Portland is wet and rainy. Moss grows on everything. Utah is arid and very hot in the summer. Oregonians are of many different religions, and a high percentage are not affiliated with any church at all. Utah is predominantly Mormon - approximately 60% of residents statewide, with a much higher percentage in rural areas. We have children here in Oregon, but at a rate below the national average. Utah has the highest birthrate by far in the United States.
We were attracted to Utah by visions of this dry landscape and bright blue skies. The Mormon presence is very strong and you get the sense that the focus is on families and children. Although I have a certain appreciation for the grungy, tattooed and pierced Portland youth, I have to admit that I really enjoyed seeing so many clean-cut young men and women in Salt Lake City.
We did have a bit of culture shock, as we are accustomed to having at least one coffee establishment on every block in Portland. You never know when you might be overcome by caffeine deprivation. Here in Oregon, we also have a strong appreciation for beer and wine. In Utah, you may have difficulty finding a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, because the Mormon church forbids its followers from consuming alcohol, coffee or tea. In fact, you have to go to a special State liquor store to buy a bottle of wine. That may not sound like a big deal, but there are 243 incorporated municipalities in Utah and only 67 liquor stores in a state that covers 84,899 sq mi (219,899 sq km.)
I would like to explore Salt Lake City a bit more some day. We enjoyed visiting the Mormon Temple square and the Mormon Church History Museum. For some reason I felt compelled to buy these souvenirs from the museum gift shop. If you are amazed that anyone is making missionary action figures, you will be doubly amazed that there were four different sets to choose from. They all look equally wholesome, but have different stances and facial features.
It was a difficult decision, but I finally picked these guys:
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You make Utah sound very attractive but I am not sure if I would be able to take the beer deprivation.
ReplyDeleteAlan, lucky for you, beer (except the high-alcohol kind) can be purchased in most grocery stores.
ReplyDeleteOh, those missionary figures: what a souvenir score!!! If only they were a larger scale, I could create all sorts of fun tableaus with them and my Barbies and robots...
ReplyDeleteTracy, you may be the only one who shares in my enthusiasm for these missionary figures.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteYour Barbies might be a very serious temptation for these devoted young men. Better to keep them apart.
Hey Christine: did you notice how oddly buff and muscular these missionaries are? Their torsos look like those found on superhero action figures. Maybe that's it: they're "Super-Missionary Men", fighting blasphemy in a single bound, saving souls faster than a speeding bullet!
ReplyDeleteAlso: I was just thinking about the zombie and terrified-bystander action figures they sell at Archie McPhee: wouldn't THOSE make a great scene with these missionary guys?! I may have to ask you to go back to Utah and get me a few sets of these...
Well, Tracy, I did notice that. I also thought their pants were a little tight, though it's hard to tell with a vinyl figure. Although I would love to go back to Utah to get you some of these figures, you can also order them online at www.lehi.com
ReplyDeleteAny Mormons out there to give the rest of us perspective? Jack/Y-town
ReplyDeletePretty interesting seeing the state capitol building basically out of the city in a bunch of fields on that second card- did any other state do something like that? Guess they were planning for urban expansion, probably didn't want to compete with the temple either....
ReplyDeleteChristine, I am laughing myself silly over those "hottie" missionary action figures.... OH, did you notice how fast your hair dried when you got out of the shower? That's the ONLY thing positive I can say about Utah:) Anything else and I'd definitely go out of the PC bounds (and I don't mean PC as in postcard:)
ReplyDeleteTrishia,
ReplyDeleteI did indeed notice that - even when it was pouring rain - somehow I didn't have time to get out the hairdryer.
Have you been to Bryce, Zion etc.? I was truly overwhelmed by the amazing scenery. I am looking for an opportunity to go back and explore Capitol Reef more fully. If you haven't been, I highly recommend a visit.
I would want to see Tracy's tableaus -- trolls with the missionary guys! I remember seeing guys like these near the Bob Jones Campus in South Carolina.
ReplyDeletei so want one of those action figure sets!! did you know i also collect vintage action figures? so this post is a double whammy for me!
ReplyDeleteI Love Utah and I love those action figures. Very cool. I've spent a great deal of time in Utah, hiking and exploring every national park, plus a whole lot more. It is a stunningly beautiful state. The Mormon's really scored, although they went through hell to get there. I'm so glad I found your blog, via your comment on Paul's quoteflections. I Love vintage postcards and have several "folders." Very interesting blog.
ReplyDeleteDebs,
ReplyDeleteSomehow I never would have guessed that you collect action figures. What a surprise. I hope you'll do a post someday featuring them.
Hi Teresa! Thanks for stopping by - I hope you come by again.
I dunno, those action figures look sort of Tom of Finland inspired to me....
ReplyDeleteThe action figures are hilarious! I lived in Salt Lake City from 1996 - 1998. It was fun with all the outdoor activities (I'm not Mormon). Sounds like a great trip!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting facts about Utah! I am surprised that coffee and tea are put in the same league as alcohol by the Mormon community. That's one culture shock indeed! Worth a visit but I'm not sure I could live there...
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