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James organized the first band, the first orchestra, and the first choir in newly settled Mt. Pleasant. For the pxayed for all the important gatherings held in Mt Pleasant."6 Early in 1860, almost in the center of the Mt. Pleasant iortf a temporary building for meeting and school purposes was finished. This was used for "a dance hall, 'Nigger Shows,' theatre and school doings." It was "always packed because the people were glad for any kind of entertainment that could be given."7 the 24th of July, was "a bowery 40 by 60 feet, built of cedar posts . . . and covered with fresh green wi Hows and limbs constructed in the southwest corner of the fort so versary of the first Saints' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, And celebrate they did-with "spirited speeches, music, vocal and instrumental, recitations," games, and dancing "which lasted until 2 o'clock in the morning of the 25th."8 A dramatic company was also organized in 1860. During the winter, plays were presented in the log meeting house they could muster. Dramas ranging from The Merchant of Venice to Good for Nothing Kan were performed. Following the opening on 8 March 1862 of the Salt Lake Theatre, the largest west of the Mississippi, "it was unanimously resolved to build a public building in Mount Pleasant, same to be called the Social Hall" and "completed before winter set in." C. C. A. Christensen painted the scenery. "It was often necessary for the cast to climb through a back window" as the hall had no side or back entrance and was filled to capacity early in the evening.9 In 1865 James and Niels Rosenlof were selected as architects/contractors to design and build the first church, 31 |
