David Nicholas, Researcher,, Author at Park Record https://www.swiftcharge.net Park City and Wasatch Back News Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:40:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.swiftcharge.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-park-record-favicon-32x32.png David Nicholas, Researcher,, Author at Park Record https://www.swiftcharge.net 32 32 235613583 The Way We Were: A tale of two Deer Valleys https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/08/16/a-tale-of-two-deer-valleys/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 22:40:39 +0000 https://www.swiftcharge.net/news/a-tale-of-two-deer-valleys/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

The history of “upper Deer Valley” begins with Silver Lake and the area originally called “Lake Flat.” When prospectors first arrived around 1870 there was a large, shallow, “simmering” lake. The surrounding mountains were covered with almost impenetrable pine, spruce and aspen forests. These were soon clear-cut to provide fuel and construction material for the […]

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The history of “upper Deer Valley” begins with Silver Lake and the area originally called “Lake Flat.” When prospectors first arrived around 1870 there was a large, shallow, “simmering” lake. The surrounding mountains were covered with almost impenetrable pine, spruce and aspen forests. These were soon clear-cut to provide fuel and construction material for the growing hamlet and surrounding mines.

The earliest mines of Park City were in the Lake Flat area and included Flagstaff, Lady of the Lake, Nail Driver, the New York, McHenry and others. Eventually Lake Flat evolved into a small town with approximately 700 residents. It was a harsh existence; winters were brutal. Of greater difficulty was the primitive infrastructure. The main road — McHenry Road — was no more than a steep and treacherous wagon path.

Faint remnants of “Old” McHenry Road are visible at the cul-de-sac on Antenna Hill at the end of Rossi Hill Drive just above where the Ontario and Judge loading stations stood.

In its day McHenry Road forked in a neighborhood now called Eagle Court: the right fork headed to lower Deer Valley, the left into Park City. Exploring the trails today will lead you to some of the best panoramic views of Old Town. Look for the Judge aerial tramway towers visible to the left when facing southeast.

Another challenge facing miners and financiers of Lake Flat was that most of the early mines produced little ore and therefore little money. Though both the Nail Driver and New York generated significant amounts of waste rock, the area was considered minor in the larger Park City District.

Discovery of more significant ore deposits below Lake Flat and ensuing development of the Ontario, Judge and Daly West mines signaled the beginning of the end for the scrappy community. By the late 1890s all that remained was a collection of abandoned buildings and mines. The lake, too, was gone, drained by the Ontario #2 drain tunnel completed in 1894.

Free from human interference, the forest began to regenerate. By the early 1960s, the mountains were again densely covered. The area was isolated and almost forgotten, occasionally visited only by local Boy Scouts and adventurous teens traversing Old McHenry Road to hunt squirrels and build huts with wood scavenged from the numerous ruins. The only resident was a lone sheep herder in the summer months. Access to the top of Bald Mountain was near impossible due to the forest and with no road. This changed in 1971 when Mountain Bell made a crude road and installed microwave reflectors to improve phone service.

The area remained in slumber until the development of Deer Valley Resort. Today the topography of the original Lake Flat area is nearly unrecognizable, obliterated by the development of Silver Lake Village and supporting infrastructure. Only the lawn in front of the Royal Street Cafe provides a clue that there was once a lake in upper Deer Valley.

Future articles will explore the history of “lower” Deer Valley.

The post The Way We Were: A tale of two Deer Valleys appeared first on Park Record.

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Way We Were: What’s in a name? https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/08/09/way-we-were-whats-in-a-name/ Tue, 09 Aug 2016 23:11:01 +0000 https://www.swiftcharge.net/news/way-we-were-whats-in-a-name/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

The “modern” era for Deer Valley began in December 1981 when the Deer Valley Ski Resort opened. The resort is unquestionably one of the ski industry’s premier properties. But what of the valley’s history pre-1981? How did the name originate and what other names were associated with Deer Valley? There are three theories as to […]

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The “modern” era for Deer Valley began in December 1981 when the Deer Valley Ski Resort opened. The resort is unquestionably one of the ski industry’s premier properties. But what of the valley’s history pre-1981? How did the name originate and what other names were associated with Deer Valley?

There are three theories as to the naming of Deer Valley. The first dates to the Utah War (1858 -1859) when federal troops occupied Utah Territory. This territory – also called the “Great Basin” – encompassed what would eventually become all or part of nine western states and included water rights to the Colorado River. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ending the Mexican–American War in 1848 gave the United States much of the southwest and west, including what would become the Utah Territory.

In 1846 Brigham Young and his followers fled Illinois after suffering violent persecution, intending to establish a territory in which they could live free of such religious bigotry. They chose the Great Basin area and began their migration. Among other things, an encounter along their journey with legendary mountain man Jim Bridger, who told them more about the Salt Lake Valley, solidified their plans.

Upon arriving in 1847, they established a provisional government. After the area transferred into U.S. hands in 1848, the Mormon settlers petitioned for formal recognition as the “State of Deseret.” The government refused. The creation of the Utah Territory (1850) was politically motivated in part to derail Mormon efforts to establish Deseret. As a conciliatory measure, Congress appointed Brigham Young governor of the new territory.

Tempers simmered between Utah settlers and U.S. authorities, reaching a flash point in 1857 when President James Buchanan dispatched U.S. forces under the command of General Albert S. Johnson to occupy the Territory. The Utah War had begun.
One of Johnson’s scouting parties moved through this area, encountering a herd of deer. They noted “Deer Valley” on their maps. The Utah War ended in June 1858. Though considered a “bloodless” war, 150 casualties occurred.

