Abstract

This thesis reports the extent of the tanning industry in Utah from 1847 to 1973 and explains the relationship of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with this industry.

The tanning industry was essential to the survival of the pioneer communities in Utah until the coming of the railroad in 1869. Two important factors affecting this industry were external competition and Church support. In fact, the industry survived eastern competition because it was Church-supported. However, all Church support ended in the early 1900's, and except for a few businesses which soon ceased operation, the tanning industry in Utah came to an end. After 1904 all known Utah ventures in the tanning industry ended for a period of time.

Some efforts were made to revive this industry in 1934, but they met with negligible success. In 1948 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced a tanning industry which operated successfully and was eventually turned over to private ownership in 1965. Four other privately owned tanneries have since begun in Utah.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

1973

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm181

Keywords

Leather industry, trade, Utah, Mormon Church, History

Language

English

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