Ogden in Weber County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Livingston Confectionary
268-270 - Historic 25th Street
Occupants of the first floor retail space included: S & R Livingston Confectionery (1901); Paul A. Gysin Barber Shop (1904-1906); The Mexican Chili Parlor/Pullman Bar (1907-1913); and several grocery stores. From as early as 1904, the second and third floors were operated as boarding rooms by Dora Belle Topham (aka Belle London), Ogden City’s most notorious “Madam” of the time period and her husband, Thomas Topham. They operated under the name “The Fashion Rooms”. After 1914, various women continued to lease the rooms until 1949, at which time Lettie Malan leased the building to Otto Waldron and E.J. Doherty who leased the rooming house and hotel under terms which required it to be used “to conduct only legitimate and lawful business”.
This building is an example of Commercial Vernacular architecture style. Is is a one-story building with a replicated historic storefront. The original building was a three-story brick structure before a fire burned it circa. (1960). The one-story building that remains has two storefront entrances made of wood with traditional transom windows and kickplates.
Erected 1998 by Ogden City Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 41° 13.25′ N, 111° 58.441′ W. Marker is in Ogden, Utah, in Weber County. Marker is on 25th Street (East 2500 South) near Grant Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 270 25th Street, Ogden UT 84401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Palace Billiard Hall (here, next to this marker); Gasberg Building (a few steps from this marker); The Solomon C. Stephens Building (a few steps from this marker); Union Restaurant and Switch European Lodgings (within shouting distance of this marker); Creston Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); London Ice Cream Parlor (within shouting distance of this marker); Kansas City Liquor House (within shouting distance of this marker); Davenport Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogden.
Also see . . . A History of Violence: Ogden’s 25th Street - Utah Stories. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad marked the beginning of Ogden’s 19th-century boom, especially Ogden’s 25th Street. Dubbed the notorious “Two Bit Street,” it was too rough even, reportedly, for Al Capone.
There are three primary “moments” in Historic 25th Street’s history. The first was from the time the Golden Spike was driven until roughly 1905. Prohibition marked a second period, and the third was when Prohibition was repealed. (Submitted on February 28, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. prostitution
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.