Theory number two also involves armed conflict and deer: the Black Hawk War. The Black Hawk War (1865 to 1872) witnessed armed conflict between Native Americans (primarily the Ute tribe) and the Mormon militia (Nauvoo Legion), and eventually federal troops. On a reconnaissance mission, Mormon cavalry soldier Private William Reynolds noted a large herd of deer in this area. He, too, named it “Deer Valley.”
Theory number three is a local legend involving “dears” of the human variety. Besides mining, prostitution was another important (though illegal) local business. It was primarily concentrated at the bottom of Main Street and up Heber Avenue (today’s Deer Valley Drive). When the mood struck, miners would visit their “does” in “Dear Valley.”

Future articles will discuss the history of two Deer Valleys -– upper and lower.
For further exploration of “Deer Valley,” consider joining the Park City Historical Society and Museum hike on Sunday, Aug. 14. The hike is free to museum members. Please call the museum for more information at 435-649-7457.

The post Way We Were: What’s in a name? appeared first on Park Record.

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Do unto others: The Golden Rule revisited https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/04/27/do-unto-others-the-golden-rule-revisited/ Wed, 27 Apr 2016 21:06:36 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/do-unto-others-the-golden-rule-revisited/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

In 1944, in anticipation of a post-war economic downturn, the Safeway Company initiated a cut-and-run maneuver and closed the retail store they'd been operating for 10 years at 350 Main Street. Mrs. Belle Brand had been leasing the building to Safeway since closing the Golden Rule Mercantile, which she and her husband had operated under their cousin James Cash (J.C.) Penney's ownership. In 1946, two years after Safeway left, Brand sold the building to Earle Reseigh and his wife Thelma. The Reseighs intended to restore both the original market and its "golden rule" principles. The name was changed to "Earle's Market."

Earle was born in Leadville, Colorado on Nov. 26, 1903. He moved to Park City when he was 18 and accepted a position with the Silver King Mine. Earle was transferred to the Silver King commissary on Woodside Avenue, a company-owned store at which Silver King employees could buy groceries, clothing and household items on credit. While working at the commissary Earle met and married Thelma Barry.

At their market, Earle and Thelma embodied the principles of J.C. Penney's "golden rule" of customer focus and service. Free delivery was offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Should a miner lose his job, credit was extended without interest charged.

Earle was active in Park City politics, business and fraternal organizations. He served as mayor for four terms, was a member of the chamber of commerce and a Mason (Wasatch Lodge #1).

In 1948, Earle started selling appliances. In doing so, he was taking advantage of new federal legislation ending power companies' exclusive franchise to sell consumer appliances. In the late 1950s Thelma's brother, Hank Barry, opened a hardware store in the basement of 350 Main Street. In 1965 the state liquor store moved into Earle's, as well. Thus Earle and Thelma realized one of their dreams for customer convenience: "one-stop shopping."

Earle's provided local employment opportunities, too, both full and part time. This included students from Park City High School. Working at Earle's, they could experience first-hand the "golden rule" principles. Earle was also known to provide generous holiday bonuses for his employees.

After a heroic battle with lung and throat cancer, Earle passed away on May 27, 1971, at 67 years old. All of Park City mourned the loss of such an outstanding person. In 1973, Thelma sold the business to Gerald Day but retained ownership of the building. In October 1979, Day closed what had by then become the oldest continuously operated market in Park City. You can still shop at Day's Markets in Heber and Provo where the legacy of the Golden Rule continues.

The next time you dine at 350 Main take a moment to consider the building's retail history and the unconditional love that Earle and Thelma offered Park City, their employees and customers. We can learn a lesson from them!

My deepest appreciation goes to Gary Kimball and Steve Leatham for their contributions to these articles.

The post Do unto others: The Golden Rule revisited appeared first on Park Record.

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极速168赛车官方网站图片

In 1944, in anticipation of a post-war economic downturn, the Safeway Company initiated a cut-and-run maneuver and closed the retail store they’d been operating for 10 years at 350 Main Street. Mrs. Belle Brand had been leasing the building to Safeway since closing the Golden Rule Mercantile, which she and her husband had operated under their cousin James Cash (J.C.) Penney’s ownership. In 1946, two years after Safeway left, Brand sold the building to Earle Reseigh and his wife Thelma. The Reseighs intended to restore both the original market and its "golden rule" principles. The name was changed to "Earle’s Market."

Earle was born in Leadville, Colorado on Nov. 26, 1903. He moved to Park City when he was 18 and accepted a position with the Silver King Mine. Earle was transferred to the Silver King commissary on Woodside Avenue, a company-owned store at which Silver King employees could buy groceries, clothing and household items on credit. While working at the commissary Earle met and married Thelma Barry.

At their market, Earle and Thelma embodied the principles of J.C. Penney’s "golden rule" of customer focus and service. Free delivery was offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Should a miner lose his job, credit was extended without interest charged.

Earle was active in Park City politics, business and fraternal organizations. He served as mayor for four terms, was a member of the chamber of commerce and a Mason (Wasatch Lodge #1).

In 1948, Earle started selling appliances. In doing so, he was taking advantage of new federal legislation ending power companies’ exclusive franchise to sell consumer appliances. In the late 1950s Thelma’s brother, Hank Barry, opened a hardware store in the basement of 350 Main Street. In 1965 the state liquor store moved into Earle’s, as well. Thus Earle and Thelma realized one of their dreams for customer convenience: "one-stop shopping."

Earle’s provided local employment opportunities, too, both full and part time. This included students from Park City High School. Working at Earle’s, they could experience first-hand the "golden rule" principles. Earle was also known to provide generous holiday bonuses for his employees.

