The historic Victory Hall located at 35 North Main Street in Spring City Utah. It was purchased by Lawrence and Lawrence and Lana Gardner in September of 2000. They received it in a state of general disrepair. Not only had many of the cosmetic features been changed or neglected but some of the basic structural requirements were in want of attention. The hall had been owned and used by several private businesses who rearranged the building to fit their needs, leaving it more to resemble a warehouse than the theatre of its former years. Lawrence and Lana, with their own hands, have restored the structure. Because they were determined not to go into debt, it has taken them nearly 11 years.
The historic victory Hall located at 35 North Main Street in spring City Utah was built in 1914 by John Baxter. It was originally a vaudeville and silent movie house, complete with a pump organ to accompany the picture. The hall was first called the Lyceum Theatre but the name was changed after WWI. Over the years it has served as a first run movie house, a dance hall and a roller skating rink, as well as a general meeting hall. From the late 1930's to 1976 it was the cultural hall for the Mormon Church. In recent years, the hall has changed hands quite a number of times and used for private business. In the year 2000, Lawrence and Lana Gardner purchased and set about to restore it to its former glory. In December of 2011, the hall portion of the building was finished and opened with a musical concert.
The building to the south was always called Baxter's Place and it was also built by John Baxter at the same time as the hall was built. It was a confectionary or restaurant for most of its years. Now the Gardner's have restored and reestablished it as an operating restaurant called Das Cafe. It is managed by two German sisters Katie and Caroline and the German dishes are to die for. The building to the north, built in 1907, has been many things from a bicycle shop to the town post office but for most its life it was a general store. Now it serves as an apartment where the Gardner's actually live.
Not only will Victory Hall be available to rent to business groups, associations, and individuals for public and private affairs such a receptions, meeting, concerts, plays and etc.; it is planned to be the home of a weekly radio program called "Life under the Horseshoe". The show will have a similar format as the popular radio program called "Prairie Home Companion" only with a Western instead of a Midwest flavor. This is scheduled to air in May 2012 and will feature music of all genres, storytelling, and cowboy poetry and radio dramas. It will also feature and promote not only local entertainers, artist and businesses but also historical events in Sanpete County, form the 1850's to present. Should the program find national syndication, such promotional efforts of Sanpete county heritage and tourist attractions will become widely known.
The restorations and improvements achieved by Lawrence and Lana include; new sidewalks with a railing porch overhang to save the exterior brick and interior adobe walls from the moisture that's settles against the building, re-mortar and paint of the facade, installation of the new doors and windows, finishing and upgrading the 8 offices upstairs; Installing of 2 sets of stairs (front and back) installation of central heating system, re-enforcement of caving in roof. Addition of a storage room by the stage door, custom built chandeliers that lift up and down on a pulley system, lighting system, celling fans 16 channel sound system, refinishing hardwood floors throughout, upgrading of the restrooms finishing of one of the two retail spaces and entry way, a four foot addition to the apron of the stage, installation of stage curtains and equipment, and renovation of the area under the stage for use of dressing rooms and "green room".
Lawrence and Lana Lardner are in their mid-sixties and should be looking to retire but retirement is not in the foreseeable future. They are busy with restoration of the Victory Hall but also of the side buildings. Although the Lawrence family hails in Huntsville-Liberty area, and he and Lana lived in Pleasant Grove while he attended BYU, they only moved to Utah 11 years ago. Settling in historic Spring City was a good move and the town has welcomed them in. They are excited about the completion of Victory Hall and their plans for upcoming events.
In years past Victory Hall has been the heart of Spring City. The activities held there involved everyone in town and many throughout the county. It is very sad that over the years that heart beat has gone silent and remained so for over 37 years. Now it has begun to beat anew. Already the hall has hosted several fine events and its future is bright. The sounds of music, laughter, and applause will again fill not only the hall but it is sure to be heard far and wide.