Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Dene Hunt are enjoying serving in Nauvoo homes and shops. We are pleased to be serving in Nauvoo as “Site Missionaries” in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission (that includes Nauvoo and Carthage). This is a great blessing and privilege.
As noted earlier, Sister Hunt’s parents, Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher served in Nauvoo from 1979 to 1981. They spent their entire mission (18 months plus 2 6-month extensions) in the tiny Lucy Mack Smith home. They got to know that tour well. Also, while here, Elder Belcher built the Nauvoo Brickyard and created the now famous souvenir “Nauvoo Brick” that is still enjoyed by our guests today.
And you also know that I served in Nauvoo in 1975 for the final six months of my mission – also as a site missionary – just as today. There were then 8 sites that were open to the public and Elder Hunt knew each of these tours and took people through all of them.
Things are different today. There are over 30 restored homes and shops in Nauvoo, so visitors have a variety (and quantity) of places to see and experience.
Today Sister Hunt and I get rotated amongst the various homes – daily! We have the opportunity be in all of the 30 sites and have learned the scripts for each one. It is a great honor to serve in these sacred Pioneer homes and to share the lives and testimonies of faith of the early Saints who lived in Nauvoo from 1839 to 1846.
This presentation has been prepared to share with our family and friends. You often hear that “we are in this home (whatever one) today” with little comprehension of what that means. This document introduces the various homes and shops and tours that are available for guests to see and experience (and feel) here in Old Nauvoo.
We hope that you will enjoy this brief introduction to the many beautiful places here in Nauvoo. Perhaps it can help you enjoy Nauvoo from “a distance” until you have opportunity to come to Nauvoo to really experience Nauvoo for yourself. Come, and bring your families – and know and feel the full beauty, glory, and wonder that awaits you here.
Here is the link for you to connect to the presentation.
A while ago, I mentioned in passing about the Nauvoo Whistling and Whittling Brigade. In the earlier blog, I said that I would write about the Brigade in a future blog. And a promise is a promise!
THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE IN OLD NAUVOO
Back in pioneer Nauvoo, the Whistling and Whittling Brigade was a thing – a special group – a brotherhood back then.
Today, we talk of the group in two of our presentations. One is at the “singing tree” where the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (NPM’s) perform. There is a giant tree in Nauvoo. It is at the corner of Main Street at Kimball Street. Two or three times a day, the NPM’s sing at this tree, and it is so fun to gather there with whoever might then be on Main Street.
One presentation that we have enjoyed there is “Men Sing the Songs of Zion”. Another popular production is “The Youth of Zion”. In this little vignette, several of the young performers – both men and ladies – talk about the Nauvoo youth and some of their activities, their spirit, etc. I love this presentation. Like all of the other performances, this one is fantastic.
In this presentation, the performing missionaries introduce the Brigade and talk of how the youth of old Nauvoo protected the city with their whittling antics.
The Teamsters also talk about the Brigade as they tell stories out on their Carriage Ride – where folks ride on wagons pulled by horses – and as they go over the woods and through the river north of the Visitors’ Center. Their Depot – where the trip begins, is at the north end of the Center parking lot. The Teamsters tell of one David Moore and give him credit for starting the Brigade. They tell how his boys “whittled and whistled many a rascal right out of town.”
My ears perk up with any hint of some new piece of history for me to latch onto and to study in depth. And the Whistling Whittling Brigade was one of those. I am, of course, a whittler from ancient history – so I was particularly intrigued with this Nauvoo Brigade and their woodcarving. Whitling … now there is something I can relate to.
MY INTEREST IN WHITLING AND CARVING STARTED AS A YOUNG BOY SCOUT
I took up an interest in whittling when I was a Boy Scout – age 12. I had an official Scout knife – and I still have it. It is black and kind of “bulky” for a knife. (Not as sleek as later models.) I took the Woodcarving merit badge at Camp Geronimo. I earned the badge by carving a letter opener and a neckerchief of the hand of a Scout in the Scout sign. I still have the pocket knife and the letter opener. I cannot find the Scout sign, but I know that I must have it – since I never throw away “anything historical”. (I have quite a collection!) The two wood-carved pieces are not at all marvelous, but they do bring back special memories.
MY FIRST CARVED WALKING STICK
My woodcarving skills were put on hold for many years. I didn’t know that I had any skills – or even interest. Then I got involved with the Boy Scouts in a more professional way. And it was then that the dormant interest began to stir once again.
As a new professional for the Boy Scouts of America, I found myself on a 24 or so day training back at the old Schiff Scout Reservation in New Jersey. (This place was magnificent but has since gone the way of the world – sold to help pay for other Scouting opportunities). I attended what was then called “NEI” – which is the acronym for “National Executive Institute”. While at the NEI training, I went to the little bookstore that they had at the place. And I there purchased my first real Scout whittling knife. Wanting to carve, but not knowing what to carve, I found a stick and began to carve on it.
I carved “NEI” on it and took advantage of the natural curves and bumps of the stick to create a twisted funny face. Also on the stick, I carved “NEI 7803”. (I was in the 3rd NEI Class of 1978 …). I quickly learned that all one needs in order to whittle was to get a knife and a stick – and to go at it. I found that was true. It began to work for me. Again, it was kind of a humble start, but it was enough to get me hooked on the skill or hobby or whatever it was.
In the rush of leaving for home, I somehow left my newly carved stick at the NEI place in New Jersey. And then I was in a dilemma. I called back to folks at the Reservation, and they found the stick and the folks were able to send it home with a BYU friend who was in the 7804 NEI class. It took a few months before I had a rendezvous with Brad to get the stick back. I was grateful that he took it on the airplane and somehow got it back to me.
