Taylor connects several chapters of local history: early water-use projects, the development of community structures and clubs, and sporting and seasonal leisure traditions. Visitors who choose Taylor for its history can explore these topics in chronological order—from the founding of West Weber through the early 20th century to current plans for Walker Creek Park.
From Shared History to the Taylor Ward
West Weber was founded in 1859; the area also included Taylor. In 1884, a Sunday school was organized in the Taylor District of the West Weber Ward. The Taylor Ward was established in 1909. The Taylor Cultural Hall was added to the Taylor Church in 1911–1912. This timeline ranges from the shared history with West Weber to the establishment of the Taylor Ward, and includes the later expansion of church facilities.
Water and Landscape
One of the community’s early projects in the Taylor area was making water from the Weber River available for use. Canals were also built to supply the area. The river and canals are therefore part of a shared historical theme: the community’s management of water.
The Grove was located in the general area between 1150 South and 1400 South, and between 3300 West and 3400 West. Russian olive trees provided shade there during summer activities. This offers a different perspective on the area’s history than water management: the focus here is on a described landscape and its past use in summer.
Community, Work, and Sports
The Friendly Club was founded so members of the Austrian-Tyrolean-Italian community could get together for social events. The community’s craftsmanship is also part of the story: many improvements made during the renovation of the DelMonte tomato cannery building were carried out by members of the Tyrolean-Italian community.
Sporting traditions took different forms. A Farm Bureau League baseball team representing West Weber and Taylor won numerous county-level tournaments in the early 1900s. During the same period, 4700 West was used for horse racing. Young people from West Weber and Taylor also took part in the Junior Posse.
Seasonal recreation was also part of community life. Ponds in the Taylor and West Weber communities were used for ice skating when they were completely frozen over. Another account describes a race between midwives in the Taylor area on July 4: the challenge was to get a horse and wagon ready to go as quickly as possible. This story adds an unusual community competition to the sporting traditions.
A Current Planning Initiative
Walker Creek Park is being developed as the first public park for Taylor and West Weber. A new pavilion in the park is available for rent. If you are planning to use it during your stay, confirm availability before your trip.
Explore more destinations: Huntsville, Riverdale, Ogden.
Return to the main travel overview: Weber.
