Raise a glass for E.L.T Harrison, architect of the Beerhive building on Main
Small Lake City
By Wes Long
Salt Lakers have likely seen it a thousand times while wandering Main Street. Across from the Eccles Theater—between the Kearns Building and Edinburgh Castle Scottish Imports—stands the Beerhive Pub. Some might have even downed a pint within its walls, but what they may not know is that this structure has been standing in Salt Lake City since 1889 and is among the few remaining works by one of this city's earliest architects, E.L.T. Harrison (1830-1900).
Elias Lacy Thomas Harrison came to Utah in the early 1860s. Trained as an architect and skilled in writing, he collaborated with his friend Edward Tullidge (1829-1894) on the Intermountain West's earliest magazines, like Peep O'Day, Utah Magazine and the Mormon Tribune. He also taught the first architecture lessons in the valley.
It was Harrison who designed the interior of the Salt Lake Theatre—a legendary cathedral in the desert—as well as the Walker Opera House. And Harrison was responsible for the William S. Godbe House (formerly 543 E. 100 South), an "unbelievably elaborate" specimen of Gothic Revivalism in adobe and wood, according to architect Allen Roberts. "[Harrison's] architectural works clearly reflected a commitment to the best of 'high styles,'" Roberts wrote in 1976, "styles which emphasized ornamental and picturesque qualities of design."
Most of Harrison's works have been demolished, but there are two notable examples of his buildings to seek out, if for no other reason than to admire their beauty and to appreciate the importance of historical preservation.
The Beerhive building at 128 S. Main—originally known as the Daft Block—is in remarkable shape, its exterior having changed little since Salt Lake's building boom of the 1880s and early 1890s. A lovely example of Richardsonian Romanesque design in brick and sandstone, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1970s and remains Harrison's only structure to do so.
His residence, on the other hand, is another story. Found at 10 W. 300 North (near the Utah State Capitol) and nicknamed "the Castle," the Harrison house enjoyed an enviable view of the valley. Built in 1873, this two-story asymmetrical structure was a home for Harrison, his wife Jennie and their daughters Caroline and Florence. Having exchanged owners since the daughters' deaths in the 1940s, this building has been in varying states of disrepair ever since.
At present, the Harrison residence has not received historical protection and has been bereft of tender loving care. I hope that may change someday and invite interested citizens and preservation groups to consider what can be done.
"Watch an old building with an anxious care," exhorted John Ruskin. "Count its stones as you would jewels of a crown." This city has many architectural jewels, and their makers deserve appreciation. For starters, raise a glass to Mr. Harrison in thanks.
About The Author
Wes Long
Wes Long's writing first appeared in City Weekly in 2021 and in 2023, he was named Listings Desk manager. Long majored in history at the University of Utah and enjoys a good book or film, an excursion into nature or the nearest historic district, or simply basking in the company of animals.
More by Wes Long
-
40 Years of City Weekly—Volume 36: 2019 to 2020
City Weekly Rewind
- Apr 24, 2024
-
40 Years of City Weekly—Volume 35: 2018 to 2019
City Weekly Rewind
- Apr 17, 2024
-
Salt Lake's modern tree canopy is a living legacy of the peoples of Utah.
Life in the Slow Lane
- Apr 17, 2024
- More »
Latest in News
