ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

This home was constructed in 1911 and is an example of a neoclassical central block form with projecting bays. The home is built of yellow pressed brick that has been painted white. Although a central block form, the house has a monolithic feeling of a foursquare plan structure. The roof is hipped with a single attic dormer and broad over hanging eaves. The house has three porches as well as well as a two-story screened porch wrapping around the southwest corner of the building. This house originally faced 200 East and was identified as 110 South 200 East. In 1953, the home became the Union Pacific Rooming House, presumably a boarding house for Union Pacific workers. In 1965 the structure was sold to Phil Aiken who hired Provo architect Lee Knell to remodel the structure into a chiropractor’s office. In 2000, the structure was sold to Todd and Leslie Stilson who have restored the structure to a residence.

 ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

Built in 1903, the Beebe House is an unadorned example of the pattern book houses popular at the turn-of-the-century. The influence of the Queen Ann Style on this pattern book design is most evident in the square, stubby tower, with bellcast roof which projects through the porch roof and allows for an entry vestibule off the porch. The house was built for Angus G. Beebe, son of a flour-milling family, who was himself employed as bookkeeper of the Provo Roller Mills. The style and substance of the home suggest the aspirations to fashion of many second-generation Provo residents.

Status: Other Site of Interest 

 

 

According to the owner of 161 N 300 E, Arthur Sutton and his brother built several houses on this block. His brother lived in this home. The home was probably rented since the property owners did not live here. The occupants were white-collar workers. Clifford F, and Ruth McKinney purchased the home in 1943. They sold

  

 
According to the owner, Arthur Sutton and his brother built this home in about 1905. Sutton may have lived in this home. John Collie, the superintendent of Knight Woolen Mills, lived here in 1917-18. In the 1940s S. Bert (Myrl C.) Murphy lived in the home. Bert, a laborer, lived in 138 S. 100 W. in 1939.

Bald Cypress Grove

Address: 540 East 800 North

Utah Heritage Tree: http://www.utahurbanforest.org/heritage.html

 

 

515 N University Avenue

 

This building constructed after 1912 was constructed under the leadership of BYU President Brimhall after obtaining a church appropiration for construction of a large gymnasium-dance hall on the west side of University Avenue across the street from the Brigham Young Academy main campus. Women's physical education activities were relocated there, adn it was name the Ladies Gymnasium. In the early 1930s the name was changed to the Women's Gymnasium.

 

 

 

 

The historic Brigham Young Academy Education Building, designed by Joseph Don Carlos Young, was originally completed in 1891. It was used by the Academy, which later became Brigham Young University, until the early 1970s. In 1975, BYU closed the "lower campus" and sold the buildings. Over the next two decades, various attempts to preserve the buildings failed. In 1995, the Brigham Young Academy Foundation in cooperation with the Utah Heritage Foundation initiated a substantial effort to preserve the Eductaion Building. That same year, the need for a new Provo library was identified, and a four-year volunteer fund-raising project began. A city bond election was passed for $16.8 million on February 4, 1997, and an additional $5.3 million was raised by the Academy Foundation. Three of the original campus buildings on the site were razed, and MJSA Architects and Jacobsen Construction Co. began work on the Education Building renovation project. The new Provo City Library at Academy Square encompasses 97,000 square feet in the historic Education Building and a new, two-story addition to the east.

 

Photo: Class of 1896

Photo: Dedication of Academy Building, 1892

Photo: Art Education in Academy Classroom

Photo: Assembly in College Hall

Photo: Brigham Young Academy Faculty, 1891

Website: Provo City Library at Academy Square History

300 W Center Street
Status: DUP Marker

BRIGHAM YOUNG ACADEMY In October 1875, President Brigham Young executed a deed of trust to establish an academy. First classes were held in January 1876, Warren N. Dusenberry, Principal. Karl G. Maeser became Principal April 1876 to 1892. First school held on this site in Provo's first brick structure, destroyed by fire 1884. Classes continued in temporary quarters, then in ZCMI warehouse until education building was dedicated 1892. During those years, A.O. Smoot, President of Trustees, arranged financing. Benjamin Cluff, Jr., Principal 1892-1903. Academy changed to Brigham Young University 1903.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

This house is a good example of a Victorian Eclectic Cottage with the Crosswing plan. The projecting front wing has Greek Revival style cornice returns. A period carriage house lends to the architectural integrity of the site. Notable owners of this property include C. W. Reid, (1906–1910) who was a member of the BYU Music Department faculty, then joined the Mccune School of Music in Salt Lake City and continued private instruction in San Francisco. Robert D. Snow acquired the property in 1940 and the property has remained in the Snow family ever since then. Mr. Snow worked at Columbia-Geneva Steel Works for 31 years before passing away in 1961.

