To print the map and a copy of the Walking Tour, please click on the link below.
45-minute Walking Tour of
Historical Downtown American Fork
June 2005 by Tyler Bahoravitch
This walking tour begins and ends at Robinson Park.
*Indicates buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
(southwest corner of 100 E. & MainStreet)
Three points of interest are found in Robinson Park:
1. Fort Wall -- A small portion of the old rock wall that protected early settlers in the 1850s fort. It marks the south wall of the fort. The city hall bell sat on the wall from 1959 to 2006, when it was moved back to the new belfry on the city hall. To see 1962 pictures of the Fort Wall click here. 2. Log Cabin - This is the second log cabin built in American Fork. It was relocated to Robinson Park. Notice the double notch corner timbering with logs hewn flat on the sides. This was Scandinavian joining style and was not seen much in Utah.
3. Monument to Free Schools - In 1868, American Fork was the first town in Utah to establish free public education supported through tax dollars.
Walk one block west on the south side of Main Street.
2nd Stop – Old Bank of American Fork Building*
(northeast corner of Main St. & Center view from across the street on south side of Main,)
Built in 1911, notice the architecture of the building, the neo-classical style with wall pilasters embellished at the tops. Notice the shallow entry portico with columns decorated in classical motifs. This bank served mostly sheep farmers and was also a gathering place for men to relax and discuss the issues of the day. This corner was the site of the original American Fork City Hall.
Walk one black west and turn south on 100 W., walk four blocks south and turn west on 100 S.
3rd Stop - American Fork LDS Second Ward Church*
(130 W. 100 S.)
This building's original chapel section was built between 1903 and 1907 and cost $10,001. A large recreation hall was added in 1929. Notice the Gothic arch windows and the stair-step gable brick detail. Today the building is a private residence with part of it serving as a home and the rest devoted to the manufacture of custom organs. Occasional performances are held when testing a new organ.
Walk 1½ blocks east and turn north on Center St., walk 1½ blocks north.
4th Stop - Veterans Memorial Hall*
(53 N. Center)
This building was constructed as a commercial building sometime before 1932. It was remodeled using government money in 1934 to honor World War I servicemen. It is also known as Legion Hall. The interior maintains most of its original look.
Walk south back to Main Street, walk ½ block east and turn north on Church St., walk ½ block north.
5th Stop - Apollo Hall
50 N. Church Street; view from across the street, on west side of Church St.)
Built in 1903, this building has a "spring" floor for dancing and will hold 300-350 couples. LDS Gold & Green Balls were held here for many years. The building was remodeled in the 1980s and the front extension of the building was added.
6th Stop - City Hall and City Hall Bell*
(31 N. Church Street)
City Hall - Although the inside of the building has been remodeled several times, the outside looks much the same as it did when built in 1903. Notice the old stone foundation and arched entrances and windows.
City Hall Bell - The bell was purchased in December of 1888 for $211 and hung in a tower on the first City Hall at the northeast corner of Main and Center Streets. In 1903, it was moved to the new City Hall where it remained until 1959. Charles Logic was paid $5 a year for his services, including bell ringing. The bell tolled slowly for a death, and a mellow tone calling all to worship. It was also rung for school, curfew, fires, and holidays. The city bell was moved to Robinson Park in 1959 and was placed on the Fort Wall. (stop #1 on the tour) In 2006, the City Hall Bell was restored to City Hall in a newly constructed replica of the old belfry. Click here to see more information on the re-dedication of the City Hall.
7th Stop - Harrington School*
(51 N. Church Street)
This building is actually four different buildings joined together to appear as one. The "Science Hall" section was built in 1860, the south wing was built in 1903, the central portion was added in 1924, and in 1935, the remainder of the 75 year old building was torn down and the north wing was added. Notice the stone foundation, monochromatic brick finish, and arched doorways. Many children were taught in this school that was named for Leonard E. Harrington, the first Bishop and mayor of American Fork.
Cross the street at the crosswalk between the fire station and police/courts building. Walk east on 80 North, behind Apollo Hall, to 100 E., then south 50 feet.
8th Stop - Presbyterian Church*
(75 N. 100 E.)
The Presbyterian ministry in American Fork began in 1877. Four years later this Gothic flavor church was built. The side-mounted belfry tower and entrance were rebuilt after lightning struck the upper section in 1952, and a stainless steel cross replaced the original weathervane. In 1975, the interior was restored and the original clear window glass was replaced by stained glass. Notice the arched entry and pointed arch windows.
Walk south, cross Main Street, cross 100 E. to the Tabernacle.
9th Stop - Alpine Tabernacle*
(110 E. Main Street)
The LDS Tabernacle was built in 1909. Its early 20th century design looks more like a government building than a religious one. Notice the symmetry and balance of the Doric columns set within recessed porticos at the entrances. The auditorium and gallery seats 2000, and the original basement housed classrooms, a baptismal font, and a large recreation hall with a stage.