October 16, 2011 By BECKY WRIGHT Standard-Examiner staff bwright@standard.net Many stories about Ogden's Historic 25th Street have been forgotten. "The early history, from the coming of the railroad in 1869 through World War II — for most of it, there's no one alive who remembers it," said Val Holley, who's working on a book called "25th Street Confidential: Drama, Decadence, and Dissipation Along Oaden's Rowdiest Road." JPfforrte stories and pictures have been saved in Special Collections at WRfer State University's Stewart Library. "I've been there many times over the last three years," he said. Holley presents some of his research at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the library's Hetzel-Hoellein Room. His lecture is part of the 6 p.m. opening reception for "Treasures Brought to Light," an exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of WSU Special Collections. Admission is free. Famous? infamous? People visit Ogden's Historic 25th Street to shop and dine, and occasionally to film parts of movies or television shows. Decades ago, it was for less wholesome activities. The railroad came to Ogden in 1869, and Union Station was built at 25th Street. "It brought a transient kind of people in," said Richard Roberts, history professor emeritus from WSU. "They might have a layover for two or three hours, or two or three days, waiting for trains." The street offered the entertainment some were looking for: gambling, drinking and prostitution. Photo courtesy Stewart Library Special Collections, Weber State University People gather at Ogden's Union station during the 82nd Golden Spike Celebration in 1951. o o <-t- o cr n> -5 cr> r\> o "In the World War II period, the sexual spectacle along 25th Street was incredible," said Holley. "There were hoards and hoards of soldiers there looking for a good time." That's not news to anyone who's heard about the street's past, but Holley says he's explored a variety of sources to look at 25th Street in a different light. "Most of what's been written on 25th Street has been written ' from the perspective of law enforcement, and not from the point of view of people who lived here and worked here," he said. "I'm trying to keep an open mind and look at it that way." Holley, author of books about James Dean and Hollywood gossip Mike Connolly, grew up in Slaterville and moved to Washington, D.C., to work as a legal librarian. He used sources in both areas to delve into 25th Street's past. Myth busting There are several myths about Ogden's legendary street that Holley wants to debunk. "First of all is the notion that on 25th Street, business interests were exclusive to 'gentiles,' " he said. According to Holley, there were Mormons making money off of the infamous street. Some collected rents, others sold property or earned legal fees. "Many of the saloon owners on 25th Street were Mormons — not just Mormons, but Mormons who crossed the ocean and crossed the plains," he said. "One of them was my great-great-great-uncle, James Hutchins." Holley says the property that became madam Belle London's parlor was sold to her by a Mormon businessman, and the prostitution cribs in Electric Alley (behind 25th