Exploring the Old Saltair Site

While staying a proper social distance we explored the site of the original Saltair resorts on Utah's strange inland sea, the Great Salt Lake.
There is not much left of the originals structures of the old resorts, the first burned in 1925 and the second in 1970. The site is now a protected archaeological site. We headed out to see what we could see! (sea?) No matter. Other than getting attacked by bugs we had a grand day and long walk.
Wikipedia:
The first Saltair, completed in 1893, was jointly owned by a corporation associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salt Lake & Los Angeles Railway (later renamed as the Salt Lake, Garfield and Western Railway), which was constructed for the express purpose of serving the resort.[1] Saltair was not the first resort built on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, but was the most successful ever built. It was designed by well-known Utah architect Richard K.A. Kletting and rested on over 2,000 posts and pilings, many of which remain and are still visible over 110 years later.[2]
Saltair was a family place, intended to provide a safe and wholesome atmosphere with the open supervision of Church leaders. While some of the other resorts in the area were seen as "spiritually bleak", a young courting Mormon couple could visit Saltair without worrying about gossip. Trains left from Salt Lake City every 45 minutes,[1] and so long as the boy got the girl home at a reasonable time after the train arrived, parents weren't worried - in part because, from the moment of arriving at the station before the outing until they left the station coming home, they were usually never out of sight of trusted members of the community. More than once, a couple on the way home found themselves in the same car as their parents, who themselves had been dancing at Saltair.[example needed]
Intended from the beginning as the Western counterpart to Coney Island, Saltair was one of the first amusement parks, and for a time was the most popular family destination west of New York.[2] The church finally sold the resort in 1906.[3]
Saltair II
The first Saltair pavilion and a few other buildings were destroyed by fire on April 22, 1925.[3] A new pavilion was built and the resort was expanded at the same location by new investors, but several factors prevented the second Saltair from achieving the success of its ancestor. The advent of motion pictures and radio, the Great Depression, and the interruption of the "go to Saltair" routine kept people closer to home. With a huge new dance floor - the world's largest at the time -[3] Saltair became more known as a dance palace, the amusement park becoming secondary to the great traveling bands of the day, such as Glenn Miller. Though Saltair showed motion pictures, there were other theaters more convenient to town.
In addition, the first Saltair had benefited from its location on the road from Salt Lake City to the Tooele Valley and to Skull Valley, which in the late 1800s was home to Iosepa, a large community of Polynesian Mormons. Being near a major intersection, Saltair also served as the first (or last) major facility on the road, making it a popular resting area for those traveling by horseback or wagon. When Saltair was rebuilt, however, this traffic was all but gone. Part of the reason was the advent of automobiles, bus and train service to the Tooele Valley, but the other cause was the abandonment of Iosepa, as Polynesians went to homes in the Salt Lake Valley or the community forming around the new LDS Temple in Laie, on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.
Saltair thus had to survive solely against strong competition, and in a dwindling market. Disaster struck in 1931, in the form of a fire that caused over $100,000 in damage, then again in 1933 as the resort was left high and dry when lake waters receded (forcing the construction of a miniature railway to carry swimmers between the resort and the water). Saltair was forced to close during the Second World War, which forced the rationing of fuel and other resources while it took many of the resort's paying customers - and vital employees - out of Utah. Reopening after the war, the resort found the same situation that it had faced in the 1930s. There were so many other entertainment options, closer to home, and the public was no longer in the habit of going "all the way out there". The resort closed in 1958, causing the railroad to cease passenger operations at the same time.[4]
Attempts over the next decade to breathe new life into the resort finally ended in November 1970, when an arson fire was set in the center of the wooden dance floor, destroying the main Saltair pavilion.[5][6] A previous arson fire in September 1967 had destroyed the concourse, entry gate, concession stands, and various other support structures but spared the main building.[7][1]

[@robertholtz]

You're such a gifted storyteller, Toy Man. Thank you for sharing this history before it completely recedes into oblivion. Peace and well-being to you.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up. For the next few weeks we’re going to be showing are collectibles from Saltair. No nothing rescued from the site which is protected, but interesting documents and art

[@SilverSunPublishing]

I visited the old Saltair II in 1970 about 3 months before it burned down. My sister, a friend, and I arrived at dusk and it was quite spooky. Saltair was an enormous wooden structure, very dilapidated. When we entered the dance floor area, hundreds of bats started screeching and flying at us to escape our flashlight -- they apparently lived there like they would in a cave. It was totally surreal. There was graffiti all over the walls, and a lot of vandalism. It was really sad. It was quite dark when we left. We were out in the middle of nowhere, and we hurriedly ran to our car and drive off.

