Bertha Eccles Community Art Center

Ogden had its share of prominent and wealthy residents, including the Eccles, the Brownings, the Peerys and various others. Consequently, there are many beautiful old mansions in the city. This is the Bertha Eccles Community Art Center.

The plaque on the front reads:

"The Bertha Eccles Community Art Center, a Victorian style home, was built in 1893 of red brick imported from the midwest and red sandstone from northern Utah. Some of its unique features include the steep roofs and turrets which are covered with metal shingles, the heavy leaded glass windows and the large porch which extends from the west entrance of the home.

The home was designed by Samuel T. Whitaker and was built for James C. Armstrong, a prominent Ogden banker. Armstrong sold the home in 1896 to David Eccles, another prominent northern Utah businessman. Mr. Eccles worked his way from, as a boy, selling various wood articles made by his father, to financial prominence before his death in 1912.

Mr. Eccles first wife, Bertha Jensen Eccles, traveled extensively and became a prominent influence on Ogden's educational and social life. Her home became the center for Ogden's cultural festivities and social activities. Before her death, she requested the home remain in use as a center for these type of activities."