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Show NPS Form 10-900-a Utah WordPerfect 5.1 Format (Revised Feb. 1993) OMB No. 10024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section No. 8 Page 2 Cullimore, William and Lizzie, House, Orem, Utah County, UT Narrative Statement of Significance The William and Lizzie Cullimore House, constructed c.1907, is significant for its association with the "Settlement and Agricultural Expansion: Mid-1870s-1913" and "Establishment of Orem: 1914-1941" categories of the Historic and Architectural Resources of Orem, Utah, Multiple Property Submission. As a mercantile owner, William Cullimore was one of only a handful of residents on the Provo Bench who did not raise fruit or produce for a living. This house, a good example of a small Prairie Schoolstyle bungalow, quite common in the state, and throughout the country during the first two decades of the 20th century, represents a style that came slowly to the Provo Bench and seems appropriate for a business owner living in a newly prospering community. The "Agricultural Expansion" period of Orem was one of the greatest growth periods in the early days of the Provo Bench. Prior to this period seasonal landholders would attempt to raise crops on the bench, but could not live there because there was little water. After the construction of the Provo Bench Canal in 1864 more people settled on the bench and subsequent irrigation ditches and canals allowed for greater farm production and the ability to sustain the landowners year 'round. Fruit trees were found to be the best cash producing crops, and by the turn of the century those who had become involved in raising fruit started to realize great success which, in turn, encouraged others to move here and raise fruit orchards. Until the late 1890s there were no businesses on the bench and most of the commercial activity remained in Provo. Slowly, proprietors started opening businesses along State Street during the 1910s, though these consisted mainly of fruit stands. Although the number of businesses increased during the first half of this century, it was at a slow rate, and Orem did not become a commercial center until the 1970s. During the "Establishment of Orem" period, the Provo Bench saw more changes associated with growth than in the previous periods. After the first decade of the 20th century, fruit growers on the bench realized that if their prosperity was to continue they must market their produce outside of the area and outside of Utah. With the establishment of a rail line in Orem, the "Orem Line," plus the increasing popularity of the automobile, the fruit and produce industries were able to market their products all over the western United States. With the increased prosperity, the Provo Bench soon became Orem Town in 1919 (in honor of Walter Orem who brought the railroad to the area), and eventually, in 1941, Orem City. Alexander Gillespie first claimed approximately 160 acres of land upon which the Cullimore house sits in the 1870s, after which the property passed through several successive owners. Through the course of changing ownership the property was subdivided many times when Albert L. Cullimore purchased 20 acres in 1900. William Cullimore, Albert's brother, purchased the land from him in 1907 and began construction of the house shortly after. William was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, October 26,1866 to James and Clara Fowlke Cullimore, immigrants from Gloucestershire, England. William married Lizzie Keetch January 9,1889 in the Logan L.D.S. Temple after which they resided in Pleasant Grove; together they had eleven children. In 1891 he was called to serve a two year mission in the southern states. Upon William's return he went into business with Melissa L. McBride who had established a |
