History of the Art Center

The house known as the Eccles Community Art Center was built in 1893 for James Clarence Armstrong, an Ogden businessman. In 1896, the house was purchased by David and Bertha Eccles. It owes much of its character to David, Bertha, and the twelve Eccles children who occupied it for fifty years. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

David Eccles

Bertha.jpg (19385 bytes)

Bertha Jensen Eccles

Born in poverty in Scotland, David Eccles came to Utah as a boy of 14. Here he rose to great wealth, leaving a mark on the economy of this region that continues today. Bertha Jensen Eccles was born in Denmark and also came to Utah as a child. Her legacy to the community is especially important in the history of her home. At her invitation, groups such as the Girl Scouts, Children's Aid Society, Drama Club, Child Culture, Martha Society, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and Red Cross all held meetings in this house. In her later years, Bertha Eccles made it known to her family that she would like the building kept intact and used for the purpose of education and cultural development of the community.

Bertha Eccles' wish for her home was granted when her family gave the house to Weber State University in 1948. At that time Weber State was located on a campus owned by the LDS Church. The house became "Bertha Eccles Hall", a women's dormitory and social center.

When Weber State moved its campus, the house and other buildings of the downtown campus reverted to the ownership of the LDS Church. The history of the house took another turn at this point thanks to the efforts of a group called the Ogden Community Arts Council. Formed in 1953, the Council was made up of representatives from over 20 local civic and cultural organizations interested in providing a center for the arts in this community. Knowing that their goal was most compatible with the wishes of Bertha Eccles, the Ogden Arts Council approached the LDS Church, requesting the house for use as a community art center. A deed to the Eccles home was given to the Council, in 1959. The name given to the facility was Bertha Eccles Community Art Center. In 1976 the name of both the facility and the non-profit organization that supports it was changed to the Eccles Community Art Center.

Return to home