The Cultural Heart of the City

The Cultural Heart of the City. . , The Cultural Heart of the City , The story of 25th Street simply wouldn't be complete without mention of the Porters' and Waiters' Club-the most famous of its time in the area. The club was created for porters and waiters working for Union Pacific, Southern Pacific and other companies with routes terminating in Ogden. It was first located at 151 25th Street in 1916 and later relocated to 127 25th Street, where it operated until torn down in 1960., (photo caption) This picture taken in front of Unice Station, shows a group of porters who worked for the railroad. , , A Thriving Entertainment Scene , While 25 Street was a cultural melting pot, it was still segregated in the early years. The south side of the 100 Block was considered the black business section, with the Porters and Waiters' Club at the hub of that center. The club's original purpose was providing rooms for African Americans who worked on the railroad and stayed over in Ogden waiting for their next train assignments. While the Royal Hotel on Wall Avenue served the same purpose, the Porters' and Waiters Club was also a dining and entertainment club that became a cultural tradition for the entire community. , , The food at the Porters and Waiters Club was excellent, but the live entertainment was its strongest attraction. Both singers and musicians developed and shared their talents at the clubs. While the Porters' and Waiters Club no longer exists, its importance to Ogden's culture and ethnic development will never be forgotten. , , (photo caption) Saxophonist Joe McQueen and a group called the Chaperones (below) were some of the many talents that played at the Porters' and Waiters' Club. , (photo caption) Guests enjoy a dinner party at the Porters' and Waiters' Club.