Statement of The Henry Grow Family Association on Preservation of The Deseret News Company’s Cottonwood Paper Mill

The Henry Grow Family Association is a non-profit corporation that represents the interests of approximately 25,000 living descendants of Pioneer Builder and Civil Engineer Henry Grow Jr.  Our organization endeavors to commemorate the remarkable achievements of our pioneer ancestor, by hosting periodic family reunions in conjunction with visits to sites built by our forefather, Henry Grow. In 2015 over 3,000 attended our reunion, held in the Historic Salt Lake Tabernacle.

Early in his life, Henry Grow oversaw the construction of numerous railroad bridges in Pennsylvania and later, the building of many structures in the early days of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.  Henry remained in Illinois to finish the Nauvoo Temple after Brigham Young led the main body of pioneers to Utah. After Henry arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he worked on many projects, including the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, historic homes, bridges over the Jordan, Weber and other rivers, the Sugar Beet Mill in Sugar House, numerous sawmills, and the Cottonwood Paper Mill.

From 1864 - 1867 Henry Grow served as the architect & builder of the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square, and from1880 - 1883 he was the architect & builder of the Historic Old Mill in Cottonwood Heights. Like both the Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle on Temple Square, The Deseret News Company’s Cottonwood Paper Mill, was made from granite quarried at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

On Oct 15, 1884, the Deseret News Company published the following article about the Cottonwood Paper Mill: “All the work is substantial and thorough.  The plans were made by Mr. Henry Grow who superintended the building while the mason work was managed by Mr. Joseph Dover.  Great credit is due to both for the skill and superior handiwork displayed in this solid and imposing structure adapted as it is for the purpose in view.”

In 1966, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers placed a historical marker on the building: “In 1880 the Deseret News Corporation purchased a 28-acre mill site including water rights.  With Henry Grow, architect and builder, the $150,000 structure made of granite from nearby quarries, with mortar of clay and stone grindings, took three years to erect. . . A 1500’ race brought water through the penstock to encased turbines, and the plant could yield 5 tons of paper a day. . .  (It was) sold to Granite Paper Mill 1892; destroyed by fire 1893; restored 1927 as a recreational center.”

In the more recent past, many of our family members remember attending weekend concerts at the Old Mill in the 1960’s and early 1970’s.  In the 1970’s & 1980’s, no Halloween was complete without a visit to The Old Mill’s Haunted House, and for the Holidays, their Craft Boutique was a highlight of the community!

         We understand that the Planning Commission is considering development plans for the property on which the Cottonwood Paper Mill now stands. Our organization does not oppose responsible real estate development projects. However, we believe:

1).  The preservation of historic sites enhances the cultural significance and attractiveness of a community.

2).  The Old Mill holds the potential of promoting economic development by attracting visitors and new residents to the Cottonwood Heights area.

3).  The building provides new development opportunities that would not necessitate the destruction of the outward appearance of the building.

4).  The funding can be obtained to restore the Old Mill and use it not only as a memorial to the pioneers who built it, but also as a community gathering place and public resource.

 5).  The property surrounding the Old Mill can be developed responsibly and profitably without eliminating it as a historic landmark.

PETITION TO THE COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND
                                                 PLANNING COMMISSION
                         FROM THE HENRY GROW FAMILY ASSOCIATION

                                            SAVE THE HISTORIC OLD MILL

We the undersigned members of Henry Grow Family Association respectfully request that the Cottonwood Heights Mayor, City Council and Planning Commission refuse to permit the destruction of the Historic Cottonwood Paper Mill (aka The Granite Mill) designed by Pioneer Builder Henry Grow.

Our Association represents the interests of approximately 25,000 living descendants and family members of Henry Grow Jr., who is best known as the architect and builder of the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. During his lifetime, he oversaw the construction of many other buildings in Utah, including the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, the cast iron façade of the ZCMI Store now part of the City Creek Shopping Center, the Sugar Beet Mill in Sugar House, and numerous bridges and mills, including the granite Cottonwood Paper Mill.

We encourage the Cottonwood Heights Mayor, the Cottonwood Heights City Council, and the Cotton Wood Heights Planning Commission to reject any proposal to destroy the Historic Old Mill. We appreciate the willingness of the Mayor, City Council and Planning Commission to consider our petitions and comments.