Walter C. Orem has become kind of an unofficial mascot for the city over recent months but who was the real Walter?
Here are some facts about our city’s namesake:
- He was a titan of industry – Walter built the first electric railroad in Utah and served as the president of the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad companies. The railway stretched from Salt Lake City all the way to Payson. He was also actively engaged in all kinds of mining operations in both Utah and Nevada.
- A religious man – Walter was one of the founding members of the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City.
- A Midwestern – Walter was born in Missouri in 1873 and moved to Salt Lake City when he was 17.
Visit Walter’s House – If you’re ever in SLC, you can stop by Walter’s house at 663 E. 3rd Ave.- Family Man – Walter married Mabel Emery in 1894 and they had 4 kids.
- Walter’s Descendants – Walter’s grandkids and great-grandkids visit the City from time to time. They were here for some of the Centennial festivities and even once were the honored guests who got to turn on the lights at the City Center.