Visit Temple Square

Temple Square Hospitality Helps VOAUT

tsadmin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:15:56 +0000

Volunteers of America, Utah (VOAUT) held their first annual Silver Spurs Gala at Gardner Village in West Jordan this September and we had the amazing opportunity to provide all the beautiful decorations.

Some of our wonderful staff members here at Temple Square Hospitality Corporation (TSHC), located in The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, donated linens, chargers, containers for centerpieces and of course, their time and wonderful talents.

We were excited to be a part of such a wonderful event and we’re completely honored to be featured in VOAUT’s newsletter, “The Spirit Within” (featured below).

We feel very strongly that companies should support community events which make a positive difference in people’s lives. This is how we can give a little something back. This is how we can stay united.

From Taiwan – Painting at The Joseph Smith Building

tsadmin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:18:51 +0000

Wen-Chien Hou and his wife, Hui-Hua Hou, came from Taiwan to enjoy a tour of Yellowstone and other surrounding tourist sights. They came to Temple Square today and had a wonderful time.

Wen-Chien Hou is a fabulous painter, so naturally, when seeing the gorgeous views from the 10th floor of The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, he set up his easel and went to work.

He captured both the west and east views from the grand look outs on the 10th floor. The east view shows a lot of the city, while the west view shows the city and the grandiose Temple. Below is the east view of the city.

Wen-Chien Hou did both paintings of the east and west look outs on the same canvas, creating an enlightening work that is absolutely beautiful!

What better souvenir than your own creation? This will be a wonderful memory-filled keep sake for both Wen-Chien Hou and his wife.

The Big Event…and more history!

tsadmin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:26:41 +0000

More pictures from the 100 year anniversary of The Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

All of the hosts and hostesses were dressed up in 1900’s type clothing.

The hosts and hostesses are still dressing in this fashion for the entire month of June. So fun to see.

President Monson cutting the ribbon.

The big screens featured stories of several individuals whose lives were very much a part of Hotel Utah and/or The Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

The following pictures are done by Andee McDonald Photography

And all floral arrangement for the event were done by Flowers Squared.

More history about Hotel Utah:

Construction on the hotel began June 9, 1909, and the hotel was completed on June 11, 1911. Horse-drawn wagons helped dig the basement of the Hotel Utah. When construction began, it was estimated that it would cost 1.6 million dollars to build; however, the actual cost was closer to 2 million dollars.

The Crossroads Grill, which was located on the lower level of Hotel Utah, featured a live trout pond that ran down the middle of the table. It was always well taken care of, and lilies added another natural element to the trout habitat. Children were especially fond of the pond feature. In later years, the trout were replaced with goldfish. This photograph is from May, 1912.

The front, top half of the Hotel Utah, lit up at night. July 10, 1911. Until the 1940’s, the dome of the building was lit by 6,400 tungsten lights. It is now spotlighted at night. The trademark beehive which sits atop the building is the Utah state symbol and was chosen to represent the qualities of industry, perseverance, thrift, stability, and self-reliance of the early Utah settlers.

100 year anniversary!

tsadmin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:44:10 +0000

June 9, 2011

The old Hotel Utah, now know as The Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB), is turning 100 years old TODAY!

Come join us today for a grandiose celebration. Starting at 6:30pm, the Mormon Tabernacle choir will be singing in the lobby and a ribbon cutting will be held.

Wonderful displays are set up all around the lobby.

Everything here takes you on a journey throughout the years!

There will also be large screens projecting videos of memories past! So come join in on the fun!

We hope to see you all there!

A little history and current information:

In 1911, this building was called The Hotel Utah. Such a beautiful place! It was later converted into the JSMB and is now used for several offices for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are also three restaurants located in the building and many banquet rooms are available for all sorts of events and gatherings, such as: weddings, receptions, luncheons, business meetings and award ceremonies.

On Display – Dresses From The 1900’s

tsadmin — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:40:21 +0000

A new display for the month of May!

We have more fun memories from past years as we continue to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building/Hotel Utah. These gorgeous dresses from the early 1900’s show the elegant dress of the guests at Hotel Utah.

There is a story describing the necessity of wearing proper attire while visiting certain areas of the hotel. If you didn’t dress the part you may have been asked to leave. Come visit this fun display and learn all about the styles and trends of the 1900’s!

On Display – 100 years of HATS!

tsadmin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:25:14 +0000

In celebration of the 100 year anniversary of The Joseph Smith Memorial Building (formerly Hotel Utah), the current center piece in the lobby is an array of hats from several decades.

These hats hold unique memories of years past. Information stands are posted around the display that tell fascinating stories about these hats in correlation with their time period and Hotel Utah.

