Syracuse Resort
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Overview
The Syracuse resort was developed by D. C. Adams of Salt Lake City and Fred J. Kiesel of Ogden. In 1887 the Union Pacific Railroad built a spur down to the lake to serve both the Syracuse Bathing Resort, and the Adams & Keisel Salt Company, both on the east shore of Great Salt Lake.
There was never a railroad passenger depot at Syracuse, or at any other point along the Syracuse Branch. The only business for the branchline were the cannery of the Syracuse Canning Co., the beet dumps, and salt works and bathing resort located on the shores of the lake. By 1906 both the salt works and the Syracuse Bathing Resort had failed. The railroad siding called Syracuse was moved east from the lake shore in March 1906. That was when the tracks were taken up from the west end of the branch on the lake shore, east to the beet dump that was developed on the northeast corner of present day 4500 West and 1700 South. The tracks taken up in 1906 included the wye tracks that were used to turn the trains around. The new siding called Syracuse was later the location of one of Layton Sugar Company's beet dumps.
The Syracuse Bathing Resort's pavilion was about 125 feet long by 75 feet wide, with a large bar in the west end and an orchestra stand on the north side, constructed along with a refreshment stand and bath houses. There were two swings to amuse the children and a merry-go-round driven by a horse. A spacious lawn on the east and shady poplar trees transplanted from Weber Canyon along with willow-covered boweries made made what the resort's promoters said was Utah's finest recreational park — at least that's what the promoters wanted people to believe, "It is the finest beach anywhere on the lake. It is not muddy, in fact, it is just what is wanted for a first class resort."
A strong substantial pier was constructed and on it were erected a large number of bathhouses with every convenience for bathers. An excellent dancing floor and bowery have been constructed. This was the only resort on the shore of the lake that has natural groves of large shade trees. The shade of the trees was excellent and well adapted to familes and picnic parties.
The bath houses had fresh water for showers that came from a nearby irrigation ditch. It was pumped into a raised tank and gravity fed into the bath houses. There were wells in West Syracuse that also provided fresh water for the resort. Bathers were taken to and from the bath houses in a street car pulled by two mules and driven by a resort employee. Excursion boats provided tours of nearby islands.
The first three seasons everything went well. Predictions were that the Syracuse Resort would last forever, the perfect "Oasis in the Desert." Then the lake waters started to recede. Brackish mud replaced the fine beach sands. Flies covered the sand. Decaying algae started to smell. The crowds dwindled. A legal dispute over ownership of the lane was the strong blow that finally closed this resort at the conclusion of the 1891 season.
The old pavilion was moved it 1903 or 1904 to the east end of the Syracuse Canning Factory. It was used for a store house. Dances were held there for one season but a weak foundation caused the floor to warp and it wasn't suitable for dancing. Farmers used some of the remaining buildings for sheds.
Timeline
(1887-1891)
December 22, 1886
"Another Railway. -- So Ogden is to have a railroad to Syracuse. Syracuse, you know, is situated about fourteen miles from Ogden, on the shore of Great Salt Lake. It is there that the Adams and Kiesel Salt Works are located, and yesterday the U. P. management at Omaha issued orders for a spur to be built from the Salt Switch on the Utah Central to Syracuse. Syracuse, it is said, is one of the finest of locations for a bathing resort, and it is expected that the U. P. Company will go to work and construct a bathing resort, which will be an offset to the stupendous outlay of the D. & R. G last season at Lake Park. The beach is excellent and said to be better even than Garfield. The enterprise, which probably will be aided by the Salt Company, will be watched with interest." (Ogden Standard Examiner, December 22, 1886)
March 2, 1887
Ogden & Syracuse Railway was incorporated to build from Ogden, southwest to Syracuse, a distance of 15 miles. Construction actually began in January (prior to incorporation) at a connection with the Utah Central Railway at Syracuse Junction (name later changed to Clearfield) and was completed to Syracuse, 5.85 miles from Syracuse Junction, in July 1887. (OSL corporate history)
March 5, 1887
The following excerpts come from the March 5, 1887 issue of the Salt Lake Herald newspaper.
There was filed with Auditor Clayton yesterday copies of the articles of association of the "Ogden and Syracuse Railroad Company" - a corporation formed under the laws of Massachusetts for the purpose of building a railroad from Ogden to Lakeside - or rather as it will be hereafter known - Syracuse. The road will be some fifteen miles in length.
It is not thought that the construction of the new resort will have any effect upon the contemplated improvements at Garfield, or on the southern shore of the lake, the design being to prove a rival to Lake Park, and at the same time the road will be used for the purpose of carrying salt, etc., from the Adams & Kiesel Salt Company's beds. No time has been fixed for the completion of the road, so far as could be learned yesterday, although there seems to be no reason to believe but that it will be rushed through as soon as possible.