Address: 13 North 100 East

Status: Significant Structure in the Provo Commercial Historic District

 

ca. 1940s, 2002

 

 

Built in about 1885, the Davies home is a significant example of late nineteenth-century vernacular architecture. The house, a double-gable H-plan type, is the only example of the H-plan in Provo and its distinctive Victorian bay windows make it one of the best such houses in the state. The double-gable H-plan is a late nineteenth-century transformation of the Greek Revival inspired “temple-form” house type. Charles E. Davies, a farmer by trade, was born in South Wales in 1859 and later immigrated to the U.S. after converting to the Mormon Church.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

Built in 1893 by Charles E. Loose. Charles Loose was involved in the Grand Central Mining Company as manager, which is where he acquired his wealth. He was probably the most prominent non-Mormon in Provo at the turn-of-the-century. This house is distinct among turn-of-the-century homes of Provo’s other leading entrepreneurs in that it combines the massing of the Shingle Style with a consistent program of Eastlake ornamentation. Its enveloping roof, veranda and pentagonal fanlight gable windows mark its individuality among the City’s architecture.

 

 

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

A good example of the Arts and Crafts Bungalow style, this home was constructed in about 1910. The original owner is thought to be Charles Wright, a Provo architect. The Wrights sold the property to the H. C. Snelson family in 1940 and the property remained in the Snelson family until 1972. The garage on the north side of the house is of consistent design.

 

  

 

Several features of this home reflect the English Tudor style, which was popular in Utah between 1915 and 1935. In Renaissance England, Tudor houses used heavy wooden frames for structural support, and these frames were filled in with various materials and covered with plaster. In America, the exposed timbers of English Tudor-style homes are simply decorative. The style was popularized in many pattern books of the early 20th century, which promoted the English Tudor style for small cottages that were ideal for city building lots. English Tudor features that can be seen in this home include the asymmetrical façade, the steeply pitched gable roof, the exposed framing members or “timbers” with panels infilled with stucco, the Gothic pointed arch of the entry door, the polychromed stonework and stucco exterior, tall casement windows and the smaller lights in the main picture window, and the clay chimney pots.

 

This particular lot was originally owned by Erik C. Henrichsen who emigrated from Denmark in 1871. In 1874 he began his own pottery business on the lot where this house now stands. The current owners still find pottery shards throughout the yard.

 

This home was built in 1924 (according to County records). The owner in 1935 and 1936 was Clarence Beesley, the manager of a local business and the owner of the LDS Second Ward grocery.

 

In 1939 the home was occupied by Cecil A. Larsen, the meter superintendent for Utah Power and Light. The house was later owned by Harry L. and Golda G. Allen of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. When Harry died in 1958, Golda continued to live in the house. In 1969, Pyne Floor Coverings was located in the house and Keith and Merta Anderson, owners of the business, lived here. In January of 1979, the home was sold again and Kathryn and Bob Allen (no relation to Harry) have lived in the house since.

ca. 1940s, 2002

 

 

Built ca. 1854. The Edward W. Clark home was one of the first built after the settlers of Provo moved out of the fort in 1852-53. This structure is one of the oldest pioneer buildings in Utah. The original section of this adobe home was documented on this site in 1854. Added later was the 2-story front as well as the trim on the windows and gables. In terms of its form, size, plan, and detailing, the home is representative of better homes of the 1850s and 60s. Thomas N. Taylor, one of Provo’s most prominent citizens at the turn of the century, purchased the home in 1898. Taylor was Mayor, Bishop, Stake President, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BYU, and Democratic candidate for Governor in 1920. He and his wife lived in the little house until their home next door at 342 North 500 West was completed about 1904.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

517 East Center
Status: Provo City Landmarks Register

The original owners of the house appear to have been Latinus O. and Rachel B. Taft. Mr. Taft was a prominent businessman who moved to Provo in 1896 as the local ZCMI manager. He formed the Utah Wholesale Grocery Company and the L.O. Taft Brokerage Company. From 1941 to the present, the home has been owned by members of the Dallas H. Young family. Mr. Young was a 4th District Court Judge, Provo City Attorney, Provo City Judge, President of the Utah County Bar Association and Chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party. A current owner and resident of the home is a granddaughter of Mr. Young. This building is an outstanding and distinctive example of the Arts and Crafts Bungalow style, typified by the deep, bracketed eaves, exposed rafter tails, single, broad, low gables, brick wainscoting, and small paned windows.

 

IN MEMORY OF DR. BARNEY CLARK and his tremendous courage and pioneering spirit Dr. Barney Clark dedicated his life to the practice and advancement of medicine from his entry into medical school until his death. Dr. Clark was a vital force in pioneering the use of a permanent artifical heart. He was the first recipient of this artifical heart which was surgically implanted on Dec. 2, 1982. He used this heart to sustain his life from Dec. 2, until his death on March 23, 1983. His sacrifice is immeasurable in the advancement of medicine, for this, Dr. Clark takes his place among American heros. Dr. Clark was one of Provo's finest sons and he will always be remembered for his dedication and courage. He was born in Provo on Jan. 21, 1921. He attended Maeser Elemetary School and Dixon Jr. High. He graduated from Provo High School in 1939, Dr. Clark received a bachelors degree from B.Y.U. in zoology, graduating with honors in 1948. This memorial to Dr. Barney Clark is a tribute to his medical generousity, courage and life. Fundraising sponsored by KEYY Radio 1450 AM, City of Provo, The Daily Herald, Central Bank and Trust, Beesly Monument.