[@csestini]

What a beautiful place. Imagine what it must have been like visiting this place in the late 1800's. It must have been amazing. Thanks for making this video showing us this wonder that sadly no longer exists.

[@billbruff9613]

Thanks for a refreshing "day out" and an enjoyable Utah history lesson.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Be sure to watch the next four and possibly five Tuesday shows which are all on Solitaire artifacts. If we do a fifth it will be on a model of Solterra.

[@bcgrittner]

Even though I have traveled through the Great Salt Lake area a few times over the years, I was totally unaware that the Saltair complex ever existed. This was a fascinating history lesson.

[@ToyManTelevision]

It’s a fascinating history right? What an amazing place I am so glad I got to see it before it burned. At least the second one I really wish the first one would’ve survived

[@APPLEDUDEZ]

R I I I I G H T ??!!!!!!

[@gmaneis]

This was IMHO your best video ever! It made me happy and sad all at once. I grew up near Chicago, and remember the old Riverview Amusement park, which I guess is now an industrial park, so memories of it, and now your video, tug at my nostalgic heartstrings. Really horrible the way the area has been left in such terrible condition, at the edge of such an amazing natural wonder. How fortunate your are to have seen such a fantastic place in its glory, even if it was fading fast.. Thanks for sharing it.

[@jamesf791]

You'll be happy to know that Riverview amusement park is not an industrial park but is of a police station. Well police station, city car repair, and a few stores. But the high school just north (lane technical) is still there, though it's co-ed and not a all boys school anymore. But the Illinois Railway Museum (irm.org) has a big billboard on the property showing an ad for Riverview. images.app.goo.gl/YJnqEhMhojRybFF86

[@ToyManTelevision]

Just Karyn and I both feel fortunate we were able to see saltair before it burned down. And I was very fortunate to go out there when it was still operating in the 1950s as a small child. Precious memories. Sad but the whole thing went up in flames. There was an attempt to restore it in the 1960s by a guy name Sheldon Brewster. And he would do fundraisers where he would take people out there on the train and then you could tour of the defunct facility. I went out there on two such trips it was sad and amazing all at the same time

[@gmaneis]

@@jamesf791 Yes! Very happy to know all that, and also have been glad for many years that the IRM has, in addition to the Riverview sign, some Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Railroad cars that are operating. I rode that line several times in its last years. Thanks James. I appreciate the update.

[@gmaneis]

@@ToyManTelevision Fascinating what people did for entertainment long ago, compared to what's popular now. We've come a long way from the Roman Colosseum, haven't we? :-)

[@APPLEDUDEZ]

I enjoyed the narration and visual presentation immensely !!!!!! Thank you, thank you so much for sharing your experience and teaching me a bit of history regarding the Saltair. No, it was NOT boring. 😁😁😁😁

[@cbgadget4740]

That was a most interesting history video, throughly enjoyed thanks for sharing, Cary

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@thebeav55]

I watched "Carnival" this morning. I thought "Where is that ?" when Candace was touring the place. It made me a little sad to know it's gone. Great video, thanks !

[@2quintly]

My parents took me there in the mid 60s, and at that time it was still quite a place. We swam in the lake (floated) and I remember the changing room (men only) with showers. It was a great vacation get away. I lived in Layton from 1999 to 2000, and it seems to me that there was still some sort of building out there. From what I understood from this video, after the fire in 1970, the whole place was gone. Was I dreaming? Also I believe that one or more of the Saltaire cars are at the Heber Valley Railroad (or at least they were when I lived in Utah). What a GRAND place, and I find it infinitely interesting, and a shame that it is gone, to say the least.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! Yes after Saltair burn down and 1970s a third saw there was built but not at that location. It’s about a mile and a half away and still there. But it’s a fraction of the size. We’re going to be showing that a week from Tuesday. For the next four Tuesdays we’re going to be showing artifacts from Saltair in our collection

[@robertmoir5695]

My how things have changed so much I really enjoy videos like this

[@ToyManTelevision]

Fun to explore

[@1Inshane]

I watched Carnival of Souls for the first time and wanted to learn more about this abandoned amusement park. I really enjoyed your video, it is nicely done and informative. And you both have great personalities 😊 Thank you for posting your video.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. And thanks!! Did you like carnival of souls?

[@1Inshane]

@@ToyManTelevision Yes, I did like it, it was creepy and cool with a Twilight Zone type feeling.

