Helper, Utah and the Mysteries of Community: Part 3 "The Ineffable Authentic"

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In Part 3, we continue searching for that special something that no one can quite put their finger on; whatever it is that is drawing people to Helper like a magnet. 

Gary DeVincent made his way to Helper because he has an eye for quality. He has been restoring old motorcycles and cars his whole life, giving him a penchant for recognizing things that were built with care and intention. So, several years ago when he saw the beautiful but run-down buildings on Helper’s main street he saw a project. Now he is doing everything he can to shorten the distance between now and then, restoring buildings to their original look with a vision of turning Helper into a romantic getaway. 

Again, we see how caring—the caring construction of the early 20th century—begets caring—the intention to revitalize and honor that caring and create new opportunities in the process.

The impetus behind his and many other restoration efforts often appears to be nostalgia. Nostalgia for a time when things were built with higher quality and when there seemed to be a lot of excitement and opportunity (at least for certain people). But it’s even nostalgia for a time when life was harder. This has prompted me to ask, What is it about the way we live our lives today that leaves us wanting something else? 

You’ll hear every one of the people I talk to in this episode, Gary DeVincent, Jaron Anderson, and Shalee Johansen, mention in their own words that Helper lacks pretense, that it feels authentic, and it’s that feeling of authenticity that is drawing them to Helper. 

But what happens when authenticity is ultimately obtained? When it becomes the commodity? Take a listen to find out if Helper can hang on to whatever it is that makes it so special, as the town continues to be revitalized.

We ask these questions and more as a way to continue exploring the mysteries of what brings together and then maintains that elusive sense of community.  Sure, we're talking specifically about Helper, interesting enough in itself.  But we're also examining Helper in light of these broader questions. At the end of this podcast, Logan and Ben will consider what these interviewees have said to see if Helper offers itself as a microcosm to understand the slippery nature of community.