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Show 43 Salt Lake City's first general park. 78 From this time until 1898 the mill was used as a storage facility and allowed to deteriorate. In 1898, the worsening condition of the building came to the attention of the City Council, who, seeing demolition bids. 79 .n.Q value in. the unsightly building, called for It was about this same time that the first known photo- graphs were taken of the mill. As early as 1885, artist J. T. Harwood found the boarded up structure a picturesque object, worthy of h.is efforts as an oil painter. His 1895 painting of the mill interior is the oldest extant documentation of the building's inside appearance. 80 The city's demolition proposal was met with immediate and vociferous opposition. Members of the Chase family, led by activist Kate Chase, peti- tioned the city to reconsider. Eventually, Spencer Clawson (a leading LDS Church figure), the state Historical Society, and other parties joined the groundswell. After pondering the matter for several months, the council re- versed itself in 1899 and ordered that the mill be preserved. 81 1. Turn-Of-The-Century and Subsequent Preservation Efforts The history of the preservation efforts on behalf of the Chase Mill are as interesting--perhaps more so--than the history of its origins and period of operation. The following lengthy quote describes, in flowery prose, the battle that ensued following announcement of intent to demolish, and gives historical insights as well as compelling arguments for the building's significance and right to preservation. 'By order of the City Council of September 20, 1898, bids are hereby solicited for the Old Mill building at Liberty Park--purchaser to clear off and carry away all of said building. ' |