April 4, 1887
"It is expected that the Ogden & Syracuse Railroad will be completed by the 15th instant. The U. P. is reported as determined to spend as much as $75,000 for a pleasure resort, bathing place, etc., at that so favorable situated lakeside sanitarium." (Salt Lake Evening Democrat, April 4, 1887)
April 15, 1887
"Friday forenoon D. C. Adams, of Salt Lake City, left for Omaha, to be gone about ten days, in which time he'll complete arrangements concerning the contemplated improvements at the Syracuse bathing and salt air sanitarium." (Salt Lake Evening Democrat, Saturday, April 16, 1887)
May 13, 1887
"The U. P. freight office is in daily receipt of large consignments of bathing houses and other material for the coming lakeside resort at Syracuse, near Kaysville." (Salt Lake Evening Democrat, May 13, 1887)
May 21, 1887
"Mr. De Schazo, carpenter and builder, of Kaysville, says that extensive building operations will begin at the new bathing resort, Syracuse, on about the 30th inst. He will then advertise in the news for carpenters. Building material is expected to be on the ground by the 28th." (Deseret News, May 21, 1887)
May 23, 1887
"Syracuse is not relying solely upon its facilities for the manufacture of salt. It is one nf the finest locations for a bathing resort to be found anywhere upon the shore of the lake. The beach is excellent. There is no mud and the bottom is of the very best kind for bathing purposes. It is therefore proposed to establish at Syracuse a first-class bathing resort and a greater portion of the work will be accomplished this season. A pier is to be built and a number of bath houses are already on hand. Syracuse is only a short distance from Ogden. It has natural groves, artisean and fresh water in abundance and it can be made one of the most attractive pleasure resorts in the country. This is the intention, in regard to the place and being so chose to Ogden undoubtedly it would bo liberally patronized." (Ogden Standard Examiner, May 23, 1887)
June 4, 1887
"Hon. John Sharp made a flying visit to Syracuse this afternoon. The work of driving piles for the piers at this new bathing resort has commenced." (Deseret News, June 4, 1887)
June 16, 1887
"The Ogden firemen will get up an excursion to Syracuse, Ogden's new bathing resort on the opening day, probably July 4th." (Ogden Standard Examiner, June 16, 1887)
June 27, 1887
The following excerpts come from the June 27, 1887 issue of the Ogden Standard Examiner.
The finest beach anywhere on the Lake shore is at Syracuse. It is not muddy, in fact it is just excatly what is wanted for a first class bathing resort. During the past few weeks a large force of workmen has been engaged in making one of the nicest bathing resorts in the West at this place. A strong substantial pier has been constructed and on it are erected a large number of handsome bath houses with every convenience for bathers. There is an abundance of fresh water with shower bath appliances and all arrangements are of a first class nature.
This is the only resort on the shore of the lake which has natural groves. The shade is excellent and the resort is well adapted to family and picnic parties.
An excellent dancing floor and bowery have been constructed and everything which can add to the comfort of visitors has been attended to. In addition to the bath houses on the pier, there is also a number along the shore for the special use of ladies and children. From these it is possible to walk out into the water to any desired depth without having to descend steps. From the bath houses on the pier, of course, deep water can quickly be reached.
There will always be an abundance of refreshments on hand, furnished by experienced caterers. The railroad runs down to Syracuse, a switch having been constructed at Summit on the Utah Central.
The grand opening of Syracuse, Ogden's new pleasure resort, will take place on Monday next, July 4th, when an excursion will be given by the Ogden Firemen.
July 5, 1887
The following excerpts come from the July 5, 1887 issue of the Ogden Standard Examiner.
At 10:45, thirteen sleeping cars filled with happy people, were dispatched to Syracuse, evidently all were determined to enjoy themselves at the new pleasure resort.
At 2:50 another big train load was taken out and still another at a later hour in the day. It is estimated that at least 1500 people went from Ogden to Syracuse. From Salt Lake City there were at least 600 people an fthe total number on the grounds was at least 2000, a great many having traveled there in buggies and other conveyances.
The grove was crowded during the day, every table being occupied. The grove is a short distance from the shore of the Lake and the walk to the bath houses is a little uncomfortable bu the management promises to have this matter obviated so that there will be no disagreeable features attending the trip from the grove to the bath houses.
The bathing is excellent. The beach is sandy and slopes out gradually for a long distance. The bath houses are convenient, although some measures should be adopted to prevent the shower bath from wetting the whole of the bath room.
In the evening there was dancing in the bowery, under which the finest dancing floor in the Territory has been constructed. Ford's quadrille band furnished the music, and much enjoyment was had.