Carving that stick got me hooked on the practice and art of woodcarving. I resolved then that I would create a new walking stick for each Boy Scout camp that I would work at in the future. And, so, a new tradition was begun. I created a stick at and for Camp Loll where I worked later that summer. And then later, at Camp Bartlett, I created a new stick for that camp. And so, it began – and became a thing for me. I got into the mode of finding the right wood stick and with just my trusty Scout carving knife, I began to have success. I worked hard to create the new sticks through the years. And I had a great time doing it.
Creating the sticks was sometimes a challenge when the pressures of time and responsibility sometimes were so much that I didn’t have as much time to carve as I desired.
Over the passage of time, I created about 15 new walking sticks, and I have them in a barrel collection in my Scouting Trails Museum – now jam-packed floor to ceiling at our Maricopa home. We moved all extraneous stuff of Sister Hunt and me into our two front bedrooms to make room for our daughter and son-in-law who are residing in our place while we are on our mission. I filled one room (my museum) with my stuff and Lou filled the front bedroom with her stuff.
WALKING STICK COUNSELING
I found that carving the sticks at camps afforded me a unique experience. I called it my “walking stick counseling”. I could go sit literally anywhere in camp – even on some remote log on some hidden trail. I would start carving and within a few minutes, I would have a couple of Scouts there on the log with me. They were very intrigued with my carving and asked many questions as I showed them what I was doing.
We had great conversations. And as I sat with the boys on the log with me, I would ask them about camp. “How do you like the Nature area? What is your favorite thing to get at the trading post? Who is your favorite staff member? Do you see any problems with our camp?” And in these discussions, I learned about the goings on all around the camp. Then as needed, I could use what I had learned in future staff meetings or discussions with individual staff members.
By this method, I seemed to know everything that was going on around the camp. And this blew the minds of my staff. They wondered how I knew all of this about them, and their areas, and the camp. It was great!
THE POCKET KNIFE SAGA
I mentioned that first BSA whittling knife. I carried that knife in my pocket always for about 20 years. I had used this knife to carve many of my stick in the collection. Then, one summer, we took all of the kids up north to the town of Payson, Arizona and attended July 4th festivities there. We sat in the grass at a large park to watch the fireworks. Then sadly, the next morning, I realized with horror that I no longer had my pocketknife. We returned to the park, and we all scoured the area around where we were sitting – but to no avail. The pocketknife was nowhere to be found. (I am sure that someone else found it and enjoyed it.)
Soon thereafter, and knowing of my love for the knife, my three sons pooled their resources, and they bought me a new knife – identical to the original BSA carving knife. That was about 25 years ago, and I have since carried that knife everywhere as I had its predecessor. And, like it, I have now carved many more sticks with it. And I still (even on the mission) carry that knife with me everywhere (except church – where I’ve learned that it slips out of my suit pants pocket). And I also carry my dad’s “Old Timer” knife with me – keeping a part of him with me as I serve. (And there’s another “Old Timer” story … which I have already long since blogged about.)
MY OBSESSION WITH BOLO TIES
With my whittling interest, I have had a life-long obsession with a love of hand-carved bolo ties. Though I have never carved one, these have become my personal trademark. I have so loved them, that there have been few days over the years when I have not worn the carved ornaments around my neck. Even family photos through the years each sported a different bolo time (for posterity).
My bolo tie interest also had its beginnings in my youth. When about age 16, I read in the “Scouting” magazine about the famed woodcarver, Bill Burch. I read of him creating hundreds of the bolos and then giving them out to Scouts at the National Scout Jamboree. (And that is also when I first learned about Jamborees and developed an intense desire to take our Troop 155 to the upcoming 1973 Jamboree (and that is a story that I’ve already told).
Anyway, from that youth moment, I wanted to somehow acquire a Bill Burch Bolo Tie (or “neckerchief slide”) but didn’t know how to get one. This aching burned within me for several years. Then finally when I was about age 30, a Bill Burch bolo came to me.
Lou and I and three children (expecting #4) were then living in Santa Barbara, California (where I was still a professional with the Boy Scouts). I was also the Ward Mission Leader. We literally had absolutely no place to house our missionaries. (Santa Barbara is a wonderful and most beautiful place – but it is also very strange relative to housing for young adults and families.)
Lou and were already crowded in our 3-bedroom townhouse with our expanding family but we moved all of the children into one bedroom. We then created bunk beds and furniture in the other bedroom to accommodate young Elders to be with us.
One of the first missionaries who came to live with us was from Spokane, Washington – where I knew the carver, Bill Burch, lived. I got excited. I said to him, “Do you know Bill Burch, the Scout carving guy?” He said, “Yeah, he was my Scoutmaster.” I said, “Really …! Wow! I have forever wanted to have one of hisfamous bolo ties.” He said, “I have about seven of them in my dresser at home. I will have my mom send one of them to me.”
He did so … and that is how I got my first Burch bolo … numbered #6667 on the back. And that started an even greater obsession with them. The bolo had the address of Bill Burch on the back – with the number of the bolo. And with his address, I was able to communicate directly with him to acquire additional of his bolo ties.
Photo: Kevin Hunt (left with walking sticks and friends – at his 50th Anniversary in Scouting Jubilee Celebration
From that point forward, I have collected bolos from many sources and from more than a dozen different carvers of them. And now, I have a collection of about 35 of them – with the goal of having one to pass on (posthumously) to each to my nine children (including the ladies) as well as one for each of my 26 grandsons. It has taken a bit of effort and resources to accumulate such a collection. (And that brings to memory another blog article …) Read it at: https://thescoutingtrail.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/bolo-ties-are-part-of-my-scouting-tradition-part-1/
BLOGS, BOYS, KNIVES, STICKS, AND WHITTLING
Some years ago, a long-time Scouting friend, Darryl Alder, got me hooked on the hobby or whatever it is – of writing blog articles. I’ve written about a 100 blog articles on Scouting subjects and many of them through the years have been on woodcarving, or whittling,
I introduced one of those blogs saying, “There is something about boys, knives, and carving … Like kids and mud puddles, camp, Scouts, sticks, and knives just kind of go together. One thing that all Scouts seem to have in common is their propensity for stick carving.” (August 16, 2017)
Sadly, with the passage of time and the changing of the guard in Scouting (and me personally), many of the links to those former great articles have gone the way of the world. But I did save them and published them all in Volume #20 of my personal autobiography (that I called “My Life’s Collective Works”). You can access the book at this link:
NOW BACK TO THE NAUVOO WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE
That was kind of a round-about way to introduce the Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade. I hope that you enjoyed the detour …
So, boys, sticks and carving are not a new phenomenon. The connection is probably as old as time. Adam and his sons probably made knives and began carving soon after the Eden experience. It was likely a part of their survival mode.