[@urbex...beyondtheentry2536]

Excellent narration of the Saltair history ✌🏻

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks 😊

[@TheBarry1m]

Very Interesting show today.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@77thTrombone]

1:02 - the bride makes a gesture that can come only from the experience of inhaled brine flies. (With the road glare in her specs, she reminds me of Marcie, of Charlie Brown fame.) Chiggers: I have very little experience with these, but I would say: if you are so beset with these that you see yourselves being beset with these, then you are truly beset with these. The follow-on question has to be: does a good soak in salt water de-beset one of their besetation? Finally: you two are so comfortable with each other. I hope you appreciate what you have. Thanks for the tour!

[@jordantoland666]

This is one of the very best reports I have seen on the Saltair! Great job!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks so much!!!

[@snakerog]

Awesome! In the 90's I used to live in Ogden and worked at the Utah Test and Training Range. Numerous times I walked out there and looked for the Saltair ruins but was never successful in finding them. Thank you so much for posting this as it was almost like I was really there.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Perhaps you can still make it one day. Well worth the walk.

[@barbaraercolini8324]

Vi ho scoperto leggendo Jules Verne Il giro del mondo in 80 giorni. Volendo approfondire un capitolo , mi avete dato PROPRIO QUELLO CHE CERCAVO !! il libro infatti narra episodi del 1862 . Ottimoooo

[@jamesnull6010]

I really enjoyed this video. So much history gone very quickly. Again, very well done y’all!!!🇺🇸

[@ToyManTelevision]

Be sure to watch tomorrow sort of a follow up video

[@jamesnull6010]

Toy Man Television I watched the follow up video. That’s great that you got the old plan from back in time!🇺🇸

[@kepstein8888]

Thanks for sharing all of this. Fascinating.

[@adamwalker3071]

thanks to you both for another wonderful day.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you for that!!! Stay safe.

[@chrishereford5969]

Thanks Dale and Karyn, that was a beautiful story, superbly narrated! It makes one feel, as if he'd been there and had seen it all. Thank you for literally walking all the way out there, just to show us what's left of history. It really shows you care! And do you know what? We really appreciate your contribution to history, and your participation in making this story, so much more remarkable! God bless, and keep the videos coming! You're doing a splendid job as usual!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi and thank you! This was a challenging show and get incredibly fun! It’s a long walk out there. The old pier is a mile long. And it’s about a quarter of a mile just to get to it. And then another quarter to half-mile out to the lake. And we got off to a fault start by taking the wrong leg of the Y and getting attacked by chiggers!

[@roliorosco4727]

Thank you for the knowledge.I look forward to good people teaching our old history.

[@gofftershnit]

Love learning about Saltair's history. Thanks for sharing this information. I always enjoy your videos. Such a sad demise that theme park faced. Even today it is still a ghost. I hope one day it will be a full theme park again.

[@ToyManTelevision]

It would be amazing. If ever.

[@jenniferropp]

Your video popped up on my screen today and I was so excited! I LOVE listening and watching as you told about the first two Salt Airs. My grandparents met at the second one, on the dance floor🥰 They used to talk about the open air trolleys that they used to ride out there. I love learning everything about it. I wish I could have seen the first one in it’s hey day! I was a child who had just moved to Salt Lake when the latest Salt Air was built. I remember being so excited to go to the “beach”! Lol! It was A lot different than the California beaches I was used to! But, still it was fun to float in the Very Salty water. It got flooded in 1983 and we never went there again😔 So sad. As a teenager I used to drive out to Antelope Island, where there are som spectacular sunsets 🌅 over the lake. It makes me SO upset to see the lake drying up now. It will ruin the whole eco system. Not to mention the toxic chemicals in the sand left behind. It’s just really sad 😢 I hope the government comes up with a solution. Anyways, thanks for your wonderful video 🥰

[@ToyManTelevision]

We wish we could’ve seen Saltair a little more than we had. I at least had an opportunity to visit it when it was still in business but just barely so. As for the great Salt Lake it will be back! It’s a funny thing about a puddle like that one. One of these days we will have more rain we will have a lot more rain and the lake will fill up again. In the meantime it is something a horror show with the dust blowing into town. There was a point in the 1960s where the lake got just about this low. The record that we just broke is the record that was set at that time. At that point we were also told the great salt lake was going to vanish. Dry completely up and that was going to be the end of it. 20 years later I was working out there helping them build the new Saltair which was almost destroyed by flood waters. Even taking climate change into account, that lake will continue to do what that lake has always done, change levels! So 20 years from now they will be building Dikes to protect the freeway. And 20 years later they will be trying to figure out how to keep the dust from blowing into the city again.