 

website: Utah State History Markers

  

This house was originally the granary for the Eggertsen house. Granaries at the time were built with very thick foundations to try and keep rodents out of the granary. The rock foundation is 21 inches thik and the brick walls are three bricks wide, or 18 inches thick. The granary was converted to a house in 1930, but early plans called fro creating a duplex and the home is plumbed as two residences.

 

The first occupant was Fred J. Woolston, a laborer for Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company at Ironton. A number of people lived in the house over the years. Burnell P. Perry, a lavoroer at Geneva Steel and his wife Alene, lived in the house during most of the 1940s and 1950s. 

  

Robert Campbell Kirkwood, a handcart pioneer and an early settler to Provo, built homes on 400 West for his three wives. The first wife, Mary Mathews Kirkwood, lived at 445 South 400 West. This originally two room vernacular style home has been added onto many times. The third wife, Eliza Cook Kirkwood, lived at 392 South 400 West. This house, which has also been altered, has some Victorian characteristics.  Kirkwood’s second wife, Elizabeth Cook Kirkwood, a sister of the third wife, lived at 367 South 400 West, which was built in 1884.

  

 

Robert Campbell Kirkwood, a handcart pioneer and an early settler to Provo, built homes on 400 West for his three wives. The first wife, Mary Mathews Kirkwood, lived at 445 South 400 West. This originally two room vernacular style home has been added onto many times. The third wife, Eliza Cook Kirkwood, lived at 392 South 400 West. This house, which has also been altered, has some Victorian characteristics. 

 

Kirkwood’s second wife, Elizabeth Cook Kirkwood, a sister of the third wife, lived at this house which was built in 1884. The house has also been changed somewhat over the years, but behind the porch it is a typical two-story vernacular style with some Victorian elements. For a while , a son, Alma Robert Daft, Elizabeth’s son from a first marriage, owned the property. Starting in the 1920s Elizabeth’s son Joseph and his wife Mary Pauline Johnson Kirkwood lived in the home. Joseph worked in drug stores and in the 1930s ran Kirkwood Drug Store from an enclosed porch on this house. Neighbors remember coming to this store fro all types of supplies. Veryl D. Thompson, for example, remembers coming for castor oil when she was expecting her last baby. Joseph loved to visit, so it was impossible to just run in and pick up something. His wife was a member of the LDS Tabernacle Choir and many ward choirs. Afrer Joseph’s death in 1956, his daughter Flora and her husband, Afton Y. Graham, a steel worker, lived in the home. Robert Graham, their grandson, lived in the home until about 2002.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

This property was deeded to Emily Clawson from the estate of Brigham Young after his death in 1877. Having been built in the early 1880's, the home still retains its historical integrity. This home eloquently represents the unpretentious type of construction, building techniques and needs of a typical rural Utah family of this era. Its Greek Revival detailing and hall-parlor style of construction is very representative of nineteenth-century vernacular architecture of rural America. This home is a good architectural and historical contributor to its neighborhood.

ca. 1940s. 2003

 

 

After Mayor Abraham O. Smoot divided the lots in 1872, this parcel was purchased by Ephraim’s father, Isaac Sutton. Isaac deeded the lot to his oldest son, who then built the house in 1897. Isaac and Emma Sutton were early Mormon pioneers sent by Brigham Young to help settle Provo. Ephraim built a home very typical of what was popular in turn-of-the-century Provo. The home is Victorian-Eclectic, featuring neoclassical details on the front porch, heavy drip hoods of rusticated brick above the windows and doors, and segmental arch openings. Other artistically-noticeable details include the transom window above the front entrance with rusticated drip head, a half-round window above the porch, sitting in a small gablet, and gabled windows on the front and west facades.

