Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Canyon Community Center.

Plain But Wholesome: Foodways of the Mormon Pioneers marks the first book-length publication from Brock Cheney, and represents ten years of ongoing research in foodways and material culture. Cheney comes to the study from a career in historic sites and museums. He has served on the board of directors for the Association for Living History Farms and Museums.

Plain But Wholesome discusses the foods that the Mormon Pioneers ate during the first few years while waiting for crops to come to fruition.  He  then explores the fruits and vegetables that were grown by the Pioneers and how, despite the many attempts, no one can re-create the dishes that the Pioneers ate since the same fruits and vegetables are no longer grown.  Besides the fruits and vegetables grown and eaten, Cheney also examines the cookware, food storage techniques, method of cooking, etc. of the Pioneers.

Brock Cheney graduated with an M.A. in American Studies from Utah State University. His career postings include This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, and Fort Buenaventura in Ogden. He also holds a degree in English literature and composition. He currently teaches English in Manila, Utah. His studies extend beyond the academic: drawing from his experience in historic preservation, he constructed a wood-fired brick oven which he uses to bake artisan bread based on historical recipes. Currently he is working on a collection of short fiction set in territorial Utah.

This presentation was funded in party by: