Back When: Kanab in 1956 - an evening of memories, history and storytelling

What was Kanab like 70 years ago?

If you were here in 1956, you might have seen folks “Dragging Main”, a popular pastime that involved cruising up and down the streets of Kanab, visiting with friends and seeing who was out and about. Of course, in Kanab, much of that cruising actually happened along Center Street. What businesses and gathering places would you have passed along the way? Who were the familiar faces you might have seen?

Join the Kanab City Heritage and Historic Preservation Board on Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m. in the Dragon Room at the Kanab Center for the latest installment of the ongoing Back When series. Each program explores a different chapter of our community’s history, bringing the people, places and stories of Kanab’s past to life. This time, we’re turning back the clock 70 years to revisit Kanab in 1956.

Members of the board, along with a few special guests, will take us on a trip down memory lane as we explore the businesses, gathering places and people that helped shape Kanab in 1956. Through historic photographs, personal recollections and a little local storytelling, we’ll revisit the stores, restaurants, hotels, churches and other familiar places that were part of everyday life in Kanab.

Whether you remember Kanab as it was 70 years ago or are newer to the community and curious about the town’s rich history, this evening is for you! We especially encourage longtime residents to come share their memories and stories, while inviting newcomers to discover the people and places that helped shape the community we know today.

Come enjoy an evening of history, photographs and storytelling as we celebrate the Kanab of yesterday and the memories that continue to connect us today.

We hope to see you there!