 

Plaque A: ESCALANTE TRAIL Erected 1931 Fray Francisco Silvestre Velez De Escalante and Fray Francisco Atansio Dominquez, two Catholic Priests of the Franciscan Order accompanied by their attendants: Dan Juan Pedro Cisneros Lucrecio Muniz Don Bernardo Miera Y Pacheco Andres Muniz Don Joaquin Lain Juan de Aquilar Lorenzo Olivares and Simon Lucero Encamped near here September 24 and 25, 1776 to open a wider field for mission work among the Indians. They were seeking an overland route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California. These priests were the first white men to enter what is now the state of Utah and the first to give us a written record of the geography of the country and the character of its people. Plaque B: This stone contributed to Provo City by the children of the Provo City Schools September 25, 1931

 

website: Utah State History Markers

  

 

This home was built in the 1920s. An impressive sized home, the current owner Danny Damron, was told it was built by a wealthy family. In 1944 Ferron V. and Margaret Nichols lived here. Ferron was the assistant vice president and assistant manager at First Security Bank. In 1950 he had 1082 E. 620 N. In 1953 he lived at 1047 Cedar. In 1950 Leo J. and Adleen F. Knight lived in the home. At the time he was the manager of Right Weight Coal and Transport Company (575 S. 500 W.) The company declared in its advertisement in the Polk Directory that it had “Utah’s cleanest, hardest, hottest coal.” In 1953 Right Weight had changed its name to Right Weight Coal, Lumber and Feed Company. Knight worked as a salesman for Beesley Monument and Vault. In the 1960s David R. and Colleen K Dinsdale lived in the home. David worked as a teacher in Orem. Damron believes that the Dinsdales bought the home from Colleen’s parents. Colleen lived in the home before she was married. The Dinsdales told the Damrons that the floor was roted because rodents had destroyed the hardwood floors. The Damrons removed the carpet and found only two boards that were damaged. They replaced the board and finished the floor. The Damrons have heard storiesabout the oak wood. Like many Utah homes though, the wood is mostly pine and was painted to look like oak. is listed at this address in 1944. He worked for Geneva at the time. Later he worked as a watchman at Suttons Café. Dean Christensen owned this home in the 1960s and rented it to students. According to the current owner, it had the nickname as Toad Hall.

 

105 E 100 North

 

A departure from the Gothic style of architecture used with many of the historic church structures in Provo, this neoclassical style building remains architecturally intact. The size and formality of the building are comparable to that of a Carnegie Library. The First Church of Christ Scientists acquired this property in 1921 and built this structure in 1926. Church services were held in the building until 1980. The structure now houses the Provo Theatre Company, which has restored the building for the community’s enjoyment.

 

 

 

Businessmen (A. O. Smoot, president,) organized the First National Bank of Provo in 1882 and constructed their first building on this site in 1884. In 1894 the Provo Commercial and Savings Bank took over First National. Reed Smoot, president, had organized the new bank in 1890. Provo Commercial and Savings constructed this building in 1904. Like the Knight Block, the architect for this building was Richard C. Watkins. Watkins also designed College Hall and other commercial buildings on University and Center during the real estate boom in Provo at the turn of the century. The new bank resembles the Knight Block and is late Richardson Romanesque-Commercial. The ground level has been altered, eliminating a large arched window. Look especially for the capitals on the free standing and engauged columns. They have some of the finest hand carved masonry work in Provo. The carving, which are also Richardson Romanesque inspired, include Gothic creatures and naturalistic designs such as leaves. The second level has remained essentially intact.

 

Photo: First National Bank of Provo

Status: Sons of Utah Pioneers Marker 

 

Plaque A: OLD TABERNACLE LINTEL STONE This Sandstone Lintel capped the front entrance of the Provo Meeting House (Old Tabernacle) once a landmark of the Tabernacle Block. The building was dedicated by Apostle John Taylor August 24, 1867 at services conducted by President Brigham Young. It was dismantled in 1918-19 by George Albert Clark and sons. The Clark Family donated it to the Sons and Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Provo for preservation. Stone placed here July 24, 1954 Plaque B: (Etched into lintel) Erected A.D. MDCOCLXI Praise ye the Lord

 

website: Utah State History Markers

 

FIRST TABERNACLE In 1856 this ground was dedicated as a site for Utah Stake Tabernacle. Construction commenced in 1863. The ediface was three stories high, 81 feet long, 47 feet wide, belfry 80 feet. Built of adobe with rock foundation 7 feet at base, 4 feet at top. A bell in the belfry called the people to church, sounded alarms, and curfew for many years. The building was dedicated by President John Taylor September 1867. It served Utah Stake until 1883 when a new Tabernacle was erected. Thereafter is was used for special occasions until 1919 when it was razed.

 

website: Utah State History Markers

 

 

website: Utah State History Markers

 

The original settlement at Provo (Fort Utah) was established March 12, 1849. President John S. Higbee, with Isaac Higbee and Dimick B. Huntington, counselors, and about 30 families or 150 persons sent from Salt Lake City by President Brigham Young.

 

Book:Founding Fort Utah: Provo's native inhabitants, early explorers, and first year settlement - D. Robert Carter, Provo City Corp., 2003.

