A Private School House

Brigham Young built a school on this corner in 1860 for his own many children — but not only them. Its director, Eli Kelsey, advertised in the Deseret News that Young meant the schoolhouse used by day for his family and by evening for anyone, including classes in vocal music taught by David Calder toward a "uniform system" of singing across the territory. Tuition, the notice added, could be paid in produce — the coin of a cash-poor valley. The school stood until 1903. This marker is what's left of it.

What the plaque says

Built by Brigham Young for his own children stood on this corner lot 1860-1903 This early school was directed by Eli B. Kelsey, who in soliciting additional students announced in the Deseret News, December 12, 1860, as follows: “President Young not only intends it to be used for the education of his own family during the day, but proposes it to be thoroughly devoted to further educational purposes in the evenings, including the teaching of vocal music. “Mr. David O. Calder will open therein two classes for young persons of both sexes, in order that a competent number may be thoroughly taught this simple and beautiful science, so that a uniform system of teaching may be adopted throughout all the schools of the territory, the produce of the valley will be taken in payment for tuition.”

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — steps away
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 0.2 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Ensign Peak — 1.4 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Liberty Park — 1.8 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882

More markers nearby

• Eagle Gate — steps away
• The Bee-Hive House — steps away
• Brigham Young's Office — steps away
• Gardo House — steps away