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Show ^ DEVEREAUX A r 15 W illiam Staines, English gentleman, surrounded his new home in the valley of the Great Salt Lake with delightful gardens and landscaping. He was a horticulturist and would be one to change this semiarid home of the Saints into a land of verdant beauty, considering it his business to decorate and beautify Zion. The first flowers for the local I market were grown in his gardens, and he won many prizes for his choice fruits and vegetables. The residence gained attention very early. In 1858 the newly appointed territorial governor, Alfred Cumming, and his wife received an invitation to make their headquarters at Staines's home until further arrangements could be made. Mrs. Cumming reported the details of the " English cottage" in charming letters to her sister. She was delighted with the gardens and the fruit trees. She described the piazzas, carved work, and the ornamented windows. She also wrote of the hospitality and generosity that Mormon authorities afforded the Cummings during WUMam C. Staines their stay. It was here that Brigham Young first met the new governor. Another important visitor accepting Staines's hospitality was Sir Richard Burton, famous writer, adventurer, and world traveler. The next owner of the home was Joseph A. Young, a son of Brigham, who purchased the home and property in 1865. Three years later it was acquired by merchant William Jennings who bought up still more property until the estate aggregated five full city lots. In another eight years an addition to the east wing changed the cottage- like architecture into one of Victorian influence with French details. The elaborate interior contained heavy carved pine woodwork, grained to resemble various woods, with each room having its own distinct type. The green and gold drawing room was an impressive sight with woodcarving done by the master craftsman Ralph Ramsay. Gilt frames were furnished by pioneer artisan Edward Martin for the paintings that adorned the William Jennings 16 walls. Occupying a prominent space was Christ Blessing Little Children by Mormon artist Dan Weggeland. As the carriages swept up the wide drive the visitor was awed by the estate's splendid and aristocratic appearance. The carriage and bridal paths wandered gracefully through the extensive English gardens. The rare flower gardens and orchards planted by Willaim Staines had been retained. Even the name was enchanting. William Jennings had been born on the Devereaux Estate at Yardley, near Birmingham, England: therefore the name Devereaux. Jennings was considered Utah's first millionaire. He owned the Eagle Emporium, which became the first home of Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution ( ZCMI), and was mayor of Salt Lake City from 1882 to 1885. He and his wives were gracious and generous hosts, and as many as three hundred guests The Staines home as it appeared when visited by Elizabeth and Alfred Cumming, second governor of Utah Territory. 17 were entertained and served dinner at one time in their home. Besides Governor and Mrs. Cumming, there were President Ulysses S. Grant, Generals Philip Sheridan and William Tecumseh Sherman, and other high federal officials who crossed its threshold. Prominent business and professional men and officers of Fort Douglas attended the festive parties with their ladies. On occasion a floor for dancing was erected north of the conservatory. Musicians played while guests danced beneath the stars. Some Jane and Priscilla, wives of William Jennings, and their children, 1868. 18 explored the gardens, wandering over the well- kept lawns where profusions of Chinese lanterns illuminated the grounds. Conversations were carried on in the parlors and delicious fare was spread in the dining room. Brigham Young sometimes borrowed Devereaux when he had a need to entertain large crowds. It was, without doubt, the most glamorous estate in the valley at the time. Holiday time was one of festivity and charitable giving. The Jennings ladies busily engaged themselves in setting the large table with all sorts of meats, including roast bear, fruits, puddings, nuts, cakes, and other delicacies, and invited their many friends, the elite of the pioneer community, to enjoy the regal repast and share the Yuletide spirit. On the eve of Christmas others were not forgotten. Basket after basket was loaded with nourishing food and goodies for the needy. In 1870 the elder wife, Jane Walker, died. Priscilla reared Jane's children along with her own. The two women had shared the same homes and husband from the beginning and had lived together in apparent harmony. The household was run in the proper style of the English. Priscilla believed in keeping the girls to their books and instructing them in domestic duties and feminine crafts so that " they may know how to make a poor man a good wife as well as a rich one." Priscilla Paul, the daughter of architect William Paul, had inherited her father's love for architecture and worked with him on the designs for the remodeling of Devereaux. Besides all these accomplishments, she found time to play an active role in the LDS church and its auxiliary organization, the Relief Society. On the left the home built by Priscilla Jennings and purchased in 1896 by Philo T. Farnsworth, manager of the Horn Silver Mining Company. Later, the Elks Club replaced both this house and the White House. The other homes are those of James A. Pollock and Arthur L. Thomas, governor of Utah Territory, 1889- 93. 19 Devereaux House woodwork details. After the death of Mr. Jennings in 1886 the estate was sold, and less than three years later Priscilla moved into her newly constructed home on East Brigham Street. Devereaux began its decline. The dignity of the English landscaping was diminished with each section of land that was sold. Finally, all the elements that had combined to make the life and glamour of Devereaux had slipped out of existence. The physical remains of the building became engulfed in the surrounding business and industrial area. It now stands, a giant on the landscape, hopefully awaiting a future of renewed significance. & DEVEREAUX 334 West South Temple Built 1856- 57; remodeled after 1876 Architect: William Paul Owners: William C. Staines, Joseph A Ynu. irt, 1865, William Jennings, 1868 30 |
