Click to enlarge
In the early 1800's Palmyra, New York was bursting with the promise of growth
and prosperity. In 1828 it added a new three story building to its bustling
business district. That structure was known as Thayer and Grandin's Row. It was
not the excellence of its construction or its striking facade that would give it
a place in history but rather, it was the fact that two young men, Joseph Smith
Jr., the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Egbert
B. Grandin, an aspiring young publisher, signed a contract to publish a book,
entitled the Book of Mormon. The year of their agreement was 1829.
Through the ensuing years many alterations were made to the building. Now, that
part of the building owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
has been restored to the way it was in the late 1820's.
On March 26, 1998, the anniversary of the first printing of the Book of
Mormon in 1830, the restored part of the building was dedicated. Visitors are
invited to come to this Historic Site, see the building, the printing presses
and observe the printing sequence in the room where the printing of the Book of
Mormon actually took place. The visitor will also be able to walk through the
bindery and into the store where the Book of Mormon was first sold. Of course,
there is much more. Free guided tours daily.
|
