Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service

Project Prologue

Mansion Fire

December 15th 1993 had begun at the Governor’s Mansion with our two oldest sons preparing for high school and leaving early. Our two elementary children were off to school shortly after. The Mansion staff concluded their duties preparing the Formal Dining Room for a media breakfast and when the members of the press had enjoyed their exchange with the governor, Mike headed to the State Capitol to deliver a budget speech at noon. Holiday entertaining was at its peak. The night before, a Christmas celebration was held in the ballroom with over a hundred Cabinet Council and Governor’s Office staff enjoying a buffet, music, and visiting. Once again a large crowd would be hosted in the beautifully decorated Ballroom for the Holiday Mansion Foundation’s Artists Series highlighted with a musical program. The Mansion ballroom seemed the perfect venue for such festive occasions. I planned to drive to the Capitol and join Mike at noon as he made his Budget Address to the Legislature. Westin, our three-year-old had settled in to watching a favorite video in the family room on the second floor and I took a few moments to walk through the parlor and dining room on the first floor (more…)

References

Additional Information About Mansion Fire

FIRE DAMAGES HISTORIC GOVERNOR’S MANSION BLAZE COULD HAVE BEEN REAL TRAGEDY PROBERS SAY LEAVITT FAMILY FINDS LITTLE TO SALVAGE AS THEY SIFT THROUGH BELONGINGS LOSS IS A BLOW TO EX-FIRST LADY LEAVITT WANTS AGENCY TO REPORT ABOUT TREE LESSONS FROM THE MANSION FIRE MEMO CITED NEED FOR FLAME RETARDANT FIRST FAMILY FINDS SHELTER AT S.L. HOTEL EXTENSION CORD BLAMED FOR FIRE LEAVITTS’ DIGNITY SETS FINE EXAMPLE UTAH MAKES A LIST AND CHECKS IT TWICE:  ARE THESE CHRISTMAS TREES, LIGHTS NAUGHTY OR NICE? LEAVITTS GIVE DONATIONS TO HOMELESS COMMUNITY REPORT BLAMES FIRE ON 3 WORKERS,

References

Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service