Scovil Bakery - 1843

Proudly advertising in the Nauvoo Neighbor two days after Christmas, 1843 that he had opened a bakery and confectionery business in Nauvoo, Lucius Scovil and his wife, Lucy, would no doubt be pleased to know that their shop is still offering treats to tens of thousands of Nauvoo visitors each year. No longer supplying the breads, crackers, cakes, jellies, and candies once prepared here, the bakery nonetheless is a popular attraction with visitors, who are rewarded for their “good” behavior with a tasty gingerbread cookie.

This reconstructed single-story brick building features a roomy bustle oven where hot coals were placed to build up the heat before the bread loaves went in. One can only imagine the aromas of baked goods and the flurry of activity that once centered on this cozy little building in the heart of Nauvoo’s historic district.

Lucius Nelson Scovil was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 18, 1806 and died in Springville, Utah on February 14, 1889. Lucy Snow Scovil was born in Becket, Massachusetts on March 11, 1807 and died in Nauvoo on January 27, 1846 – shortly after the deaths of their new-born twins, Mary and Martha. Less than four months later, Lucius was called on a mission to England. He accepted this, and many other Church callings, in characteristic fashion: “I thought it was best,” he said, “to round up my shoulders ... and assist in rolling forth the Kingdom of God.”

Price: $32.95