After a heroic battle with lung and throat cancer, Earle passed away on May 27, 1971, at 67 years old. All of Park City mourned the loss of such an outstanding person. In 1973, Thelma sold the business to Gerald Day but retained ownership of the building. In October 1979, Day closed what had by then become the oldest continuously operated market in Park City. You can still shop at Day’s Markets in Heber and Provo where the legacy of the Golden Rule continues.

The next time you dine at 350 Main take a moment to consider the building’s retail history and the unconditional love that Earle and Thelma offered Park City, their employees and customers. We can learn a lesson from them!

My deepest appreciation goes to Gary Kimball and Steve Leatham for their contributions to these articles.

The post Do unto others: The Golden Rule revisited appeared first on Park Record.

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The Golden Rule https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/04/19/the-golden-rule/ Wed, 20 Apr 2016 04:38:15 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/the-golden-rule/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

Today "350 Main" is known as one of Park City's finest restaurants. Let's explore this building's illustrious past.

In 1902 James Cash Penney opened his first retail location in Kemmerer, Wyoming. It was called The Golden Rule Store. The name embodied his belief: "do what is right and just for your customers." In 1909, "J.C." decided to relocate the corporate offices for his fledgling company to Salt Lake City, as he wanted better access to banking and railroads. In time J.C. Penney would become the largest retail and catalogue merchant in the country.

That same year, Penney built and opened a splendid retail store located at 350 Main Street here in Park City. His cousin Mrs. Belle Brand and her husband Scott B. Brand operated the store. The Brands embraced Penney's customer-focused philosophy and one of their favorite mottos was "do unto others as you would have done unto you." In what they felt was a reflection of their motto, they closed the store on Sundays to allow employees to attend church.

In 1933 Mr. Brand died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Mrs. Brand leased the business to Safeway but retained ownership of building. She moved to Denver. Safeway renovated the store and opened for business on May 1, 1934.

Safeway had been founded in 1926 when Merrill, Lynch, and Co. orchestrated the merger of two retailing firms -- the Sam Seelig Company and the Skaggs family of retailers. Marion B. Skaggs became CEO of the combined entity. The Skaggs and Safeway names continued to be used interchangeably for some time.

Skaggs's philosophy was different from Penney's. He abhorred providing credit to customers, even describing it as an "evil." "Cash and carry" was his motto and his idea of service was to let customers serve themselves. His focus was a low-cost, minimal service enterprise. This approach proved successful and Safeway prospered. 1929 the company was operating 2,400 stores in 20 states, Canada and Hawaii.

The advent of World War II benefitted the local economy and mines operated at capacity, but the economic surge was not sustainable. In 1942, Safeway conducted an internal study to determine their least profitable stores and the Park City store was on that list. In 1943, Dick Gurr, local manager since 1940, was abruptly transferred to Provo. His replacement, Mr. Nichols, moved to town and rented a home from Gilbert J. Kimball. Based upon conversations between the two men, Mr. Kimball developed a "feeling" that Mr. Nichols's true assignment was to close the store.

That "feeling" was confirmed by an advertisement in the October 5, 1944 edition of The Park Record announcing "Safeway's Big Closing Out Grocery Sale -- Everything Must Go -- Store Closes October 14." On Oct. 14, the store was boarded up and Mr. Nichols departed town as quickly as he had arrived. He moved to Cedar City to manage another Safeway store. Times were no longer "golden" for 350 Main.

Join us next week to learn about the resurrection of The Golden Rule.

The post The Golden Rule appeared first on Park Record.

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Today "350 Main" is known as one of Park City’s finest restaurants. Let’s explore this building’s illustrious past.

In 1902 James Cash Penney opened his first retail location in Kemmerer, Wyoming. It was called The Golden Rule Store. The name embodied his belief: "do what is right and just for your customers." In 1909, "J.C." decided to relocate the corporate offices for his fledgling company to Salt Lake City, as he wanted better access to banking and railroads. In time J.C. Penney would become the largest retail and catalogue merchant in the country.

That same year, Penney built and opened a splendid retail store located at 350 Main Street here in Park City. His cousin Mrs. Belle Brand and her husband Scott B. Brand operated the store. The Brands embraced Penney’s customer-focused philosophy and one of their favorite mottos was "do unto others as you would have done unto you." In what they felt was a reflection of their motto, they closed the store on Sundays to allow employees to attend church.

In 1933 Mr. Brand died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Mrs. Brand leased the business to Safeway but retained ownership of building. She moved to Denver. Safeway renovated the store and opened for business on May 1, 1934.

Safeway had been founded in 1926 when Merrill, Lynch, and Co. orchestrated the merger of two retailing firms — the Sam Seelig Company and the Skaggs family of retailers. Marion B. Skaggs became CEO of the combined entity. The Skaggs and Safeway names continued to be used interchangeably for some time.

Skaggs’s philosophy was different from Penney’s. He abhorred providing credit to customers, even describing it as an "evil." "Cash and carry" was his motto and his idea of service was to let customers serve themselves. His focus was a low-cost, minimal service enterprise. This approach proved successful and Safeway prospered. 1929 the company was operating 2,400 stores in 20 states, Canada and Hawaii.

The advent of World War II benefitted the local economy and mines operated at capacity, but the economic surge was not sustainable. In 1942, Safeway conducted an internal study to determine their least profitable stores and the Park City store was on that list. In 1943, Dick Gurr, local manager since 1940, was abruptly transferred to Provo. His replacement, Mr. Nichols, moved to town and rented a home from Gilbert J. Kimball. Based upon conversations between the two men, Mr. Kimball developed a "feeling" that Mr. Nichols’s true assignment was to close the store.

