Rio Grande in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Social Hall
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 18, 2007
1. Social Hall Marker
This monument marks the site of the Social Hall, the first recreation center in the intermountain west. Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Brigham Young. Made of plastered adobe walls with native wood floors and roof. Auditorium 40 by 60 feet, seating 350 persons, stage 20 by 40 feet, dressing rooms and banquet hall in basement. Dedicated January 1, 1853.
Here the Deseret Dramatic Association conducted many home talent theatricals, musicales and other festivities. Sessions of the Legislature, official meetings, receptions, banquets and other social functions were held here. It was used as theater, library and gymnasium by the Mutual Improvement Associations. In 1922 the building was razed.
Erected 1933 by Young Mens and Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association & Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association. (Marker Number 20.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association
this page online
Location. 40° 46.086′ N, 111° 53.279′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Rio Grande. It is on State Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 S State Street, Salt Lake City UT 84111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front and in Greater Salt Lake. It is also in the American Mountain West and in Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Social Hall (here, next to this marker); The Salt Lake Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Building (about 300 feet away); Alta Club Building (about 300 feet away); Gardo House (about 400 feet away); City Creek (about 500
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 18, 2007
2. Engraving of Social Hall on marker
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
3. Social Hall Marker
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 18, 2007
4. Social Hall Museum and Marker
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
5. Social Hall Museum with Marker at Left
Photographed by Tyler Thorsted, January 12, 2021
6. Social Hall Marker
Marker has been moved from above ground to below ground because of recent construction.
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
7. Pioneer Craftsmanship
June 18, 2007
8. Photograph of the Social Hall from 1877
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
9. Social Dancing
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 19, 2007
10. Utah's First Theatre
The Deseret Dramatic Association presented popular dramas at the Social Hall for three seasons, 1853-56. Here as a similar group had done earlier in the Bowery on Temple Square, these pioneer actors entertained and offered moral instruction to Salt Lake City's early citizens.
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 19, 2007
11. Musical and Literary Programs
Pioneer bands, orchestras, and singers found the Social Hall's main floor theater and simple platform stage an ideal setting for musical programs. Most such programs featured literary readings as well.
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
12. Schools
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
13. Gymnasium and Library - Varsity Theater
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
14. A Woman's Workout Outfit
This is a representation of the risque (for its day) workout clothes that Maud May Babcox wore while exercising in the Gymnasium here at Social Hall. Imagine how shocked and outraged everyone was over the revealing nature of this getup!!! And what if they could see what is worn in a gym today!
Photographed by Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010
15. The Archaeological Dig
A portion of the artifacts that were discovered during construction, carefully removed, and then returned to their original locations when construction was completed.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,659 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on September 15, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 4. submitted on June 26, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on August 28, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 6. submitted on January 14, 2021, by Tyler Thorsted of Orem, Utah. 7. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 8. submitted on June 26, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 9. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 10, 11. submitted on June 27, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 12, 13, 14, 15. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
