Watkins-Coleman House

5 East Main Street

Midway is noted for its Gothic Revival homes, built by English builder and architect John Watkins. The first of these was his own house started in 1868 and likely completed in 1869, making it the oldest brick home in the Heber Valley. The Gothic Revival style began in England about 1740 and homes reflecting this style had made it into the architectural pattern books by 1842. This hand-formed brick and white sandstone home in the cross-wing design has steep gable roofs, a central arched window, and scrollwork associated with the Gothic Revival style and was placed on the National Register in 1971. John Watkins 1834-1902 and his wife Margaret joined the Mormon Church in 1852 and came to Utah in the Martin Handcart Company. He lived in Provo from 1856 to 1865, where he built and helped to build many homes and buildings, including the first Provo Tabernacle. He and his three wives came to Midway in 1865 and were part of the Midway fort. He had 32 children, 9 of whom died shortly after birth or at a young age. He also was over the construction of the first Midway Chapel, parts of which are hidden in the Midway Community Center. Henry Coleman bought the house in 1903 and it passed to his daughter, Lethe Coleman Tatge, who lived there until she died in 1986. Lethe Tatge was well known for her talents as a public speaker and actor. She also appeared in several early BYU films.

This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.