The ZCMI co-operative system serviced more than 150 communities in the intermountain area with retail commodities and services beginning in 1868. The Sandy Co-op building was constructed in 1890 with the mercantile store on the bottom floor which was the farmers, miners, and even the Indians main hub for trading and bought goods in the area. There also was a social hall on the top floor where dances and other social events were held weekly as the main social gatherings in the area.
Later when Sandy Co-op closed down, the bottom level was used by a variety of occupants including Jenkins Funeral Parlor from 1908 until 1912. During this time period a huge advertisement for "Bull Durham" was painted on the outside south wall.
In 1912, Mingo Lodge No. 6 Knights of Pythias purchased the building to be used as a lodge hall and rental for other social functions. It was referred to as the "K.P. Lodge" during this time period. And in 1939 Sandy City purchased the building as an interim fire station until a new facility was built in 1984 at another location.
The building lay empty until October 10, 1987 when it was once again opened to the public as the Historic Sandy Museum. The museum has stayed in the building to this day and contains an assortment of historical objects which have all been donated by citizens in the community.
The building is made of non-reinforced masonry construction of low fire brick on a quartzite-granite foundation. Located across the street was a Utah Southern Railroad Station. And fortunately it survived the vibration of a great many trains during Sandy's coming of age.
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