Original Campus
When St. George Stake Academy first began in 1911, it consisted of a single building, the Academy Building – later called the Education or Administration Building (Building 1).[1] As enrollment and programs grew, new buildings were constructed to accommodate student demand, including a gymnasium, a science building, and an industrial arts building.[2] The college also shared some buildings with the local community: the Tabernacle, Washington County Library, and the Recreation Hall. When college ownership was transferred from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the state of Utah, the LDS Institute building became an important location for the religious and social needs of Latter-day Saint students.[3] While many of these buildings were not officially owned by the college, they were all regularly used by students and the college for education, events, and recreation. A campus map created in 1951 lists the eleven buildings highlighted in this exhibit.[4] The term LDS refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Education Building (aka the Academy Building or the Administration Building)
- Recreation Hall (aka LDS Recreation Hall)
- Washington County Library (aka Carnegie Library)
- St. George Tabernacle
- Dixie College Gymnasium
- The Annex
- Morris Dormitory
- LDS Institute
- Cannon Dormitory
- Science Building
- Industrial Arts Building (aka Mechanical Arts Building)[5]
*Note: Click on the small images for more information and a larger view.
To the walls of Dixie.....sandstone or brick, adobe or lumber, cut in sacrifice, cemented by endurance and faith. On these walls lie our story.
They represent our youth – our golden age. They are the sand and sun of a hundred years and a thousand students. They are the joy and success, the tears and failure. They are the hope for the future.
They hold within their foundations the formula for peace. It is for us to find.
May she ever be as strong as her walls:
Their strength measured by the spirit behind them.
Their years numbered by the students they sheltered.
Their capacity extended to all who seek brotherhood.
May Dixie’s walls stand in protection to good, as a barrier to evil always.
-Jo Taylor (1954)[9]
Campus Videos (1951)
Videos of Dixie College Campus, 1951, from Dixie College 1951 School Year Movie #2, clipped from 0:00:00 - 0:00:39.[10]
Education Building (1)
Erected 1911.[11] Original building for the St. George Stake Academy. Is presently used as the St. George Children’s Museum (2024).
“The Stake Academy building is looking better and better all the time, and gives an idea of what a beautiful structure it will be when completed...the roof is all on, the cornices are painted and so is the ceiling of the gymnasium and amusement room...the workmen are all doing their best towards the completion of the building.”
-Washington County News, 1911[13]
“Each new minute is the future – it is not something that is going to come – it is now. The very smallest thing you do has a bearing on the outcome of your future. Keep this in mind upon entering our administration building. Whether you are attending history, English, painting a picture, or just spending an hour in the library, use it to the very best of your advantage.”
-Dixie 1955[14]
“Most Friday nights there was a dance held in the old recreation hall...That was the center of activity in the community. I don’t remember dating a lot but when we went to a dance we were all in a circle, traded partners and danced for the evening. The old recreation hall was decorated beautifully for special occasions [like] the junior prom and D-Day...Parents in the community were invited [and] many of them stayed and danced. In that recreation hall (during the war years and for entertainment) they made it a skating rink. Also the [Utah] National Guard used it for practice drills, so it was well used.”
-Walter Snow[18]
“There was an open-air dance pavilion, which was connected to the recreation hall. We all thought it was wonderful to spend the summer evenings dancing under the stars.”
-Dan Watson[19]
Washington County Library (3)
Erected 1916[20] - Demolished 1980.[21] Was owned by Washington County, but regularly used by Dixie College.
“What amusement could be more uplifting and educating than good wholesome reading, provided by the library?”
-Bernice Benson (1925)[23]
“Washington County is proud of this Carnegie Library. Books are sent out to all parts of this district, and the many reference books are a great source of information to the College students. It is here where the students come when they can find time, in the midst of numerous studies, for an interesting novel.”
-The Dixie 1930[24]
Tabernacle (4)
Completed 1876.[25] Owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but was used by Dixie College. Still Standing.
“The LDS Tabernacle is certainly one of Dixie’s most historic buildings...the Tabernacle was often used for college events. It was then (as it is now) [noted] for its great acoustics and its marvelous winding stairs. Graduations were often held in the tabernacle.”
-Dan Watson[27]
“There was a steel stairway that went straight up [at the back] to the band room. There were two additional rooms [that were] used as practice rooms and instrument storage rooms. There was one door that came out of the band room and into the balcony of the gymnasium. So every ball game the band played [and] sat in the northwest corner in the balcony. You heard that first song with the trumpets and the guns banging when it was time for the ball team to come onto the floor...It was exciting! It was a real thrill! In most cases the building was filled to capacity. I wonder sometime how it ever held the weight.”
