Wasn’t Carlson Hall a beautiful building? Carlson Hall at the University of Utah stood as a testament to women’s education. It also represented progress during the Great Depression. This hall represented a hard-won victory. It was located at 369 South University Street.
Carlson Hall’s story began with Lucy M. Van Cott. She was the first Dean of Women. For 25 years, she championed a women’s dormitory. The Utah Federation of Women’s Clubs supported her cause. They lobbied the state legislature. However, their bill failed in 1913.
Finally, Mary P. Carlson’s estate provided $121000. The Works Progress Administration added $90000. This funding made Carlson Hall possible. Built in 1937 and 1938, it opened its doors in autumn 1938.
Paul Paulsen built Carlson Hall. Ashton and Evans were the architects. Raymond J. Ashton later became president of the American Institute of Architects.
Carlson Hall became more than just a dormitory. It became a social center for female students. For 33 years, it housed women and fostered community. Rates were set at $30.50 per month for a double room. A single cost $34.50. This included meals and housekeeping. The interior boasted an early American style. There was a formal living room for socializing. Dances were held here. The basement offered shuffleboard and ping pong. Men were only allowed in common areas.
Carlson Hall specifically housed freshman women from outside Salt Lake City. Sororities were not allowed. This prevented cliques. A strict curfew maintained a proper home environment. For every 15 minutes past curfew, a resident was “campused” one night. This continued into the 1960s. Residents enjoyed good accommodations, excellent food, and a vibrant social life.
By 1971, times changed. The building transitioned into offices and classrooms. The History and Ethnic Studies departments moved in. The Tanner Humanities Center found a home here too. The S.J. Quinney College of Law also used the space.
In 1996, Carlson Hall gained recognition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sadly, by 2012, Carlson Hall needed costly upgrades. The University of Utah decided to replace it.
In Summer 2012, Carlson Hall was demolished. A new law building took its place. However, Carlson Hall’s memory lives on. The new law building features commemorative items. These items honor the legacy of the University’s first residence hall. Though gone, Carlson Hall remains a symbol of progress. It stands as a monument to the women who shaped the University of Utah.