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May
2008
Steve Williams owns and operates Eldredge Manor Reception Center with his wife Jonan. The following is a short history about Eldredge and how Steve and Jonan work to keep Eldredge one of the most successful wedding event centers in the state.
How Eldredge Manor Reception Center was Started
In 1973, Steve’s parents Floyd and Stella Williams purchased the property for use as a reception center in and it has been in continuous operation by the family ever since. Eldredge Manor Reception Center is now the longest running, privately owned reception center in Utah.
As a teenager, Steve started working at the manor. However, ownership in a printing business and a national marketing career lured Steve away from Eldredge. Years later, when a national chain wanted to knock down the manor and build a big box store, Steve and his wife decided to step in. In June 2004, they assumed ownership of the manor and began a painstaking 6-month restoration process. Since then, Eldredge has been in the business of making the wedding day a breeze.
A Brief History of Eldredge Manor
When James Alanson Eldredge married Jane Jennings in 1879, two of Utah’s most prominent families were united. Jane was the daughter of William and Jane Walker Jennings. She was raised in the Jennings’ home on west South Temple they called the Devereaux House. Her father was a wealthy merchant and Utah politician with extensive interests in the mining and railroad industries. He was elected Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah in 1882.
James’ father Horace Eldredge was a powerful Utah merchant, banker and a founding director of “Zion’s Cooperative Banking Institution” (ZCBI). Both Horace Eldredge and his father-in-law William Jennings were founding directors of Utah’s “Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution” (ZCMI).
The Eldredge’s only child, Afton, was born in 1892. Construction of the home and carriage house was financed by the in-laws and commenced when the couple returned to Utah from a California LDS mission around 1896.
A love of entertaining was proven by a second floor ballroom that is original to the home. It is the only room with high-grade hardwood flooring, (the original wood floor was rediscovered about 1985). Church and community dances were often held in the Grand Ballroom.
Afton Eldredge Moss remembered frequent parties in her parents’ home and a constant stream of dignitaries. Of the more prestigious Utah guests at the mansion were Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith, who, like other LDS general authorities visiting Davis County, would stay with the Eldredges at their fine Victorian estate.
James Eldredge maintained ownership of the house until his death in 1940. Years later, the house was purchased by Steve’s parents for use as a reception center. This magnificently-restored estate is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Not Much Has Changed
Even with the massive renovations, not much has changed in regard to the original floor plan. Several of the original items still remain in the mansion. Such items include almost all of the wood moldings, many of the original window panes, the sandstone fireplace mantle and hearth, and the mirrored armoire. In order to accommodate larger parties, The West Ballroom was added last October. It is a significant upgrade in terms of size and allows for greater flexibility in party sizes.
Making Work Not Work
Steve and his team focus heavily on service and taking care of the wedding couple and the family. This expert attention allows him and his crew to build very personal relationships with his clients. Sometimes they become so close that they hate to see the event end, because it means the relationship, in terms of their service to their immediate clients, is over.
Trends at Eldredge
For the first time in many years, Steve has noticed that there is no dominant color scheme in weddings. The foods and buffets are more diverse and full, allowing guests more options. Gone are the days when receptions just serve their guests dessert. As as result, guests tend to stay longer and have a more enjoyable and interactive experience.
One of Steve’s favorite offerings is their kids’ buffet where you have to be under 54 inches to partake of the foods from the table. It is a short table, only about 24 inches high. They fill it with specialty cut PB&J sandwiches, chips, cookies, rice-crispy squares, marshmallows, cheese and boxed drinks.
Avoid the Pitfalls of Planning
In terms of planning Steve suggests first booking your reception center early, then scheduling the temple or church. Good reception centers such as Eldredge can be hard to book during peak seasons. Because of this, many brides are at the mercy of what dates are left in arranging their events.
Why A Reception Center versus a Do-It-Yourself Location?
“Wow where do I start?”, Steve exclaims. “Ask any mother who has done both. They will all tell you they didn’t save any money over our reception center. That putting on their own event was not at all worth the time, work and worry. Especially when the event is over, you really are exhausted yet still have to clean up. With a reception center there is no work or worry – you just show up. All is taken care for you. The stress is gone. If the weather turns bad, we simply move the event indoors until it clears.”
What You Should Know About Eldredge Manor (in the words of Steve)
I think the Eldredge Manor has two great advantages; First, user-friendliness and second experience!
- User-friendliness: The venue has to have some feeling of warmth, uniqueness, comfort and romance. It needs to feel right. We note with interest how the guests here tend to stay and linger longer due to the feel and uniqueness of this venue. It has a lot of separate ‘people spaces’. A venue may not be appropriate if everything happens on top of each other or in the same hall. Think about the simple challenge of having to shout over the crowd or band noise all night just to visit with your guests!
- Experience: This may be the most important factor. It is crucial to the overall success of your event. Look for experience. You never know what minor or even major emergencies may happen during your event. Find a venue with proprietors that have been around the block a few times. It is my belief that no one has more combined years of experience than we do. I’ve been at this since I was 10 years old!
Contact Eldredge Manor
Visit Their Profile on TheBrideandGroom.com
Website:www.EldredgeManor.com
Address: 564 West 400 North, Bountiful, Utah 84010
Phone Number: 801.292.5501
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Topics: Utah Wedding Vendors |