That "feeling" was confirmed by an advertisement in the October 5, 1944 edition of The Park Record announcing "Safeway’s Big Closing Out Grocery Sale — Everything Must Go — Store Closes October 14." On Oct. 14, the store was boarded up and Mr. Nichols departed town as quickly as he had arrived. He moved to Cedar City to manage another Safeway store. Times were no longer "golden" for 350 Main.

Join us next week to learn about the resurrection of The Golden Rule.

The post The Golden Rule appeared first on Park Record.

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Historical photo tells us a story https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/04/05/historical-photo-tells-us-a-story/ Wed, 06 Apr 2016 04:52:20 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/historical-photo-tells-us-a-story/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

Historical photographs can be puzzles. Who took the picture? When, where, and what is the story? These are questions we might not have answers to when first looking at an image. But can these puzzles be solved through research of visible clues?

The picture featured here is from the Park City Museum archives. When first donated to the museum, the date and photographer were unknown. An inscription stated: "Denver and Rio Grande (D&RG) engine on high line." We must investigate to learn more.

There are three cars comprising this train -- the plow (nearest the viewer), the engine and the tender. A close look at the tender reveals the letters "cific." An important clue, as it tells us this is not a Denver & Rio Grande train after all; it is a Union Pacific plow train.

The Denver & Rio Grande stopped serving Park City in 1946. Union Pacific assumed trackage rights to continue serving the mining facilities in lower Deer Valley and Park City environs. Therefore, this photo was taken after 1946.

Visible just to the right of the steam emanating from the train, you can see a smokestack. That stack was associated with the Ontario Mill and was constructed in 1880 of brick and mortar. It stood 70 feet tall and was an important town landmark. The mill itself had been dismantled long before this picture was taken.

The smokestack was dynamited in August 1949. whom, and for what reasons, were never determined. But that fact offers us yet another clue: we can now say that this picture was taken sometime between 1946 and 1949.

Before there was a Rossie Hill Drive there was a railroad spur which looped around the hill. The switch point was in the proximity of today's Deer Valley Plaza. The spur was called the "High Line." It served the Ontario and Judge loading stations which were adjacent to one another. The structures are visible in the background. To the right of the buildings are the towers of the Judge aerial tramway.

The weather is also revealed in the photograph. We know it was a calm day as the locomotive exhaust is billowing straight up in the air. And it was cold, as evidenced by the snow affixed to the plow and engine. Consider that these were both very warm machines. Further, it was a sunny day, as indicated by the shadows reflected off the train. The angle of the shadows hints that it's approximately 1-2 p.m.

Most of today's Rossie Hill Drive was built upon the High Line roadbed. For a trip down history lane I recommend walking Rossie Hill Drive (accessed via Deer Valley Drive) and continuing straight where it becomes Ontario Court at the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Rossie Hill Drive. Your destination will be the remnants of the Judge and Ontario loading stations and the Ontario #1 drain tunnel.

Thanks to Gary Kimball, Jim Hewitson and Keith Droste for their encouragement to research this photograph. We now have more of a story to tell!

The post Historical photo tells us a story appeared first on Park Record.

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极速168赛车官方网站图片

Historical photographs can be puzzles. Who took the picture? When, where, and what is the story? These are questions we might not have answers to when first looking at an image. But can these puzzles be solved through research of visible clues?

The picture featured here is from the Park City Museum archives. When first donated to the museum, the date and photographer were unknown. An inscription stated: "Denver and Rio Grande (D&RG) engine on high line." We must investigate to learn more.

There are three cars comprising this train — the plow (nearest the viewer), the engine and the tender. A close look at the tender reveals the letters "cific." An important clue, as it tells us this is not a Denver & Rio Grande train after all; it is a Union Pacific plow train.

The Denver & Rio Grande stopped serving Park City in 1946. Union Pacific assumed trackage rights to continue serving the mining facilities in lower Deer Valley and Park City environs. Therefore, this photo was taken after 1946.

Visible just to the right of the steam emanating from the train, you can see a smokestack. That stack was associated with the Ontario Mill and was constructed in 1880 of brick and mortar. It stood 70 feet tall and was an important town landmark. The mill itself had been dismantled long before this picture was taken.

The smokestack was dynamited in August 1949. whom, and for what reasons, were never determined. But that fact offers us yet another clue: we can now say that this picture was taken sometime between 1946 and 1949.

Before there was a Rossie Hill Drive there was a railroad spur which looped around the hill. The switch point was in the proximity of today’s Deer Valley Plaza. The spur was called the "High Line." It served the Ontario and Judge loading stations which were adjacent to one another. The structures are visible in the background. To the right of the buildings are the towers of the Judge aerial tramway.

The weather is also revealed in the photograph. We know it was a calm day as the locomotive exhaust is billowing straight up in the air. And it was cold, as evidenced by the snow affixed to the plow and engine. Consider that these were both very warm machines. Further, it was a sunny day, as indicated by the shadows reflected off the train. The angle of the shadows hints that it’s approximately 1-2 p.m.

Most of today’s Rossie Hill Drive was built upon the High Line roadbed. For a trip down history lane I recommend walking Rossie Hill Drive (accessed via Deer Valley Drive) and continuing straight where it becomes Ontario Court at the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Rossie Hill Drive. Your destination will be the remnants of the Judge and Ontario loading stations and the Ontario #1 drain tunnel.

Thanks to Gary Kimball, Jim Hewitson and Keith Droste for their encouragement to research this photograph. We now have more of a story to tell!

The post Historical photo tells us a story appeared first on Park Record.

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Park City’s Snowball Express https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/02/23/park-citys-snowball-express/ Wed, 24 Feb 2016 06:16:47 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/park-citys-snowball-express/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

Thanks for coming back to learn about the history of "ski trains" in Park City.

