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Show NFS Form 10-900-a (8-86) Utah WordPerfect Format OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 3 VanFleet Hotel, Farming-ton, Davis County, Utah Originally built by Thomas and Electa Hunt in the 1860s on the southwest corner of State Street and First East, the hotel has become a well recognized local landmark. The building was likely first used exclusively as a residence, but because of its strategic location on what was once the highway connecting Salt Lake City and Ogden, it was well suited for a public function. Directly west of the property, a Wells Fargo station and stagecoach stop was located . Immediately to the west of that was the county courthouse. This placed the building at the center of commerce and government in the city and county. Much of what is known about Thomas Hunt has been gathered from Census records and early IDS church records. According to the 1860 census, Hunt was a self proclaimed Brewer. The Pacific Coast Business Directory for 1871-73 lists him as a saloon owner. Other records state that Mr. Hunt operated a tavern in conjunction with a hotel . In addition to these activities, the 1870 census lists Hunt's occupation as Farm Hand while the 1880 census lists Grocer. After the death of the Hunts (Electa in 1900 and Thomas in 1901), the property was acquired by Charles L. Robinson. Records indicate the building remained in continuous use as a hotel during the Robinson ownership period . Acquired by Hyrum S. VanFleet on April 13, 1908, the hotel continued its operation into what became Farmington's growth and expansion period of the next decade. On November 7, 1910, VanFleet took out a mortgage for the sum of $2,500.00 which was doubtless used to modernize and upgrade the hotel. This came only a few months after the establishment of Miller Floral and coincided with the expansion of a number of Farmington businesses previously discussed. In January of 1913, the building caught fire during a windstorm which nearly destroyed the structure. At this time VanFleet set about to rebuild and expand the hotel. A major renovation was undertaken which resulted in the doubling of size and creation of a new aesthetic. Caught up in the momentum of the day, VanFleet created a space that incorporated a large rose garden which was supplemented by a profusion of trees and shrubbery. These elements were masterfully blended with newly created architectural features that included stone piers surrounding the property, stone archways, stone urns and planters, and rock lined pathways. As described by the Commercial Club, "The VanFleet place is parked with beautiful lawn and shrubs, and considering the location, accommodations, beautiful surrounding scenery, warm balmy air, quietude, etc. this place must necessarily become one of the favorite resorts of Utah, and should appeal to the well-to-do as an ideal home for summer vacations and a convenient location for that class of traveling public who may desire centrally located headquarters as a convenient means of reaching surrounding points of leisure or business." The VanFleet site retains many of the unique architectural features which gave the grounds its original landscaped beauty, an aesthetic which was idealized by the Commercial Club and its members. X See continuation sheet |
