Hyrum's dance hall: 89 and still bouncing

By Kelli Dodgen

March 2, 2004 | HYRUM -- The dance floor fills as the Silver Players, Wellsville and Hyde Park orchestras fill the room with upbeat tempos. The floor begins to bounce as dancers enjoy another fun-filled night at Hyrum's own Elite Hall.

The Elite Hall, built in 1915, is still rich in historical background 89 years later. The Hall is known for having the only "spring" dance floor in the state of Utah. Gordon M. Olson, mayor of Hyrum, recalls how many citizens have shared their memories of the Elite Hall. Many can remember how the "floor would just bounce up and down," and as the crowd would set in "everybody had to dance in the same direction."

Commercial basketball games would fill with spectators every Saturday night, prior to the dances at the Elite Hall. People would come from far and near to be apart of the magic that happened at the Hyrum Dance Pavilion. "You can go all over and find people who used to come and dance at the Elite Hall," said Olson.

After the Hyrum Opera House was destroyed by fire, the Hyrum Amusement Co. made plans to construct a new building for dancing and other cultural activities for the community. The construction of the building was completed in 1917.

The Elite Hall's popularity carried on for many years until dancing became less popular with each passing generation.

Today, the Elite Hall is apart of the State Historical Registry and is still being used for dancing by the USU Ballroom Dance Team.

Mayor Olson would love to see the hall continue for future community activities. "The Elite Hall is a great, unique building that is fun for community functions," said Olson.

The future of the Elite Hall includes an annual western and wildlife art exhibit co-sponsored by Hyrum City and Hardware Ranch. "The Elite Hall is the only one of its kind in the area," said Olson. Hyrum City is looking forward to the future of the hall and having it around for many years to come.

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