[@chiconian49]

Thanks for the tour. I drove through that area a few times in the 1990's and remember seeing what looked like the remains of aa very long pier.

[@ToyManTelevision]

There are two. You cans see the other right next to this one in several of the shots. A creek flows into the lake on either side of the old long pier. To the north east they built a wood pier to carry water out to Saltair fir the showers. The red brick ruins is the pump house.

[@JVanDevere]

Thank you so much for sharing. Much Appreciated! :)

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!

[@JWitchard]

Great video. You mentioned Carnival of Souls being filmed there, so I thought I would check it out and found it on Amazon Prime Video. Definitely a low budget movie and quite predictable but it kept me watching until the end. Saltair must have been quite a place from what you showed and what could be seen in the film. 😊👍

[@ToyManTelevision]

Carnival of souls is certainly a cult classic. No real story to speak of but filming in that environment what could possibly be better! The real star of that movie is the building.

[@coltonfonnesbeck3760]

As someone who has attended many concerts at the current iteration of the saltair I loved hearing all the former history of all the music, bands, and dancing that have been apart of the area! Thanks for making such a fun and informative video!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Glad you liked it! Other than getting attacked by insects out there it was really fun for us too! What an interesting site

[@robertemmons2260]

This episode was well done. You were able to capture the audience and transport them into another era where our grandparents use to live in. Such a historic place to learn about. I had no idea that the old Salt Air had even existed. Not only did it exist, it was a huge attraction back then! Just when we think that you can't outdo yourselves, you bring us another episode thats just over the top. Thank you again for another great episode. Take care.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! Thanks! We were beat! About a five mile walk. On my new hip. And Karyn’s bad knee. AND we were attacked by chiggers. Hundreds of bites. Still have a rash. BUT it was well worth it. Hard to tell but the dirt is about 10% broken stuff. Glass. Metal. Wood. Millions of little bits.

[@jdl7211]

This tour of history was absolutely amazing! I love your videos!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!

[@joeydemarco7315]

Amazing video first time viewer and this is some dope stuff

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. And thanks!!! More fun stuff here too.

[@kentcourtney5535]

Many years ago I got a book on theelectric railways of Utah. I was fascinated with the Saltair operation, especially the big electric interurbans.. When I joined the Navy, I happened to meet somebody who had been a train man on the Bamberger Railway. He was amazed that he had met somebody who actually knew the history of all those electric railways in the area. Your video brought back memories of the Navy and of the times I enjoyed reading about Saltair.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I’m assuming you’re referring to the interurbans of Utah. That’s a great book and hard to find these days

[@sakiyaix]

Just found your channel and I already love it

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!! Tell everyone!! Share. More silly fun in the works.

[@signforu]

I just saw the movie “Carnival of Souls” (1962) - on KZbin, and then listened to a podcast about the making of the movie at the old Saltair amusement park. I was fascinated and wanted to learn more. Your podcast did a great job of sharing what it was then, and how it looks now. I love the way you and your wife play off each other, as well as the wonderful editing and voiceover commentary. Thank you for sharing this. I am now a subscriber and will check out your other videos.

[@ClintThomsen]

What podcast talked about Carnival of Souls?

[@APPLEDUDEZ]

And you did not share the links ???!!!

[@richardruemenapp2782]

Always a enjoyment going sight seeing with you both, and very interesting. Thank you, enjoy your Holiday.

[@Jeremiah7-ox2nj]

Well done documentary. Thanks.

[@dominicbarsi1169]

This is so well put together. Thank you so much

[@blankrobber]

"Oh my heck" what a lovely, little documentary! Please continue to catalog and record this forgotten history as the Salt Lake Valley gets bulldozed and developed at a dizzying rate

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!! Wow.

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Very interesting slice of history.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Really interesting place!

[@thebellanextdoor]

I very much enjoyed your video. Breaks my heart....but I enjoyed the pictures. Thank you!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you very much!

[@gavinelster3168]

Urban explorer from Los Angeles sayin hi! Thank you for a wonderful video. I’m lovin’ y’all! Great annotations on the video. Usually I ignore them however yours actually pop up on things I want to learn more about. The roller coaster carcass that washed up would be nothing to the casual explorer. Thank you for giving it back it’s dignity.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi !! I love that thought about the roller coaster 🎢. For me it’s about being in the place or in the presence of a thing. I visited the grave of Beethoven in Vienna. And to know HE is there. It’s amazing.

