This Is My Type Of Place

July 2015 

During our time celebrating our one year anniversary we visited This Is The Place Heritage Park. This park sits across from the zoo and only a few minutes up the road from us. I have to admit, I was totally surprised by how awesome it was. I think I was trying not to get my hopes up and be disappointed by the buildings or general historicness. This Is The Place does a fantastic job. It reminded me a lot of Old Town San Diego, but without the commercial shops. It also reminded me of Landis Valley in Lancaster...but only very western and not a Pennsylvania community. The village is  nicely organized, signs and maps explaining what is what and why it is there. A really nice mixture of original buildings that were moved to the site and reproductions of buildings that once stood in Salt Lake City (and the Salt Lake Valley.) There were interpreters in practically every building. All welcoming us in and cheerfully telling us about the building or craft they were working on. The park had many activities for children and adults alike to participate in.



We enjoyed walking around and seeing the village. Making stops at each building, reading about it, going in, and at times talking to the interpreters. I tried to play the tourist as long as I could, but I got bored with that. My inner interpreter/living historian got the best of me in the end.

The most amusing part of our time there was the train ride. There is a "train" (more like a tram) that takes visitors around the village, making stops at key locations where you can get on and off as much as you please. As you ride the train, the conductor talks about buildings you are passing and the general history of the area. Our conductor had a freight train load of jokes and bad puns to share with us. It was very funny and totally enjoyable.  

Here are a few pictures that we took on our first (of many I hope!) trip to This Is The Place Heritage Park.

  

An original cabin from the Salt Lake Valley.

One of the nice "middle class" houses, also an original, was designated as the textile house.

There was a Saddlery. Across the street there was a tinsmith, woodworker, and blacksmith. All the shops were amazingly stocked with pretty cool tools and a skilled interpreter. Impressive.

 

No matter where I go...I find iron. This beauty was in the Bank.

 

I believe this one was in the Apothecary Shop.

This one was in the Barber Shop. The best iron comes from Pennsylvania!

This home had a lovely view and a garden. The interpreter in this house was baking bread in a wonderful cook stove. This is around time were we started talking about volunteering here someday. I can see it now,  rolling up the sleeves of my 1850s dress, baking bread and tending the garden....standing there in the breeze, looking out on the land that we settled. ok ok.... I have to get better first!

This is the kitchen in one of Brigham Young's houses. This is an original farm house. Totally stunning Gothic style home. Tons of windows and doors....and a wrap around porch. This is the type of house I would move into instantly.

A nice display of original clothing.

The view from upstairs.

A row of original settlers cabins. Some bigger than others. Some with windows, some without. Each cabin that the settlers built was uniquely different and this row is a great example of that.

This was the Hospital. This building is a reproduction of the hospital in Salt Lake that was just for women and children and was run by women. All women doctors and nurses. If I volunteer, I would love this spot (plus it's air conditioned!)

Our little friend we made...

 

We had a lovely time exploring! Super family friendly site. They even offer trail rides during the summer (a horseback ride in the west!) We loved visiting and I look forward to checking out their special events.

 

I know some of you have been waiting for my take on the clothing....Chris said I was too hard on them when he asked my opinion. I will just say, it could be much worse, but there is room for improvement. ;-)