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Today the nicest motel in Salt Lake resides practically under the silvery spires of the Salt Lake temple, spiritual center of the Latter Day Saints. The City Creek Inn reminds its visitors of Mormon history with its neon depiction of an ox court hauling a pioneer family across the desert sands, past a glowing green cactus. One evening during our visit, three modern sojourners – elderly ladies who have driven twelve hours straight – show up in search for a room. Only problem: they carry cash and lack credit cards. The young woman behind the desk sheepishly admits that she must request a fifty-dollar deposit: “We don’t want any partiers here.” This is, after all, Salt Lake City. One woman laughs in gentle astonishment: “Well we were thinking about ordering a pizza. Does that count?”

Ogden and Vernal Motel Postcards (click for larger views)

All text copyright Andrew Wood. Photos copyright Jenny Wood and Andy Wood.