Preparations for the first ski train in twenty years -- the "Hootspa Special" -- were all set. The date was December 4, 1965. For Park City this was an important event, to promote both Utah and the town as a viable candidate for the 1972 Winter Olympics and to enjoy the immediate economic benefits of 300 visitors.

Station agent Faye Dearden had his hands full. In his tenure with the Union Pacific, this special excursion was to be one of the largest and most important passenger trains that he would accommodate. Local merchants were also looking forward to the influx of people. Red Banjo Pizza, the Snow Palace, Pop Jenks', the Cozy Tavern and other merchants expected strong business.

The excursion departed Union Pacific's Salt Lake station at 1 p.m. and made stops in Ogden, Morgan and Echo to pick up additional passengers. It arrived in Park City at 5:30 p.m. and was greeted by local politicians, United Park City Mines executives and the high school band. Utah Governor Calvin Rampton delivered a fine speech highlighting the advantages of hosting the Olympics in Salt Lake City and the important role Park City would play. Forty travel agents were introduced to the advantages of Park City as a ski resort destination.

Actors Vic Morrow and Jack Palance visited Pop Jenks at his 450 Main Street location for coffee and a cheeseburger (one of Pop's specialties!). They were congenial and signed autographs.

Lee Grosscup -- University of Utah All-American quarterback as well as NFL and AFL Quarterback, noted author and Frank Gifford's broadcasting partner for College Games on ABC -- stopped in the Snow Palace for dinner and also graciously signed autographs for all who asked.

The Hootspa Special was a big success. The 1972 Winter Olympics were eventually awarded to Sapparo, Japan but plans were made to host another ski train the following year. Renamed the "Snowball Express," the excursions would run until 1971.

After the first year, subsequent ski trains coincided with the "Lowell Thomas Classic" ski event hosted by Park City. Over its six years, the popularity of the Snowball Express increased, peaking at over 500 people. Participants remember good times, excellent service provided by Union Pacific and the gracious hospitality of Park City.

The formation of Amtrak in 1971 signaled the final chapter for Park City ski trains. As per Amtrak's charter, Union Pacific was not allowed to operate passenger trains for the general public. On February 27, 1971, the last Snowball Express departed Park City, ending a tradition of ski trains that spanned almost fifty years.

My appreciation to Gary Kimball, Alan and John Dearden, and Steve and Dennis Leatham for sharing their memories of when the Snowball Express came to town.

We appeal to our readers to share any photos of the Snowball Express that you may have. Contact David Nicholas at dmn1954@gmail.com or (770) 842-5426.

The post Park City’s Snowball Express appeared first on Park Record.

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极速168赛车官方网站图片

Thanks for coming back to learn about the history of "ski trains" in Park City.

Preparations for the first ski train in twenty years — the "Hootspa Special" — were all set. The date was December 4, 1965. For Park City this was an important event, to promote both Utah and the town as a viable candidate for the 1972 Winter Olympics and to enjoy the immediate economic benefits of 300 visitors.

Station agent Faye Dearden had his hands full. In his tenure with the Union Pacific, this special excursion was to be one of the largest and most important passenger trains that he would accommodate. Local merchants were also looking forward to the influx of people. Red Banjo Pizza, the Snow Palace, Pop Jenks’, the Cozy Tavern and other merchants expected strong business.

The excursion departed Union Pacific’s Salt Lake station at 1 p.m. and made stops in Ogden, Morgan and Echo to pick up additional passengers. It arrived in Park City at 5:30 p.m. and was greeted by local politicians, United Park City Mines executives and the high school band. Utah Governor Calvin Rampton delivered a fine speech highlighting the advantages of hosting the Olympics in Salt Lake City and the important role Park City would play. Forty travel agents were introduced to the advantages of Park City as a ski resort destination.

Actors Vic Morrow and Jack Palance visited Pop Jenks at his 450 Main Street location for coffee and a cheeseburger (one of Pop’s specialties!). They were congenial and signed autographs.

Lee Grosscup — University of Utah All-American quarterback as well as NFL and AFL Quarterback, noted author and Frank Gifford’s broadcasting partner for College Games on ABC — stopped in the Snow Palace for dinner and also graciously signed autographs for all who asked.

The Hootspa Special was a big success. The 1972 Winter Olympics were eventually awarded to Sapparo, Japan but plans were made to host another ski train the following year. Renamed the "Snowball Express," the excursions would run until 1971.

After the first year, subsequent ski trains coincided with the "Lowell Thomas Classic" ski event hosted by Park City. Over its six years, the popularity of the Snowball Express increased, peaking at over 500 people. Participants remember good times, excellent service provided by Union Pacific and the gracious hospitality of Park City.

The formation of Amtrak in 1971 signaled the final chapter for Park City ski trains. As per Amtrak’s charter, Union Pacific was not allowed to operate passenger trains for the general public. On February 27, 1971, the last Snowball Express departed Park City, ending a tradition of ski trains that spanned almost fifty years.

My appreciation to Gary Kimball, Alan and John Dearden, and Steve and Dennis Leatham for sharing their memories of when the Snowball Express came to town.

We appeal to our readers to share any photos of the Snowball Express that you may have. Contact David Nicholas at dmn1954@gmail.com or (770) 842-5426.

The post Park City’s Snowball Express appeared first on Park Record.

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Park City ski trains, all aboard! https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/02/16/park-city-ski-trains-all-aboard/ Wed, 17 Feb 2016 06:35:19 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/park-city-ski-trains-all-aboard/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

Dating back to the 1930s, Park City promoted itself as a destination for winter sports. The Salt Lake City Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Park City Winter Sports committee and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad were willing partners in running "ski trains" to Park City.

