We're kicking off week two of our Hidden Treasures special with Historic Downtown Provo! The Provo Downtown Historic District is a 25-acre historic area located in Provo, Utah. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district is composed of four blocks of Center Street (100 East to 300 West) and one and a half blocks of University Avenue. The NRHP listing included 43 contributing buildings. Within the district, twenty structures are considered architecturally or historically significant, and twenty one structures are considered contributory. In the year 1849, a group of about 150 people arrived in and settled what is now the city of Provo. This group was sent by the president of the LDS church at the time, Brigham Young, for purposes of colonizing the area. The following year the city was surveyed as a plot one square mile surrounded by several acres of land designated into eight lots. Brigham Young encouraged the settlers to build their homes and businesses in the proposed town site, and church leader George Albert Smith relocated to Provo to help encourage the city's development. The first merchant of Provo, Andrew J. Stewart, owned and ran a store out of his home on 5th west. He eventually relocated his business to Center Street. By the end of 1852, two years after the arrival of the settlers, Provo had several operating businesses. Included are a pottery, two grist mills, three cabinet shops, three shoe shops, one meat market, two lime kilns, one sash factory, one wooden bowl factory, two tailor's shops, two hotels, and two storehouses. The businesses dotted fifth west and Center Street. Profits for merchants in Utah were doing fairly high at this time during the 1860s. However, the farmers who subsisted through agriculture did not receive much of a profit if any, and began to resent the merchants for their success. Brigham Young encouraged cooperative trading among the members of the church in order to ensure fair trade. The Provo West Co-op was the first cooperative store which was built, and it was built in the same building that Andrew J. Stewart, the first merchant of Provo, operated and lived out of. There was a large influx of buildings into Provo in the late 1860s. Many businesses came in and located along Center Street. These buildings were built primarily of wood or adobe. Commercial buildings that developed during this time included Provo's first kiln, W. Allen's brickyard, and the Provo West Co-op, among others. The Liddiard Brothers, the sons of Samuel Giddiard, continued their father's cement business, contributing to many of the structures on center street. The Provo Foundry and Machine Company produced heat and plumbing still apparent in the town in present conditions. There are lots of places to shop in this downtown area, but here are a few you may not know about: What's Hot Clothing Boutique: This cute little shop is home to some of your favorite brands; Vera Bradley and Sperry's anyone? Come in and grab your favorites before they're gone! Provo Fabric Mill: Not only do they have a wide selection of fabric, they have some of the cutest accessories around! I was like a little kid in a candy shop at this store. Seriously, some super cute accessories that would make perfect stocking stuffers! Goldsmith Jewelry: Now if you're looking for an extra special set of jewelry look no further than Goldsmith. Their wide and beautiful selection of men's and women's jewelry will have everyone in awe. Unhinged: If you haven't been here yet, you are seriously missing out. Unhinged is home to all local designers. I could shop here all day. They have unique, locally made items that would make the perfect gift for anyone.

For more information visit UtahValley.com George Meldrum House

Local Utah news, sports, business, events, and photos from Utah Valley's leading newspaper, the Daily Herald.

Images of the Utah County Courthouse in Provo, Utah, available both as prints and digitally via royalty-free licenses.

For more information visit UtahValley.com John Twelves House

Local Utah news, sports, business, events, and photos from Utah Valley's leading newspaper, the Daily Herald.

A look at the history and the architectural features of a craftsman era chapel built in Provo in the 1920s.

Historic Downtown Provo Utah

For more information visit UtahValley.com Reed Smoot House

These historic villages are so fun to visit!

Find yourself in downtown Provo? Be sure to stop by Bruges Waffles & Frites for a savory or sweet bite to eat. You won't be disappointed.

The downtown area of Provo, Utah is well preserved for a smaller city. This is the Historic Utah County and Provo City Courthouse build beginning in 1920 and completed in 1926. It cost $576,495.30 to build. I wonder what part cost the 30 cents? Quoting from the UtahCounty.gov website: The building is more than a building; it is a work of art, a monument that has been set up in the county to the men and women whose industry has made it possible. It is Neoclassic in design; that is, it follows the classical features of Greek buildings, but is not really a copy of any building. The column-caps and the cornice are an adaptation from the temple of Minerva, on the Acropolis at Athens. This adaptation made by the architect has met with very favorable comment from creative architectural artists who have seen it. The exterior of the building is classic in design, that is, it follows the general lines of the master artists and architects of Greece who have been rated as the world's masters in the art of building. The lower or ground floor has been treated as the pedestal upon which have been placed the two upper floors which form the interior of the magnificent order. The whole is surmounted with a classic balustrade.