July 8, 1887
The Ogden & Syracuse Railway began operating daily "Bathing Trains" that departed Ogden at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and departed Syracuse at 4:25 and 9 p.m. On Sundays, the trains departed Ogden at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and departed Syracuse at 4 and 8 p.m. The round trip fare was 50 cents, and 25 cents for children under 12 years. (Ogden Standard Examiner, July 8, 1887)
July 12, 1887
"D. C. Adams was down at Syracuse yesterday making arrangements for numerous further improvements at this first class bathing resort. The pier is to be covered with a taseful and substantial roof, and steps for the use of the ladies will be constructed on the sides of the pier. Several improvements will be made in the bath houses. The shower bath will be surrounded with a partition, thus preventing th water from spreading over the floor of the rooms." (Ogden Standard Examiner, July 12, 1887)
July 22, 1887
During the hearings of the Pacific Railroad Commission, taking testimony at Ogden, Fred J. Kiesel was called upon to provide testimony concerning Union Pacific's share of the salt traffic, including the following excerpts.
At first F. J. Kiesel Co. bought salt and res-sold it. For this $2 per ton was paid for 10,000 tons, and $1.50 for all salt after that. After this the Adams & Kiesel Salt Company was formed and salt was to be taken from Syracuse on the condition that a bathing resort wthat would compare favorably with the other resorts on the lake should be built by the salt company.
There were no other conditions. The railroad company was to stand in and make a success of the resort. They were to pay part of the expenses of advertising, to run trains, etc. The profits of the company would accrue in hauling passengers.
August 10, 1887
The following excerpts come from the August 10, 1887 issue of the Salt Lake Herald.
Each of the Utah railroads now has its lake bathing resort. The Utah & Nevada glories in its Garfield; the D. & R. G. is happy with its Lake Park, and the Old Pioneer Line [Union Pacific] has cause to be proud of its Syracuse, the four-month old bathing place on the shore of Great Salt Lake, of Ogden parentage, and destined to become very popular.
The pier, on which the bathhouses are built, has had a pavilion added to its west end, with fancy canopy, which affords ample protection from the sun, and in which chairs have been placed for ladies to rest and watch the bathers disport themselves in the briny. Steps leading down into the water have also been added and at the foot of each stairway an open platform has been laid, under the water and extending over the mud to where the sandy bottom begins and stretches thence out into deep water.
The bath houses are all painted, inside and out; they are washed and cleaned every night; the bathing suits are also thoroughly rinsed in fresn water after using, rendering the woolen material soft and pleasant to wear; showers are fixtures in all the bath houses, and all the accommodations (not forgetting the wide-brimmed straw hats to wear while bathing, and which go with every suit) are admirable.
A trifle over a quarter of a mile from the shore is a beautiful grove, bowery and dancing floor, where pleasure parties can enjoy themselves unstintedly. In connection with this is also a refreshment stand, where lunches, summer drinks, etc., can be obtained.
The proprietors of Syracuse, Messrs. Adams & Kiesel, of Ogden, have the making of an attractive and pleasant resort for the people of the Junction City.
August 10, 1887
The Ogden & Syracuse Railway changed the schedule of the daily "Bathing Trains." In the new schedule the trains departed Ogden at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and departed Syracuse at 5:10 and 9 p.m. On Sundays, the trains departed Ogden at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and departed Syracuse at 12 Noon, 5;10 and 9 p.m. The round trip fare remained at 50 cents, and 25 cents for children under 12 years. (Ogden Standard Examiner, August 10, 1887)
June 8, 1888
The following comes from the June 8, 1888 issue of the Deseret News.
Supt. John Sharp and other officials of the Utah Central and Union Pacific paid a visit to Syracuse yesterday, and decided to open this bathing resort to the public about Jane 15. Several changes have been made in the arrangement of the place, one of which is the removal of the only objection that existed last year to the position of the bath honses. Then it was necessary for bathers to pass close to the spectators in order to get to the water, but this has been changed, and bathers now enter the water direct from the bath rooms, going down to a floating pier and into the lake.
Close to the lake a large grove of trees has been planted, all of which are living and thrive well. In a few years they will make a magnificent grove on the very edge of the lake. The barns and other buildings on the west of the upper grove have been removed, and from where there is an abundance of shade there is also a full view of the lake.
For the transportation of excursionists to and from the lake, a large street car has been substituted for the trains. This car will make regular trips from the grove to the lake every fifteen minutes.
June 14, 1888
The Syracuse Bathing Resort opened for the 1888 season. The Utah Central Railway published its schedule for both Ogden and Salt Lake City trains.