[@wmjwell]

I also understand that the railroad causeway cut Salt Lake in “half” which dramatically changed the eco system. I remember seeing something about creating channels for the water to move between the areas. Really sad to see these changes. Loved the history and the sunset photographs. Thanks!

[@ToyManTelevision]

We are planning a show in the extremely near future to drive up to the causeway and drive across it. If you saw our show on the causeway from about a year ago we said we’d love to go see it but there’s no way to get to it. Well that has changed they’ve put a highway right down the side of the causeway because the new landfill is out in the middle of the lake! Anyway we’re going to drive up there and drive across the causeway

[@gmaneis]

@@ToyManTelevision Oh just great. You mean they're planning to dump garbage there? Horrible!

[@NM-md8se]

You two are so adorable. Thank you for that

[@MsLindaMom]

What an enjoyable tour!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up. I’ve been collecting sober memorabilia for 40 years. Not the broken artifacts out of the site which is a protected site for interesting items Like photographs and documents

[@Ken4trains]

Nope, that was not boring!! Thanks folks for sharing that historic location.

[@remorrey]

A wonderful work. Third time I've watched it. Thank you.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching!!! What a grand day out that was!

[@Repoman46]

My girlfriend and I had just gone out there today kind of in a whim after doing Google maps recon. Thank you for filling in so many gaps in my imagination as I was trying to mentally reconstruct the site in my head.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Great history. Great memories too

[@sandrafullerton261]

Thanks for the History of Salt Air. I remember it well. I was 10 years old.

[@MannyGonzalezReyna]

Great video, thanks for producing it.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!!

[@1800clyde]

That was a wonderful video. Thanks for all the interesting information and historic pictures. It's so cool that you visited there.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I feel so lucky to have had the chance to see it when it was open even if it was only for that last year. But that I was there and rode the roads smell the popcorn and enjoyed the place is a very satisfying memory. I was also able to take the train out there on several occasions through the 1960s before it burned down just to explore of the no longer operating. You’re always trying to raise money can I go named Sheldon Brewster will take three loads of people out there and I was always at the front of that line.

[@joanmoran4756]

We enjoy your videos, very informative, keep up the good work.

[@josephbshaffer8583]

Boring……NOT!!!!!! Fantastic video…..well done!!!! Came across your video doing a google search on Saltaire, after reading a KSL article on Saltaire history walk. Thanx!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. And THANKS!!!

[@CoryTheRaven]

The story of places like Saltair just break my heart... I love the architecture and era of these great Pre-WWII "Gay Nineties" boardwalks, but I'll never be able to experience one as they really were. This past June my wife and I were supposed to go to Yosemite, Sequoia, Sacramento, and San Francisco, and had debated going to Santa Cruz. But we realized that while it still has a few of those vintage rides, it wouldn't be the experience we really wanted. Not that it mattered, since our trip was cancelled anyway! Anyway, heartbreaking video, but a great one. Thanks for sharing it!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Santa Cruze is still worth seeing. If you really open your imagination it’s still great. A few really great rides and features. Roller coaster and carousel. And a LAUGHING SAL!!

[@CoryTheRaven]

@@ToyManTelevision Maybe we'll have to rethink it... We won't be trying that trip again next year (already missed the window to rebook for June 2021) but maybe in a couple year's time... Maybe ride the train to it as well. We really just wanted a place to wear my boater hat and her bustle dress :D

[@sleepy80129]

I enjoyed watching this I was born in 1982 but remember going swimming when was younger out saltair and I remember lots of people and a beach something just draws me out there so I go take my dog out there but thank u it was good to learn the history of the place u and your wife did great

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks. It’s a weird but fun place to visit

[@eottoe2001]

Remember this from the horror film and the maker of the film was on NPR's Fresh Air. Thanks for the info.

[@ToyManTelevision]

A friend of mine bought some unused footage from a lab who is selling it just to use as an audio filter material. Just a bunch of film left over and it turned out to be the unused takes from Carnival of souls! He has that in his collection

[@ritaloy8338]

As I have yet to see the Great Salt Lake. Butknowing the history would be enough to grab my attention. Thanks again for the video of Saltare

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hello Rita I hope this finds you well. It’s a very very strange place out there not just the lake but the salt flats around it. It’s very much like visiting a distant planet. But with a reasonable atmosphere. At any rate that first saw there was really something in the second one was very interesting as well. Karyn and I feel very fortunate that we were able to see it before it was gone.