When my sons were teens, they were privileged to attend the biennial Varsity Scouting “Mountain Man Rendezvous” held at Camp Geronimo near Payson, Arizona. In preparation for this grand guy event, the boys worked for months ahead to create capotes (large fur-like capes) mountain man hats, and other gear. Creating their own knife (from a plain piece of steel to a cool, finished knife) was a part of the program. And each Scout who made such a knife has, no doubt, treasured it for life since that time. (*Much to the dismay of their wives who wonder why their men keep such a thing in their homes.)
HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS OF WHITTLING AND WHISTLING IN OLD NAUVOO
Historical records indicate that the old Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade likely did not get its formal start until 1845 – after the death of the Prophet Joseph
. However, Mosiah Lyman Hancock may have employed the same tactics much earlier – to help protect the Prophet Joseph Smith. Mosiah was born in 1834 so would have been ten years old when the Prophet was martyred. He was the son of Levi Ward Hancock (and nephew of my 4th great grandmother, Clarissa Hancock Alger). In his autobiography, he said,
“I joined the whistling and whittling band. In those days, there was, now and then, a fop or dude who would go to a man’s shingle pile, and with his hat or cap cocked on one side, would sit and whittle and whistle. There was no law against that, but from what we could learn, some of them were interested in taking the life of the Prophet. We kept a good watch and were directed to keep an eye on the “Black Ducks”. We really tried to do our duty, and we succeeded in bagging some game. I was about to give some instances, but forbear by saying, “In no case did I ever help to engage in whittling any one down to make them cross the great river unless they were known to be lurking around the Prophet’s premises quite late, or to be seeking that which was none of their business. In extreme cases when we knew a man to be a snobber, and who still sought the life of the Prophet, we would use our rail. We generally had four boys to a rail—–the rail would be flat on the bottom and was three cornered; on the top corner it was terribly sharp—–fixed to suit the aggravating circumstances. Four boys generally knew how to manage the rail. We all had our knives and our timbers to whittle and make rails from, and we knew what tunes to whistle. I do not know if the boys from Nauvoo would like for me to betray those old-fashioned secrets; but that was the way we initiated those who seemed to wish with all their hearts to become thoroughly acquainted with the secrets of the Prophet. …”
The above account tells of how Mosiah (who lived just a block East of Joseph’s Mansion House – on the corner of Water and Partridge Streets) helped to protect the Prophet Joseph. Mosiah continued: “The Brethren pushed the work on the Temple; and the Gospel was preached; and every Saint was busy doing all he could to help the work along. Although I was very young, I was on guard many a night, and gladly did I hail with many of the Saints, the completion of the temple.”
Mosiah adds an interesting side note: “On about January 10, 1846 [when he was 12] , I was privileged to go in the temple and receive my washings and anointings. I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple.”
As noted, Mosiah seemed to be protecting the Prophet Joseph (who died in 1844). The real organization of the Brigade happened after the death of Joseph but Mosiah had the skills so he definitely would have fit right into the newly organized Brigade.
PROTECTION FROM THE MOBS
From the day of the First Vision, Joseph the Prophet of the Restoration, had to run for his life. He was constantly barraged by evil people who wanted his capture or even his demise. He had to be constantly on-guard and had to ask many other people for their help and protection in his behalf.
The enemies of Joseph and Hyrum thought that the church would evaporate or die with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. The harassment of the church stopped but only for a brief period before it intensified even more. The evil designs of the adversary opened fire against the Saints. Foes of the church were also determined to stop the construction of the Temple.
THE NAUVOO CITY CHARTER
“The Nauvoo City Charter was unique because it established a city council, municipal court, university, and independent militia unit (“The Nauvoo Legion”). The charter was quickly approved by the Illinois general assembly on December 16, 1840, and passed the final review by the Council of Revision on December 17, It became effective February 1, 1841. Before the 1870 Illinois Constitution, municipalities could vote to incorporate themselves or could be incorporated by special acts of the General Assembly. For a time, this city charter was magnificent. It served the Saints well and allowed them to create their own “Utopia” by which they governed themselves.
“The charter authorized the creation of a city council, consisting initially of a mayor, four aldermen, and nine council members; and a municipal court with jurisdiction over local cases and the power to issue writs of habeas corpus. The charter also included provisions for a university and a local militia. … The Nauvoo Legion, the city’s militia – and a local police force – was organized in 1841 and functioned until its charter was repealed in 1845. The Legion was made up of mostly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some opponents of the Legion believed it was a threat to non-Mormons.
“ ,,, Nauvoo’s charter was unique among Illinois city charters, the combination of powers in the charter and the energetic use of those powers became a source of contention.”
Neighboring communities saw Nauvoo and its charter a political and economic threat and mob violence increased.
After the Martyrdom, mob rule was the order of the day. Violence increased as mobs and wicked people continued to want to exterminate the “Mormons” (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – just as they had done in Missouri and elsewhere prior to the Nauvoo era.
