Centro Civico Mexicano helped shape community

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.

Dances were held in whatever halls or gyms they could find — Judge Memorial gym, Carpenter's Hall and later the Hotel Newhouse, the Terrace and Lagoon. Money was raised by selling tamales, frijoles and chile verde, and much of it cooked by Mrs. Manzano, who also acted as ticket taker, treasurer and cleanup lady. The Diez y Seis de Septiembre (Mexican Independence Day) and el Cinco de Mayo (major battle victory) were must events to celebrate. I recall as a child being hauled out to those celebrations and falling asleep waiting for El Grito, "Viva Mexico, Viva La Revolucion," and the ringing of the bell, usually done by the Mexican consul. Saturday dances were also held at "el tonel" (the tunnel) that was the hallway of some building on 200 South between 500 and 600 West. I remember that there were folding chairs lined up against each side of the hall with one line of dancers going around in a circle. Parents sat on the sidelines to make sure there was no hanky-panky. Mexican queen contests and dances were always good fundraisers.