Creative Date Ideas: Blast from the Past Theme

Fun from the 30s, 40s, and 50s Across the State of Utah

For some people, celebrating the mystique and wonder of the past is a surefire way to their heart. There are many businesses across the state of Utah which have a bygone era theme or events. This listing is representative of just a few of them. Using the resources below as well as some careful planning and imagination can create a very pleasurable and memorable date.

1930's & 1940's
Often referred to as the 'Big Band Era', this time period was an amazing one musically. Greats such as Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Guy Lombardo were only a few who came into their own and peaked at this time. The Great Depression and the recovery from it add to the rich history and noteworthiness of this period in time.

Big Band and Swing
Especially popular in the 30's and 40's, Big Band music and Swing dancing can still be found alive and well in Utah.

Big Band & Swing Dancing - Hyrum (Cache County)
Elite Hall
98 West Main
*Best dress required

Swing Dancing - Provo (Utah County)
BYU Campus: Location changes. Use info at link for current information.

Dining
There is at least one establishment in Utah from the 1930's which actually still has food created from recipes of the time period on its menu.

Ruth's Diner - Salt Lake City(Salt Lake County)
2100 Emigration Canyon
*Past Hogle Zoo and This is the Place Monument
(801) 582-5807

Established in 1930, this historical diner serves food from recipes of that time period through now. In the summer, musical entertainment is provided on the patio. Also in the summer, one night a week, barbecue is prepared and served on the patio.

The Fabulous 1950's
Poodle skirts and Rock'n'Roll are not the only things which mark this time period as an especially exciting one in history. Drive in Restaurants and Drive in Movies were staples amongst the youth and some of their parents.

Drive In Restaurants
The history of the drive in restaurant begins in the 1920's, but the drive in restaurant wasn't really a popular and common place establishment until the 1950's when America developed a love affair with the automobile and fast food.