When the McMillans Met the Todds: A Union of Two Pioneer Families
Two Families Who Shaped Our Community: The McMillans & The Todds
When we look back on the history of our valley, it is impossible not to recognize the remarkable contributions of two families whose legacies continue to touch our lives—the McMillans of Murray and the Todds of Redwood.
The McMillan family story begins with three brothers—Michael, William, and Neil—who emigrated from Ireland to Utah in the 1850s and 1860s. They homesteaded a vast stretch of land between 5600 and 5900 South, from State Street to 300 East. This land would later become home to Cottonwood Hospital, and eventually the Intermountain Medical Center and Fashion Place Mall. Their presence remains visible in place names like McMillan Lane and McMillan Elementary School.
One of Michael McMillan’s sons, Clyde Milton “Mickey” McMillan, carried forward the family’s creative and community spirit. Mickey was a gifted musician who led a popular band that toured widely, and he brought his talents home by transforming the original S&M Roller Skating Rink on 3500 South into Mickey’s Danceland—a vibrant gathering place for music, dancing, and lifelong memories.
The Todd family story is just as foundational. Descended from early settlers Abraham and Anne Todd, the Todds were among the hardworking pioneers who settled the Redwood area. With determination, they dug wells and canals to bring much-needed water to the community. But they gave more than physical labor—they brought joy. Their grandson Stanley and his wife Myrl opened the original S&M Skating Rink, with the help of their children in running the business. Eventually, the original building was sold to Mickey McMillan, while the Todds built a larger rink on Redwood Road, ensuring the tradition of skating continued for the community.
The Todd/McMillan union became complete when Ronald “Dean” Todd, great-grandson of Abraham and Anne Todd, married Janice “Jessie” Lucille McMillan Todd. Together, Dean and Jessie operated the beloved S&M Skating Rink for decades. The rink became a cherished institution where countless families skated, danced, and celebrated life together. Jessie, a McMillan by birth and a Todd by marriage, perfectly represented the joining of two extraordinary families who both gave so much to their community.
Together, the McMillans and Todds brought lasting gifts to the valley. From farmland that grew into bustling neighborhoods and the Fashion Place Mall, to joyful nights spent at Mickey’s Dance Hall and weekends filled with laughter at the S&M Roller Rink, their legacies remain etched in both memory and place.
Though the dancehall has been gone for over 50 years, and the skating rink for more than 30, the memories live on. For those who danced at Mickey’s, or who laced up skates at S&M, the McMillan and Todd families gave more than entertainment—they gave us a sense of belonging, joy, and community spirit that will never be forgotten.
Was the originals S&M on 3500 south- then Mickey Mcmillan Dance Hall
S comes from Stan +M comes from Myrl = S&M Skating Rink
The McMillan Family Homestead on State Street
Todd Homestead on Redwood Road
Abraham & Anne Todd Family
The Stan & Myrl Todd Family