- Depart Salt Lake City at 2 and 4:10 p.m., arrive at Syracuse at 3:15 and 5:30 p.m.
- Depart Syracuse at 6 and 8:20 p.m., arrive at Salt Lake City at 7 and 9:20 p.m.
- Depart Ogden at 4:45 and 6 p.m., arrive at Syracuse at 5:30 and 6:40 p.m.
- Depart Syracuse at 8:15 p.m., arrive at Ogden at 8:50 p.m.
- (Deseret News, June 14, 1888)
June 13, 1889
The Syracuse Bathing Resort opened for the 1889 season on June 13, 1889, and closed for the season on September 9, 1889. (Salt Lake Herald, June 9, 1889; September 10, 1889)
(Throughout the 1888, 1889 and 1890 seasons, there were numerous heavily advertised excursions from either Salt Lake City or from Ogden, for a wide variety of special groups, including firemen, butchers, Chambers of Commerce, G.R.A [Grand Army of the Republic], various labor groups, and various LDS church groups, as well as boating clubs. There were also several special concert days, especially during August. Union Pacific also ran extra trains from both Salt Lake City and from Ogden on opening days, on July 4th and 24th, on Labor Day and on closing day.)
June 17, 1890
The Syracuse Bathing Resort opened for the 1890 season on Tuesday, June 17, 1890. The Ogden band played for the grand opening. Union Pacific ran a special train from Salt Lake City on Tuesday, leaving Salt Lake City at 1:30 p.m. and returning at 7 p.m. The resort had opened for a special group on Sunday June 15, 1890. (Salt Lake Tribune, June 15, 1890; Salt Lake Herald, June 17, 1890)
June 23, 1891
The Syracuse Bathing Resort opened for the 1891 season on June 23, 1891. Due to receeding lake waters, a "plunge" was added in mid-July 1891. (Salt Lake Herald, June 23, 1891, "today"; Salt Lake Tribune, July 4, 1891)
(Newspaper items during this 1891 season suggest that, instead of being open daily, the resort was only open on weekends, and for holidays and for special groups and excursions. The main attractions were picnics in the grove and band concerts in the pavilion. Swimming in the lake, or using the "beach" was not mentioned. Regular railroad service was offered, twice a day, only on Saturdays and Sundays.)
The resort opened in June 1892, but only for church and special groups. Union Pacific ran special excursions for these groups, furnishing 5 to 10 cars in each train. The opening on Monday July 25th, for the July 24th holiday, was heavily promoted, with Union Pacific operating four trains from Salt Lake City in the morning and early afternoon, and returning from Syracuse in three trains in the early and late evening.
June 8, 1893
Direct competition for the Syracuse Bathing Resort came when the Saltair resort officially opened on June 8, 1893. (Salt Lake Daily Herald, June 8, 1893)
(Read more about the Saltair resort)
July 4, 1893
The residents of Hooper celebrated July 4th at the Syracuse Bathing Resort.
(Salt Lake Herald, July 2, 1893)
July 20, 1893
The following comes from the July 20, 1893 issue of the Davis County Clipper
The Syracuse resort, at one time was a very popular place for amusements, but of late its fame as a resort is being partially eclipsed by the exquisite gardens and vineyards that are being cultivated there.
Although the resort has not lost any of its virtues as a resort, yet it is not so well patronized as formerly. Occasionally it is visited by some Sunday school or other local organization of the county. It is an excellent place for Sabbath schools and like organizations to go for enjoyment as there is an abundance of shade and beautiful surroundings, and no low and vile persons, that are usually so numerous at such resorts.
Adams & Kiesel, proprietors of the resort and immediate surroundings, have a Mr. Parcells, late of Glenwood Springs, Colo., employed as superintendent of the resort and gardens. Under the able management of Mr. Parcells, vast improvements have been made in the way of setting out orchards, vineyards, etc.
(There were no advertisements for the resort, or mention of special trains, in any of the available online newspapers during 1893, except in the local Davis County Clipper for small church groups using the site for gatherings and picnics.)
(There were later newspaper items in the 1895-1910 period, making note of sailing and rowing clubs, as well as boats, both personal and for-hire, making use of the Syracuse pier as part of their travels to and from the Saltair and Garfield resorts of the south shore.)
(In 1895 and 1896, Adams and Kiesel converted a portion of their lake shore property to the growing of fruit orchards and grape vines.)
(In April 1899, Adams & Kiesel sold their salt works at Syracuse to a group of Kansas City investors. For a three month period each year, the Syracuse salt works produced between 11,000 and 18,000 tons of salt annually. In February 1900, the Syracuse salt works was sold to Inland Crystal Salt Company, with later research showing it as an anti-competive move to remove competition to Inland's salt works at Garfield.)
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