-Walter Snow[31]
“Our gymnasium, where many bitter and breath-taking battles are bravely fought. Here we have danced many times until holes were formed in our original stockings.”
-Dixie 1955[32]
The Annex (6)
Moved to the Dixie Junior College Campus in 1947. The building was moved from the Topaz War Relocation Center, an interment camp in Utah that housed Japanese Americans during World War II. No longer standing.[33]
“We have the Annex building wherein we find our student lounge. Always we have students associating with each other and making friendships that live forever. Our lounge is a new addition this year and everyone agrees that it has now become an essential port of our campus.”
-Dixie 1955[35]
“The annex invites us to the Student Lounge, the lunch room, English, German, Spanish, and History classes.”
-Dixie College – 1955-56[36]
Morris Dormitory (7)
Previously the home of William T. Morris. Became College Dormitory in 1943.[37] No longer standing.
“We beat a hasty retreat to a safer and quieter sphere; the Morris Dorm. Did I say quieter and safer? Could anything be quiet or even a little bet safe with those Millard County gals anywhere near? The Morris Dorm at the moment highly resembles a three-ring circus. Viola Talbot (Oak City) and Glenna Nelson (Leamington) are doing calisthenics in the middle of the living room floor. Elma Workman (Hinckley) balancing precariously on the edge of the chair is reciting: ‘To be or not to be’. -- While Mary Moody (Hinckley) is interestingly inquiring of the North wall: ‘and on what food does the omeba thrive?’ Lola Wright (Hinckley) is absorbedly practicing her scales to the top of her voice. Our last glimpse of the dorm reveals the Anderson girls, Rexine and Donna, from Junction, delving into the mysteries and merits of the lowly potato.”
-Dixie Journalists' Chatter, 1949[39]
“The girls in both dorms feel that this year couldn’t have been such a happy one or so enjoyable had it not been for the ever-loving attention of their Dorm Mother, Mrs. Christensen. She was presented a gift from all of the girls for Mothers’ Day.”
-Dixie Journalists' Chatter, 1949[40]
LDS Institute (8)
In use by 1939.[41] Popular building used by student members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No longer standing.
“The L. D. S. Institute of Religion – the home of the Lambda Delta Sigma, where parties commemorating every important seasonal holiday are held and forever remembered.”
-Dixie 1955[43]
“INSTITUTE...The most attractive building on our college campus. A common gathering place for club functions and special parties. Has a magnetic appeal for those especially interested in courtship and marriage.”
-Dixie 1946[44]
Cannon Dormitory (9)
Previously owned by Woodruff Cannon.[45] Became College Dormitory in 1941. No longer standing.
“The Cannon Dorm is a hum of activity – dodging the wet hose draped on the chair, and tripping over Mae Von’s best pair of heels we warily seat ourselves in an unobtrusive corner to await proceedings. ‘We’ll all starve’, she mourns. To the rescue comes Geniel Ellsworth (Showlow, Ariz.) with an anemic-looking potato for a ‘stew.’ Wham! Quick, duck! Man your battle stations!! From a vantage point behind a convenient chair we peer apprehensively out at the waging battle between Jo Ann and Jillyn Wintich, (Tropic).”
-Dixie Journalists' Chatter, 1949[47]
“Harbors those gorgeous ‘out-of-town' coeds...witnesses many a tete-a-tete by moonlight...entices Dixie’s male population.”
-The Dixie 1948[48]
“The girls of the Cannon dorm invited the Morris dorm girls over for a party. The evening was spent discussing problems that have arisen at the dorms, and the possibilities of establishing a dorm club.”
Dixie Journalists' Chatter, 1947[49]
Science Building (10)
Erected 1927 (First Story) and 1928 (Second Story).[50] No longer standing.
“[The Science Building] was in the middle of the block across from the old college building. [It was] a two-story building. The biology and science department [were] on the southwest corner. In the southeast corner was the ‘Ag’ [agricultural] department...Upstairs on the northwest corner was Maurice Miles and the chemistry department. Back on the other corner was Ellis Everett and the math and physics program. Upstairs on the southwest corner was the home economics program...That building had no particular architectural beauty but it served a wonderful need for a long time.”
-Walter Snow[52]
“The science building – better known as the place of stinks and smells, where skunks are “de-smelled,” fingers burned, test tubes smashed, mid-term tests are flunked – all are a memorable part of attending Dixie.”
-Dixie 1955[53]
Industrial Arts Building (11)
Completed 1938.[54] Constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) Project. No longer standing.
