Looking back 25 years, residents of the Holladay/Cottonwood area began to express an increasing desire for more influence and control over local planning and zoning matters. Decisions being made by Salt Lake County regarding the area fueled concerns about the community’s future. As a result, residents pushed for incorporation. On May 4, 1999, residents voted to incorporate Holladay, and with an overwhelming 83% approval, Holladay City was officially established on November 30, 1999.

Current and former officials of Holladay City and community members gathered in the Big Cottonwood Room at Holladay City Hall on Nov. 18, 2024 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city’s establishment. 

The Holladay Historical Commission organized and sponsored the event in conjunction with Holladay City. Sandy Meadows, a former member of the Historical Commission and chair of the event, welcomed guests and thanked the many volunteers who have shared their time and talent with the city of Holladay over the years. A special thanks was given to the mayors and city officials for their attendance especially to former mayor Dennis Webb, who flew in from England to participate in the celebratory activities. Recognition was given to City Recorder Stephanie Carlson, the last original employee of Holladay City. Since June of 2000, Carlson has been a vital part of the city, first serving as Deputy Recorder and then as City Recorder.

“We are truly grateful for the dedication of the city officials and employees of Holladay City,” Meadows said. “Thank you to everyone here tonight for your support and commitment to our community. This is an exciting time to get together in celebration of a city that we all love.”

Radio personality Doug Wright, a resident of Holladay, narrated the event and facilitated a fun and friendly discussion among the mayors and city managers about the history behind Holladay’s journey to incorporation. Wright began a career in radio at the age of 20 as a rock ‘n’ roll DJ at KRSP and later at KCPX. After a 45-year radio career, he retired at KSL NewsRadio as host of “The Doug Wright Show.” 

Wright introduced the evening’s musical talent, Gary Stoddard and his son, Skylar. Gary and his twin brother, Allan, grew up in Holladay and are considered local legends in the community. In ninth grade, at Olympus Junior High School, the brothers won the student body popular vote, and served as president and vice president of the school. Gary ran under the campaign slogan, “If you don’t vote for my brother for vice, don’t vote for me!” The Stoddard brothers were multitalented musicians who played various instruments and traveled throughout Utah for many years with their band.

“We are so fortunate to have this talent with us here tonight, Gary and Skylar Stoddard,” Wright said. “Going back to a blast in the past, how many of you remember and used to go on really great dates to Gepetto’s? Gary played there when he was only 14 years old. Gary has written a very special song ‘Sweet Holladay’ he and his son Skylar will present it tonight to celebrate Holladay’s 25-year anniversary. The talent in this family is amazing.”

During the event, Wright asked the panel of mayors and city managers three main questions; Why did you and so many other people work so hard to make Holladay an incorporated city? How difficult was the birthing of the community? and What was a simple gift, tender mercy, or act of kindness you experienced while in office?

The event was memorable, as those in attendance listened as past and present officials spoke of the hardship, perseverance and dedication required to establish Holladay as an incorporated city.

Liane Stillman, the first mayor of Holladay City, expressed her concern and frustration about the community not having a voice in Holladay’s future and why incorporating was critical.

“You probably remember the seven-story building on Holladay Boulevard that Salt Lake County sold on a two-lane road,” Stillman said. “We were furious. There was no input from the community about the building. I was on the Holladay Cottonwood Community Council at the time, which was nothing more than a pat on the head. This was one of the biggest drivers for us to go out to the population and say we need our own planning and zoning commission. The builders of the black monstrosity went bankrupt then the structure became a graffiti eyesore. Finally, Salt Lake County tore it down. Today our gorgeous fire station stands in its place.”

Dennis Webb, served as mayor for 10 years. He shared the importance of bringing the community together and crafting a vision of what the community would embrace and the city council would support for this new infant city. This was the central focus of all decision making while he was in office.

“Holladay School was going to be sold by Granite School District. We felt like the city needed to protect this space. A strong developer wanted to tear down the elementary and make it a Target shopping center. By buying the elementary, we hoped to create a historic building that would be home to city hall and the fire station. One year, right after Thanksgiving, I remember the community coming together to gather down at the little plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree. There was hot chocolate, Christmas carols were being sung, and the community came together in this special place to be a community. At the time, I just looked around and thought about how I loved Holladay. I’m so glad to live here.”

Mayor Rob Dahle expressed how the city council has tried to understand what those councils coming before were trying to do when they set that structure up and then be respectful of the vision. According to Dahle, the guiding principle in the leadership of Holladay has been how to manage inevitable growth while still retaining the city’s unique character. Dahle experienced many challenges when taking office as the mayor of Holladay. One challenge he faced was coming into office and needing more political experience. He expressed his gratitude to Randy Fitts, former Holladay City Manager, who had been a mayor in South Salt Lake, and the support he provided. Taking office after a recession presented even larger concerns for Dahle.

“The biggest challenge we had when I came into office was financial,” Dahle said. “We had come out of a recession, and we had councils that were sensitive to putting tax increases on citizens who were already struggling with the effects of the recession. We tried to balance that with everything else.”

In July 1847, the Mississippi Company, led by John Holladay, arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in covered wagons. Shortly after their arrival, they discovered a flowing stream fed by springs near Kentucky Avenue. Holladay soon became the first settlement in the valley to be established away from the Great Salt Lake area. It was clear why the Mississippi Company chose this location. Wildflowers were plentiful, and the numerous springs and ponds made it one of the most desirable sites for settlement in the valley. Over the years, Holladay officials, past and present, along with city employees and the local community, have worked together to preserve and expand upon the vision of the Holladay area first encountered for settlement by the Mississippi Company.

Historical Commission committee members presented each mayor and city manager with a wooden trophy, a commemorative booklet documenting the event, and a Holladay Celebration Coin to express gratitude for their outstanding service in making Holladay City a wonderful place to live. Mayor Dahle concluded the 25th-anniversary celebration with remarks highlighting what makes Holladay a unique and special place.

“People have an innate sense of pride in where they come from when living in Holladay. They strive to respect the history of our community. Many volunteer committees are actively involved in various activities throughout the city, such as the Arts Council’s free concert series and the Interfaith Council’s annual service. The residents of Holladay take great pride in their city and are always looking for opportunities to engage and improve their community. And that’s kind of the heart and soul of what makes Holladay what it is today.” λ