Old Academy

This building started as a place to argue well. In 1872 a group of Spanish Fork men, led by George H. Brimhall — who would one day preside over Brigham Young University — organized a debating and public-speaking society and decided to build themselves a hall. They funded it by subscription, forty-odd shares at fifteen dollars each, and put up a log academy for six hundred and seventy-five dollars. School opened in it in February 1873, every student bringing his own desk. For sixty years it served as classroom, meeting hall, and library before being moved to the park.

What the plaque says

In 1872 a group of young men organized a debating & public speaking society with Geo. H. Brimhall, President. They erected this building. Samuel Brockbank had charge of getting logs & construction: John F. Gay, carpenter: Nicholas Smith, timekeeper. 45 or 46 shares at $15,00 each were subscribed. A stove, teacher's desk and blackboard purchased. Cost $675.00. School opened February 3, 1873, Wm. Beesley instructor. Each student bought a desk. Building used for meetings, schools, socials and library. Moved to Park February 22, 1932.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Thistle Landslide — 11 mi
  The ruins of a town destroyed by a massive landslide in 1983
• Payson Lakes — 14 mi
  Three alpine lakes in the pines, twelve miles up Payson Canyon
• Bridal Veil Falls — 16 mi
  A dramatic double waterfall cascading 607 feet into Provo Canyon
• Nebo Loop Summit — 18 mi
  The byway's 9,300-foot high point, with Utah Valley spread out below

More markers nearby

• Old Fort — 0.4 mi
• First Settlement of Icelanders of US — 1.1 mi
• Leland Historical Monument — 1.7 mi
• Spanish Fork Indian Farm Reservation — 2.2 mi