  

 

This Victorian Eclectic-style house demonstrates an interesting mix of the typical one-story central block home design that was common in Provo, Salt Lake City and Ogden between 1885 and 1915, along with neoclassical elements that became popular after the turn-of-the century. The house consists of a central block with a projecting bay and a pyramidal roof. The classical-style pediment, supported by Doric columns, is centered and pulled out slightly from the home’s cornice, which continues around the house over the recessed porch, giving the house a semblance of symmetry, even though the porch area is recessed under the roof. Victorian styles are typically asymmetrical, but were often combined in Provo with elements of the classical style—a style characterized by symmetry. The light yellow pressed brick was manufactured at the Provo brickyard, and was virtually the only brick available in Provo during the first decade of the 20th century. The Provo brickyard continued operations until 1942, although other brick was brought in from outside areas after about 1910.

 

According to family tradition, a member of the Startup family lived in this home that was built in about 1900. However, the longest occupants of the home were Frank J. and Eleanor Carter who lived here as early as 1920. Frank was born in Mona, Utah in 1871 and moved with his parents to Provo as a small child where he lived the rest of his life. He worked as a clerk for Mountain Fuel Company and Utah Fuel. He was a member of the Elks Club for 40 years and a member of the LDS church. He died in 1946. His widow, sometimes referred to as Nora, continued to live in the house probably until her death. In 1973 the house was vacant. Later the house was a rental. Kam and Garrit Miller, the current owners, purchased the home as a starter home shortly after their marriage.

 ca. 1970s, 2003

 

 

Featuring a four-planed bellcast gambrel roof, this house is perhaps the best example of the Dutch Colonial Revival style in Provo. Some research indicates that the home was constructed in 1907 by Fred J. Moore, who was a manager of the Roberts Buffet in the Hotel Roberts and later, a druggist. Other research suggests that the home was constructed by Russell Rice in 1894. Edwin R. Firmage, owner of Firmage’s Department store at Center Street and 100 West, owned this home from 1938 to 1948.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

It appears that Fred R. Taylor and Mary J. Taylor were the owners of this property when this house was built. Dr. Taylor was a prominent pediatrician in Provo. From 1945 to 1947, the property was owned by lumberman, church and civic leader William Addison Spear. From 1950 to 1958, the property was held by the Arthur D. Sutton family. Mr. Sutton was a well-known druggist and theater/apartment house manager. This building is a good example of the English Tudor style, with steep roof pitch, plaster exterior walls and small window panes.

 

 

 

Status: Significant Structure in the Provo Commercial Historic District. 

 

When Provo residents wanted to buy furniture in the 1880s and 1890s, they had two large choices—Snow Brothers and Taylor Brothers. In December 1886 the Salt Lake Daily Herald announced, “The large and varied stock of furniture . . . at the store . . . seems to indicate that the firm does a large business or else there is some capital unwisely invested. . . . The entire stock of goods . . . might be regarded as one immense display of useful and substantial articles suitable for holiday presents.” In1887 the newspaper declared, “There appears to be just enough competition” between the Snows and the Taylors. In 1889 the Snow Brothers expanded their store and moved from the first floor the Academy boarding house to the old Factory store across the street from the courthouse. They added a story to the building. In May 1889 the Salt Lake newspaper declared, “Snow Brothers, the furniture deals, are now established in their new quarters—prouder than ever.” The next year Snow added J. F. Gates as a partner. The new company tore down the existing building and completed a three story building. The paper bragged that it could be expanded to a five story building. The construction of glass and iron resembled the Culmer block in Salt Lake City. According to the Daily Enquirer, “The business of this firm has been rapidly increasing during the past year, making a new building a necessity.” The business’ success did not last. In 1890 a depression hit Provo, Utah, and the rest of the United States. The impressive building was completed in October 1890. By April 1891 the store was going out of business. According to the Daily Enquirer, “Owing to the stringency in business circles, the Gates-Snow Furniture Company has decided at least temporarily to suspend business and rent their large building.” The owners planned to rent the bottom floor as two stores, the second floor as offices, and the third floor for lodge rooms. Business picked up though, and the December 25, 1892 Provo Herald declared, :”J. F. Gates . . . is a business man of merit and conducts a large and growing furniture establishment.” Part of the building was still rented. The county fair opened offices on the second floor in 1897. In 1898 Jesse Knight purchased the building for $3,600. In 1902 Gates and Snow dissolved their furniture partnership, and M. Snow continued to sell furniture. Gates and Snow continued to operate an insurance business. The Gates-Snow building housed several businesses over the years. In 1901 the Skelton Publishing Company moved from the building to a new one on Academy Avenue. William M. Roylance also had an office there and purchased the building in 1905. Judge M. M. Kellogg, the judge of the juvenile court, established there that year. The corner, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, became “the busiest section of Provo” when the Independent Telephone Company moved into the Gates-Snow building and the Western Union and Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company planned offices nearby. In the 1890s walking by the Gates-Snow building could be a “shocking” experience. According to the Daily Enqurier, the steel front “was strongly charged with electricity . . . on account of defective wiring.” As a result, “a great many persons standing on the wet ground and coming in contact with the building received an electric shock. The defect was soon remedied.” The next year a small fire broke out in the lumber coal bin. Someone had started a bonfire to burn papers. However, “the fire was extinguished in a few minutes. The loss was slight.” Research by D. Robert Carter

ca. 1940s, 2004

 

