The Lehi Historical Society is set to unveil its 22nd historical marker to honor the People’s Co-operative Institution. The institution was one of Lehi’s most influential businesses and served as a symbol of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Founded in 1872, the People’s Co-op grew from a small cooperative enterprise into Lehi’s largest mercantile business, expanding alongside the Utah Southern Railroad. In 1903, the institution completed a 22,000-square-foot headquarters at 151 E. State St. At that time, the building was among the most modern in Lehi, featuring electricity, telephone service, a pneumatic tube system, and the city’s first concrete sidewalks.
The business operated an extensive network of services, including a butcher shop, blacksmith shop, drugstore, grocery, hotel, livery, lumber yard, and theater. Lara Bangerter, director of the Lehi Historical Society, stated that the People’s Co-op represented a community working together to build opportunity and served as the commercial heart of Lehi for over six decades.
The unveiling is part of the Lehi Historical Marker Program, which aims to install 36 markers throughout the city to highlight significant people, places, and events. This specific marker follows the recent unveiling of markers for the Lehi Union Exchange and the Racker Mercantile.
The event will include remarks regarding the lasting legacy of the People’s Co-op, followed by activities and refreshments inspired by the golden age of the general store. Event organizer Susan Colledge noted the celebration is designed to help visitors experience history and imagine life at the People’s Co-op more than a century ago.
To commemorate the occasion, the Historical Society is debuting a limited-edition collector set of three pins featuring three historic People’s Co-operative Institution buildings that still stand. Created by Lehi City Council member Heather Newall, the set is valued at $32 but will be available for an introductory price of $19.
The unveiling is free and open to the public. The Lehi Historical Society encourages residents, descendants of early Lehi families, and history enthusiasts to attend the celebration.
