1907: Utah headed for modern age

The year 1907 was a pivotal time in the Salt Lake City and the state of Utah. Modern inventions like cars, electricity and high-rise buildings were making an appearance in the region.

One hundred years ago — there are few, if any, people still alive who can remember what that year was really like.

• Sunday closings were controversial laws, but also ordinances still honored by most businesses.

• Salt Lake City only had eight miles of paved roads versus its 308 total miles of city streets.

• Each spring, State Street, from 400 to 800 South was a muddy, bogged-down mess and almost impassable at times.

• With such bad, rough roads around, some would take a chance and drive along a railroad track. Fine, until a train came along.

• Smelters south of Salt Lake City were putting lots of pollution into the air and farmers in the valley were finally getting notice for their blame on the smelters for their bad crops.

• Injuries for railroad passengers were quite common for the careless and those in a hurry. There were even more injuries for railroad workers — one of the most dangerous professions in that day.

• The automobile had only been making a foothold in the Salt Lake Valley during the past few years. In 1907, Salt Lake police said valid tags needed to be on every car. Crashes of cars and horse and buggies were happening regularly.

• "Fast driving" was become an increasing concern as policeman struggled with how to control speed limits for cars.

• Coal shortages were common in the winter months.

• $1 in 1906 was worth more than $20 in 2007 dollars.

• Less than 15 percent of all homes had bathtubs and only eight percent a telephone.

• 22 cents per hour was the average national wage.

• More than 95 percent of all births happened at home. Most serious injuries were also not treated at hospitals.

• Most women only washed their hair monthly.