New Fires produced by Mendon Theatrical Society, revived by Richard Watkins in 1969. Left to right: Coy Anderson, Keith Sorensen, Debbie Bartlett, Lizzy Barrett (standing), Steve Hardman, [unnamed, possible first name is Ted], [unnamed], and Janet Larsen (first from right).

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Mendon Collection)

Leland and Barbara Larsen talk about the theater in Mendon, Utah, where Barbara remembers being lifted up to see her mother perform in the Old Rock Church.

Interview with Fred Taylor about the theater in Mendon, Utah.

Early community members considered the theater a necessity, embracing it as one of the few forms of entertainment available in a pioneer settlement. Dramatic events in Mendon have continued into the twenty-first century.

Mendon residents L. K. Wood and Mrs. Oscar (Lizzy) Barrett were very involved in the local drama club. In 1973, Lizzy Barrett shared in an interview with Steven Hardman (housed at Utah State University Special Collections NB RT 373) her experiences as a member of the Mendon Theater Club and her time as lead actress opposite L. K. During winter, most of the early entertainment came from social bees, dances, and plays. She further explained how the Mendon Theater Club traveled all over Cache Valley, entertaining members in other rural communities.

When moving pictures came to town, the dramatic company lost a lot of their clientele to the movies. T. K. Sorenson remembers being able to turn the wheel on the projector to show the movie, but having to keep a steady pace for the picture to be shown properly.