Status: Provo City Landmarks Register, National Register of Historic Places 

 

Built in 1884, the George M. Brown House is the best example of the wooden Carpenter's Gothic architectural style in Provo, and one of only several examples of the style in Utah. The Brown house exhibits the verticality and decorative jigsaw work usually found in the Gothic Revival, but displays the horizontal siding, simulated quoins, and symmetry of the local building tradition. George M. Brown had this house built for a polygamous wife in the early 1880s. Brown was a prominent early Provo attorney. He moved from Illinois to Utah with his parents in 1847 when they converted to Mormonism.

2004

 

 

George Meldrum, Jr. owned this property from 1875 to 1921 and constructed this house in 1891. An architecturally significant building, the house includes Federal style window lintels, a Victorian style roof pitch and scroll cut barge boards (gingerbread). The property was owned by the Forsyth family from 1928 to 1952. Its close proximity to BYU has made this house a popular location for BYU students for many years.

ca. 1940s, 2002

 

 

The terms rare and architecturally significant have been used to describe this building, which includes Greek Revival elements in the cornice moldings and returns and Victorian elements such as the elliptical and round arched window in the east facade. The research to date is unclear whether the building was constructed in 1899 as a home for English immigrant and Provo mercantile owner George Passey or as apartments for polygamous wives of Reed Smoot or Ernest Eldredge in 1890. Notable past occupants include Edwin H. Smart, a BYU Professor and his wife Nettie, a BYU Dean of Women for many years. Former Maeser School Principal, Reid Beck, owned the home from 1914 to 1917.

ca. 1940s, 2002

 

 

Built in about 1885, this house is an unaltered example of the Victorian Eclectic style with a Crosswing plan that was so popular in Provo in the late 1800’s. Joseph R. Murdock, who served as Mayor of Heber City, Wasatch County Commissioner, representative in the first state legislature (1896), and state senator (1901–1905), owned this home between 1901 and 1906. Between 1906 and 1944, the home was owned by John and Seraph Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was a founder and president of the local chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

 

Built in the 1880s, this house offers an important example of the cross-wing house type in Utah. The cross-wing plan was a predominant form of late nineteenth-century construction. The house also portrays a style reminiscent of the Gothic Revival as evidenced by the laced porch and high-arched windows. These two elements, and the unusual craftsmanship of this home, make the Taylor House one of the best examples of the cross-wing plan in the state. Rounded-arch windows and door openings like those seen here are rare in Provo.

ca. 1970s, 2008

 

 

(Built in 1878) In the 1850s President Smith, later councilor to Brigham Young, was sent to Provo to oversee colonization for the Mormon Church. Originally he lived on 500 West, with his second and sixth wives, Hannah and Lucy (who were sisters). Later, Lucy returned to Salt Lake, but Hannah moved across town to this home. When Smith died, only the foundation had been completed. Hannah raised her children here. President George Albert Smith of the Mormon Church, a grandson, enjoyed this home as a boy. This house is significant because of it’s remarkably original condition as an example of the simple architecture styles of early Utah. It is one of the best preserved vernacular residences in Provo.

 

2005

 

 

The Harvey Cluff House, built in 1877,  is a fine late-nineteenth century example of vernacular architecture in Utah. The cross-axial plan is derived from a traditional design which places the central ridge orientation of the house perpendicular rather than parallel to the street. This gable-facade house type is the product of the Greek Revival movement of the early 1800s and is often called a “temple-form” house because early examples had a colossal temple front. The original owner, Harvey Cluff, was a significant business and ecclesiastical leader in Provo. He ran a large furniture factory in the late 1850s, later served as superintendent of the Provo Lumber and Manufacturing Company, and superintended construction of the Academy Building of Brigham Young Academy. He served two terms on the City Council and was one of the founders of the Brigham Young Academy.

 

  

This home was built in the late 1880s or 1890s. In 1920 Herman C. Grimm, a foreman for the Denverand Rio Grande Western Railroad lived in the home with his son David. Herman passed away, and his widow Bessie R. Grimm continued to live in the home until 1972. In 1973 David H. and Arvilla Grimm lived in the home. David was retired. The house was rented. After Arvilla’s death, the home had three owners until the current owner, Kay Wall, purchased it three years ago.

ca. 1970s, 2003   

 

 

Built in 1882, Hotel Roberts was originally built for Esther C. Pulsipher as a two-story boarding house called the Occidental House. The first structure was a two and one-half story, hip roofed, adobe building with simple ornamentation. A three-story wing with a kitchen on the main floor was built some time before 1890, and was connected to the original building by a dining room. Between 1900 and 1908 a large, three-story wing was added to the rear of the north facade. The Hotel Roberts took on its most recent appearance in 1926, when it was remodeled in the Mission Revival Style. The Hotel Roberts was the oldest operating hotel in Provo. The structure was demolished in 2005.

