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Sen. Black spotlights Devereaux House in Centennial Historic Spotlight
Summary
Senator Black delivered a Centennial Historic Spotlight describing the Devereaux House's origins in 1857, its ownership by Joseph A. Young and William Jennings, notable visitors including national dignitaries, and later restoration work after deterioration; he said the property was purchased and refurbished in 1977 for $750,000.
SALT LAKE CITY — As part of a Centennial Historic Spotlight during the Jan. 16 Utah State Senate session, Senator Black described the history of the Devereaux House, one of the earliest mansions in the Salt Lake Valley.
Senator Black said William Staines built the house in 1857 and that it later was sold in 1865 to Joseph A. Young, the eldest son of Brigham Young, for $20,000. Two years later, William Jennings bought the property for $30,000, enlarged it, renamed it Devereaux after a family estate in England and turned it into a center of social life that hosted as many as 300 guests. Senator Black recounted visits by national figures including Thomas L. Kane, Ulysses S. Grant, and others.
The senator also described a period of decline and varied uses for the house — including a clinic for rehabilitation — before the property was purchased and refurbished in 1977. "We purchased the property, for $750,000," Senator Black said, and the building was subsequently refurbished to preserve its historic character.
Senator Black asked a constituent, identified as "Bea," to stand and show the chamber the building he was describing. Members thanked Senator Black for the presentation and for highlighting local contributions to the state's centennial history.
The spotlight was presented as an informational item; no formal legislative action was taken related to the Devereaux House during the session.