[@davidphilpott6606]

Another fantastic video! Thank you! This one really makes me sad. Such a fun place and its gone. Next time I get to SL, I'll look you up. Or just ride the front runner together.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yes Karyn and I feel fortunately we were able to see it before it burned down. And as a young child I was very fortunate to go out there and ride the rides and see the pavilion before it closed. Do you watch tomorrow and for the next three Tuesdays as we’re going to be showing some fun salt air memorabilia

[@davidphilpott6606]

@@ToyManTelevision Thanks. Only got interested in SL history since daughter moved there in 2000. Now I visit often and love riding the front runner to Ogden and having a Philly cheese sandwich at the Zephyr.

[@rileydog362]

Great video !

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. And thanks.

[@rohnerw]

Wonderful video editing and narration! While listening to you fill out the history, looking at the pictures, it was all there. "Somewhere in Time." Almost makes one think, if they could just imagine hard enough, a dimensional door could open, and one could walk through it to this wonderful place, that was.

[@ToyManTelevision]

That would be the magnificent thing wouldn’t it! A real life time machine to go back to places like this. But at least we have photographs and KZbin and toy man television. Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@rrelectric5159]

Thanks for sharing a fun piece of history.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@josephsturek4332]

Very Interesting great video 📹 👍 👌 👏

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!!

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Amazing video you two thank you I seriously look forward to waking up Sunday just to watch your videos can’t wait for Tuesday

[@ToyManTelevision]

Gee thanks!!! Tomorrow and the next few Tuesdays we are showing our Saltair collection. Tomorrow the blueprints for the original Saltair

[@elguapo42]

thank yall I was looking for the location of the Old Saltair! you did it!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hard to spot if you don’t know exactly where to look!

[@stevemellin5806]

Really a cool place to see.and a lot of history . thank you . Have a great day

[@jeffbangkok]

Very relaxing way to start Monday morning on the other side of the world

[@ToyManTelevision]

I suppose in an odd sort of way this miserable virus has brought us all together. Anyway stay safe on your side of the world. Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@ddf414]

Great video

[@lizardwrangle]

Thanks for the tour! Loved that old Victorian architecture in the photos. At least you can still catch a Saltair Sunset.

[@ToyManTelevision]

And now a shipwreck has washed up! Well probably not it’s just at the lake is shrinking so fast it’s uncovered it anyway we’re heading out there to look at a shipwreck. Apparently there was this three hour tour and something went horribly wrong anyway we’re gonna look into it.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@ToyManTelevision >>> COOL!!!!

[@ozone-xv7hk]

I’m no stranger to ghost towns and old locations but damn, what an interesting find! Refreshing to see after all this time spent indoors. We have an old town several hours away from us as well. Old Molson. There’s a huge, elaborate high school, tons of abandoned buildings, closed up mine shafts, friendly locals, and dozens of pieces of old steam machinery. Fascinating place to spend a day.

[@ToyManTelevision]

And where exactly is that? It sounds fascinating

[@ozone-xv7hk]

Toy Man Television eastern Washington! If you search up Winthrop, which is a well-known destination with a phenomenal mining museum, it’s about a 2 hour drive. I can’t search it up right now because I’m working, but I can get you more information later.

[@ozone-xv7hk]

Toy Man Television ok, the address is listed simply as “Molson”, United States. There is old Molson and new Molson, both in various states of abandonment. I went to Old Molson. Fantastic museum, friendly locals, and interesting buildings to check out. I think I saw new Molson as well. Despite the name, New Molson is just as old as Old Molson, it was when the town disagreed and part of them moved out. I’d highly reccomend searching it up.

[@bardlardstudios7035]

Great video!! There is one of the open rail cars in Ogden at the DDO.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. Not in good shape sadly. But a mostly perfect one in Rio Vista California at the railroad museum. We have a video.

[@ToyManTelevision]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWHPdn2ipdyJY80si=jO-bNVJsea0rgnQ8

[@scrapbookaholic]

This was so fascinating! I lived in Lake Point which is super close to Saltair. I never knew all of this and appreciate you sharing! So was the original Saltair resort was 1.5 miles north of where it is today?

[@greguzar8233]

Reminds me of the old Sutro Baths complex just about 150, or so feet, from the San Francisco Cliff House. I remember the fire as about six of us walked across the "Avenues", lower Golden Gate Park, and up to Sutro Park, across from the baths. That was the early sixties. Nice job on this episode. Greg and Jeanne.