Ultimately, the full charter – with all of its powers – including the right of citizens to defend themselves was revoked in 1845, again by order of the Illinois General Assembly. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo Charter by a vote of 25-14 in the Senate and 75-31 in the House.[2] Nauvoo was dis-incorporated and its assets were placed into a receivership. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauvoo_City_Council)
EFFECT OF THE REVOCATION OF THE NAUVOO CHARTER
The revocation of the Nauvoo City Charter dissolved the Nauvoo Legion as well as the local police force. This action came as mob violence and prejudice continued to increase exponentially. The city was then totally without protection. The Saints were left to the mercy of those opposed to them. Dramatic action was needed for the protection of the city and for the completion of the Temple. Brigham Young and the Apostles soon realized that guards were needed both day and night.
Thurmon Dean Moody wrote a beautiful treatise (maybe one of the greatest writings) on the subject of the Whittling Whistling Brigade. I recommend his article can be found at chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1738&context=byusq
Citizens of Nauvoo knew that this was the demise of their beloved Nauvoo. Appeal attempts were made but to no avail.
Almon Babbit wrote an appeal to the charter revocation: “Repeal the charter of Nauvoo, prescribe her citizens by your public acts and you will tolerate and encourage the demonstration of mob violence that surrounds the people of Nauvoo.” He noted that fiends around them were waiting to feast upon the Saints to their destruction.
Wandle Mace said of the evil forces: “They tried every means they could devise to bring trouble upon Nauvoo. Frequently a party would land from a steamboat and come into the city, commit their deviltry, and return to the boat and leave again – well knowing we had no law to protect us since the city charter was taken away.”
A PLAN IS DEVISED
Apostle Brigham Young decided that action needed to be taken. On Sunday, March 16, 1845, Brigham called a meeting for the next evening. He said, “We want the bishops at the Masonic Hall, and we will organize them according to our notion of things. We have no police, and the legislature has repealed our charter. We mean to have the City of Joseph organized so the streets shall be kept clear and the poor cared for.”
Hosea Stout had previously been the Chief of Police under the city charter.
Photo: Hosea Stout
The committee organized the city into companies of ten with a captain at the head of each company. The “new police” were to continue to meet mostly as a guard for the Temple. They were not a city organization, but it was to be an ecclesiastical guard. The groups were to receive no pay and were to be volunteers. Not wanting to resort to extra legal extra activities and being aware that their priesthood authority did not apply to any but their own people they felt as if this would be a viable solution.
At the meeting Brigham called, Hosea was present and suggested a plan. He had met three days before with Stephen Markham, a captain in the former Legion. Both were anxious to preserve order as much as possible under the circumstances.
The plan was to organize the whole community of saints into quorums of 12 Deacons – each with a Bishop at their head. David Moore – referred to on the horse “Carriage Ride” said, “The purpose of the organization was two-fold: 1) to take care of the poor 2) to guard the city at night to keep everything straight.” He further recorded: I was appointed one of the bishops also (at age 26). I had a very large district assigned to me. I was allowed 13 men, and we had to keep watch over the north part of the city one night each week including the steamboat landing. Our weapons were a large hickory cane and a toothpick – a huge knife. The object of the knife was to whittle rascals out of town.”
Brigham soon proclaimed this as a new “official Mormon practice” at the meeting on the 17th of March.
IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
In his autobiography, George W. Bean recorded, “This was my first real public service at the age of fourteen and a half years [and] being large of stature and well equipped, I did my full share of duty for five days and nights after this. I performed guard duty at nights all winter about the streets of Nauvoo.”
On each corner was a man from twelve to twenty years of age who watched all movements from sunset to dawn and reported any suspicious activity to the bishop who promptly consulted the leaders and the Nauvoo Legion Officials.”
THE AGE OF THE BRIGADE DEACONS
Some reports of the Whistling Whitling Brigade indicate that the “Deacons” were all very young – like teen-age boys. Such may not have always been the case. In those days, there was no age parameter for being a Deacon. A Deacon could be a young boy, or he could be an adult. Ages for Aaronic Priesthood quorum membership did not happen until 1908 (just in time for the 1910 organization of the Boy Scouts of America). At that time, young men of age 12 could be ordained as Deacons.
So, the Brigade Deacons could have been ages 12 to 25 or older in old Nauvoo.
THE JOB OF THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE
Paul D. Bailey gave a detailed account saying that the community “met the increasing flood of gentile undesirables by organizing the boy population into a whistling and whittling brigade suspicious strangers immediately would be surrounded by groups of boys armed with long bladed jack knives and sticks whichever way the suspect moved the boys followed whistling and whittling as they went. Not a question would they ask not a question would they answer. They were too small to strike individually too many to battle collectively when they descended on a hapless stranger they hugged his presence like vermin until in exasperation he was glad to take hasty leave from the abode of the saints.”
Wandle Mace said, “Our families were exposed to the rascals who on finding them unprotected by husbands and fathers would insult and abuse them in consequence of such things. The old police formed themselves into whittling companies and guarded the city from the rascals. When a stranger came into the city they would learn if they were upon legitimate business and if so, they did not interfere with them but if they had no legitimate business, they were then under the surveillance of the Whittlers who would follow wherever they went whittling and whistling. They did not molest them in any way not even talking to them but simply followed them whittling and whistling as they went.”
William B Pace painted a vivid picture as he wrote in his journal of the activities of the Brigade. He said, that “every boy generally could whistle and most of them had knives from ten to fourteen inches long in scabbards ”a la bouy” and when any of these fellows became boisterous or showed any signs of meddling the boy who discovered would draw his knife and commence whittling and soon a crowd of his pals gathered. Then they would surround the obnoxious element – be he large or small – many or few – and whistled and whittled in his direction and they’d stick by him until he was out of town. This was rather an amusing process. Not a word was said but an unearthly whistle – and generally everyone had his own favorite tune – and an incessant whittling with those large knives was enough to strike terror to the hearts of the victims and he got out of town as quick as his legs could carry him.”
