In 1898, was the groundbreaking moment for planned utopian community of Standish. Its founder, William Smythe envisioned it based on the religious beliefs of Myles Standish and economic structure promoted LDS leader Brigham Young. Smythe believed that people desired to escape the industrial cities of the East, for a more simple life in the West. Water was to needed to irrigate the land. so the Standish Colony purchased the Susan River irrigation system, which would be its downfall. The colony did entice a few New England transplants to Standish who introduced a new plant to the region, which is enjoyed by many each spring for its fragrant blossoms–lilacs.

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