Temples are special places of worship for religious groups all over the world. This updated guide highlights each of the LDS temples in the area, along with a cherished Hindu Temple in Spanish Fork. Temples are a special place for each of these religions, but everyone can appreciate the outside

Exterior of Provo Railroad Station. Baggage trucks can be seen near the tracks as a train arrives at the station.

A building in Utah that appears to be floating is actually being supported by 40foot steel stilts. The Provo Tabernacle was almost destroyed by fire in 2010 but the Mormon Church is paying to have the entire building restored even it if means having to balance the building 40 feet up in the air.

With a unique historic city center Provo is becoming a hotspot for arts and new business, according to Josh Yost, urban planning and design professional with Provo City.

Experience the heritage and architecture of Provo by touring Provo's Historic Buildings. Included in this self-tour are 22 pioneer buildings dating...

The Provo LDS Tempernacle construction progress.

While attending Brigham Young University I had the pleasure of visiting the Provo Tabernacle on various occasions. Its age is close to 130 years and its rich history was always a pride of the community. The organ pipes are nestled behind the pulpit. The beautiful columns supported the balcony enriched with lovely wood details and seated just below the beautiful arched windows. The old wood benches filled the auditorium awaiting visitors to come and partake of something wonderful . It was a place for student firesides, stake conferences, musical productions, and most importantly a place of worship. (Photo from KSL) Disaster struck early Friday morning December 17. A security guard spotted smoke billowing from a tower and so it continued. (Photo from KSL) (Photo from KSL) (Photo from KSL) (Photo from KSL) (Photo from KSL) And through it all a message of hope. (Photo from Daily Herald) (Photo from Daily Herald) (Photo from Daily Herald) A painting of Christ is discovered among the wreckage. It is scorched, burned, and blackened all around his image. I think the face of the young fireman speaks clearly. Read more here and here. (Photo from Daily Herald)

Local Utah news, sports, business, events, and photos from Utah Valley's leading newspaper, the Daily Herald.

Main Street is often the heart of a town. These are some of the best.