"The Dixie Junior College Mechanic Arts building will be one of the best in the State when completed January 1, according to Charles N. Merkley, instructor in Mechanic Arts at the college. Construction work began on this building August 15, 1936...The size of the building is 60 by 90 feet. It will be divided into the following rooms: Class, paint and finishing, locker, lumber storage, lavatory, tool, office, and the remaining part of the building will be used for work room. The equipment which has been purchased for the building includes the following for the woodwork department: jointer, saw filer, four-driver wood lathes, saw table, and a band saw. For the Auto Mechanics department: valve set ginder, motor tester, welding outfit, steel lathe, and large roller jack. All of this equipment is motorized and classified as heavy machinery."
-Washington County News, 1937[56]
Citations
[1] Academy Open," Washington County News (St. George, UT), October 5, 1911, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6f4937q.
[2] "Key to Campus Map," Dixie Journalist Chatter (St. George, UT), September 17, 1951, 4, Utah Digital Newspapers, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.
Digital version available at Utah Digital Newsapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s60g95j0.
[3] D 54 (St. George, UT: Associated Students Dixie Junior College, 1954), digital page 9, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1105#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.;
Dixie Junior College, H.B. 58, 20th Legislature, Chapter 50 (1933), 90, Hein Online, https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.ssl/ssut0133&i=102.
[5] "Key to Campus Map" incorrectly labels building 6 as "The Industrial Arts Building" and does not provide the name for building 11 (the actual Industrial Arts Building). Images in yearbooks and the campus buildings in conjuction with aerial pictures and videos of the campus show the quonset building in location 11 to be the Industrial Arts Building and the "L-Shape"* building to be the Annex.
*For more insight, see: "Classroom Building Coming from Topaz," Dixie Journalist Chatter, April 16, 1947, page 4, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6r841m3/29443258.
[6] Image in "Key to Campus Map."
[7] 1960 DIH Project Aerial Photograph: 7AA-33, aerial photograph, Areas A and B, Washington County, Utah, United States Geological Survey Aerial Collections, https://imagery.geology.utah.gov/pages/search.php?search=%21collection522&k=&modal=&display=thumbs&order_by=date&per_page=150&archive=&sort=DESC&restypes=&recentdaylimit=&foredit=&noreload=true&access=&go=next&offset=1350#.
[8] SGCityMaps, digital map, City of St. George, https://maps.sgcity.org/sgcitymaps/.
[9] Jo Taylor, "Dedication," D 54 (St. George, UT: Associated Students, Dixie Junior College, 1954), digital page 6, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1105#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[10] Dixie College 1951 School Year Movie #2," Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, Utah Tech Historic Films, 0:00:00 - 0:00:39, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1216.
[11] "Academy Open," Washington County News (St. George, UT), October 5, 1911, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6f4937q.
[12] Dixie 1955 (St. George, UT: Associated Students of Dixie College, 1955), inside front cover, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1106#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[13] "Academy Looks Fine," Washington County News (St. George, UT), July 6, 1911, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s60305n4.
[15] "Contract Let for Recreation Hall; May Cost 29,000," Washington County News (St. George, UT), May 7, 1936, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s693629g.
[16] The Spectrum (St. George, UT), June 11, 1980, 1, Microfilm, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.;
The Spectrum (St. George, UT), May 27, 1980, 3, Microfilm, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.;
Richard Cooper, "Bids Awarded for Demolition of Historic Local Buildings," The Spectrum (St. George, UT), May 28, 1980, 1, Microfilm, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.;
Richard Cooper, "Judge Owens Lifts 'Old Rec' Restraining Order," The Spectrum (St. George, UT), June 15, 1980, 1, Microfilm, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.;
"Petition Opposes Demolition of Historic Hall," The Salt Lake Tribune (St. George, UT), May 24, 1980, 28 (8B), Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s693629g.
[17] Dixie '52 (St. George, UT: Dixie Junior College, 1952), digital page 7, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1103#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[18] Walter Snow, "The Spirit of Dixie," interview by Douglas D. Alder, The Douglas D. Alder Oral History Collection, ORALHIST 2002-022, November 6, 2002, 9-10, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.
[19] Dan Watson, "Early Days of Dixie College," interview by Douglas D. Alder, The Douglas D. Alder Oral History Collection, ORALHIST 2002-020, October 30, 2002, 12, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives.
[20] "Carnegie Library Open to the Public," Washington County News (St. George, UT), June 22, 1916, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6jq2f6j.
[21] Cooper, "Bids Awarded for Demolition of Historic Local Buildings."
Cooper, "Judge Owens Lifts 'Old Rec' Restraining Order."
