From Cove Fort in the south to the Eccles Theatre in Logan on the north, and with a striking cover photo of the Governor's Mansion in Salt Lake City, restored historic buildings are featured in a new publication titled Utah Preservation.
The full-color, 72-page magazine will be published annually by the Utah State Historical Society."We have sent copies to our nearly 3,000 members, and about 5,000 copies were printed," said Max Evans, Historical Society director. He calls the society "Utah's Best Kept Secret" and notes it is observing its 100th birthday this year.
"There has long been a need for a publication that showcases the fine restoration work that goes on in Utah," Evans said. "Now these projects will get some of the recognition they deserve, and we hope they will inspire others to follow suit."
The publication features revitalization of small-town Main Street business districts; the Forest Service environmental education center east of Ephraim; historic mining structures in Utah; artistry of stained glass widows; and the discovery of a long-lost historic site in Capitol Reef National Park, Evans said.
He added that most of the magazine's articles provide a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective because they were written by people close to the projects, such as architects and project managers.
May has been designated "Preservation Month" in Utah and will feature events throughout the state, including tours of historic homes and special activities for schoolchildren.
The publication's story about Cove Fort calls it an oasis in central Utah. The restored fort is virtually unchanged on the interior and exterior but includes period furnishings.
The fort was purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1988 and restoration began the following year. The restoration involved historians, architects, archaeologists, horticulturists, carpenters, heavy-timber framers, blacksmiths, historic costume experts, weavers, potters, tinsmiths, furniture makers and painters.
Revitalization of restaurants and pubs, including some of Utah's finest eating establishments, is also portrayed in an "Urban Pioneers" feature.
A story on stained glass windows calls these artistic masterpieces "Utah's architectural jewelry."
The Utah Preservation publication is available in public libraries throughout the state, in the Historical Society bookstore at 300 S. Rio Grande in Salt Lake City, or can be ordered through the Historical Society, Evans said.