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Show The Ogden Valley news Volume XVII Issue XI Page 9 September 1, 2009 Rainbow Gardens Throughout the Years Situated at the mouth of the magnificent In 1895, the first formal building comOgden Canyon, just below Rainbow Falls, menced on what would become the Ogden the Rainbow Gardens location and its thermal Canyon Sanitarium and Resort. The estabsprings were venerated by the Native American lishment featured private mineral baths, hotel tribes long before the first fur trappers or and dining rooms, and a dance hall. Finally completed in 1906, pioneers came into the large wooden Ogden Valley. In Victorian structure “A History of Weber burned to the ground County,” authors in 1927. Richard C. Roberts In 1928, the entreand Richard W. preneur A.V. Smith Sadler write, “The bought the resort and hot springs of Weber rebuilt it in brick, County were valnaming it “El Monte ued by the Shoshoni Springs.” The resort Indians for what again featured minerseemed to be their al baths, but this time rejuvenating and a large (100,000 galhealth-giving qualilons) swimming pool ties. At the mouth Rainbow Gardens 1946 to present day. and a grand ballroom of Ogden Canyon is a spring which has been visited by Indians and were added. Marathon dances were held in the residents of Ogden. Rainbow Gardens was ballroom during the late ‘20’s. Unfortunately, constructed to make use of its waters. The the Great Depression put an end to Smith’s temperature of the Ogden Canyon hot spring is plans and El Monte shut its doors in 1932. The resort lay dormant through the depresmeasured at 57 degrees centigrade.” sion until it was purchased by Harman W. Peery, Ogden’s Cowboy Mayor in 1942. He renamed it Riverside Gardens and billed it as the “Kochbrunnen of America,” offering swimming and dancing. In 1946, the resort was turned over to Harm’s son-in-law and daughter Robert W. King and Rosanne Peery King, and the name was again changed (for the last time) to Rainbow Gardens. The Kings began the restoration of the old Victorian spa, and for 25 years, Rainbow Gardens operated as a resort, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a ballroom, and 18 bowling lanes. In 1970, Rosanne Peery King opened “Rainbow Imports” in the old Ballroom, featuring gifts from around the world. In 1975, the old indoor swimming pool became the sunken “Gift Garden,” a terraced solarium, filled with plants and gifts. The following spring, “The Greenery” Restaurant opened. Now one of Ogden’s finest restaurants, the Greenery serves award-winning food to over 500 patrons daily. Another era ended in 1996, when after 35 years, the “Rainbow PEERY cont. from page 1 grey outside. I call it ‘shopping therapy!’” Today, between the three businesses at Rainbow—Rainbow Gardens, Planet Rainbow, and The Greenery Restaurant—there are approximately 35 full-time and 75 part-time employees. Rob added, “We have very dedicated employees; one or two have been with us 35 to 40 years. As part of our 40-year anniversary, a celebration is being held September 18 and September 19 at Rainbow Gardens Gift Emporium. Part of this celebration will be to honor our dedicated employees—past and present.” On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Like Apollo, “Potpourri Gifts” took off and helped skyrocket open bowling play. Interestingly, the clientele at the bowling alley not only wanted to acquire the merchandise hitting winning strikes, but wanted to purchase the gifts outright! Inspired, the Kings decided on a real gift shop in the Old Ballroom and opened “Rainbow Imports,” carrying such trendy and exotic novelty gifts as black lights, lava lamps, beaded screens, peace signs, and posters. Thus was born Western America’s largest gift emporium, Rainbow Gardens. The following year, after Rainbow Imports’ success with the inexpensive, novelty look of the 70s, Rosie and Bob took the plunge and created the “Gift Garden” in the former Olympicsized swimming pool on site. Today, the business is still running strong. Rosanne’s continuous 40 years in the retail business is quite an accomplishment statistically; only about 1% of private-owned businesses last this long. Her son Rob commented, “This is a feat she can be proud of.” Today, Rosanne still oversees much of the management of the store, along with her children Jennifer King Francl and Bill King. They state that Rosanne is still the artist behind the store’s incredible displays, which the store is well known for. Rainbow Gardens is the only private major display store left in Northern Utah. People travel from far and wide to enjoy the store’s creative displays—especially at Christmas time. Asked what has been most memorable about the business throughout the years, Rosanne quickly replied, “Seeing and meeting all of the people who come into the store. I talk to lots of people all day—old friends and new friends.” Her son Robert added, “A lot of people come to Rainbow just to see mom. She talks to people from all over the world. I feel lucky for inheriting such a successful business. Mom has really been the entrepreneur. It’s her passion, her life story. Hopefully, we can continue running it for another generation.” Her daughter Jennifer stated, “One thing that is unique about our business is our efforts to keep a more personal touch with our customers. I think this is very satisfying. We have a lot of repeat customers. It’s not just a place to shop, but a place to come and visit and get cheered up—especially if it’s cold and RAINBOW cont. from page 4 Gardens, whether it would be for shopping or dining. eventually transformed into a retail business. Rainbow Days is a celebration of our The Greenery Restaurant opened in 1976, devoted, loyal customers and the unending and the “Mormon Muffin” with honey but- support of our staff, past and present. ter became a favorite. Another era ended in 1996 when, after 35 years, the Rainbow Schedule of Events Lanes gave way to Planet Rainbow, which • 20% Anniversary Gift Sale throughout opened its doors in 1998 specializing in gifts, Rainbow Gardens & Planet Rainbow books, and souvenirs. Locals and tourists • Complimentary Retro Refreshments from around the world have visited Rainbow Lanes” gave way to the new Planet Rainbow project. The Utah Book Nooks opened in mid1998. The first phase of this new retail food and event center, Planet Rainbow is the state’s largest collection of Utah books, and regional souvenirs and gifts. It is a delightful destination for local visitors and out-of-town guests alike. Today, Rainbow Gardens is still owned by the King family, with Robert W. King serving as CEO and five children in retail and restaurant management positions. Receiving visitors has been the “grand tradition” of Rainbow Gardens since the 1890’s, when the discovery of natural hot springs here drew crowds of health-seeking bathers to the waters of Ogden Canyon Resort—a landmark rich in history. Note: Information courtesy of the King family. Historical Photos To summarize the success of Rainbow Gardens, Rob stated, “I believe the reason the store has survived and thrived for 40 years is because we’ve been willing to change and keep up with the times. It’s a very trendy business and you have to keep up with what’s popular. I attribute the store’s success to this, combined with mom’s entrepreneurial spirit.” • • • • Hourly drawings for retro prizes Paper Rainbows for the kids Retro gift with a $40 purchase Free Anniversary cake at The Greenery Restaurant with entrée • Retro gift displays For more information, please call Rainbow Gardens at 801-6211606. Photos courtesy of the Rainbow Gardens. Celeste C. Canning PLLC Attorney at Law 2590 Washington Boulevard, Suite 200 Ogden, Utah 84401 Local: (801) 791-1092 Office: (801) 612-9299 Email: ccanninglaw@aol.com Meeting the Legal Needs of Small Business and Their Owners FREE Initial Thirty Minute Consultation. Appointments in Ogden Valley upon request. Jeffrey D. Shepherd DMD, MSD Specialist in Orthodontics SHEPHERDORTHODONTICS Fast Treatment Times • Children and Adults • Flexible Payment Options Call to schedule your complimentary exam today! Eden Professional Center 2580 North Highway 162, #A EDEN 801.745.2519 South Pointe Plaza 5300 South Adams Ave, #9 OGDEN 801.479.9448 Located just one block from Snowcrest Junior High Students can walk from school to appointments! shepherdorthodontics.com www.iversondental.com |