“The House that the Women Built” at 850 E South Temple, Salt Lake City. Constructed from 1911-1913. Image courtesy of the Special Collections Dept, J Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah.
“May we settle down into our clubhouse cosily, throw open its doors hospitably, give of its bounties generously, and judge here, as elsewhere, our fellow members tolerantly.””
On February 13, 1914 the drama club, one of several sections of the Ladies' Literary Club, performed "Birthday Cake," a playlet written by club members at the new club house on So Temple. Image courtesy of Utah State Historical Society.
“On January 7, 1898, the formal opening of their first clubhouse, situated on Third East between South Temple and First South took place. In this building the Club conducted its activities for the next 15 years until it outgrew the building, and moved into its present home at 850 East South Temple in 1913.””
1910: Only known photograph of a general club meeting, taken in their first club house at 50 S 300 E. This building was sold to purchase the land for their new club house at 850 E South Temple. Image courtesy of Utah State Historical Society
“The core agenda of the Ladies’ Literary Club was for women to get together, to read literature, to know about what was going on in the world around them, to look at beautiful pieces of art, to contemplate ways to make Salt Lake City a more genteel city.””
Annual “Blue Tea” celebration. Photograph by Borge B Andersen for the Salt Lake Tribune. Year unknown.
Members of the LLC, year unknown. Image courtesy of Preservation Utah.
Historic Timeline of the early days, quoting Eliza K Royle, First President of the LLC in 1877.
“In 1896 the Club was a major force behind the Library Bill, which established the first free public library in 1898. Since then, the Club has undertaken many tasks to beautify Salt Lake City, and expand the cultural and educational base of the city.””
Photograph of painting of first Club president Eliza K Royle, historically hung in entry of the Clubhouse.