Trains typically departed Salt Lake at 8 a.m., made a stop in Sugarhouse, proceeded up Parley's, through Snyderville, and arrived in Deer Valley at approximately 11 a.m. The return trip departed before 6 p.m. and arrived in Salt Lake by 8 p.m. Food and beverages were served in the commissary cars round trip. The route followed the Denver & Rio Grande branch that served the mines in what we now call "lower" Deer Valley.

The ski trains coincided with Park City's Winter Carnival held at Snow Park, the city's first commercial ski area. Activities included skiing, tobogganing, snow rolling, snow balling and kite flying. The trains and Carnival were popular --upwards of 600 tickets were sold.

The Denver & Rio Grande operated these excursions until abandoning their Salt Lake to Park City line entirely in 1946. At that time, Park City was struggling economically. the 1950s, the Mayflower and Ontario were the last two operating mines. In some families, three generations had worked the mines, but it was doubtful there would be a similar opportunity for a fourth. The mineral bounty of the mountains was nearing an end.

United Park City Mines, formed when most of the area's mines consolidated in 1953, owned surface rights to 10,000 acres. Faced with economic challenges, the company decided to diversify its business interests by taking advantage of predictable and copious snowfall. In 1962, UPCM obtained a $1.2 million federal redevelopment loan to build and operate a ski resort. Thus began the transition to a resort-based economy. The aptly named Treasure Mountains Resort opened in 1963.

Two years later, Utah submitted a bid for the 1972 Winter Olympics with the new resort in Park City as the cornerstone for the initiative. The state collaborated with the Union Pacific Railroad and local Chambers of Commerce to organize a special passenger train in December 1965. It would be the first scheduled passenger train to Park City since the early 1950s.

The "Hootspa Special," as it was called, was a public relations and party train designed to promote good times, Utah and Park City as worthy candidates for the Olympics. The guest list included movie stars, sports heroes, politicians, business leaders, and travel agents from major cities with direct flights to Salt Lake. The train sold out to over 300 people.

The Union Pacific provided their finest equipment. There were three engines and ten cars including a bar car, dining car, and two baggage cars customized to accommodate music and dancing. Federally regulated railroads were exempt from local liquor laws, meaning alcohol served on the Hootspa Special was not subject to Utah's restrictive laws. Yes, boozy drinks were served!

Join us next week to learn more. All aboard for Park City!

The post Park City ski trains, all aboard! appeared first on Park Record.

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极速168赛车官方网站图片

Dating back to the 1930s, Park City promoted itself as a destination for winter sports. The Salt Lake City Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Park City Winter Sports committee and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad were willing partners in running "ski trains" to Park City.

Trains typically departed Salt Lake at 8 a.m., made a stop in Sugarhouse, proceeded up Parley’s, through Snyderville, and arrived in Deer Valley at approximately 11 a.m. The return trip departed before 6 p.m. and arrived in Salt Lake by 8 p.m. Food and beverages were served in the commissary cars round trip. The route followed the Denver & Rio Grande branch that served the mines in what we now call "lower" Deer Valley.

The ski trains coincided with Park City’s Winter Carnival held at Snow Park, the city’s first commercial ski area. Activities included skiing, tobogganing, snow rolling, snow balling and kite flying. The trains and Carnival were popular –upwards of 600 tickets were sold.

The Denver & Rio Grande operated these excursions until abandoning their Salt Lake to Park City line entirely in 1946. At that time, Park City was struggling economically. the 1950s, the Mayflower and Ontario were the last two operating mines. In some families, three generations had worked the mines, but it was doubtful there would be a similar opportunity for a fourth. The mineral bounty of the mountains was nearing an end.

United Park City Mines, formed when most of the area’s mines consolidated in 1953, owned surface rights to 10,000 acres. Faced with economic challenges, the company decided to diversify its business interests by taking advantage of predictable and copious snowfall. In 1962, UPCM obtained a $1.2 million federal redevelopment loan to build and operate a ski resort. Thus began the transition to a resort-based economy. The aptly named Treasure Mountains Resort opened in 1963.

Two years later, Utah submitted a bid for the 1972 Winter Olympics with the new resort in Park City as the cornerstone for the initiative. The state collaborated with the Union Pacific Railroad and local Chambers of Commerce to organize a special passenger train in December 1965. It would be the first scheduled passenger train to Park City since the early 1950s.

The "Hootspa Special," as it was called, was a public relations and party train designed to promote good times, Utah and Park City as worthy candidates for the Olympics. The guest list included movie stars, sports heroes, politicians, business leaders, and travel agents from major cities with direct flights to Salt Lake. The train sold out to over 300 people.

The Union Pacific provided their finest equipment. There were three engines and ten cars including a bar car, dining car, and two baggage cars customized to accommodate music and dancing. Federally regulated railroads were exempt from local liquor laws, meaning alcohol served on the Hootspa Special was not subject to Utah’s restrictive laws. Yes, boozy drinks were served!

Join us next week to learn more. All aboard for Park City!

The post Park City ski trains, all aboard! appeared first on Park Record.

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In plain sight https://www.swiftcharge.net/2016/02/03/in-plain-sight/ Wed, 03 Feb 2016 07:00:44 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/in-plain-sight/ 极速168赛车官方网站图片

Everyone parking off Swede Alley behind the Marsac Municipal Building should know there are two remnants of early mining history in plain sight!

To the left of the Marsac building is a stone wall with square notches that was part of the back wall of the Marsac Mill foundation. At the other end of the parking lot toward KPCW is a stone archway, also part of the original wall. The center part was removed when Marsac School was constructed in the 1930s.

