ST GEORGE, Utah (ABC 4 News) The Holm brothers say it is unlikely they will strike it rich offering tours of Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah. But their fledgling "Polygamy Experience" tour of the towns that straddle the Utah - Arizona border has struck a cord with some who are curious about what goes on there. Even though the tours have been offered for only a few weeks, they've already had inquiries from most of the western states as well as England, France and Germany.
The Holm brothers came from a prominent, polygamist family, but the stories of how they left their family and community couldn't be more different.
Heber Holm left Colorado City when he was a teenager. He generally has fond memories of growing up in the area. But when his father died, he said there was little to hold him in a community or a religion that preached the more wives you have, the greater your "glory" in heaven. Heber moved to the St George area and eventually joined the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Richard Holm's departure was much more painful. He stayed in the community and became a city councilman, successful businessman and patriarch of his own polygamist family. But it all came crashing down with the rise of Warren Jeffs as prophet and leader of the FLDS -- the dominant polygamist group in Colorado City and Hildale. Wielding almost unlimited power, Jeffs expelled just about anyone who he perceived to be a challenge to his authority.
Richard Holm lost his home, his wives and children. That was just six years ago. He can now be philosophical about his ordeal, but he remains a bitter foe of Warren Jeffs, who is now serving time in jail. (Jeffs was convicted in Utah of being an accomplice to rape and is now in custody in Arizona awaiting trial on similar charges.)
What the Holm brothers know about the still reclusive community of the FLDS could fill volumes. But books will have to wait. For now they're giving their varying perspectives on polygamy to tourists. This isn't just a sightseeing tour, it is a education on an American town foreign to the rest of America.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TOURS:
IDENTITY TOURS
PHONE: 877-520-9955
EMAIL: INFO@POLYGAMYTOURS.COM
WEBSITE: http://www.polygamytours.com/