[22] The Dixie 1918 (St. George, UT: Dixie Normal College, 1918), digital page 103, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/685#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[23] Bernice Benson, "The Library and Community," The Dixie News (St. George, UT), Junuary 27, 1925, 2, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s638328r.
[24] The Dixie 1930 (St. George, UT: Dixie College, 1930), 56, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/693#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[25] Melvin T. Smith, National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: St. George Tabernacle, National Park Service, Certified May 14, 1971, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/71000862_text.
[26] The Dixie 1924 (St. George, UT: Dixie College, 1924), 55, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/689#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[27] Watson, "Early Days of Dixie College," 12.
[28] The Dixie 1916 (Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press, 1916), 5, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/684#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
*"Erected 1916" is also visible on the front of the building in photographs.
[29] The Spectrum, June 11, 1980, 1.;
The Spectrum, May 27, 1980, 3.;
Cooper, "Bids Awarded for Demolition of Historic Local Buildings," 1.;
Cooper, "Judge Owens Lifts 'Old Rec' Restraining Order," 1.;
"Petition Opposes Demolition of Historic Hall," 28 (8B).
[31] Snow, "The Spirit of Dixie," 11.
[33] "Classroom Building Coming from Topaz," D.J.C (Dixie Journalist Chatter) (St. George, UT), April 16, 1947, 4, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6r841m3.
[34] The Dixie 1958 (St. George, UT: The Associated Students of Dixie College, 1958), 18, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1109#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[36] Dixie College - 1955-56 (St. George, UT: The Associated Students of Dixie College, 1956), 9, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1107#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[37] "Classroom Building Coming from Topaz," Dixie College News, in Washington County News (St. George, UT), August 12, 1943, 8, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6572sd4.
[38] The Dixie 1948 (St. George, UT: Dixie Junior College, 1948), digital page 7, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1099#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[39] "Let's Get Acquainted," Dixie Journalists' Chatter (St. George, UT), October 11, 1949, 3, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6md4kd5.
[40] "Dorm Doin's," Dixie Journalists' Chattter (St. George, UT), May 17, 1949, 3, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6vt7chg.
[41] 1939 Dixie (St. George, UT: Dixie Junior College, 1939), digital page 4, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://archives.utahtech.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/146.
[42] Photograph on Slide, D. Eldon Beck Papers, WASH-012, Box 1, Folder 16, undated, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives, https://archives.utahtech.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/19299.;
[44] Dixie 1946 (St. George, UT: Dixie Junior College, 1946), 6, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1097#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.
[45] "Dixie College to Open," Washington County News (St. George, UT), September 4, 1941, 6, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s62r561j.
[46] The Dixie 1948, digital page 7.
[47] "Let's Get Acquainted," 3.
[48] The Dixie 1948, digital page 7.
[49] "Dorm Chatter," Dixie Journalists' Chatter (St. George, UT), January 8, 1947, 4, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6nh0b15.
[50] Dixie 1928 (St. George, UT: The Student Body of Dixie College, 1928), 75, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/691#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.;
"Work Rushed on School Addition," Washington County News (St. George, UT), August 11, 1927, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6g464ks.;
The 1929 Dixie (St. George, UT: The Dixie College Student Body, 1929), 15, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/692#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.;
[52] Snow, "The Spirit of Dixie," 10-11.
[54] "To Keep Dixie Growing is Main Achievement Says Dr. M. J. Macfralane," Washington County News (St. George, UT), March 31, 1938, 1, 8, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6t457c2.
"Dixie Junior College Mechanic Arts Building to be One of the Best in State," Washington County News (St. George, UT), October 21, 1937, 1, Utah Digital Newspapers, https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6hq5d7d.
Matthew Bentley, Matthew Bentley to R.K. Brown, June 30, 1937, letter, Campus Buildings, UA-053-01-06, Utah State Building Commission and Board, 1937, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives, https://archives.utahtech.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/19299.;
R.K. Brown, R.K. Brown to Matthew Bentley, July 15, 1937, letter, Campus Buildings, UA-053-01-06, Utah State Building Commission and Board, 1937, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives, https://archives.utahtech.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/19299.
[55] Critical Building Needs Scrapbook, Development Plans, 1953, Campus Buildings Collection, UA-053, Box 1, Folder 15, Utah Tech University Special Collections and Archives, https://archives.utahtech.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/19308.
[56] "Dixie Junior College Mechanic Arts Building to be One of the Best in State," 1.
[57] Dixie 1942 (St. George, UT: The Associated Students of the Dixie College, 1942), digital page 4, Utah Tech University Library Digital Collections, https://digital.library.utahtech.edu/items/show/1093#?c=&m=&s=&cv=.;