[@ToyManTelevision]

We have explored the ruins. Wow!!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Is a kid my brother and I really loved Cliffhouse. In the magnificent history of Sutro in the Sutro tunnel in Nevada and the Sutro baths a Cliffhouse. But mostly we loved the arcade full of original early 20th century arcade machines including the best collection of nickelodeon pianos west of well west of market Street anyway! But it really was a magnificent collection including a Sieberg model H! I also get a kick out of the camera Obscura. But I love the old baths and it’s really fun to explore the ruins.

[@jimbobjones5972]

A distinctive bit of the history of Salt Lake City. Thanks for the vid!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Be sure to watch tomorrow we have something of a follow up shot. In fact we’re going to be showing saw there is stuff for the next three Tuesdays

[@gregsmith1719]

Great video, Dale! Interesting history!

[@trmn311]

Not being from the area I would have never guessed all that use to be out there. Very interesting.

[@ToyManTelevision]

It’s a strange lake! I suppose in the earlier days it was a more pleasant place as it water levels were somewhat more stable. But in modern times the lake vacillates between being on top of the freeway we’re not being there at all

[@larryarcher4502]

My mom and dad used to describe those amusement type areas explaining how Grand they were what a magical time to have been alive must have been breathtaking especially for Farm kids thanks for another great video and history

[@ToyManTelevision]

There were some really great amusement peers in boardwalks but I really truly believe the Saltair took the cake. And pie. And cotton candy. But first pavilion was a brilliant work of art

[@larryarcher4502]

Probably pretty hard for most people to wrap their minds around in this day in age everything they did back then was over the top truly different in grandeur and style they knew what they wanted

[@johnlemke7298]

Fantastic video! In addition to all the rest, you have caught on video the legendary "green flash" at sunset at 21:30.

[@ToyManTelevision]

The sunsets out there are really spectacular! And yes some of those amazing color shifts. The light changes every few minutes dramatically.

[@DoodleCube]

Beautiful video! Great history!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up. We’ve got a collection of things from Solitaire, no knock or defects taken from the site which would be illegal but interesting photographs and paperwork that I’ve collected over 40 years including the original blueprints for the original building

[@BarlowJacob]

Very cool

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi again!!! Fun stuff right? Love your videos.

[@BarlowJacob]

@@ToyManTelevision Thanks! I love yours too. So educational.

[@gmmeier321]

Awesome history. Never heard of this place before.

[@idahofur]

Growing up in the 80's in Idaho and going down to Salt. Lake I always heard about the Salt Palace. 1 & 2. Thanks for filling in more of the history. I just know it didn't exist anymore.

[@ToyManTelevision]

The original salt Palace with something! I’ve only seen photographs of it but what you can’t really tell is that is where it looks like it’s stucco, it’s not the outer coating is salt! They’ve somehow mixed rocksalt with a binding material to use that as stucco and I understand it’s sparkles in the sun light

[@shrink908]

what a shame to lose something so iconic and unique... similar happened to Asbury Park, NJ's seaside boardwalk and amusements... Shame to lose such historic and iconic places.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hate to see these old things go away. The moral to this story is if there’s something you want to see today would be the best day to do that because it may not be there tomorrow

[@Brickbuildingtwins]

@@ToyManTelevision or go out and do some work to preserve these places…i myself protested and payed my own money to tru and save the pantages theater in downtown salt lake…if more people cared these place and are beautiful national parks would be preserved

[@larrypratt4434]

Hey ToyMan and ToyGal, Carnival of Souls is available on a cable movie netwoork that I shall not name. Definitely creepy and apprently a clut classic! Thanks for mention it in this segment.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. We downloaded. Awesome weird!

[@rellstuttin9198]

Great video Troy sure do wish they would build something like this again with the growth of the state. People still like Rollercoaster lol

[@ToyManTelevision]

The lake is fickle. All but gone right now… the Saltair 3 is almost 3/4 of a mile from the lake. But 30 years ago the lake was inside the ballroom. Antelope Island hasn’t been an island now in years.

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

Being from a tropical island and having the ocean surround you with gorgeous aquamarine colors, and even in Galveston, sometimes the water turns blue ! And Believe me Galveston is truly more BROWN then Blue on a good day ! But this picture truly saddens me ! ;(.... The sunset was gorgeous though :) ! Or Is it possible that I am Just plain asking for ‘too much’ from Mother Nature ???? Or is man to blame again ??? 🌊🐺

[@ToyManTelevision]

The sunsets out there are always spectacular! Well almost always. Something about the light bouncing off the pure white salt and coming up onto the bottom of the clouds that way. We just drove out there on a random day and saw what you saw there just a beautiful beautiful sunset.

