In order to truly understand the potential that Utah Lake has, it is helpful to look into the past and see the history of the lake. We wanted to share some great pictures that we have been able to gather about Utah Lake’s history. Take a look at each one and then vote for your favorite at the bottom. Many of the descriptions of the photographs come from the book “Utah Lake: Legacy”. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page, as well as our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@utahlake). We will be posting one additional historic photograph every week for the next couple of months. If you have any old pictures of the lake, email them to lallen@utahlakecommission.org and we will try to post them.
1. Women Performing on the Water
Devotees of Utah Lake often staged aquatic programs for passengers of the S.S. Sho-Boat or spectators attending boat races. Here (from left to right) Lois Jean Shurtliff, Juanita Free, Mary Bee Jensen, Grace Wiles, Jan Harmon, and Marian Wright perform on water skis. Photo courtesy of Norman Smith Wright.
2. Slide at Geneva Resort
In 1893, John Dallin opened Geneva Resort. It was located on the east shore of Utah Lake where the Lindon Marina is today. Geneva offered boating, picnicking, dancing in a beautiful pavilion, a comfortable hotel complete with a bar, and a bowery where lunch was served every day. Dallin had also supervised operations for Harrison Park Resort which opened in 1889, but with Geneva, he had a winner. Ads touted the best of everything, including ”Bass Fishing…Superior To Any In The Territory,” ”Grand Moonlight Excursions,” and special resort discounts to fishing and excursion parties. Dallin catered to private groups as well as the general public and found ways to make both happy. The Provo Band or the Oleo Jazzy Orchestra often provided the music for folks who felt like kicking up their heels. This giant slide, built in the 1920s, was just one of the many attractions that brought visitors to Geneva Resort. Courtesy of Brigham Young University Photo Archives.
3. Marker by the Lake
This image shows a man standing by a concrete market near the shores of Utah Lake. It is believed that this was a marker that indicated the compromise elevation. If water were to ever reach that point, then additional water would be released into the Jordan River to lower the water level. Year unknown. Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.
4. Veterans
Veterans of the Indian Wars gather at Provo Lake Resort in 1908. Photo courtesy of L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University.
5. Blasting Channel to Pumping Plant at Utah Lake
A group of men observe as blasting occurs during the construction of the pumping plant at Utah Lake in 1925. The pumping plant was used to control the water level of the lake and has since been rebuilt. Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.
6. Kids Playing in the Lake
A group of children play in the lake in 1915. Photo courtesy of L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University.
7. Provo Bay Construction
Workers pour cement during the construction of the main building at Provo Boat Harbor in the early 1970’s. The Provo Boat Harbor is now known as Utah Lake State Park and a new visitors center has been constructed. Photo courtesy of L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University.
8. Ice
Two men maneuver their boat around piles of ice on the lake in 1927. Ice still piles up like this frequently during the winters. West Mountain is in the background. Photo courtesy of L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University.
9. S.S. Sho-Boat
Passengers board the S.S. Sho-Boat after a visit to Bird Island. For more than a decade the boat made regularly scheduled weekend trips to the island. Courtesy of Roland Strong.
10. Seagull
A boat named “Seagull” is tied to the dock that was once constructed on Bird Island, which is located a few miles northwest of Lincoln Beach. This photo is from the 1920’s. Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.
Cover photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society
Interesting photos. I have always wondered about the history of Utah Lake. Very neat.
The cover photo appears to be Hat Island in Great Salt Lake. It was also called “Bird Island.”