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Show HISTORICAL NOTES LIBRARY One of the reasons for the existence of the Utah State Historical Society is to collect and preserve a library of Utah historical materials - both manuscript and published. While we are proud of our library, which is not large but selective, we are far from living up to our obligations. Our book budget is woefully inadequate in permitting us to even acquire the basic new books which appear on the market to say nothing of old and rare items which we should have. Recently we initiated a program which has been followed by many historical societies over the past few years. Since it is our belief that patrons of the Society give us books to make die best possible use of, we have, in some instances where we already possess two or more copies, offered our surplus books for sale. The proceeds from these sales are then used to purchase books we need. Lest donors gain the impression that we are wantonly breaking up "collections" given to the Society, let us assure our patrons that we have respected the desires of donors where the terms of the gift indicate that the books should forever remain the property of the Society. But to those of you who have an interest in furthering the work of the Society through building up our library in any way possible, we appeal to you to give us your books. We can use them in many ways: to add to our collection, to exchange for items we want but cannot afford, and to sell in order to purchase needed books. Of course, we want books, pamphlets, photographs, etc., but even more we are interested in acquiring manuscript materials such as diaries, personal letters, business records, and journals. These manuscript items are the unique materials of history. And to build a really excellent library of Utah history, we must add to our manuscript file. So as in the past, we appeal to our readers again. Search through your attics, your basements, your old trunks to see if you do not have books or manuscripts which should be preserved in the Utah State Historical Society. We are happy to come to inspect items offered us. Only within HISTORICAL NOTES 295 the past months, records of one of Utah's territorial governors were uncovered by a descendent and presented to the Society. Perhaps what you have is of equal or greater value. Please look around and call us if you suspect something has historic value. This appeal is of special significance at this time because out-of-state institutions are invading our area to remove Utah materials to distant depositories. This we believe is wrong and should be halted. It is only you who can preserve Utah's history. Please let us help you. GIFTS TO THE SOCIETY Recent significant gifts which have come to the Society include two diaries of Samuel R. Bennion, presented by Walter Richardson of Salt Lake City. These are welcome additions to the Bennion Family Collection deposited in the Society Library. S. R. Bennion was an early settler in the Uinta Basin. His diaries cover the years 1886-1906. Mrs. Ruth Waldo of Salt Lake City and Fruita, Utah, has presented more than two dozen movie films to the Society. These are films taken over a period of years by Dr. A. L. Inglesby, formerly of Bingham Canyon and in his later years, resident of Fruita. "Doc" Inglesby had wide interests: dentistry, sports, transportation, and geology. These interests are reflected in his films, which will be shown to friends of the Society in the coming months. Objects of art, appropriate to the decor of the Mansion are always gladly received. To add to our growing collection of paintings by Utah artists or on Utah subjects, Mrs. Riley C. Richards of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Mrs. Virginia C. Murphy of Washington, D.C., presented to the Society a lovely landscape by S. J. Remington. Legend only connects this painter with Utah. Any factual information on the artist, S. J. Remington, will be appreciated. We would like to learn more about him and his association with our state. We thank all those individuals who- have presented gifts to the Society, and again remind our readers to contact us if diey have any item they feel should be preserved in the Utah State Historical Society. UTAH S T A T E H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E TY BOARD (Terms Expiring April 1, 1965) LELAND H. CREER. Salt Lake City DELLO c. DAYTON, Ogden JACK GOODMAN. Salt Lake City JOEL E. RICKS, Logan (Ex-Officio Member) LAMONT F. TORONTO, Salt Lake City (Honorary Life Member) LEVI EDGAR YOUNG, Salt Lake City OF TRUSTEES (Terms Expiring April 1, 1963) J. STERLING ANDERSON, Grantsville RICHARD E. GILLIES. Cedar City j . GRANT IVERSON. Salt Lake City MRS. A. c JENSEN, Sandy L. GLEN SNARR. Salt Lake City OFFICERS 1961-63 j . GRANT IVERSON. President DELLO G. DAYTON, Vice-President EVERETT L. COOLEY. Secretary ADMINISTRATION EVERETT L. COOLEY. Director p. T. JOHNSON, Records Manager, Archives ROBERT w. INSCORE, Registrar, Military Records EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: The Society was organized essentially to collect, disseminate, and preserve important material pertaining to the history of the state. To effect this end, contributions of historical items are solicited,- such as diaries, journals, letters, and other writings by Utahns; also original manuscripts by present-day writers on any phase of Utah history. Treasured papers or manuscripts may be printed in faithful detail in the Quarterly without harm to them, and without permanently removing them from their possessors. Contributions for the consideration of the Publications Committee, and correspondence relating thereto, should be addressed to the Editor, Utah State Historical Society, 603 East South Temple, Salt Lake City 2, Utah. JOHN JAMES, JR.. Librarian MARGERY w. WARD. Associate Editor MARJORIE WALKER. Associate Editor, Newsletter The Editor assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts unaccompanied by return postage. The Utah State Historical Society assumes no responsibility for statements made by contributors to this publication. MEMBERSHIP: Membership in the Society, which includes receipt of the Utah Historical Quarterly, is $4.00 per year. Life membership is $100.00, and a student membership is available at $2.00 per year. Membership is open to all. Current issues of the Quarterly are available to non-members at $1.25 per copy. Checks should be made payable to the Utah State Historical Society and mailed to the Editor, 603 East South Temple, Salt Lake City 2, Utah. 1962 -CENTENNIAL YEAR Unlike the older states of the Atlantic seaboard, Utah a comparatively new state has only recently begun the observance of centennials. And now each year brings a hundredth anniversary of some event which has profoundly affected her history. This issue of the Quarterly carries two articles commemorating epic events in our past. Of equal epic proportion is another centennial - the passage of the Pacific Railway Act, July 1, 1862, which authorized the construction of a central transcontinental railroad across Utah. While construction was delayed several years, nevertheless, the act of July, 1862, eventually led to the joining of the rails at Promontory Summit, Utah, some seven years later. Still another event of tremendous importance to Utah's development occurred in 1862. With federal troops being called home from the western frontier to fight along the Mason-Dixon line, the Indians used this opportunity to try to regain what had been forcibly taken from them. Using this as an excuse and to watch over the "rebellious" Mormons, Colonel Patrick E. Connor was ordered to lead a detachment of California volunteers and establish a military camp on the bench overlooking Salt Lake City. On October 20, 1862, Connor established the camp and named it for Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois. The consequences of founding Fort Douglas were indeed manifold. The non-Mormon population welcomed military support in their bid for political and economic power. Colonel Connor, himself, was directly responsible for opening up Utah's rich mineral deposits - which has formed the backbone of the state's economy for so long. Truly, 1962 is a centennial year worthy to remember. U T A H STATE H I S T O R I C A L SOCIETY i^lLLjji ,fc.*JC~ •** , L««»i« si ^ s : ^ a J ! * |
