The Providence Inn: A Brief History

This is it friends, The Providence Inn Bed and Breakfast and Old Rock Church.

This is where I spend approximately 2-4 nights a week as a night watchman.

Night watchman- A fancy way of saying that I lock the doors and turn off the lights at night, sleep, then open the doors and turn on the lights in the morning.

Don't be fooled though folks, this job isn't always what it seems...

But first, a little history:

The first permanent European settlers arrived in Cache Valley in 1856. Construction of the "Rock Meeting House" began in 1869. The original part of the building was constructed in 1869 by pioneers who crossed the country by covered wagons and handcarts. They quarried the rocks, milled the lumber and forged the iron to construct what is now known as the "Old Rock Church." It was an inspired project that testifies to the architectural skills and craftsmanship of these early Mormon settlers. It is the oldest building of its stature in Cache Valley and indeed one of the oldest in the state. It was completed in 1871, 13 years before the Logan Temple was dedicated, and 22 years before the dedication of the Temple in Salt Lake City. The building has now affectionately come to be known by all as the "Old Rock Church."

In 1926 a wing was added to the Old Rock Church. It was constructed in gracious Georgian style. This wing, and the entire grounds, are also in the Historic Register. The Georgian Wing has been exquisitely furnished and decorated to complement the provincial charm of its peaceful Providence setting.

The Old Rock Church part is used for various parties and events, mostly receptions.



 

 And the added wing is the Inn, with various themed rooms ranging in size and elegance.

I began working there mid-January of this year. It was only supposed to be a side job for a little extra money, but for a little while, as I was working less at my primary job on campus due to the hiring of more guys on the crew, and less work load in general, this job was keeping me afloat. So here's a shout out to one of my best friends ever, Eric Schmidt, for landing me this job. Thanks Eric! He's my fellow night watchman, we trade off nights. Only bad thing we realized later is that it made it so we can almost never hang out with each other past 10 pm, when our shift starts, cause one or the other has to work. But we manage.

I gotta say, its a pretty chill job. Like I said, its mostly just locking up and being there just in case the guests need anything. Sometimes it can be a little TOO chill though...the Inn is really old and creaky, so your mind plays tricks on you all the time...it can get creepy, if you let it. Cause lets face it, a small town Inn is exactly the kind of place a scary movie would take place. Think "The Shining".

But I try not to.

On the bright side, the breakfast, is AMAZING.