 

Photo: Hotel Roberts Dining Room

 

East plaque: JOHN G. HIGBEE AND FAMILY James A. Bean and Family John Ivie and Family Jabez Norman and Family Chancy Turner and Family John Orr and Family Alexander Williams and Family Peter W. Connover and Family Samuel Clark and Family Gilbert Haws and Family Isaac Higbee and Family John Park and Family Jehu Blackburn and Family Robert Egberry William Dayton Thomas Willis Jefferson Hunt Dimiah Huntington Shelburn Stoddard William (Doc) Pace John R. Stoddard Mr. Mathias George Day Mr. Strong Robert Thomas John Carter Frank Weaver Ira West Walter Barney George Pickup James Porter Noughton Connover Richard Ivie Henry Jabriskie William Gorey James Goff Ed. Holden Samuel Ewing W. N. Ewing Chancy West Miles Weaver 1849 Pioneers of Provo, Utah. 1849 North plaque: Names of veterans... Provo Indian War Veterans from 1850 - 1868 West plaque: Names of veterans.... Provo Indian War Veterans from 1850 - 1868. Unveiled July 24, 1909 South plaque: Names of veterans...... Provo Indian War Veterans from 1850-1868.

 

website: Utah State History Markers

ca. 1970s, 2003

 

Status: Provo City Landmarks Register

Built in 1904, the home was deeded in 1917 by Emma to her grandson, Raymond Sutton. The home has remained in the family ever since. Isaac and Emma were early Mormon pioneers. Having been converted in England in 1852, they immigrated to Utah. Brigham Young then sent them to help settle Provo. The home is rife with Victorian details such as the segmental arched openings, rusticated brick heads, corbeled chimneys, and a small gablet with eyebrow window. It also displays some prairie-style elements—the low pitched hip roof, wide overhanging eaves, stylized transoms and the heavy square columns on the front porch. It is a wonderful example of a home caught between two styles of architecture: Victorian, which was losing popularity at the time of construction, and prairiestyle, which was gaining popularity. Other Occupants: 1939 Samuel B. (Myrtle S) laborer, 138 S. 100 W. 1944 S. Bert Murhy laborer Geneva Steel 1950 S. Bert Murphy (Myrtle C.) restaurant worker 1953 S. Bert Murphy (Myil C.) watchman, Sutton Café

  

 

Built in 1887 for LDS General Authority Erastus Snow, this house was also owned briefly in the late 1800’s by prominent businessmen Ernest and Ben Eldredge. The house is an early Victorian dwelling with some elements associated with the Greek Revival style. Since 1917, the property has been owned by J. Albert Scorup and his descendants. Scorup was a cattleman who ranged cattle over one of the largest ranches in the United States in Southeastern Utah. Scorup, who was elected to the Cowboy Hall of Fame, died in 1959.

ca. 1940s, ca. 2005

 

 

Register This 1910 structure has been described as an Italianate or Box Style home with Prairie Style influences. The house was constructed for J. William Knight and his wife, Lucy Jane Brimhall and remained in the Knight family until 1945. Knight, a son of mining magnate and entrepreneur Jesse Knight, followed in his father’s footsteps and served as an officer in many of the family companies. Upon his father’s death, he assumed control of most of the businesses. Knight was also active in civic, church and political affairs. He was elected to two terms in the Utah State Senate and was defeated in a run for Governor in 1916.

ca. 1970s, 2003

 

 

Snyder, who was a prominent building contractor and served as a Provo City Commissioner in 1932–1935, constructed this house in 1906. Except for a brief period in 1923, the property has remained in the Snyder family ownership. The house is an architecturally significant example of the Victorian Box Style, featuring a large, wrap around porch with monumental pillars.

 

ca. 1970s, 2006

 

Jesse Knight was one of the greatest financiers and mining businessmen in the history of Provo. Knight was a generous philanthropist and donated his wealth to BYU and many local civic projects. This home, built in 1905, was designed in the neo-classic style, copied from the 1893 Chicago World Fair, and was built with white pressed brick. This home began a major trend in homes, using the similar material and design throughout the county. The front sections of the building are original.

 

  

This Art Moderne Home, one of the few in Provo and even in the state of Utah, was built in 1940. It is withoug a doubt the most handsome and sophisticated of its type in Provo. This one and a half story house has the cubic, irregular massing, flat roofs and unadorned concrete surfaces characteristic of the Art Moderne sytle. 

