Silver Anniversary of Blue Mountain Shadows -- Summer 2012

It was 25 years ago, that the first issue of Blue Mountain Shadows was published, with the hope that at least a dozen or so issues of the magazine might eventually come forth.  This year marks the 25 year milestone of the magazine, and 45 magazines, and several books having been published thus far.  This historic endeavor began as a small visionary seed that took tremendous tending and nurturing over the years. As a result of those dogged efforts the seed has yielded many successful harvests, thanks to hundreds of writers and dedicated staff members.

Current Managing Editor & Photo Editor, LaVerne Tate, has been with the magazine since its inception as has Editor Bob Pherson.  He states, “No other county in Utah, and most likely the United States, has had such a consistent, long term record of devotion to its heritage, presented in a public forum available to the non-specialist.” The San Juan County Commission has also been a key partner over the years.

McPherson says of this particular issue, “Readers can learn of Hole-in-the-Rock settlers who moved beyond Bluff to make homes elsewhere; the amazing skills of local craftsmen who created their own lime mortar, sawed lumber, quarried rock and fired brink to create buildings that still serve; miners who ventured onto the Navajo Reservation . . .; how Navajos, Utes and Mormons viewed each other. . .  . This issue of Blue Mountain Shadows is a fitting tribute to our past – in both the history of the county, as well as that of the magazine.”

This summer issue commemorates Blue Mountain Shadows’ beginnings. Initial founders Janet Wilcox and LaVerne Tate both write of the struggles beginning the magazine and the great help high school students and local adults provided in the collection and writing process. Deniane Gutke Kartchner includes her perspective as a high school interviewer/transcriber who “grew up with Blue Mountain Shadows.”  She eventually became the layout and design specialist of the magazine.

Several of the early topics are reexamined in this new issue with Bob McPherson discussing “Views Across a Chasm” a 100 year look at Ute-Anglo relations in the county.  Mabel June Palmer takes a closer look at the history of the Blanding Tabernacle, with humor and insight that few others have. Interviews done in 1975 and 1977 with George A. Hurst are included.  They recount the actual building of the South Chapel, while Winston Hurst gives detailed insight into the brick making process, as well as listing of buildings built from those bricks.  (You may be living in one of them!)

Other faithful history buffs and contributors James Knipmeyer, Ron McDonald, and Corrine Roring, add additional articles on homesteading, prospecting, and landmarks of the county.   Just when you thought you knew it all, inquiring minds keep uncovering more about the area.  Their information will both surprise and enlighten readers.