To understand the history of these remnants, let's go back to 1873: the area we call Park City was lush with wildflowers and abundant trees; President Ulysses S. Grant was beginning his second term; the Jesse James Gang was robbing trains in the West; and Utah was twenty-three years from statehood when Eastern newspapers reported on "sensational" discoveries of silver in the Wasatch Mountains.

These stories attracted the attention of some speculators from Grand Haven, Michigan. Known as the Michigan Bunch, they were successful businessmen who'd mined Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Unafraid of risk, they understood that cornering an evolving market meant "go big, go fast."

In 1874 they filed a patent with the US Land Office for 120 acres of "unappropriated and unoccupied land" comprising the area we now call "Old Town."

They also purchased the Flagstaff Mine for $50,000. Flagstaff was the first mine in Park City to ship ore, sending 40 tons by wagon to Echo City, approximately thirty miles away. Echo was originally a stopover along the Mormon Trail. With the 1869 arrival of the transcontinental railway, Echo became an important staging town for burgeoning mines of Park City.

The Michigan Bunch's strategy was twofold: dominate mining and monopolize ore processing. Transportation of ore was expensive, time consuming and weather-dependent. Imagine the impact of rain and snow on dirt roads with a heavily loaded horse-drawn wagon! The solution? "Reduce" the ore to its most valuable essence before shipping. Thus the Michigan Bunch constructed a mill to "concentrate" ore.

The Marsac Mill opened in 1874 and dominated the landscape of the growing town. It was self-sufficient, featuring its own steam power plant, blacksmith and machine shops. It was one of the first properties with electric lights (installed in 1886).

Ore was crushed and reduced using massive weights or "stamps," significantly decreasing shipping costs. The mill featured twenty to thirty stamps and operated twenty-four hours a day. The sound would have been deafening.

With the first and only mill in the district, the Michigan Bunch concentrated ore from their own Flagstaff Mine and, for a hefty fee, other mines.

However, their monopoly was short lived. Other mines -- notably Ontario and Silver King -- developed and built their own mills to control costs. 1904 the Michigan Bunch had ceded their once-dominant position and moved on. The mill was dismantled.

Take a close look at the wall that remains. It survived almost 150 years to tell us the genesis of our town. Can you hear the stories?

The post In plain sight appeared first on Park Record.

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极速168赛车官方网站图片

Everyone parking off Swede Alley behind the Marsac Municipal Building should know there are two remnants of early mining history in plain sight!

To the left of the Marsac building is a stone wall with square notches that was part of the back wall of the Marsac Mill foundation. At the other end of the parking lot toward KPCW is a stone archway, also part of the original wall. The center part was removed when Marsac School was constructed in the 1930s.

To understand the history of these remnants, let’s go back to 1873: the area we call Park City was lush with wildflowers and abundant trees; President Ulysses S. Grant was beginning his second term; the Jesse James Gang was robbing trains in the West; and Utah was twenty-three years from statehood when Eastern newspapers reported on "sensational" discoveries of silver in the Wasatch Mountains.

These stories attracted the attention of some speculators from Grand Haven, Michigan. Known as the Michigan Bunch, they were successful businessmen who’d mined Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Unafraid of risk, they understood that cornering an evolving market meant "go big, go fast."

In 1874 they filed a patent with the US Land Office for 120 acres of "unappropriated and unoccupied land" comprising the area we now call "Old Town."

They also purchased the Flagstaff Mine for $50,000. Flagstaff was the first mine in Park City to ship ore, sending 40 tons by wagon to Echo City, approximately thirty miles away. Echo was originally a stopover along the Mormon Trail. With the 1869 arrival of the transcontinental railway, Echo became an important staging town for burgeoning mines of Park City.

The Michigan Bunch’s strategy was twofold: dominate mining and monopolize ore processing. Transportation of ore was expensive, time consuming and weather-dependent. Imagine the impact of rain and snow on dirt roads with a heavily loaded horse-drawn wagon! The solution? "Reduce" the ore to its most valuable essence before shipping. Thus the Michigan Bunch constructed a mill to "concentrate" ore.

The Marsac Mill opened in 1874 and dominated the landscape of the growing town. It was self-sufficient, featuring its own steam power plant, blacksmith and machine shops. It was one of the first properties with electric lights (installed in 1886).

Ore was crushed and reduced using massive weights or "stamps," significantly decreasing shipping costs. The mill featured twenty to thirty stamps and operated twenty-four hours a day. The sound would have been deafening.

With the first and only mill in the district, the Michigan Bunch concentrated ore from their own Flagstaff Mine and, for a hefty fee, other mines.

However, their monopoly was short lived. Other mines — notably Ontario and Silver King — developed and built their own mills to control costs. 1904 the Michigan Bunch had ceded their once-dominant position and moved on. The mill was dismantled.

Take a close look at the wall that remains. It survived almost 150 years to tell us the genesis of our town. Can you hear the stories?

The post In plain sight appeared first on Park Record.

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Resurrection of the Mayflower Mine https://www.swiftcharge.net/2015/12/22/resurrection-of-the-mayflower-mine/ Wed, 23 Dec 2015 06:51:24 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/resurrection-of-the-mayflower-mine/ In the previous two articles we confirmed the Mayflower's "unique" history in the Park City Mining District. This article continues that discussion with a twist -- the mine's resurrection.

The 1971 New Park Annual Report predicted that profitable operations were not sustainable beyond 1972. The price of gold was $64 an ounce. The Mayflower closed. With the pumps removed, the mine flooded with an estimated 150 million gallons of water. The shaft, tunnels and gold remained, albeit submerged.

