Brimhall, Lila Eccles

Lila Eccles Brimhall (1892-1980) was born November 26 in Ogden, Utah to Bertha Marie Jensen Eccles and her husband, David Eccles, who held half-ownership in the Ogden Opera House, where young Lila was exposed to the world of theater. In 1914, Lila Eccles received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah, where she studied under Maud May Babcock in the speech department. She went on to receive a diploma from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1916 and a certificate from the same institution in 1929.

After marrying Dean R. Brimhall, future Director of Research form the Civil Aeronautics Administration, in 1917, Lila Brimhall, nee Eccles, continued her studies at Columbia University (1917, 1933, 1941), the University of London (1937) and earned her Master of Arts degree from the University of Southern California in 1939.

Always returning to her native Utah, Lila Eccles Brimhall served as a member of faculty at the University of Utah as a speech instructor (1929-31), assistant professor (1948-1955) and associate professor in speech and theater (1956-1960). After retiring to emeritus status, she held the positions of associate professor emeritus in speech (1930-1980) and associate professor emeritus in theater (1967-1980).

Having performed with the University of Utah Players, Moroni Olsen Players, California's Pasadena Players, and in various theatrical productions in the Salt Lake City area in addition to her many lectures and speeches, Lila Eccles Brimhall now watches over the lobby of the Pioneer Memorial Theatre via a 1977 portrait by Alvin Gittins. She died in Salt Lake City on April 3, 1980.

From the guide to the Lila Eccles Brimhall memorial service audio collection, 1980, (J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah)