Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sammy Linebaugh ReportingSome of Utah's historic treasures are getting a new home. Ground was broken today on a new seven million dollar facility that will house the state's permanent archive collection.
One example of what can be found in the collection is a photo of the old Highway Patrol dated 1931. The force, then, was just 12 guys and a fleet of model 'T's.
Rosemary Cundiff: "They were souped up so they could go 70 miles an hour to catch the lawless."
It also includes photos from the first state fair in 1902 and the state capitol under construction in 1914. You'll find inmate mug shots, the act that established Utah as a territory and personal papers, like the will and testament of LDS Church President John Taylor and others.
Rosemary Cundiff: "The probate case of Brigham young contains several boxes of material."
A letter from Young captures the language of his times. It is addressed to the Major General of the Nauvoo Legion in response to an invitation to visit the militia. "...but on account of the unfavorable state of the weather, I beg to decline your kindness.”
These and volumes of other state records are being prepared for transfer as part of a seven million dollar renovation of the state's historical preserves.
Officials broke ground today on a new state-of-the-art facility next to the old Rio Grande Station, which will house the state's permanent archive collection.
In all more than 10-thousand boxes will be moved to the new building, each containing snippets, letters, documents and photographs that help tell Utah's story.
Rosemary Cundiff: "When you look at the old records you kind of get a picture of how people thought."
The new state archive facility is expected to be completed next spring.
