Utah Centennial County History Series - Sanpete County 1999

Challenges There are many challenges to preservation. The first is the fact that historic structures are in decay and represent the eroding of the past. "Pioneers came in here and transplanted western civilization," commented one preservationist. "Now it's all broken down or knocked down. Buildings made by our grandparents are replaced with sheetmetal structures. Sanpete is in decline from its origins, its original nature."

Another challenge to preservation is opposition, including criticism and resistance. The first category includes those who dismiss or thwart heritage concerns, and those who eschew projects that are unauthentic. For example, most artisans believe heritage projects should be authentic. The second category includes developers and others whose efforts are considered adversarial to preservation.

Some fear that some landmarks will become pretty facades rather than living restorations. For them, preserving heritage means productive reuse. Artisans say preservation should create genuine products, employ local craftsmen, and have a self-existent life or "living heritage. Authentic heritage products include local wool products from local sheep, handmade rugs, quilts, furniture, bricks, pottery, stonecutting, dairy products, weaving, and wine making. Authentic rural arts preserve pioneer tradition while allowing craftsmen to market their skills.

In any community evolution is a delicate balance between preservation and progress. If either one suppresses the other, it can be destructive to the community. While caution feeds preservation, money drives development.~'Developmentand preservation have values that are incompatible," according to Bob Sorenson, a local craftsman. "Developers aim for the lowest costs and demand rapid construction to meet deadlines, while authentic stone masonry and carpentry require quality, time, and patience."

The Sanpete Heritage Council sees preservation and development as highly compatible, needing each other in order to succeed.

According to Monte Bona, director of the Sanpete County Heritage Council, "Preservation equals sound economic development." He along with many artists, carpenters, and masons, seek better collabo-