| Description |
Saltair, a lakeside resort located at the south and of Great Salt Lake, was built in the early months of 1893 and officially opened in June 1893. It was the most successful of several resorts built on the lake during the last half of the nineteenth century. Except for a few years when Saltair was closed for repairs and closed again during World War II, it was open every summer until 1958. After 1958, several groups tried unsuccessfully to save Saltair from being demolished ; however, its deteriorating buildings were finally razed by fire in November 1970. This thesis covers the period from 1893 to 1906 during which time the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) established and then sold Saltair, and includes a brief account of the physiography of Great Salt Lake, as well as early accounts of those who visited there, other early resorts on the lake, and factors that influenced construction. Leaders of the Mormon church wanted to have a resort for church members and the general public which would provide a wholesome, clean atmosphere. Church leaders, along with prominent Mormon business leaders, purchased property on the south shore of Great Salt Lake from Matthew White, a non-Mormon. White himself had extensive plans to establish a resort on the lake, but lacked the capital, When White sold his property to the church, he become a stock-holder in the company and was its first manager. Because of disagreements with another stockholder and Mormon businessman, White resigned and withdrew from the company. The resort was built under the leadership of Nephi W. Clayton, who became the second manager of Saltair. Clayton lost his position as manager at the end of the 1899 season as a result of charges made against him by persons who felt he was not setting a proper example of good moral behavior. He did, however, remain a stockholder and company director. Mormon leaders took control of Saltair when John Henry Smoth, a church apostle, was appointed to manage the resort. A search for a new manager was conducted and two men were selected to fill the position in 1900 and 1901. From 1902 to 1906, Jeremiah Longford managed the company. The church allowe3d beer to be sold at Saltair during the first year, but the sale was discontinued in 1903 when some Protestant ministers criticized church leaders for allowing beer to be sold. Sales were resumed in 1904 because of loss of revenue. Church leaders decided to lease Saltair in order to remove the criticism for selling beer. The beer policy was continued by the lessee until Saltair was sold in 1906. |
