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Show Pitman concluded, "as a highly cohesive agrarian theocracy, epitomized unity and conformity to religious principles as well as civic and social mores, customs, and values. Moreover~ the relative isolation of Mormondom offered its members a measure of independence and freedom in which to consolidate their institutions and further heighten conformity. 1122 Pitman's study has become the standard interpretation of early Utah architecture and later studies to date have largely been restatements of his ideas. 23 While differing in their methods and specific areas of research , these studies of Mormon folk building practices are unified by a common theoretical perspective, namely, they accept as a point of departure the concept of cultural convergence and homogeneity among Mormons. The nucleated town--the place where Saints were made-~becomes a device for giving meaning to other aspects of life in nineteenth century Utah. Working from the premise that an orderly community will engender a similarly structured society, architectural studies among Mormons have been an exercise in "puzzle solving"--research conducted with the understanding that the answers will be known but constantly refined. 24 At its best, this type of study may lend depth and substance to new and expanding fields of inquiry. If, however, the basic hypotheses in question are faulty or untested, such an approach may support and cultivate falsehood and myth. In the study of Mormon architecture the latter is true, for here strong prevailing iaeas about a people have been used to explain their buildings rather than letting the study of their buildings t2ll us about those people . Framed within the context of the Mormon community, house form is viewed as but one element contributing to a unified, collect i ve whole. 9 Homogeneity has |
