MHR class renovates a school landmark
It is a USU landmark that is often overlooked. The amphitheater on Old Main Hill has become dilapidated and underutilized. Students from a MHR 3110 class are hoping they can change this.
The amphitheater was reconstructed by the class last Wednesday afternoon so it could be used in a benefit concert next week where all proceeds will go to aid people in Peru, said Nicole Brown, junior majoring in public relations and a member of the MHR 3110 class.
The MHR class spent two hours sanding down benches, sweeping walkways and painting benches to prepare the amphitheater for its debut.
“We wanted the amphitheater to look good for the concert next week. It’s a beautiful spot. We wanted people to be aware of its existence. I don’t think many students have ever seen it before,” Brown said.
Brown has not been the only one to deem the amphitheater as a beautiful spot on campus. USU Facilities documented the amphitheater as being perceived as “one of the most attractive sites in America with its overlook of Cache Valley” when it was first being built.
Unfortunately, the amphitheater has become worn down over its 70-year lifespan. It was recently deemed unsafe said Stanley Kane, director of campus maintenance operations and USU architect.
The issue of demolishing the amphitheater has come up, Kane said, although “too many families with ties to it have advocated for preserving its history.”
“We decided to make minimal repairs this summer by removing the concrete wall and replacing it with guard railings to make it safe until someone comes up with a better plan of what to do with it. We neither have active plans to remove it nor active plans to renovate it,” Kane said.
While its future remains uncertain, the amphitheater’s long lasting history stems back to 1924, said Bob Parson, USU archivist.
According to USU Facilitie’s documents, class gifts were taken to pay for the materials and construction of the amphitheater. The construction was done by students employed through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and took a few years to complete.
After its completion, the amphitheater was put to good use, Brown said.
“It has been used over the years for commencement exercises, summer classes and music festivals,” she said.
In recent years it has gone unused because of the increase of noise from the highway and its degrading state, said Kane.
“It would cost at least a half a million to get it into tip-top shape,” Kane said.
For now the, the MHR class has done what they could to get the amphitheater at a state where it can be used for the concert next Wednesday.
“We hope people will come out to support our cause and enjoy the newly painted amphitheater,” Brown said.
The concert will be Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. Guitarist Katie Lewis, Grafted and other artists will perform. General admission tickets are $3 and kid’s tickets, $1, Brown said.
The proceeds will go to the Huntsman School of Business-sponsored Micro/Small Business-Loan account program. The micro-loan program’s purpose is to make small loans of $50 to $100 to individuals and small businesses in Peru while educating them of how to run a business, said David Herrmann, senior lecturer for the School of Business.
“The recipients of the loans are able to start small business to increase their income levels,” he added. “We believe this project will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The MHR 3110 class has been able to preserve a piece of USU history while helping someone across the globe, Brown said.
“Our project not only benefits USU, but Peru benefits at the same time. I hope it will make a big impact on many people here in Logan and in Peru,” she said.
–chelsie.hansen@aggiemail.usu.edu