IN THIS ISSUE
O
n September 1, 1911, a photographer captured an image of several boys playing in the water at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City. Behind the apparent simplicity of this photograph, our spring 2014 cover, are many complexities. Who were these children? What urban systems and social movements gave them access to a clean public park? These questions are answered somewhat by the knowledge that during the early 1900s, reformers in Utah were engaged in the City Beautiful movement—a major part of which was the creation of playgrounds—and in 1912, the children’s area at Pioneer Park underwent great improvements.1 Just so, it is worth asking about the context surrounding even the most seemingly mundane things and events. The anchor article in this issue examines the socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic struggles behind the development of Salt Lake City’s sanitation infrastructure. As Utah’s capital city moved into the industrial era, its citizens suffered because of inadequate water, sewer, and garbage services. Civic officials answered such problems in the late 1800s and early 1900s by building waterCOVER: Pioneer Park, Salt Lake City, September 1911. UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
IN THIS ISSUE (ABOVE): A crowd of people gathered at a Salt Lake City produce market near the Growers’ Exchange, August 1913. UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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