A well-to-do man from Washington, D.C. who had received a trip around the world as his retirement gift, came one day with his wife to visit the Beehive House in Salt Lake City.
"This was the last stop of their trip," recalled Margaret Adams, Beehive House director. "As we took them on a tour, we shared with them some of the hardships, struggles and persecutions the pioneers had endured. He kept asking questions."When they came to the end of the tour, the man paused, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped his eyes.
"I'm a member of this Church, originally from Salt Lake City," he explained. "When I was younger, I couldn't wait to get away from here. The Church meant nothing to me. Now, I find it's the most important thing in my life, and all I have to do is reach out and take it."
The above story illustrates that the Beehive House is more than just a tourist attraction. For Mormons and non-Mormons alike, the house is a tangible gospel sermon about the pioneer principles of faith, family solidarity, industry and thrift.
One of the less-conspicuous visitor attractions in Salt Lake City, the Beehive House, located at 67 E. South Temple, nevertheless accommodates some 1,500 visitors a day during summer months, Sister Adams said.
While not all react as emotionally as the man from Washington, most are touched by their visit, she affirmed.
"We invite our hostesses to be prayerful, and we can feel the results from the responses of the visitors. They are most gracious."
The historical significance of the house is obvious. Built in 1854, it was Brigham Young's official residence as president of the Church and governor of the Territory of Deseret (later admitted to the Union as the state of Utah.) In the house President Young entertained such historical luminaries as Mark Twain, U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and John Tyler, P. T. Barnum and Tom Thumb.
But beyond its historical presence, the house gives implied lessons about some of the principles that guide Church members today.
"We share with people of the world the great principle of the family," Sister Adams said. "We talk about how Brigham Young set aside one hour every night to be with the children, allow them to share their talents, solve family problems, read the scriptures and always have family prayer together. And, of course, we do the same in the Church today, although we set aside one night a week for it. People really enjoy hearing that."
Another gospel principle to be learned from a visit to the Beehive House is the value of industry. Visitors learn that Brigham Young would give food and shelter to needy visitors and give them the opportunity to work for what they received, Sister Adams explained.
"We try to offer a feeling of warmth and friendship to people who come here," she said, adding that for many, it is their only stop in Salt Lake City and hence, their only exposure to the Church.
She recalled the visit of a couple who flew their own airplane from Boston. It was the day after the Hofmann bombings in Salt Lake City. Unfavorable publicity about the Church had prompted them to come "to find out if the Mormons are really like that." After their tour, they commented that the Church is in good hands, and that the negative reports they had heard were not true.
Sister Adams, who lived in the Beehive House when it was a dormitory for female students at LDS Business College, has worked at the house since it was restored in 1961 as a visitor attraction. She was a hostess first and eventually became director. She hand picks the hostesses, now numbering about 300, who serve free of charge as Church service workers.
People interested in serving at the Beehive House are always invited to come in and fill out an application, Sister Adams added.
She recalled that the restoration committee included three of Brigham Young's grandchildren, who have since passed away. Guiding the effort was a meticulous diary kept by his daughter, Clarissa. In the diary, the daughter described in detail the colors, location of fireplaces and staircases, the items on the mantles, the carpets, and the location of the furniture.
The Beehive House is open during the summer from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 10:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. From Sept. 1 to June 1, the house closes on weekdays at 4:30. There is no admission charge.