I recently came across a couple other pictures of historic buildings around Pioneer Park in Provo. The first is of the Provo Foundry and Machine Company. Here is a picture of the old building from 1908 and the 1930's: Courtesy of the Provo City Library Courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L Tom Perry Special Collection This building used to sit on the corner of 500 West and Center Street, right where the Fresh Market (previously Albertsons) parking lot is. I found a really interesting book called Provo: The Garden City of Utah: Its Resources and Attractions. It was published in 1888 by the Provo Chamber of Commerce as a means of informing people as to what Provo had to offer. About the Provo Foundry it reads: "It should be stated here also that the largest operating company for the manufacture of machinery and the working of brass and iron in Provo city, is the “Provo Foundry and Machine Company,” of which an organization was effected in January of 1886…. The main building occupied by the works of the company is 80x32 feet. It is two stories high and is built of adobe and brick. A commodious moding room in the rear of the building is 60x40 feet, besides engine rooms and shops which are usually constructed of such works. The company has all the latest and most improved machinery—planers, turning lathes, power drills, and furnaces necessary for brass and iron casting, and the baking of cores for hollow iron works, with wide capacity, and facilities which do not include those used in the manufacture of machinery. At present, but a limited number of workmen are employed by reason of the heavy cost of pig iron now imported from the east. This difficulty will, however, be overcome at no distant day, as the company heretofore mentioned, which has in its possession the largest iron beds in the country, but a few miles from this city, contemplate the erection of furnaces for the manufacture of pig iron as soon as possible. The foundry company has been thoroughly successful in its work, and is daily turning out machinery and castings fully equal to those produced by eastern institutions of a like kind." I had a very difficult time finding any information about this building or company. I believe the company was owned by a man with the last name Pierpont, who built and owned several of the homes around Provo. The Foundry produced heating and plumbing pieces, many that are still being used in houses around Provo. Although the second photo is from the 1920's or 30's, I do not know when the building was finally demolished. Around the corner from the Foundry at 630 W 100 N is a really cool row of buildings called the Silver Row Apartments. Here is a picture of it from around 1900 and what it looks like now: Courtesty of Utah Valley Houses Wikipedia has a great article about these apartments. It reads: "Built in 1890, the Silver Row Apartments were very representative of the times in the state of Utah. Row houses, such as these, were prevalent in the larger cities of Utah and represent much of the lower-income residential architecture of the time period. Few of the these examples remain today, making these apartments a valuable and significant asset to the state of Utah's history. The Silver Row Apartments were disgnated to the provo City Historic Landmarks Registry on April 26, 1996. "The original owner of Silver Row was David P. Felt. Felt was born in Salt Lake City in 1860. After marrying Nora Civish, Felt relocated to Provo, Utah. Silver Row was built by him about 1890." There are a couple of other places in that neighborhood that I wanted to include. Here is an image from 1900 of the Bullock House, which was located just west on the Foundry between 500 and 600 West on Center Street, where the Fresh Market parking lot that currently is located: Courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L Tom Perry Special Collection Below is the 3rd Ward LDS Assembly Hall, located at 500 W and 100 N in Provo. The building is currently part of Discovery Academy, a residential treatment center. Courtesy of the Provo City Library Below is Center Street at 700 West, facing west. These houses pictured in this photo can still be found at the location, although trees have grown along the sidewalk, completely obstructing the view: Courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L Tom Perry Special Collection Finally, the Strickland Residence, which was located at on the Southwest corner of 500 West and 100 North. From the Utah State History Photo Library I was originally confused about where the Strickland residence was located at. I finally found some old maps labeled the "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps." I was able to find the residence on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map #10. Its octagonal shape was easily distinguishable on the corner or 500 W and 100 S, located just north of the Foundry. Below is the image that I am talking about. Courtesy of the University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott Library I really enjoyed looking at the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. If you are interested in researching about downtown Provo, or any other cities in Utah such as Salt Lake or Ogden, I would recommend checking out the Insurance Maps. The best place is to go to the Mountain West Digital Library and search "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps." You will have to be specific about what city you want because there are almost 2,000 results from multiples years from places like Ogden, Provo, Salt Lake, Milford, Lehi, and many others. The map that I included above is from a set from 1900 which shows several of the buildings located around the downtown Provo area, from 600 West to 400 East and from and from 600 North to 700 South. Several of the buildings are labeled, and some you can distinguish by the shapes of the building, such as the octagonal shape on the Strickland residence. In the Maps Center Street is 7th (and 100 North is 8th, 100 South is 6th) and University is J or Main (I is 100 West, K is 100 East; as a reference if you ever look at any other old maps, you may see University Avenue listed as Academy Avenue). I encourage you to do a little bit or research ourself and learn more about the historical buildings in Provo area, or really any area in Utah, that may be of interest to you. As a final note, even though there are a couple more posts about historical buildings in downtown Provo, this is the last post about historical houses in Provo. As I was researching this, I came across an interesting blog about historical homes in Utah County called Utah Valley Homes. I hope you enjoy it as well. I wanted to start some type of trivia/riddle/interactive puzzle somewhere in each post to try to involve readers and get them interested and involved in history. I decided to call it "Lost in History." I would love to offer some type of prize of reward, but since I am a poor college student, I don't have anything. I might try to collect stuff as I travel around Utah photographing places, so if you have any suggestions, let me know. Also, let me know what you think about this new section and any suggestions or comments you may have. LOST IN HISTORY: The most popular "Utah's Present History" post, by far, about Provo has been the one about the Utah State Mental Hospital. Although the Hospital is not located in downtown Provo, it is part of the Sanbourn Fire Insurnace Maps from 1900. There are 25 sheets altogether, coving all of downtown, and a little more. Which sheet is the Mental Hospital located on? As an additional hint, you may want to follow the directions above about finding historical buildings around Provo (look at the paragraph below the Sanbourn Fire Insurance Map picture)

