Envision Salt Lake City’s earliest mansion. The Devereaux House stands here. It was the most elegant mansion in its day. This unique house hosted many social gatherings. They included prominent locals and important visitors. Portions of the Devereaux House date back to 1855. That was only eight years after the Mormon pioneers arrived.
Let’s delve into the Devereaux House’s story. It began with William Staines. He built the first version of the house in 1857. Staines was an English horticulturist. He wanted to beautify Zion. He helped establish Salt Lake City’s rich landscape tradition.
Later, William Jennings bought the property in 1867. He expanded it. Jennings named it Devereaux House. This was in honor of his family’s estate in England. Jennings was a prominent businessman. He was also a future mayor of Salt Lake City.
Jennings made the Devereaux House a social hub. He was a gracious host. He entertained many famous people here. Presidents Ulysses S Grant and Rutherford B Hayes visited. General William T Sherman also came. The Devereaux House became known for its lavish dinners.
William Jennings had two wives. Jane Walker and Pricilla Paul lived here together. They moved into Devereaux House in 1867. After Pricilla died, Jane cared for all fifteen children.
The Devereaux House estate was extensive. It featured ornamental gardens. There were also kitchen gardens, hothouses, and orchards. Stables and a carriage house completed the picture. The interior was furnished with art. Jennings collected these items during his travels.
The arrival of the railroad changed the area. It became commercial and industrial. The Devereaux House became a forlorn shell. It was a reminder of its former glory.
Fortunately, the Devereaux House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The Utah State Legislature purchased it in 1978 for renovation. The state and Triad Center agreed to maintain it. Federal, state, and private funds helped reconstruct the house.
The Devereaux House has seen many changes. It was once the home of the Keeley Institute. This offered treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. Later, it housed offices for a mining equipment company.
Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns the Devereaux House. It uses it for receptions and other events. The Devereaux House stands as a testament to Salt Lake City’s history. It reminds us of the city’s early elegance and social life.
Remember the Devereaux House. It is more than just a building. It is a piece of Utah’s past. It is a symbol of resilience and restoration.