Newel K Whitney Store – Kirtland Ohio

History

Newel K. Whitney

While Newel K. Whitney was traveling he met a young woman, Elizabeth Ann Smith, in Kirtland Ohio. After moving to Kirtland to court Ms. Ann, Whitney began setting up a business which would soon help boost the economy in his town, and eventually aid the growing Church of Jesus Christ. His business had progressed from a small and simple log cabin store, to a ‘Red Store’, to an ashery across the street and finally the well known white store with “N.K. Whitney & Co.” sign stamped in big black letters across the top. In those days Whitney was apart of the Disciples of Christ or the ‘Campbellite’s’ but after his Bishop, Sidney Rigdon, joined the “Mormons” Whitney shortly followed.

The Store

The N.K. Whitney & Co. became a temporary home for Joseph Smith and his family after they moved to Kirtland in the fall of 1832. Over the next year, in addition to its role as a store, the building served as the headquarters for the Church. Some of the events that transpired there are as follows:

• In the winter of 1832-33 the School of the Prophets was held upstairs
• A good chunk of the Joseph Smith inspired translation of the Holy Bible took place here
• The prophet Joseph Smith received revelation on:
  • The Word of Wisdom
  • The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
  • The command to build a temple in Kirtland
  • DC 78, 84-95

Over time the store has also served as:

• A residence for Joseph and Emma
• Birthplace of Joseph Smith III
• First home of the School of the Prophets
• Bishop’s storehouse

The Church purchased the Whitney store in 1979.

Historical Notes

As you stand in front of the Whitney Store looking southwest, you will note a triangle of land between the three roads that come together at this point. This is the site of the John Johnson tavern, which also served as the printing office and office of the First Presidency before the temple was completed. The building also served as “Welfare Square”: to the early saints, most of whom arrived in Kirtland without much to sustain them.

• Look south and slightly to the east to see the old schoolhouse
• East of the Whitney store is the Orson Hyde home.
• Behind the Whitney store, on the banks of the Chagrin River, is the woodlot site where Brigham Young and Joseph Smith first met.
• At this point in the Chagrin River, the Saints built a dam and performed baptisms. It is thought that the first baptisms for the dead were also performed at this spot.

Present

The Whitney Store was restored by the Church to its original 1830 condition by 1984. As you go inside, you’ll see stocked shelves, and rooms decorated to fit a likely reenactment of Whitney’s time there.

What is there to see?

Most days free tours are given by missionaries from the church. Inside the main store room you’ll see a representation of what it might have looked like almost 100 years ago. Within the tour you’ll also be able to go upstairs where the School of the Prophets once met.

Recommended Camping

Punderson State Park (about 25min away)

This Ohio State Park includes overnight options for tents, cabins for rent, RV hookups (electricity and some water) and if you’re feeling posh you can sleep in one of the Manor rooms at the small Inn on site. Punderson State Park is often remembered for its beautiful boardwalks, golf courses, and 150 acre lake.

Other features include:

• boats for rent
• fishing
• hiking
• naturalist program
• showers
• small laundry
• Nature Walk
• dump station

Tips and Logistics

• There is a parking lot available not far from the Visitor’s Center
• N. K. Whitney & CO is located across the street from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s Visitor Center

Directions

From Kirtland Temple (about 1 min)

1. Head northwest on Chillicothe Rd toward Maple St
2. Turn right to stay on Chillicothe Rd
3. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Kirtland Chardon Rd
4. The N.K.Whitney & Co will be on the left

From Punderson State Park (about 28 min)

1. Head east on OH-87 toward Stone Rd
2. Take Bass Lake Rd to Butternut Rd
3. Take Auburn Rd and Kirtland Chardon Rd to Chillicothe Rd in Kirtland
4. Follow Chillicothe Rd to Kirtland Chardon Rd

From Cleveland Ohio (about 25 min)

1. Get on OH-2 E from W 3rd St
2. Take I-90 E to OH-306 S/Broadmoor Rd in Willoughby. Take exit 193 from I-90 E
3. Continue on OH-306 S. Drive to Kirtland Chardon Rd in Kirtland

Near by Attractions

Historic Kirtland Temple (3min North)

This is a must see to understand the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ in Kirtland, Ohio.

Nearby Sites

• The Kirtland Ashery
• Isaac Morley Farm
• John Johnson Home
• Johnson Inn Resource Center
• Newel K. Whitney Store
• Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney Home
• Kirtland Sawmill
• Schoolhouse
• Kirtland Temple Stone Quarry
• Kirtland Temple

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