[@0779BooBoo]

It's truly a pity that places like that are not around any more.

[@ToyManTelevision]

There are a couple sort of like this survivors from that era. Some of what’s going on at Coney Island. But my favorite is the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. We have a video on that. But it’s one of the few surviving resorts from this era.

[@billkline4077]

so sad to see Saltair , something so glorious too bad it would been preserved for other generations Good story well put together

[@ToyManTelevision]

There was a group called save our saltair bear in the 1960s. They would take people out there on the train to tour the facility and raise money for the restoration. But needless to say that went nowhere. However I did go out there on a couple of those trips and that was really amazing.

[@Glorindellen]

I was out there yesterday, but I couldn't find the restaurant spot. Sometime I'll have to go out there again when I have water and more time...

[@sandygiacobbe3675]

The population for the whole state of Utah in1890 is about 200,000 . How is this possible ? I have been to many modern waterparks today and have never seen anything like this .

[@jeebus022]

Awesome video! I'll have to drive out there after winter and check things out! Did you all just park on the side of the road or what?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yes. There is a fence. But plenty of places to park on the road and enter.

[@maddogmerv]

Great job! I particularly like the part about the trains that you always cover so well.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi Mervin! That is really an amazing place out there have you been out?

[@maddogmerv]

No, I never knew exactly where it was

[@gavingrierson8130]

That was really interesting. Thank you very much.

[@terielrand8344]

Folks, what a great video and thank you for the history lesson!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up. We have an interesting collection of Saltair memorabilia. Not artifacts from the ruin site, but interesting paperwork tickets souvenirs of that kind

[@JD_79]

I was too young for Saltair. Being from Utah I've seen pictures of it here and there and I still can't believe it was ever out there or that people used to travel so far to swim in the Great Salt Lake.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I’m so glad I was not able to see it but go there as a child in it’s last years.

[@worldoneprofessorjamesperr2417]

Saltair III Pavilion, constructed 1981 Proximity to Interstate 80, plus new population expansion into the Tooele Valley and the western Salt Lake Valley, prompted the construction of a third Saltair in 1981. The new pavilion was constructed out of a salvaged aircraft hangar from Hill Air Force Base, and located approximately a mile west of the original. Once again the lake was a problem, this time flooding the resort only months after it opened. The waters again receded after several years, and again new investors restored and repaired and planned, only to discover that the waters continued to move away from the site, again leaving it high and dry. Concerts and other events have been held at the newest facility, but by the end of the 1990s, Saltair was little more than a memory, too small to compete with larger venues that were closer to the public.

[@ToyManTelevision]

But doing ok these days. Smaller concerts but don’t go out on a concert night! Oh the traffic

[@reddog-ex4dx]

What a beutifull sunset!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Are used to be a giant sign right there on the Saltair pier that read “the worlds best sunsets are viewed from the spot“. Well yes that’s somewhat hyperbole you could make that argument. Almost every night a spectacular sunset with the light bounces up off the salt flats.

[@NYCJDClark]

Very interesting.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching. Check tomorrow. Sort of a follow up.

[@NYCJDClark]

@@ToyManTelevision looking forward to it as always.

[@DavidDragonhammer]

well shiver me timbers,lol ,I remember going out too salt lake back in the early to mid 60's,that was back in the day my father wanted to show me the more interesting of the western USA,,also loved Salt Lake City,what a beautiful area to travel thru.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I traveled out there in the late 1960s. There was a guy name Sheldon Brewster would put together a group called Save Our Saltair. (SOS). They would take a bunch of people out there on the train and showed them around the pavilion. It actually started some basic restoration work they were really attempting the impossible. The first fire in 1968 really ended what they were doing. But occasionally you can get a train ride out to the field pavilion in the 1960s and that was really neat.

[@mulder19x95]

So not sure if you're into the more spooky history but Zak Bagans recently investigated the site for his show Ghost Adventures. It is believed the site was built on Indigenous land causing it to be cursed which is why the original Saltair burned down and the Saltair II was flooded. The new Saltair III having been closed since covid has been managing to creepy out its current caretakers as strange happenings have been documented on the site such as ghostly apparitions, voices, footsteps, and the laughter of children.

[@RichadTheLionHeat]

Great video. We truly enjoyed watching. What’s the name of the music in the background. Piano and other instruments. That piece I recognize, but do not remember the name and the composer! Waiting for a response. Thank you.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. The music is library music from Smartsound. I can rearrange it and make it fit. Recorded one instrument at a time. And broken into bars. Much of it sounds like other familiar music.