Utah Heritage Foundation

Eight of the Ogden East Bench’s most beautiful historic estate homes will be open to the public for a rare glimpse.

The Weber County Heritage Foundation will host its 32^nd Annual Historic House Tour, “Cannon and Colonial,” September 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Tickets for this fundraiser are $15 per person, with proceeds to benefit the World War I Monument restoration at the Ogden City Cemetery as well as other restoration projects in Weber County.

Several Colonial style homes, including the Val A. Browning home, as well as Georgius Y. Cannon homes will be open for touring with a ticket purchase. 

Cannon, son of George Q. Cannon (who acted as a secretary to Brigham Young – his father-in-law – served in the L.D.S. First Presidency and as an executor for Brigham Young).  He became fascinated with architecture at age 13 when his half brother built a home and attended M.I.T., graduating in 1918. Cannon described himself as being "born a classicist," and primarily focused on residential design during his long career although he was involved in several building projects for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints including:

• Glendale Ward Chapel, designed in 1935, received awards for its use of glass and was also influential in its use of an outdoor circulation scheme
• Served on the Board of Temple Architects working on the Idaho Falls Temple and submitted a design for the Los Angeles Temple
• Designed the Arlington Ward Chapel in California and, after his return to Salt Lake City, the Third and Eighth Wards in Layton and the Federal Heights Ward Chapel in Salt Lake
• Cannon's only restoration job, the Beehive House, which was widely praised

Throughout his life, Georgius Cannon had a great interest in the architecture of early Utah and its preservation. He amassed a collection of photographs of early Utah buildings, now housed in the Utah State Historical Society, and spoke to various groups on the topic of early Utah architecture.

While children are welcome, the tour is not recommended for small children.  Because the tour is a fundraiser, there is one ticket price for children, adults and seniors.  The Weber County Heritage Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization.  All proceeds are directly reinvested into community restoration projects.  The Foundation is a 501c3 charity and ticket purchases as well as donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

More information and photos can be found on the Weber County Heritage Foundation website.