BROTHER BRIGHAM AND THE BRIGADE
Brigham Young was often confronted about the Brigade by men who got whistled and whittled. He denied that he had anything to do with the antics of the Brigade. But, on 14 April 1845, during the height of the brigade encounter, Brigham Young mentioned that “Nauvoo’s Whistling and Whittling Brigade and the deacons have become very efficient looking after the welfare of the saints. Every part of the city is watched with the strictest care and whatever time of night the streets are traveled at the corner of every block a deacon is found attending his duty.”
Dirty men who felt the brunt of the Brigade sometimes complained to Brother Brigham and accused him of orchestrating the plan and the antics of the Brigade. One such person who talked to Brigham was given an interesting retort back. President Young is reported to have quietly replied in the words of Martin Van Buren when president of the United States to Joseph Smith: “Gentlemen your cause is just but I can do nothing for you. The legislature has taken away our city charter we have no laws nor power to protect you.”
Obviously, Brigham Young did support the Bishop and Deacon method of watching and guarding Nauvoo, but it was not as apparent that he was supportive of what appears to be its offshoot the Whistling and Whittling brigade.
Many reflected the opinions expressed by many involved with the organization noting that the Brigade lasted but a few weeks. But, even so, Scoundrels soon learned that to go into Nauvoo, men must mind their own business and not meddle with the people, or they would get whistled out. So, if the whistlers kept out even a few of the bad guys – the scoundrels – they were successful.
While the Whistling Whittling Brigade was successful in the short run, the Bishops and Deacons ultimately could not fully control the mobocrats who came after the Saints. They were still expelled from Nauvoo – beginning in February of 1846.
SO, WHAT DID THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE WHITTLE?
This blog article was based on the assumption that the Whistling Whittling Brigade actually did real “woodcarving” – and that the Bishops and Deacons created a desired object, shape or design with their sharp-edged cutting tools. (That is a Google definition.) I guess I assumed that the work of the Whistling Whittling Brigade was whittling or actually wood carving. And this is what drew me to the Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade.
Now, however, as I have learned more about them, I have realized that their real purpose was to protect the city and to encourage scoundrels to get out of town fast. I realized that they really weren’t doing real woodcarving, but they sure put on a good act. They cut on sticks as if whittling – but probably were just taking big swipes (maybe taking the bark off of their sticks). I had no idea that they did their whittling with large “Bowie Knives”. Whittling really is not possible with a very large-bladed knife. Whittling – with a specific goal or design in mind – is best done with small blades that can be manipulated to create intricate designs.
WHAT DID THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE ACCOMPLISH?
I learned that the Brigade really was successful – in that they accomplished their goals – but it was a different goal than I had supposed. Their mission was that of helping scoundrels out of town. They were a real source of strength to the Saints. Their presence helped Saints feel at least some peace and protection – even in the trauma of the time. Their work had nothing to do with whittling and carving. Theirs was a higher calling – to protect their community, the Temple and fellow saints. And they accomplished that mission.
The Brigade members served their Nauvoo Covenant Community. Each man or boy did his best and did his part to contribute to the community as a whole. Brigade participants experienced a great brotherhood as they worked and served together. They became friends, and brothers as they served together for the cause of Zion.
Brigade members worked under the direction of their ecclesiastical or church leaders. They were a beautiful witness of how the Priesthood can operate when all work together. Bishops were responsible for and guided their Deacons – men and boys – in the protection of their fellow Saints. Bishops and Deacons worked together to accomplish their mission – setting an example of how Bishops and Aaronic Priesthood men and boys can work together in our day.
The Brigade was successful in keeping the peace in the short run but, the Brigade could not handle the violent mobs that were to come, and the Saints were later forced to evacuate Nauvoo the following spring. The Spirit and camaraderie of the Brigade members, however, would live on within their minds and hearts as they went forward – united in faith – to their next adventures and future priesthood responsibilities.
I am surely not a whistler, but I do love to whittle along the trail whenever I can.
Words cannot adequately describe the beauty of God’s wonders around us in Beautiful Nauvoo. Everywhere we look, we see magnificence. I stand in awe and amazement of God’s natural wonders so evident everywhere here in Nauvoo.
But, to put it in perspective for this Arizona Desert Rat boy, let me first say that some time ago, I wrote a blog article about the Arizona flora and fauna so I will here copy a link to that article – just so that the reader can properly contract the two very different, but both very beautiful places:
Rather than use a lot of words – as I am prone to do on some blogs, I will let the Nauvoo natural beauties speak for themselves. Enjoy!
How is that for bauty and wonder … we see it all over Nauvoo and it is magnificent indeed.
With all of the above, I can see all of you making plane reservations or making application to serve inj Nauvoo.
I am in awe of everything around me and express my gratitude to God for these beauties. It’s a rough life to experience all of this beauty, but someone has to do it! We are glad it is us!
Since Sister Hunt and I have come to Nauvoo, we have had some special times at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, as well as at his Homestead and Mansion House – and other places.
March 5, 2024 proved to be a historic day that most of us had not anticipated. It was a glorious day. In a surprise announcement The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ together posted the news. On that date, all of the Joseph Smith properties in Nauvoo transferred from the latter to the former.
The Community of Christ Church (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ) is to be commended for their years of dedicated care of the Joseph Smith properties and we can be grateful for their service and management. Without their foresight and able management, these places would not be available to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the way that they are today.
The transaction included transfer of the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House, the Nauvoo House, Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, the Sidney Rigdon Home, as well as Nauvoo’s “First Hotel”, the Jonathan Wright, William Marks and Aaron Johnson homes. Tours under the new leadership began on March 25 – just three weeks later. Since that time, many people have come in droves to see the new sites.
