Student researchers spotlight Black travel guide sites in Brigham City, Ogden

OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — When it comes to “Black” travel guides, many historians and researchers would likely agree they were one of the best-kept secrets for years.

The guides have captivated a young group of researchers from Utah State University who are looking for Utah listings.

Eden Marroquin, one of the researchers, said she’s enjoying her experience learning about the travel guides and Utah’s ties to Black history.

“And it was kind of this undercover, covert operation almost you know? That Black Americans were publishing these books so that they could go and sleep safely or go get dinner safely,” Marroquin said.

This project is under the leadership of Christine Cooper-Rompato, an English professor at Utah State University.

READ MORE: Researchers highlight Utah hotel from 1930s as safe space for Black travelers

Marroquin is trying to get background information on Utah businesses listed in some of the travel guides.

Because those listed locations were deemed safe for Black travelers — passing through Utah — during the segregation era.

“I think it’s more overwhelming to the fact that there’s not enough information out there to find out every single thing about these locations and the people that stayed there and who ran them,” she said.

Marroquin’s research includes looking into the history behind the Bushnell Motor Lodge.

That site is located at 117 East and 7th Street in Brigham City.

Another site that was listed as a safe space was Mountain View Court. Located at 563 W 24th Street in Ogden.

Xiomara Castro, another student participating in this project said her team made an unusual discovery while researching the travel guides.

It was an entry for Rutha Johnson’s home in Salt Lake City.

“And it was kind of unusual to see someone’s residence listed, instead of just hotels. So, she had a guest house and provided meals for her guests. So that one only appears in that one guide, the Bronze American Guide,” Castro said.

So far Rompato’s Black history research team has found newspaper clippings to help paint a better picture of Rutha Johnson’s life.

“She was very prominent in the community, I think. She was a member of this club called the Nimble Thimble club, which you can assume was probably like a sewing club or something like that,” said Marroquin.

Information found points to Johnson helping to raise money for the construction of the Nettie Gregory Center on Salt Lake’s west side.

READ MORE:Local writer spotlights SLC’s historic Black community center

Every little bit of information is a motivation for Marroquin to pursue higher education in archival studies.

“This project kind of made me realize that this is what I want to do. I absolutely loved every moment of it. I really enjoy it, I’m obsessed at this point,” she said.

Information collected will be displayed in a special exhibit by the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation. The anticipated completion of the project will be in early fall. To learn more about Sema Hadithi click here.

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