One such sign tells about the amazing hat checker at Hotel Utah named Bill Morris. His unbelievable ability to remember which hat went with which owner was astounding!

Bill was actually recorded in “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” for one time being able to return over 400 hats to their rightful owners, simply by memory! No tags or reminder notes here, just pure memory. Wow!

Come visit the Joseph Smith Memorial Building lobby for more interesting facts on these hats. Also, visit the website to learn about future displays and the big celebration coming up in June 2011!

100 Year Anniversary!

tsadmin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:10:19 +0000

We’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the beautiful

Joseph Smith Memorial Building!

On June 11, 2011, this historical building will come alive with memories of the past and celebrations of the present. Come join us for games, treats, exhibits, entertainment, music and more. This is definitely an event you don’t want to miss! Visit the website for more information.

President John F. Kennedy visiting the Hotel Utah

Built in 1911, this building started out as the Hotel Utah; a wonderful resort for people from all over to come and celebrate any occasion. In fact, every president of the United States from 1911 to the hotel’s closing in 1987 stayed at this hotel. One of the first presidents to stay here was President Taft.

The Roof Restaurant

Now this building houses the Legacy Theater, a Family Search center, an in-house floral shop, beautiful banquet rooms for weddings/receptions and other events, The Roof Restaurant, The Garden Restaurant, and The Nauvoo Cafe.

Spring Flowers Are Here!

tsadmin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:21:53 +0000

Gorgeous flowers are blooming all over the Temple grounds!

There are over 250 flower beds, more than 165,000 bedding plants, and over 700 varieties of plants from all over the world. These gardens are redesigned every six months and replanted by hundreds of volunteers.

Come enjoy this beauty that encompasses the 35 acres of the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

Reason for The Season

tsadmin — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:35:41 +0000

This is a guest entry submitted by Yadira Guillen:

“This year, as every year, we go to see the Temple Square Lights. Every year its so exciting to go as a family. We have made this a little tradition and the kids are always waiting patiently for the time in which we go. The lights this year were beautiful! One new thing they did was to put nativity scenes from different parts of the world around the big water fountain in front of the COB (Church office Building). They were very cute and nice. We also went inside the Joseph Smith memorial bldg. to see their big Christmas tree. I love Downtown [during] Christmas time with all the lights and all the hustle and bustle of this time of year.

We also got to see the Christus Statue which is one of our favorites to see. The visitor center was very packed and there was a line to go up to see the statue. Jorge and I had a very special moment when we were going up to see Jesus. We said to each other ‘this is how its going to be when Jesus comes again, there will be a long line so that we can all see him.’ I got very emotional because I was able to feel the spirit. And I know for a fact that Jesus will come again and that we will be able to see him, touch him and feel of his presence.

What a great time of year to talk about our Savior, Redeemer, Comforter and the only Begotten son of our Heavenly Father. Let us always think of him not only in this time of year but through out the whole entire year so that our lives can be blessed.”

*If you have a Temple Square experience you’d like to share, feel free to email Jessica at jhunt@templesquarehospitality. We would love to have you as our next guest blogger!!

A Photographer’s Experience

tsadmin — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:19:37 +0000

This is a guest entry submitted by Karen Larsen:

“Temple Square at Christmas time is a wondrous place that touches the heart and soul with the true meaning of the season. A celebration of the birth of our Savior is told in the music, the lights, the decorations, the beautiful nativity scenes and the glorious statue of Christ overseeing it all.

The “ooohs” and “aaahs” of people on their first visit, the wide eyes and giggles of children, happy families sharing a night out together, couples in love strolling arm in arm – everyone taking a break from the hustle, bustle and stress of holiday shopping to experience the peace and joy and beauty found here. With photo opportunities everywhere one looks, Temple Square at Christmas is a ‘must’ for photographers.

Every year I brave the cold, and suffer with fingers too numb to work the dials on my camera, and lug around my tripod and heavy camera equipment, because I know I will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful photos I will take all year!

How can one not be inspired when looking at the magnificent Salt Lake Temple framed with hundreds of thousands of golden Christmas lights, or a heavenly nativity seemingly floating on twinkling water, or the elegant and ornate lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building graced with its magnificent Christmas tree, or the inspiring image of the ‘Christus’ to remind us He is Lord of the Universe!

With scenes like this to photograph, I am able to see and recall the beauty and inspiration found on Temple Square at Christmas, all year long. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite photos this year.”

Karen Larsen Photography
http://www.whatkarensees.blogspot.com\

*If you have a Temple Square experience you’d like to share, feel free to email Jessica at jhunt@templesquarehospitality. We would love to have you as our next guest blogger!!