It was exciting for Sister Hunt and I to see the timing of our mission call. We (or I) had been frustrated with some delays in the call process. But after we received our call to serve in Historic Nauvoo, it all made sense. We arrived in Nauvoo just three weeks after the property transfer. And how exciting is that? And additionally, I was called to be the “site coordinator” for these properties. It was all very wonderful.
Since our arrival, we have had a several opportunities to serve as guides at the Homestead and Mansion House (one tour) and Joseph’s Red Brick Store. Our guests have been so excited to see these new places.
For those who do not know, Joseph fund a ready-made log home when he came to Nauvoo in 1839. What is called the “Homestead” cabin was built about 1823 by a James White – who was a Mississippi River fur trader. Joseph bought this home in 1839. He made two additional additions to the Homestead – first in 1840 and again in 1842. He and Emma moved to the Mansion House in 1843. The Homestead was the headquarters of the Church until 1842 when Joseph opened his Red Brick Store.
The Red Brick Store was a special and sacred place. Joseph said of his upstairs office, Here “I kept my sacred writings, translated ancient records, and received revelations.”
In the Store, Joseph recorded Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants. He translated and published the ancient Book of Abraham (in the local “Times and Seasons” newspaper), organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, gave the first Temple endowments, and transferred Priesthood keys on to the 12 Apostles. So, the store was a very significant and sacred place in church history. (And it still is!) Pretty amazing and breath-taking in its scope.
THE JOHN WENTWORTH LETTER
John Wentworth was a Chicago newspaper publisher. He wrote to Joseph Smith asking what “The Mormons” believed. From his Red Brick Store, Joseph wrote back to Mr. Wentworth with 13 statements of our beliefs. We, of course, know them today as the “13 Articles of Faith”.
In our tour, we talk about the “Articles” and if there are children in the group, we invite them to share their favorite Article. They usually do better than the adults. It has been fun to watch the children recite them. On one occasion, three siblings stood together and sang a couple of the Article of Faith songs. So great!
We also talk about the “Standard of Truth”. This was also a part of the Wentworth letter. We also invite people young and old to recite this great standard and prophesy of missionary work going forth to the world. Many men and women have previously served missions and often recited the Standard at zone and other conferences. Often the folks can remember this from their missionary days. Even if they don’t recite it aloud, we can often see them mouthing the words along with us. (And The Standard is not just pretty words … it is Joseph’s prophesy about how missionary work will fill the whole earth. And as we look at what has happened since Joseph’s time – and everywhere in the world today, we see the exciting fulfilment of that special prophesy.)
One moment with The Standard was particularly memorable. I asked if anyone knew it and two teen brothers (about ages 13 and 16) stood flanking me and together they (and I) recited with great gusto:
”The Standard of Truth has been erected: no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
Those boys were truly amazing! And talk about proud parents … (and it was the parents who had taught them the Standard so they were really proud that their efforts may have taken root a bit with the boys).
Whenever we have teens come in, and as we talk of “The Standard”, I try to get them to imagine themselves on their missions and standing as a mission or zone and reciting that together “with gusto”. I hope I have enlarged their visions a bit.
A TOUR DELAY PROVIDES AN UNPLANNED AFTERNOON CONCERT
The Red Brick Store has two parts – the downstairs and the “upper room”. Typically, there are two sets of missionaries serving at the Store together. One pair of missionaries can be downstairs with one group – while the other pair can be upstairs with another.
On this one occasion, there was a lady on the tour ahead of us. She was unable to climb the stairs, so the other pair of missionaries kept her downstairs to share with her the upstairs tour. This left Sister Hunt and I outside and waiting with a group for the folks ahead of us to finish up. A group of about 15 people gathered with us out there on the Red Brick steps and surrounds. So as to not get even further behind with the tours, I opted to gather the group and begin the first floor tour outside.
I had just gotten started when the sound of music rent the air. We looked up and coming toward us was the “Nauvoo Brass Band” doing their band thing in their very own carriage. And seeing us gathered outside, they had the teamster pull to a stop. They gave us our very own private concert right then and there. Talk about fabulous! And the energy of those folks … they were literally dancing and bobbing as they played their instruments. Amazing doesn’t adequately describe the scene. Maybe it should be “spectacular”.
It is so great having the band on the streets of Nauvoo. They give such an exciting and upbeat burst of energy with every stop that they make. And they give a couple of concerts each day – in the “park” (grassy area) in front of the Print Shop – and elsewhere. Such a fun missionary assignment!
A UNIQUE MEETING WITH 12 UNUSUAL BROTHERS
We never know who we will have on our tours. This one group really caught us by surprise. We looked outside and saw them coming. They came in three cars, and they piled out and moved en masse toward us. I wondered what had hit us! Here was a throng of very handsome “brothers” – all with dark hair and looking amazing and wonderful. They were so impressive. As I greeted them, we did the “where are you from thing” to get to know the folks.
They announced that they were a religious seminary group and that they were from Toronto, Canada. They said that they were touring all over to learn about other churches. I said, “That is great! What other churches have you already been to?” I had to laugh at their answer. They said, “We went to Palmyra and then to Kirtland!”
As noted, the guys said that they were from Toronto, Canada. I knew however, that they were not native to Toronto. The Spirit told me that they were from the country of Pakistan. I asked them if they were Pakistani and they admitted that they are. I told them that I love Pakistani people.
I felt such a connection to these guys. They looked so fabulous as they sat with us in the Red Brick Store. My heart and soul went out to these guys. I thought they must be royal princes of the best of Abraham. Not sure if they come from Abraham but when I mentioned him, they acted as if they claim him as their father.
These guys were sincerely interested in everything. One sage seemed a bit skeptical of things, but the other guys seemed to be loving everything that they heard. They were soaking it in.
It is hard to describe the feelings that I felt in the presence of these guys. They seemed like such great men.
