Editor's note: John Florez is taking time off. The following column was first published July 25, 2005:

Do you know your touchstone? For many of the early Mexicans who came to Salt Lake City, it was Centro Civico Mexicano.

Centro Civico Mexicano is more than a building. It is a symbol representing the spirit of Mexicans who come to America with "orgullo," proud to be Mexican, yet prepared to defend and contribute to their adopted homeland. It was on that premise that the early founders of Centro set out to build a touchstone for the Mexican community. The founders, Simeon Manzano, Manuel Torres and others are a testament to those values. Though now passed away, they left a legacy that is representative of the history of Mexicans coming to Salt Lake. Both came to seek work, worked hard and raised children who are now successful and contributing members of the general community. Manzano became part of the Westminster College faculty and received numerous community awards for his efforts in promoting the Mexican culture. Torres exemplified the American dream. He started a tortilla factory in his back porch that became Manuel's Fine Foods, a multimillion-dollar business now operated by his grandchildren.

They, along with others, founded "Centro" in the early '30s because of their commitment to perpetuate their culture and to have a place to help improve the lives of Mexicans. They were also driven because, at that time, many people did not want to rent to Mexicans. Both men provided the leadership and started raising money by knocking on doors primarily of Mexicans living around the Guadalupe Mission located near the Rio Grande Depot. They also held dances charging $1.