In This Issue

Representatives of the newly formed Lincoln Highway Association could hardly wait for the Western Governors' Conference to convene in Colorado Springs in August 1913. Possessed of a dream for a modern highway that would span the entire continent, they were eager to promote their vision and lobby for specific routes among the political bigwigs of the West Buttonholing Utah governor William Spry, they unrolled their map, outlined their jagged route from Evanston to Ely, asked and answered questions, and left the conference convinced of Spry's concurrence. Yet, disagreement arose almost immediately over the particulars of the route, precipitating a conflict that lasted some fifteen years, wasted time and money, aggravated politicians in Nevada, and left several western Utah communities feeling betrayed and abandoned. It is an intriguing story of political maneuvering and technical problems well told as the first article in this issue

The second article is also concerned with man's marks on the landscape and the promotion of specific Utah communities to the outside world. But here the subject is orchards rather than roads. From the beginnings of pioneer settlement, enterprising men and women recognized the natural advantages of soil and climate for the production of fruit along the Provo Bench and elsewhere in Utah Valley Buoyed by pronouncements from church leaders, these early orchardists established an industry that brought strength to the local economy, beauty to the landscape, and culinary delight to consumers Ironically, it was the paved highway, along with modern society's concomitant demand for automobiles, suburbs, and malls, that sounded the death knell for this century-long tradition The lore, nostalgia, and history stiU remain, however, and are served up here with all the flavor and refreshment of sweet cherries or cold apple cider on a summer afternoon.

Shifting the focus to biography, our third article advances the thesis that Franklin S.Spalding was the "right man" to serve as Episcopalian bishop of Utah during the pivotal years of 1904—14 Gentlemanly but charismatic, this extraordinary prelate managed to be both doctrinaire and broad-minded in his relations with the Mormons. At times he challenged their beliefs and practices, and on occasion he defended the Mormon people. But at all times and in all circumstances he avoided personal rancor and denunciations. The Mormon leadership responded in kind, and the ecumenical attitudes begun in the 1890s continued to thrive during Spalding's tenure If, as B.H Roberts noted, his untimely death "left us with broken harmonies, "at least this engaging study has restored the good bishop to his rightful place within the historical memory.

Interpersonal dynamics also color the final selection in this issue as we review the earliest attempt to establish the sugar industry in Utah. With candor but compassion, the author probes the relationship between Brigham Young and John Taylor in one of their most stressful and expensive undertakings Outlining the complexities of sugar technology and explaining such disadvantages as distance from successful factories in Europe and the paucity of operating capital, she carefully guides the reader to an understanding of the inevitability of failure Perhaps the wonder is that this unhappy venture did not leave even deeper personal and economic scars.

Here, then, are four articles, along with the usual complement of book reviews and book notices, for your reading pleasure. It is great summertime fare.