After the tour, I was shaking hands with a couple of the guys – and one in particular. Sister Hunt put out her hand to shake and the man politely said that he could not shake hands – (a cultural thing for him). But, he crossed his arms over his chest – over his heart toward her and said, “Thank you so much!”
I took the group over to the cemetery that contains the graves of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma Smith and others. One guy noticed my bolo tie and wanted to know what this was. He really liked my explanation – that it has no significance to anything but that I like t collect them – and that they are kind of my “signature thing”.
The men were in awe and reverence. I then took them over to where the Joseph Smith homestead tour begins. There were sister missionaries there to greet them. I asked the men if it was okay for the ladies to take them on the tour and they said that it was.
I was kind of overcome with the Spirit after the special time I had just shared with all of these men of power and strength. Wow! I noted a special connection with one brother. He seemed really into the message and had listened and watched me intently as I presented new truths to him. I could tell that he was really feeling the Spirit in a good way. As I said farewell to this group, I shook hands with this one guy and as I did so, I said, “It was so great to have you here, brother.” He looked at me, and in a very natural way, we pulled each other into a great hug. Then, to my surprise, the long line of men behind him also wanted a hug from me.
One guy wanted to take a moment to teach me how to say “Hello” or “good day” in his native language – possibly Urdu? He had me say the words and then he had me practice them. Sad to say, my grasp of the “gift of tongues” was not that strong at that moment – but it was a fun bonding time.
And then they were off … I was still kind of choked up when I returned to the Red Brick Store and greeted my next group.
GREETED BY HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS, WE BECAME FAST FRIENDS
There is nothing like home made cinnamon rolls to help “make new friends and influence people” (as my friend “Sam” Carnegie would say. My wife honed in on that art many years ago – and she has been working her charm with them ever since (just like my own mother and grandmother before her).
It was late on a Sunday afternoon, and we were at the Joseph and Emma Homestead and Mansion House. Sister Hunt and other missionaries assigned there that afternoon were outside of the Bidamon Stable just visiting and basking in the beauty and wonder of the world around us – and feeling the influence of Joseph and Emma with us. This was as we had a few and rare moments between tours. (Actually, part of the team were giving tours.)
We were approached by a young family bearing gifts. Our mouths began to water – even before they got to us. Cinnamon rolls just seem to have a special aura around them. No one knew who these folks were, but they quickly caught our attention as we eyed the plates in their hands. I went over to greet them, and we became fast friends. They said that these cinnamon rolls had not sold in their restaurant and by their tradition, they were bringing them to share with missionaries. How grateful we were to be the recipients. Wow! I shared the goods with the other missionaries and we were all agog with the delectables before us.
MEET THE SQUIRE FAMILY OF DOWNTOWN NAUVOO …
We were greeted by Dad, Jordan, and Mom, Morgan Squire and three of their six children. Each one offered us a plate. Wow! You can come to our place any time, folks!
My wife and I enjoyed visiting with the Squire family. They shared with us their story (and with their permission, I share it here with ya’ll). They said that they operate the “Red Front” café or restaurant located in metropolitan downtown Nauvoo. We had already been to their place several times but had never met the visionaries behind the counter.
We were in awe and amazement as they shared with us their story. It was amazing, and inspiring …)
About five years ago, I guess they had been to Nauvoo on a family trip. And they had purchased a possible bed and breakfast location – here – just as an investment. They returned home to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Within a short time, the wife/mother kept having recurring spiritual promptings that they should move to Nauvoo to start a restaurant – and that they should do it NOW. She was stunned. They had no previous plans of doing such a thing. And further, they had never operated a restaurant. But, the thought and impressions kept coming. She could not get them to go away. The feelings pressed down on her and she could not shake them. She went to her husband and told him about her feelings. She thought and hoped he would say, “That is really a dumb idea” and would talk her out of it. Not so! He said, “Well, if the Lord has told you to do this, then we better go for it.” She was then in a state of shock … and it was time to act.
This situation reminded Lou and me of a similar occasion for us. We were living in Santa Barbara, California, where we had lived for two years. I had recently left the employ of the Boy Scouts of America. I had been a professional Scouter – for seven years but a change was a necessity. We were out of a job and had no money. We were just getting started on a trip to Utah. We were speeding along on the freeway east of Ventura, California on Highway #126 – heading east on our way up to Utah to see Lou’s folks and family for a short time.
As we were thus on the freeway – going through the lovely orange orchards, I suddenly turned to my wife and said, “You are going to think that I am crazy, but I just got the feeling that we are supposed to move to this town.” (And we didn’t know anyone there – nor had we ever been there). She surprised me as she said, “No, I don’t think you are crazy … I just got the same feeling!” Wow!
We made our trip to Utah and returned to our home in Santa Barbara and within a few days, moved 50 miles away to the town of Santa Paula, California. That move proved to be a wonderful blessing in our lives in many ways. (Three more children joined the four – and we had some wonderful friends – the Lazenby’s and others.) We were grateful that we heeded the workings of the Spirit with us. We remained in Santa Paula for five years before returning home to Arizona.
Anyway, back to the Squire family … Being united in the cause, they made the decision to move “right now” to Nauvoo. They began to make preparations to move. And they were surprised when a neighbor a few doors down from them came over to talk. The neighbor said, “God told us that we are supposed to buy your house.”
Sister Jordan objected and said, “But you have a house .. why would you want to buy our house?” The neighbor was just as surprised as were the Squire family – but acted on the inspiration. Soon the purchase was made. The Squire family packed up and headed off for Nauvoo in the moving van. They quickly found a Nauvoo home to live in, and within a month or so, they suddenly found themselves living in the little village of Nauvoo, Illinois (now bursting at the seams with about 1,000 people). And within a ridiculously short period of time – like within a month, they were moved in and had their new restaurant/café open for business. And they have been here doing business ever since. They do not know fully why the Lord directed them here, but trusting in Him, they have had success and great experiences here. (And our mission President says that this same feeling can be shared by many of the business owners of Nauvoo. He said that “there is a gathering here … and people are being told to come here– and they don’t know why. They just go for it and do it.”
