Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Social Hall
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 Men’s 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: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1852.
Location. 40° 46.086′ N, 111° 53.279′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. Marker 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.
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); City Creek (about 500 feet away); Federal Reserve Bank (about 500 feet away); A Private School House (about 500 feet away); Eagle Gate 1859 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

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 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!
Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,747 times since then and 34 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.