Vine Street in Murray holds a wealth of history, a facet the Historic Murray First Foundation (HMFF) recently aimed to highlight. Through their organized walking tour, participants had the opportunity to delve into the architectural nuances and historical significance of this unique part of Murray. HMFF Vine Street historic home tour took place Sept. 9 that included four historic homes as well as businesses and churches along the way.

Rachel Morot, vice president of HMFF, shared the objective of the walking tour. “We hoped that participants would come away with an appreciation for Murray’s rich history, especially in places that they could see and touch.” According to Morot, the tour is not merely an exercise in nostalgia; it aims to foster an awareness of the value of historic preservation.

The four homes selected for the tour meet a stringent criterion. “We chose these homes based on two factors. Firstly, that the exteriors of the homes were entirely intact, had been taken care of, and were being used as residences,” Morot said. “Second, we needed the approval of the homes’ occupants, and were lucky enough to find four gracious occupants that allowed access to their homes.” Consequently, all the homes are listed on the National Historic Register, and Morot pointed out that it opens them up to tax credits for maintenance and preservation.

When asked about the guides leading the tour, Morot highlighted that they are well-versed in both Murray’s history and architecture. “The information provided in the walking tour includes facts gleaned from primary sources, such as census records, cities directories, property records, and Sanborn fire insurance maps,” she said. Many docents also happen to be local residents, adding a personalized depth to the narratives.

But what about hidden nuggets of history that might surprise even longtime residents? Morot assured that the tour is full of them. “Our tour hopes to answer questions that Murray citizens may have about the oldest section of Vine Street. For example, how old is Murray Park and how did the city acquire the land? What is the history behind the unusual Jones Court duplexes and how did they survive the demolition of the Murray First Ward?”

The tour stopped at the Superette grocery store near the entrance of Murray Park and the Vine Street Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel which relocated the stained-glass windows that originally hung in the demolished Murray First Ward building.

This year’s walking tour also offers a tactile connection to the past. According to Morot, participants have the “ultimate opportunity to interact with the ‘touchable past’ by getting a glimpse inside four historic homes.” Additional stops along the tour feature historic photographs from multiple archives, including the Murray City Museum and Salt Lake County Archives.

However, for those unable to participate, there aren’t currently any plans to video-record the tour. “This tour won’t be video recorded, but that is an option we will consider for future tours,” Morot said. Nonetheless, they may compile the historical information into a document available online.

Feedback is welcomed by the Foundation. After the tour, participants are invited to take a survey, the results of which will help shape future walking tours. And there will be future tours. “The Historic Murray First Foundation plans to do an annual walking tour every fall,” Morot said and added that they have a list of historic Murray neighborhoods to explore in depth, alternating between west side and east side locations.

The HMFF is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at highlighting significant historical sites in Murray, as evidenced by their recent walking tour of Vine Street. Morot said, “We wanted to counter the culture of ‘out with the old and in with the new’ by showing how some people have beautifully restored their homes.”  λ