The Provo South Stake held a fireside earlier this evening. Ryan W. Saltzgiver, who completed his masters thesis on the archaeology of the original tabernacle, was the main speaker. The original tabernacle was often referred to as the old meetinghouse, shown here in a painting by Samuel Jepperson. When Brigham Young dedicated the building in 1867, he declared it to be too small and told the residents of Provo build a larger one. The construction of the first tabernacle took sixteen years. The second tabernacle was under construction for eighteen years. The second tabernacle was built with a center tower, which has been restored on the new temple. The colors on the tower were bold tones of gray. Visitors to the second tabernacle could look out over the city from a landing around the center spire. The landing will also be restored on the temple but will not be available to the public. Archaeologists discovered bold colors of red plaster from the original tabernacle. The meetinghouse also had padded velvet seat covers, glass windows, and a bell in the steeple. Old fire insurance maps indicated where archaeologists could begin looking for the remains of the original tabernacle after the 2010 fire. Ground-penetrating radar confirmed where the foundation was. This building had a basement large enough for a person to stand. Two stories were above ground. The interior of this tabernacle was similar to the second tabernacle, with pews on the main floor and a balcony along the interior walls. Other Utah tabernacles, such as Ogden, St. George and Bountiful, were based on the Provo tabernacle plans. A lintel stone was placed above the entrance to the tabernacle. After the structure was taken down in 1918, the lintel was eventually moved to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum. Brother Saltzgiver stated that the pioneers intended to finish the building in 1861, but it was not actually completed for six more years. This photo, which I took during the discovery of the remains between January and March of 2012, shows where the old meetinghouse stood in relation to the second tabernacle. A small building on the right provided heat in the winter. Some of the remains of the foundation of the original tabernacle are underground in the north garden area of the new temple. Brother Saltzgiver told us that many homes in the South Stake area have foundations built from the stones taken from this tabernacle when it was torn down about 1918-1919. This north part of the tabernacle had an extra wall which supported the bell tower. Coal dust was discovered during the excavation, left from coal which heated the building. If you look closely, you can see an orange mark in the center of this photo. This marks the point where half the foundation stones would be taken away. With half the stones removed, the remaining foundation was covered. An underground annex of the temple now fills the space between the northern wall of the temple and the remaining foundation of the original tabernacle. A walkway runs above this area. This is what lies beneath the surface. The lintel stone will be returned to the temple grounds and will rest to the right of this photo, along the walkway shown here. Brother Saltzgiver told us that undergraduate and graduate students were able to complete the dig in just three months. Many artifacts were found. This 1894 silver dime was found. The earliest coin was minted in 1845. Someone found a bullet. The tabernacle also functioned as a school, explaining why slate pencils were in this area. This disc is an internal part of an oil lamp which lighted the building. I took these pictures during the excavation. Public interest in the archaeologists' work was high, and the items were displayed at the site. A doorknob is in the lower right-hand corner. Brother Saltzgiver said that many of the artifacts were reburied on the site, but he wouldn't tell us where. At the time the second tabernacle was completed, utility poles ran north and south along what is now University Avenue. The Knight Building, which still stands, is on the right. The bank on the left was completed in 1900. This photo was taken about a decade earlier and shows Center Street, with the original tabernacle on the right. The Hotel Roberts was built between First and Second South in 1882. Archaeologists also excavated its grounds, which were purchased by the LDS Church after the fire. This wall from the foundation of the hotel ran parallel with Second South. This area today is underneath a new sidewalk. Ultimately, the original dirt from the entire west and south areas of the temple block was removed and taken to the airport to build up that area near the lake. These spaces are now part of the underground garage. The north area seen here is the annex, and today is covered with grass and planters. As the temple moves closer to its dedication date next year, new walks are being built. I took this photo this evening before the fireside. Trees on the left were planted last week. Brick above the gable doorways has needed some adjusting in order to make a perfect fit for the new doorjambs. This picture, taken earlier this evening, is on the east side. The brick above the south side entrance was quickly replaced last week. The north entrance now bears a new art glass transom. Trim around the new jamb has been installed. Art glass will be fitted into the transom areas of the south and east sides, also. My camera tried to see what is below the new art glass. I have ten pictures just like this. I took this picture earlier in the week, facing east and looking across the north grounds. President Benjamin Larsen of the Provo South Stake also spoke at the fireside tonight. He talked about the heartbreak everyone felt when the second tabernacle burned. I suspect many were saddened when the original tabernacle was taken down. President Larsen said that he hoped our hearts are focused on why the Church builds temples. He asked the members of his stake to think about how to share the blessings of the temple with others. Allen C. Ostergar, the new Provo City Center temple president, was called just three weeks ago. He and his wife Nancy, who also eloquently spoke tonight, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next month. President Ostergar told us he and Nancy have attended the temple 49 times in the last 11 months as part of their wedding anniversary celebration. They will attend the 50th time soon. He said there are many things we can learn at the temple. The most important is that "God is there, and He wants us to be happy." The new Provo Mission president and his wife, John C. and Victoria Hodgman, also spoke. They told us that the whole point of missionary work is to get people to the temple. They asked us where holiness comes from and then suggested that perhaps we can each make our lives a little more holy. The fireside was very well attended. The temple itself is in the Provo South Stake boundaries. Over 6000 participants have registered for the Temple to Temple Run this Friday. President Ostergar suggested we run to the temple. Sister Ostergar told us that the purpose of the temple is to bring us closer to the Savior. Maybe this temple can bring us closer to Provo's pioneer heritage, too.

