Meadeau View Institute

The Meadeau View Institute was a conservative constitutionalist organization that operated in Duck Creek, Utah, from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.^[1] The institute was notable for seeking to build a Utopian community of alternative-lifestyle conservatives in Southern Utah. The community collapsed in 1994 due to financial problems incident to the loss of property in an accidental explosion.

Founding

William H. Doughty, the institute's founder and money manager, accepted over $1 million in donations and loans from backers in an attempt to build a conservative Utopia in Duck Creek and Mammoth Valley, Utah (near Hatch). In December 1986, Doughty purchased a vacant lodge in Duck Creek from Harry and Gabrielle Moyer, who carried the note for him. He later moved his Institute for Constitutional Education (ICE) from Cedar City to the lodge. Contributors include W. Cleon Skousen, Glenn Kimber, and Donald N. Sills.

Collapse

During the winter of 1993, snow build-up from a record snowfall led to a propane explosion at the Meadeau View lodge. The investment which had been made in this asset was lost, as well as the income from seminars and conferences. As a result, donations and other fundraising efforts also failed, leading to the demise of the organization. The fledgeling George Wythe College, which had been holding classes in the lodge, moved to Cedar City, and those who sought to build the community, including Shanon Brooks (who later became president of George Wythe University), left.^[2]

As of 2004, Doughty still maintained a ranch in Mammoth Valley.

Aftermath

The Deseret News reported that participants who lost money were reluctant to come forward to authorities, due to their inherent distrust for the government.^[1]

References

1. Parkinson, Paul; Cates, Karl (July 26, 1994). "Backers Tried in Vain to Recover Losses". Deseret News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2009. Retrieved December 23, 2008.
2. Parkinson, Paul; Cates, Karl (July 25, 1994). "Ex-Devotees Want To Know Where Did The Money Go?". Deseret News. Archived from the original on July 30, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2009.

External sources

Letters to the Deseret News

• Gleason, Coleen (July 29, 1994). "Perspectives On Doughty Story". Letter to the Editor. Deseret News. Archived from the original on July 30, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2009.
• Doughty, Steve (August 10, 1994). Doughty Is A Pioneer Of Our Day "Doughty Is A Pioneer Of Our Day" Check |url= value (help). Letters to the Editor. Deseret News. Retrieved November 23, 2009.
• Riddle, Mark A. (August 22, 1994). "Development Doomed Ideal". Letters to the Editor. Deseret News. Retrieved November 23, 2009.