Helper in Carbon County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Rainbow Inn

Photographed by Danny Grills

1. Rainbow Inn Marker

Inscription. The Rainbow Inn is located at 305 N Mains St, Helper, Utah and was built in 1922. Originally owned by Lena Fodero, the building was used as a hotel, bar, and sporting house. It was known for the bordello on the upper floor. The railroad which serviced the Spring Canyon coal mining towns went directly past the Rainbow Inn. It's location drew many single male immigrants who were working on the railroad, at the power plants and in the coal mines.

It was purchased by Stephen M. Johnson on May 1, 1980 and used as a bar. On July 23, 1983, The Rainbow Inn became the first official watering hole of the Utah out post, known as Matt Warner, of the Mountain Charlie Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. The Rainbow Inn closed its doors in 1987.

Erected 2017 by Matt Warner Chapter 1900 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1980.

Location. 39° 41.52′ N, 110° 51.704′ W. Marker is in Helper,

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Utah, in Carbon County. It is on North Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helper UT 84526, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rolapp / Royal (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carbon Fuel Company #2 Mine (about 700 feet away); WPA - PWA (approx. 0.4 miles away); Coal City (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sweets Coal Company - Consumers - National (approx. 0.4 miles away); Liberty Fuel - Latuda, Utah (approx. 0.4 miles away); Peerless / New Peerless (approx. 0.4 miles away); Western Springs Canyon - Rains - Mutual (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helper.

Rainbow Inn sign image. Click for full size.

2. Rainbow Inn sign

Rainbow Inn building image. Click for full size.

3. Rainbow Inn building

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 28, 2025

4. Rainbow Inn Marker

Marker is on side of the building.

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 28, 2025

5. Rainbow Inn Building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 5, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2017. 4, 5. submitted on July 1, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.