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SALT LAKE CITY
- New historical evidence has surfaced indicating that
jello played a larger role in early Mormon history than was previously thought.
The discovery shatters the commonly held belief that Jello is a relatively
recent Mormon tradition.
The research was conducted following an exclusive news article
published by this newspaper over a month ago documenting ties between Mormon longevity and the consumption
of jello. (see Scientists Discover New Wonder Food.)
"At first we thought Mormons ate jello just because it was cheap and easy to
make," explained Mary Shroeder, one
| of the researchers who helped uncover the new evidence, "but then we started
coming across documents that indicated the habit may have historical origins."
The first patent for a gelatinous dessert was obtained in 1845. A document written two years
later counseled each Mormon family who would cross the plains to carry, among other things,
"...50 lbs. of [jello] powder..." for every man and woman and more where families had the financial means.
The Mormon wagon trains would stop by a stream whenever they could. The Sisters
would quickly mix up a batch of the dessert, using the cold waters of the stream to help the mixture
set up.
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A treasure trove for researchers have been references made in pioneer journals. One pioneer journal records, "...we ran out of [jello] powder today.
Tempers among the men have started to rise. We dispatched three men and a wagon to head to Fort Sumner in the hopes
they will be able to obtain more [jello]."
Jello was also important after the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
The journal of Martha Higgins records, "Brother Wells preached to the Saints today and exhorted them to be
more diligent in procuring
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