“An emblem of loyalty to the whole school.” That’s what they called it back in the day. The Block U stands proudly on Mount Van Cott. It overlooks Salt Lake City. This isn’t just any hillside letter. It is one of the earliest and largest.
Let’s delve into the story of this iconic landmark. The history of the Block U began at the turn of the twentieth century. Students would climb “The Hill” and paint their class year on the mountainside. The administration wanted something more permanent.
In 1907, the Block U was built with limestone. It was a monumental task. The U stands over 100 feet tall. Its surface area covers over 5,000 square feet. It is visible from many parts of the Salt Lake Valley.
Imagine the scene back then. Almost the entire student body hauled buckets of lime up the mountain. They replaced the dueling class numbers with a giant “U”. It symbolized unity.
Stayner Richards, the student body president, proposed a concrete “U” in 1907. It would be whitewashed each year. With the help of army mules from Fort Douglas, the concrete was laid out. It took the men of the student body two days to mix and pour the concrete.
Whitewashing the Block U became a cherished tradition. Hundreds participated in the annual ritual. In 1967, lights were added. The Block U could be seen at night.
But time took its toll. By 2001, the Block U was in disrepair. Students tried to maintain it. A thorough renovation was needed.
In 2006, the University of Utah launched a $400,000 restoration project. It was called “Renew the U”. Sue Christensen, a University of Utah alumna, spearheaded the effort. New lights were installed. These lights could alternate between red and white. A dimmer feature was added. Runoff and erosion were addressed with a drainage system.
The lights flash when Utah Utes athletic teams win. They burn steady when they are defeated.
On October 5, 2006, an official lighting ceremony was held. It was halftime at the football game between Utah and TCU.
Today, the Block U stands strong. Its lights are controlled wirelessly. The control panel is located in the Merrill Engineering Building. The Block U is a registered trademark of the University of Utah. It is a symbol of pride for the entire university community.
The Block U is more than just a letter on a hill. It represents tradition, unity, and school spirit. It’s a beacon that shines bright. It unites all who see it across the Salt Lake Valley.