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Folsom must have been deeply impressed by the effects of the Doric columns he made and used in Omaha and he was anxious to make use of them in Salt Lake City.
The Doric column was originated by the Dorians, one of four branches of the Greeks, and depicted the proportions, strength and beauty of man. To the Greek mind, religion and life were indiso1ubly woven together~ consequently her artists strove to achieve beauty in simplicity and strength in the construction of their temples 0 The earliest temples were generally rectangular in shape, with no ornamentation. The first departure from this form was the addition of an entrance porch, to which columns were added.
Two Doric columns supported the entrance to the Salt Lake Theatre, but Architect Folsom placed six partial columns across the front of the building at equal distances and in this manner produced the effect of a colonnade. The two Doric columns erected at the entrance of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Memorial Building and those used at the University of Utah Memorial Theatre, stand as a reminder of the artistic expression of William H. Folsom, Architect.
On certain occasions a dance floor was laid over the parquet of the Theatre. A ball in commemoration of the Fourth of July, 1863, was such an occasion. Invitations were issued and guests paid admission. The party commenced at 5:00 o'clock P.M. and lasted until 5:00 o'clock A.M. The dance floor covered the parquet section, and then expanded to the large stage, which made room for forty cotillions. It took six men two days to set up this floor, which was made in sections and set up on tress1es. When dismantled, it was stored in the basement under the great stage. (Journal History)
Although the rafters and supports of the Theatre were fireproofed, perhaps with terra cota. authorities later became concerned lest the floor storage prove a fire hazard, so it was done away with.
Not in the whole history of the stag, ancient or modern," wrote Edward Tullidge, "was ever a theatre before thus endowed as a sacred dramatic temple for the people" (p. 744). It is a remarkable fact that while the theatres were originally fostered by the churches for miracle plays, in later days there were condemned by the churches. But President Young saw that with proper regulations the stage offered a great field for education.
The Salt Lake Theatre was credited as being superior in every respect to the noted Royal Theatre in Edinburgh or the Oxford in London and more tastefully finished than Wallacks.