Imperial Hall, Old Landmark, Slated for 'Ax'

Governor Calvin L. Rampton participated early Tuesday morning in the ceremony that marked the old Imperial Hall on South Vernal Avenue for razing as part of the current Community Beautification Campaign.

Stake President Frank R. Walker of Uintah Stake presented a release to the Jaycees authorizing the demolition of the hall. Witnessing the ceremony were Ashley Stake President Wm. B. Wallis, Mayor Alvin Kay and Jaycee officers, President Noel E. Weeks, Robert F. Guy, first vice president and Jim Workman, chairman of the Jaycee community development committee.

Governor Rampton took a sledge hammer and hit the first blow that will lead to reducing the hall to a pile of rubble.

Saturday is set as the date for the “execution” and Vernal Jaycees will demolish the structure with the assistance of the local National Guard and the city and county.

The hall originally started out as the Orpheus Hall which was used for all types of amusements. It was built in 1911 by Andrew King and Clarence Showalter.

Uintah Academy dances and regular dances were held there along with basketball for both schools and residents, roller-skating, plays and later picture shows.