Palmyra historian honored

Long-time friend of Church presented with photo of early city

9 Feb 2013, 12:00 a.m. MST

By Elizabeth Sutton Cumorah, Multi-stake public affairs

PALMYRA, N.Y.

In honor of decades of cooperation and friendship between the Church and city of Palmyra, N.Y., author and historian Rand H. Packer and Elder Richard Searle, director of the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center, presented a 1907 George Edward Anderson photograph of the center block of East Main Street, Palmyra, to Bonnie J. Hays, executive director of Historic Palmyra, on Jan. 17 at the Alling Coverlet Museum in Palmyra. Prominently featured in the photograph is the Grandin Building, the location where the Book of Mormon was first printed.

Rand Packer, left, and Elder Richard Searle present a 1907 photograph of Palmyra to Bonnie J. Hays, executive director of Historic Palmyra and long-time friend of the Church. | Photo by D. Brent Walton

Brother Packer referred to Mrs. Hays as a "treasure" not only because of her knowledge of the history of Palmyra, but because of her friendship to the Church. As an overseer for Palmyra area museums, Mrs. Hays has reserved a special area that houses numerous items associated with the early days of Palmyra, including artifacts and photographs of the history of the Church in this area. Mrs. Hays has been instrumental in maintaining a welcoming environment for LDS missionaries, members and the many Latter-day Saint visitors who visit Palmyra.

Because of Brother Packer's special historical tie to the area, his presence sparked great interest and attention from the Palmyra Historical Society. Brother Packer's grandparents, Willard and Rebecca Bean, were the first members of the Church in Palmyra in the twentieth century.

Aside from modern additions such as street lights, paved roads, cars and churches, East Main Street in Palmyra today looks remarkably similar to how it looked back in 1907. | Photo by D. Brent Walton

When the Beans arrived in Palmyra, they struggled to find acceptance and understanding. After an almost 25-year mission to the Joseph Smith farm, they had developed close ties to the community and established positive relationships that paved the way for the re-establishment of the Church in its birthplace.

Elder Richard Searle, director of the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center, and of Bonnie Hays, executive director of Historic Palmyra, who was honored. | Photo by D. Brent Walton

Following the presentation to Mrs. Hays, Brother Packer paid tribute to the town of Palmyra. Pointing to the well-known corner of Main Street bordered on each side by a different church, Brother Packer commended Palmyra and its citizens for their demonstrated attitude of tolerance and understanding for religious beliefs. Brother Packer spoke of his mother, named Palmyra, who was born and raised in the town. He re-told stories of Willard Bean's respected boxing abilities and unflinching faith, traits that he used to diffuse hostility and misunderstanding. Brother Packer's love for Palmyra and his familiarity with its history and people continues his grandparents' legacy.