Allen Park, aka. “Hobbitville”

1328 Allen Park in 1937. Image from the Salt Lake County Tax Appraisal Photographs.

Many of our readers may remember when Allen Park, a community located close by Westminster College on 1300 East, was in the news in 2019. It was originally started as a bird sanctuary in the 1930s, but the community was closed down and tenants were ordered to leave the property last year. We previously posted images of several of the houses in Allen Park, taken by the Salt Lake County Tax Assessor in 1939 and 1941.

Recently, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that this 7-acre property has been purchased by Salt Lake City for a park, and many of the eclectic structures and artwork will be preserved.

1401 Allen Park in 1941. Image from the Salt Lake County Tax Appraisal Photographs.

Some of the residences had names, such as the “Roost.” Salt Lake County Tax Appraisal Cards, 1937.

Plot plan drawing of bird pens in Allen Park in 1965. Salt Lake County Tax Appraisal Cards.

Good luck to you, Allen Park!