Remembering Our Nauvoo Founders {Theodore Turley Home}

“We like firsts,” said Susan Easton Black Durrant at a recent event. Aptly stated. Have you ever noticed? With babies it’s the first tooth, first word, first step. With teens it the first car, first date, first dance. With communities and people, it’s the first church, government building, home.

theodore turley home site commemoration 2014

So what was the “first” being commemorated at this event? The first Latter-day Saint home in Nauvoo, built by Theodore Turley (1801-1871) in June 1839. Descendants, friends, and local residents met at the Turley home site, located at the corner of Hyde and Water Streets, to recognize the efforts of Theodore Turley, as well as thousands of early saints who settled the area.

founder day photo by nauvoo photographer tom simpson

 

susan easton black durrant speaking at nauvoo founder day event

On the program was Susan Easton Black Durrant who spoke of Nauvoo’s history. Richard E. Turley, Jr., Assistant Church Historian, who represented the Theodore Turley Family Organization, followed Susan. His message gave a clear understanding of the man Theodore was and many ways he served his family, church, and community.

theodore turley commemoration photo by historic nauvoo photographer tom simpson

tree planting commemorating theodore turley in nauvoo photo by tom simpson

A commemorative tree planting was part of the event with Richard Turley planting the first tree (a hybrid English and American Oak), representing the many early settlers who planted roots deep in Nauvoo’s soil.

Want to be part of the commemoration and plant your “roots” in Nauvoo? Individual families or family groups can purchase a tree through Nauvoo Facilities Management to be planted. (Call NFM for information.)

nauvoo first lds home site theodore turley commemoration pano photo by tom simpson nauvoo photographer

See more of our Founder Days coverage of Nauvoo “firsts” with our post about Moving Day.

 

 

 

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