a sprinkling of Welsh, Swedes and English, and were generally from the lower classes of their countries; scarcely one could speak English plain; most could not understand what we said to them.”

Why more women? The author and audience assume polygamy. But I think its because all the men died (probably not true). Or because the women were righteous and heeded the call to gather (probably true :-).