“I lost my sugar in Salt Lake City when I heard the news.
This left me deep in my solitude,
with the Salt Lake City blues.”
 

“I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” was a blues number that was performed by Perry Como, Peggy Lee, and the duo of Judy Garland and Johnny Mercer. The song first made its grand entrance into music history when it was sung by Mae E. Johnson in the film “Stormy Weather.” But a new day is on the horizon and Salt Lake City is hoping for fair weather – free of any storms on any front – as something quite exciting is scheduled to take place in the not too distance future! Ah, yes, the 2002 Winter Olympics will be hosted by the same city that was laid out by Mormon pioneers 154 years ago.
 

In 1847, Brigham Young led Mormons to Salt Lake City in an effort to find a refuge from religious persecution. Young used Joseph Smith’s city plan to create wide streets around the Temple in an effort to make the Tabernacle the focal point of Salt Lake City. Today, the downtown area is attractive and boasts skyscrapers and modern buildings amongst the restored older structures. Still, the center of downtown is Temple Square, just as Joseph Smith predestined that it should be. The dome-shaped Tabernacle serves as the hub for the Mormon religion and is home to the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 
 

Salt Lake City is situated on the Jordan River near the southeastern end of the Great Salt Lake. The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is to the east and north. 
 

Skiing along the mountain range of the Wasatch Front is quite popular and a draw to visitors. Many of the Olympic events will take place on this mountain range.
 

Salt Lake City’s economy is influenced mightily by the mining of copper, silver, lead, zinc, coal, and iron. Its mills and 
factories include steel, petroleum, and textile manufacturing. Irrigated farmlands provide some agricultural economical input as well. Hay is the most important crop. Wheat, barley, and oats are also seen growing on the irrigated farmland. More than two-thirds of farm income is derived from livestock.
 

Although there has been some friction in the past between Mormon and non-Mormons who live in Salt Lake City, the overall tone is one where most anyone would tell you, “Great family values. Terrific place to raise kids.” I just bet it’ll be a great place for the Olympics too. No stormy weather allowed, Mae.
 

Utah farmland abounds in oats, wheat, and barley. Let’s focus on a great recipe for oatmeal cookies.

Assemble the following ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated (white) sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon cloves
3 cups quick-cooking oats
¾ cup shortening
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients. Blend in shortening, egg, water, and vanilla. Mix well. Add raisins and/or nuts if desired. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about one inch apart onto greased baking sheet. Bake 12 –15 minutes. Hint: Cookies are done when almost no imprint is left when touched with a finger. Remove from baking sheet to cool. 

How about some old-fashioned whole wheat muffins? Hmmm. I can smell them cooking already!

Assemble the following ingredients:
1 egg
1 cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottom of medium sized muffin tin or line individual cups with muffin papers. Beat egg. Stir in milk. Next, blend in oil. Mix in remaining ingredients until flour is just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Do not overmix.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from muffin tin immediately. 

Education –  Educational facilities abound in Salt Lake City. The University of Utah and Westminster College have been prominent post-secondary schools since the 1800’s.

Territory to State – Salt Lake City was the territorial capital from 1856-1896. When Utah became a state, Salt Lake City was made Utah’s state capitol. 

Utah War – A period of conflict between Mormon leaders and US Officials led to the Utah War of 1857-1858. General Albert Sidney Johnston of the U.S. Army was sent to establish Camp Floyd from where the conflict was monitored.

Brigham Young – Brigham Young’s grave is on First Avenue.

Ever wondered how this city came by its name? The Great Salt Lake just west of town, was once part of the 20,000 square mile prehistoric Lake Bonneville that covered Utah, Nevada and Idaho. Today's Lake (now only 92 x 48 miles) is mineral rich, mountain water fed and without drainage save evaporation. Its salinity ranges from 9 - 28% - considerably higher than the 3% found in our oceans!