This spirit reminds me of the scripture that was my family favorite as I was growing up: Proverbs 3:5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Even through several bouts of unemployment and lingering uncertainty, we have gone forward in faith. That has been the modus operandi for our whole lives. And it seems to be working! And we now express our gratitude for the Lord’s bounties unto us. He has always provided us with “sufficient for our needs”.
A PLUG FOR THE LOCAL “RED FRONT” RESTAURANT
Okay, so there are not many options for eating in Nauvoo. We surely do not have a monopoly on eating establishments. But, that is not the only reason why I tout the Red Front restaurant or café here in downtown Nauvoo. They seriously, they have amazing food (and decent prices). We have loved it each time that we have gone there – and with every menu item we have tried.
Our favorite menu item is their ice cream “bricks”. Maybe it is just the Belcher Brick in our blood, but we really love this kind of brick. It comes in a plastic box about 4” square. And the ice cream brick inside – nearly fills up the box. They always have their mainstay of greet mint chocolate chip – to which Sister Hunt is addicted – but often have other exotic flavors – like French Silk, Lemon Raspberry, brownie dough, and more. And the crust on each one is truly amazing. We often feel a pull on the vehicle steering wheel nudging us to go there at nights. Sometimes we will share one brick. Oher times, we will each get our own favorite brick (depending upon flavors available). Occasionally, we will each eat our full brick, and sometimes, we each get our brick, eat part of it there, and then bring home half of it to freeze for another happy time.
When people ask for our food recommendations, we always are quick to sing the praises of The Red Front – owned and operated by Jordan and Morgan Squire. They are only open to 8:00 PM, however (later than most places in town … since most “roll up their sidewalks” earlier) so you’ll have to hurry … but they are sure worth going there. So, “Hats off, Squire family!”
AND A SIDENOTE ABOUT NAUVOO SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES
Anticipating Mother’s Day and Sister Hunt’s birthday (I think), our son, Rusty, asked what stores we have in Nauvoo. He was, indeed, quite shocked when we told him emphatically, “Dollar General”. That is seriously the Walmart of old Nauvoo. He never ordered from there … I guess the place did not meet his hopes or expectations.
ANOTHER UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH THE SQUIRES
One day, Sister Hunt and I found ourselves serving (literally) in the restored “Scovil Bakery”. We were visited by the Sister missionary who coordinates the “cookies” for the bakery. She said that she would not be there, but said that a lady would be bringing in a large collection of cookies. She gave us instructions for getting them into large freezer boxes (there’s that “large” word again) located down in the limestone cellar of the place. She said that we would be visited by Jordan Squire with a large batch of the famous and now traditional Scovil Bakery molasses cookies. She said, “Large” but we learned a new meaning of the word that morning.
Baker Squire showed up as promised. We learned what “large” means. On that morning, she literally brought in about 4,000 cookies. Yes, that’s right!
For many years, the modern Scovill Bakery used to actually make these famous molasses cookies (in the native “bustle oven” of the place – so named because of the bustle on a woman’s posterior – that sticks out in the back) and would give them out to visitors. They became “legendary” and people came for the tour just so that they could get another of those pioneer delectables.
We learned that the “large” meant being innovative in how to get the five or six “large” crates of cookies downstairs. All stairs in Nauvoo are notoriously treacherous in their steepness, but the Scovil stairs redefine the word and description. One can hardly call them “stairs”. It is more like one of those old-fashioned fire station poles. Jordan just kept bringing the boxes from her car and I would carry them to the launching point for the so-called stairs. Lou would perch herself (literally and precariously) on one or two of the “steps” to receive the packed boxes. Probably not the best alternative, she would slide the boxes down to the cellar below. And then she would transfer the box contents into the two waiting freezer boxes. She would return up the pole (an interesting feat, in itself) with the empty box and I would return it to Jordan. Even with the challenges, we soon got all of the boxes downstairs, unloaded, and passed back up to me for Jordan.
Jordan told us the “Nauvoo” had contracted with her Red Front company to create some 50,000 cookies that were projected to be needed through the summer for the onslaught of visitors whom we hoped would come. The cookies are small … you could not make a meal of them … but they are at least a bite of that old-fashioned molasses goodness. And another engineering challenge is that they are all individually packaged in their own little plastic bag. 50,000! Wow. That really defines “large”. She said that the cookies were “all hands on deck” for her family. Talk about home evening activities … that was certainly one for everyone to be a part of. They probably wished that all six children had six or more hands each for the task at hand. And the poor kids are probably watching cookies being created, baked, and bagged, all through the night –every night. But, “progress is being made”, said Morgan. “The end is in sight! This makes about 41,000 cookies in the freezers below!” Wow!
After she left, I began to check out the system by which the cookies made it to the packed freezers. I decided that we were not being very smart. Even though this building is a restored structure, it still has the characteristic old limestone basement – and a cellar door going up out of it. And Voila! (Remember my blog about our bike riding?) Well, that was the case with this place, also. One needed only to unlatch the door down cellar, and pull the outside doors up and over. We could have easily saved ourself (and especially Sister Hunt) a lot of grief if we had used our noggins a bit more creatively. I later mentioned this option to the “Sister Cookie Coordinator” and she tried to fathom that scenario. I am not sure she was a believer, but she should be! It would sure be easier for those coming 10,000 more cookies!
Well, there you have it! Life in Nauvoo just keeps getting better and better. I think we will stick around a while! (And maybe get some more of those cinnamon rolls and molasses cookies…!)
As ever, from the Nauvoo trail …
Elder Kevin
Nauvoo, Historic Nauvoo, Senior Mission Couple, Historic Sites, Missionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintS
On the Nauvoo Trail 