2003

 

Status: Provo City Landmarks Register

 

The Neoclassical design motif of this 1906 home suggests that Thomas Davies was the architect. Elizabeth Hardy and the M. H. Hardy Estate owned the property from 1904 to 1918. John C. Graham, his wife Annie and other members of the Graham family were owners for many years, ending in 1974. John C. Graham organized the New Century Printing company and was active in the Provo Rotary Club and Provo Conservation Association.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

John E. Booth was one of the most prominent turn-of-the-century Provoans. He was prominent in the educational, legal, political, business, and ecclesiastical affairs of both Provo and Utah. The Booth house was built in 1900 and is significant as the only example of a two and one half story Victorian Builder house in Provo. While its plan is clearly derived from the vernacular T-plan, its scale and detailing mark its as a significant representation of a transitional Victorian type. The house is also one of the best of a remaining few examples in Provo of a house whose bricks were individually painted to create a variegated effect.

ca. 1940s, 2000

 

 

John F. Meldrum constructed this house in 1877 and it remained in the Meldrum family ownership until 1930. The Bullock family owned the home from 1943 to 1988. The house is an architecturally significant structure that depicts the transition from the Federal style of architecture (depicted on the north-facing, two-story facade), to the early Victorian styles. The historic character of the house is intact and appears to have been restored.

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

Constructed in or around 1906, this 1 ½ story home is built of light yellow brick and has a rubble stone foundation. The structure is a central block form with a projecting gabled bay on the front and each side. A single story kitchen extends from the back of the house. The home has two porches, one sheltering the front entrance in the southeast corner, and one sheltering the back door at the northwest corner of the house. The back porch retains it’s original Victorian balustrade. The original owner of this home, John J. Craner , sold the house to J. Marinus Jensen in 1912, Mr. Jensen was the first principal of the Maeser School, and was later principal of Franklin School. At the time he purchased the home he was an English professor at Brigham Young University. He is perhaps best remembered as the author of Provo’s first published history, History of Provo Utah issued in 1924.

 

This house was built by John R. Twelves in 1906. Twelves was involved in the Grand Central Mining Company as sectary-treasurer and was active in political and civic affairs by serving as Utah County’s treasurer and recorder. The house combines Romanesque Revival elements with Classical detailing in a personalized manner. Peculiar to this house, and uncommon to Provo’s domestic architecture, are the Romanesque wall dormers which have corner buttresses and foliate ornament. Overall, this house reflects the wealth, power, and aesthetic taste of John R. Twelves and of America’s guilded age. George Brimhall once owned this house while he was President of BYU. It is now used as a professional office.

  

This house originally belonged to John and Sarah McAffee Ritchie. It is an excellent example of late Victorian Eclectic home (built in 1924). The curved porch resembels a Queen An style. The details on the house are fancier though than many of the other Victorian homes in the neighborhood.

  

This home was built in 1907 by Joseph A. Buttle, an assistant cashierwith the Provo Commercial and Savings Bank. In the 1940s, the home was converted to a triplex. It has now been returned to its status as a single-family dwelling, and is an excellent example of how a building used as a rental can be rehabilitated for use as an attractive family home.

 

ca. 1940s, 2003

 

 

This home was built circa 1906 for Joseph H. Frisby, the first year of his term as Provo City Mayor. Charles Hopkins who purchased the home from him, served on the City Commission from 1919-1931. Under Hopkins administration the City/County Building was built, Provo Memorial Park was planned, and most of the City streets were paved. He also served as chairman of the Utah County WPA and FERA from 1932-34. The house is a somewhat modest Victorian Eclectic house type that was most likely influenced by house pattern books. This house type was not used in Salt Lake City, or in many other areas of the State, but was inexplicably popular in Utah County.

ca. 1940s, 2002

 

 

Justis W. Johnson was the owner of the property when this house was contructed in 1928 and the deed was conveyed to the Decker Mortgage Company and then the Reserve Loan and Discount Company. Oran Groneman, a general contractor and Union Pacific rail car inspector, owned the property from 1935 to 1937. The house is unusual in that it does not readily fit into any one particular architectural style common to Provo. It has some characteristics of a 20th century military style cottage.

North East of Maeser Memorial Building, BYU

Status: Statue.

 

 

website: Utah State History Markers

 

 

Constructed in 1900 on the site of the Provo East Co-op. Mine owner and entrepreneur Jesse Knight built it as the headquarters for his commercial enterprises. Richard C. Watkins, a Provo and Ogden architect, designed the Knight Block. Knight hoped the new building would be the most imposing business structure in Provo. With the tabernacle, court house, and the Provo Commercial and Saving Bank sharing the corner of University and Center, the Knight Block became a community landmark. The building was divided into public and private places. The public place on the street level featured large plate glass windows that show cased the Schwab Clothing Store. The upper, private part of the building was visually different from the lower level. The building design is typical of the Victorian Romanesque that Watkins was well known for in the area. It was one of the most popular styles in America at the time. While the building lacks some of the vertical emphasis typical of other Romanesque buildings, it fits the corner. The dominant feature is the massive tower on the southwest corner.