Mormon Seagull/ Cricket Story Largely a Myth

[_lovingkindness24]

The following is a summary of an article that appeared in the book: New Mormon History edited by D. Michael Quinn. It appears that the Mormon sea gull/cricket story has been largely inflated until it has reached epic proportions. This is similar to the Mormon myth which developed around the account of Brigham Young appearing to become and sound like Joseph Smith during his remarks in Nauvoo after Joseph's death. These stories of Brigham Young's transformation are not found in any contemporary diary or newspaper account. They can only be found in accounts written over 25 years later.



Mormons Crickets & Gulls: A New Look To An Old Story by William G. Hartley

(Taken from the book: “The New Mormon History” Edited by D. Michael Quinn)



Pg. 147 Current research alters the traditional sea gull/cricket story in many respects while substantiating its basic facts. As a result, the following information should be taken into account in credible versions of the dramatic struggle.

1. The gulls were not strangers to the valley. Records before and since show the various types of gulls, including the California gull in 1848, regularly inhabit the Great Salt Lake area. These birds are natural enemies of various insects, including the crickets.

2. Gulls habitually regurgitate the indigestible parts of the insects they have swallowed.

3. Gulls did not arrive until after severe cricket damage had already occurred. Even after the gulls had been “feasting” on crickets for two weeks, the insects were “quite numerous and busy eating.”

4. In 1848 Mormon crops were seriously damaged by three enemies—frost, crickets, and drought—and the gulls dealt with only one of these.

5. The “miraculousness” of the event was not clearly recognized by contemporaries. The Mormon church’s First Presidency was notably silent concerning the “Miracle of the Gulls” in its letters. Likewise the Milennial Star never told the English Saints about such a miracle. Diarists who detailed the cricket advance did not mention the gulls.

6. Since 1848 gulls frequently have been on the wing to feast on crickets and other insects, making the 1848 encounter hardly unique.

Like other popular accounts of important and unusual historical events, the details of the cricket war of 1848 over the years have been oversimplified, improved upon, and given somewhat legendary characteristics.

[_moksha]

This still does not fully account for the attack of the Brine Shrimp. But then again, this event took place in 1959.

[_zzyzx]

The attack of the Killer Brine shrimp so damaged the Salt Palace that it had to be demoished. You can see the proof with your own eyes. Drive through Salt Lake City and see where it was. Proof if the whole thing.

[_Redefined]

Regardless, how many Mormon kids will grow up being taught this myth still.

The Brigham Young story was the event that seperated us from the dissenting ones. Without Gods presence descending on him to confirm to his audience that he was sposed to be the successor, nothing set him apart to take over, and any credence he had, just went out the window. . . maybe the current church are the dissenting ones, and the RLDS is God's true church.

[_moksha]

The attack of the Killer Brine shrimp so damaged the Salt Palace that it had to be demoished. You can see the proof with your own eyes. Drive through Salt Lake City and see where it was. Proof if the whole thing.

Not only that, but the Brine Shrimp burnt down the old Saltair as well.

Did you know that the old Saltair Amusement Park was one of at least two LDS venues where you could buy at beer. Saltair and the Hotel Utah. There may be others I do not know about.

[_Blixa]

I was thinking of Dudler's Inn, but that wasn't technically an LDS establishment...

[_Polygamy-Porter]

Regardless, how many Mormon kids will grow up being taught this myth still.

Yes and then these teens will later post on the MA&D board asking why they were told a myth and DCP will flame them.


Years ago on the then FAIR board I asked why it was OK to tell such false stories to children.

The majority of the responses was it was OK as long as it taught good principles like prayer as in the above seagull story. One person even related the stories of Santa Clause and the Easter bunny.

Problem with the seagull story is many adult members believe it to be true.

[_Tchild]

You could expand your title to include all of Mormonism's foundational claims:

Mormon Book of Mormon, first vision, priesthood restoration stories / largely a myth.

Works just as well.

[_moksha]

Works just as well.

No, the majesty of the story of small California seagulls making their migratory trips to the Great Salt Lake marshes and their subsequent feeding on Mormon Crickets in answer to the prayers of the pioneers deserves its own consideration, as does the story of a Giant Seagull answering a similar call to help preserve the Shining City by the Lake from the devastation visited upon it by the marauding Giant Brine Shrimp. These are stories that can bring inspiration to our future generations.

[_Redefined]

I think it is acceptable to let your own children believe in something false, when you know they will "outgrow" the myth, and it's sole purpose is for giving the child joy. And the seagull myth is not one that is told to incite joy in a child.

A myth told for the purposes of teaching a lesson, especially a myth about a myth, should be avoided. The better thing is a lesson in reality, not a lesson in how the parents think the world should be. Prepare the children for reality, and they will have the necessary tools to survive in the world, when they finally do leave their parent's bubble of delusion.