Center Street in Provo, Utah looking west from about University Ave. Circa 1971

La monarquía se convirtió, para los provos, en el máximo símbolo de la clase dirigente que debían atacar. Las ceremonias reales ofrecían un amplio abanico de oportunidades para la sátira. Durante el…

Glimpse history through old images of Provo, Utah, in the USA. Old Photos of Provo, Utah Old stereograph image of Provo City and Utah Lake, Utah, circa 1909. Image: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. Old photo of Provo Brickyard, Turbine House, 1620 North 200 West Street, Provo, Utah

A few months ago one Sunday I got a little bored and decided to go for a walk around where I live. As I was walking I found one of the coolest and best preserved historical areas in Provo aside from downtown. I have always enjoyed this area and was going to discuss it in my post about the Provo ZCMI building when amazingly I found a picture of this old historic place. Interestingly enough, the history of the entire area revolves around candy. In 1830, a man named William Startup began a candy company in Manchester England. William "made confections in the basement of his store in Manchester, England. His son, William Daw Startup was born September 8, 1846 and, as a young boy, he learned the process from his father. William developed a delicious hard candy as a medicine and named it American Cough Candy because he wanted to come to America. His American dream never materialized. He died in March, 1862. William Daw met and married Hagar Hick (what a name) and both converted to Mormonism and immigrated to Utah in 1968. William Daw brought his father's candy making supplies in addition to buying candy molds while stopping in Philadelphia. They settled in the Salt Lake Valley and started their candy company, which included selling candy to individuals at Temple Square around general conference. In 1874, the family moved to Provo and opened a candy store located at 230 W Center. In 1878, William Daw died expectantly and Hagar was forced to take over the candy shop, in addition to raising her four young children. However with the help of her children, the business continued to grow and in 1894 they opened their first candy factory located at 69 S 300 W in Provo. Here is a picture of the old building: Photo courtesy of the Provo City Library The business continued to thrive and in 1895 they developed the first candy bar in America with a filling called "the Opera Bar." They also developed a forerunner to modern breath mints, they were one of the only distributors in the area of Coca Cola, and they were one of the first producers of chewing gum. At this time, Hagar's two sons William and George took over the company business. Here is a picture of George's residence located at 260 S 100 W: Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society, all rights reserved. By 1898 the company had outgrown the small building and a new factory was built at 534 S 100 W. Here is a picture of it from 1908: Photo courtesy of the Provo City Library Business continued to grow and the company started to sell ice cream in a new ice cream parlor located at 82 W Center. Ice was cut from Utah Lake and then stored and covered in saw dust to preserve it during the summer months. During the Great Depression, business fell dramatically and the company had to be sold. Walter was eventually able to buy back part of the factory and the building that currently houses the company. Walter's son, Harry, is the current president of the company while his son Jon is the manager. They hope to make a candy museum to show the ways that candy used to be made and display several of the old candy making tools that were brought to Utah from England. If you would like to find out more about the Startup Candy Company, click here. Amazingly much of the history relating the the Startup Candy Company can still be found in Provo. The original factory is currently a parking lot across from the police station, but both George's House and the candy factory on 500 W still stand. Here are pictures of all three: The historical area that I was talking about is 100 W between 500 and 600 S. There are several really cool historic buildings, in addition to a couple that are located on 600 S around Freedom Ave. Here are a couple of pictures from the area: The Consignment Store is located about 150 W 600 S and if you are into indy or trendy looking things, I would totally recommend it. It is a really cool place. I would also just recommend going to walk around this area. I really like it and the whole block is kind of a walk in the past. I am really excited about this area because of the potential that it has. In the past, I think that this area has been a really shady area and avoided by lots of people. However, there are plans to build a the future Provo bus terminal and frontrunner station across the railroad tracks. The station will essentially be bound by the railroad tracks, University Ave, Freedom, and 900 S. You can kind of see a map of it at this site. Also there are plans to add some kind of crazy/cool art work (here is a picture). I love this area, and I think that it has a lot of potential. I hope that the train and bus station brings in a lot of new business and revives it so that Provo can have one more historically important area.

Put these 9 National Historic Landmarks on your list, and visit soon!

These photos span 100 years of Utah history!

Built in 1898, and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the Provo Tabernacle served as a tabernacle until December 2010 when it was s

In the sedate setting of an academic symposium in Provo, a respected LDS scholar delivered this