1. On December 8, 1856, the first group of handcart pioneers arrived in Salt Lake City. These pioneers had traveled over 1,300 miles from Iowa City to Utah, pushing and pulling handcarts filled with their belongings. Despite harsh winter conditions and lack of supplies, the majority of the group survived the journey.

2. In 1906, the Armistice Day Blizzard hit Utah on December 8th. This severe winter storm brought high winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures, causing widespread damage and hardship. Many towns were cut off from the outside world for days, and some people were forced to dig tunnels through the snow to reach their homes.

3. December 8, 1914, marked the dedication of the Mormon Tabernacle Organ in Salt Lake City. The organ, which has over 11,000 pipes, is one of the largest and most famous in the world. It has been played by many renowned organists and has been featured in numerous concerts and recordings.

4. On December 8, 1932, the famous actor and director Cecil B. DeMille arrived in Salt Lake City to begin filming his epic movie "The Sign of the Cross." The film, which depicts the early Christian persecution under Nero, was shot on location in Utah and featured a cast of thousands of extras. It was one of the most expensive movies made up to that time.

5. December 8, 1941, was the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Utah, along with the rest of the country, was in a state of shock and mourning. Governor Maw declared December 9th a day of prayer and ordered all flags to be flown at half-mast. Utahns rallied together to support the war effort, with many men enlisting in the armed forces and women volunteering for service organizations.