Helper Commercial District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Helper Commercial District
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by RR tracks, Janet, 1st, West, and Locust Sts, Helper, Utah |
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| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architectural style | Company Town Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002491 |
| Added to NRHP | 24 July 1979 |
The Helper Commercial District is a special historic area in the middle of Helper, Utah. It's like a time capsule showing how the town grew. This district is bordered by Janet Street to the north and Locust Street to the south. To the west is First West Street, and to the east are the train yards of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.
This area has 110 buildings, and 98 of them are important to its history. Most buildings are one or two stories tall. They are often made of red brick and come in different styles. You can also see small, one-story homes here. These were built by railroad and mining companies, like a "company town." The district shows how Helper became a busy center for coal mining and a place where trains were serviced.
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Exploring Helper's Historic Buildings
Some of the most important buildings in the district are the Helper City Hall and the Civic Auditorium. Other key places include the Railroad Chapel and the Catholic church. Many sites are linked to people who moved here from Japan, Greece, Southern Europe, and Northern Italy. These groups helped build the town.
The Railroad's Role
Many buildings in the district are connected to the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. This includes the old train station. The railroad was very important for Helper's growth.
Changes Over Time
In the 1930s, the town center changed a lot. Workers from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped reshape the area. The WPA was a government program during the Great Depression. These workers built strong walls and changed the path of the Price River. They filled in parts of the riverbed, creating new land in the northern part of the district.
A National Historic Place
The Helper Commercial District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1979. This means it's a special place recognized for its history. The Helper Post Office is also listed on the National Register, and it's right inside this district.