Gold, of course, is scarce and valuable. The chemical symbol for gold -- Au -- derives from Aurora, which means shining dawn. The appearance of gold is not capricious. Its presence follows natural laws, including the relationship between gold deposits found in igneous and sedimentary rocks and active geothermal systems. Remember -- the Mayflower was the only "hot mine" in the Park City Mining District.

In 1975, New Park and LON Investment Company (to which New Park had sold their landholdings) created a subsidiary: Consolidated Mayflower Mines, Inc. (CMMI). Each company executed a long-term mining lease granting mineral rights to CMMI.

During the late 1970s, a study indicated that 175,000 tons of ore could be profitably mined, yielding up to 75,000 troy ounces of gold. Gold had been deregulated and the price soared to $800 an ounce. With these historically high prices, New Park contracted Noranda Mining Company, which was operating the Ontario Mine, to resume operations at the Mayflower. However, the agreement was abruptly canceled when Noranda withdrew from all their U.S. interests.

In December 1977 LON sold their property to two Dutch investment groups collectively known as "the Stichtings," who still own the land. A condition of the sale stipulated that "should mining ever resume" the Stichtings were entitled to a 0.6% royalty on Net Smelter Returns. But their main interest was resort development, not gold.

In the early 1990s, there was a flurry of legal activity regarding the possible reopening of the Mayflower -- a resurrection!

The impetus was the construction of the Jordanelle Reservoir, necessitating the relocation of US 40. To accomplish this, the government had exercised its power of eminent domain to take 18 acres from Mayflower holdings. This land grab did not include the mineral rights which were owned by CMMI.

The Stichtings and the government agreed on a price of $67,500 for the land but CMMI said "not so fast" -- the property was worth significantly more if the mine was reopened.

Gold at that time was $443 an ounce. The Stichtings refused any plans to reopen the mine as it could jeopardize their development plans. Further financial, environmental and legal reviews eventually eroded CMMI's enthusiasm to "get the gold."

The opportunity for a "golden" resurrection dissipated. However, with the property currently for sale another chapter in the unique history of the Mayflower Mine awaits us!

Writer's note: My thanks and appreciation to Keith Droste for his tireless patience with my near-limitless questions in researching this three-article series. Keith served as mine superintendent of the Mayflower from 1966 through 1969.

The post Resurrection of the Mayflower Mine appeared first on Park Record.

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In the previous two articles we confirmed the Mayflower’s "unique" history in the Park City Mining District. This article continues that discussion with a twist — the mine’s resurrection.

The 1971 New Park Annual Report predicted that profitable operations were not sustainable beyond 1972. The price of gold was $64 an ounce. The Mayflower closed. With the pumps removed, the mine flooded with an estimated 150 million gallons of water. The shaft, tunnels and gold remained, albeit submerged.

Gold, of course, is scarce and valuable. The chemical symbol for gold — Au — derives from Aurora, which means shining dawn. The appearance of gold is not capricious. Its presence follows natural laws, including the relationship between gold deposits found in igneous and sedimentary rocks and active geothermal systems. Remember — the Mayflower was the only "hot mine" in the Park City Mining District.

In 1975, New Park and LON Investment Company (to which New Park had sold their landholdings) created a subsidiary: Consolidated Mayflower Mines, Inc. (CMMI). Each company executed a long-term mining lease granting mineral rights to CMMI.

During the late 1970s, a study indicated that 175,000 tons of ore could be profitably mined, yielding up to 75,000 troy ounces of gold. Gold had been deregulated and the price soared to $800 an ounce. With these historically high prices, New Park contracted Noranda Mining Company, which was operating the Ontario Mine, to resume operations at the Mayflower. However, the agreement was abruptly canceled when Noranda withdrew from all their U.S. interests.

In December 1977 LON sold their property to two Dutch investment groups collectively known as "the Stichtings," who still own the land. A condition of the sale stipulated that "should mining ever resume" the Stichtings were entitled to a 0.6% royalty on Net Smelter Returns. But their main interest was resort development, not gold.

In the early 1990s, there was a flurry of legal activity regarding the possible reopening of the Mayflower — a resurrection!

The impetus was the construction of the Jordanelle Reservoir, necessitating the relocation of US 40. To accomplish this, the government had exercised its power of eminent domain to take 18 acres from Mayflower holdings. This land grab did not include the mineral rights which were owned by CMMI.

The Stichtings and the government agreed on a price of $67,500 for the land but CMMI said "not so fast" — the property was worth significantly more if the mine was reopened.

Gold at that time was $443 an ounce. The Stichtings refused any plans to reopen the mine as it could jeopardize their development plans. Further financial, environmental and legal reviews eventually eroded CMMI’s enthusiasm to "get the gold."

The opportunity for a "golden" resurrection dissipated. However, with the property currently for sale another chapter in the unique history of the Mayflower Mine awaits us!

Writer’s note: My thanks and appreciation to Keith Droste for his tireless patience with my near-limitless questions in researching this three-article series. Keith served as mine superintendent of the Mayflower from 1966 through 1969.

The post Resurrection of the Mayflower Mine appeared first on Park Record.

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Golden Years for the Mayflower Mine https://www.swiftcharge.net/2015/12/16/golden-years-for-the-mayflower-mine/ Wed, 16 Dec 2015 07:05:50 +0000 http://dev.swiftcharge.net/news/golden-years-for-the-mayflower-mine/ Thanks for joining us for the second installment in this three-part series on the Mayflower, Park City's most "unique" mine.

In December 1961 the Hecla Mining Company created a joint venture with New Park to operate the Mayflower Mine. Even today, Hecla remains a mining powerhouse and is the largest producer of silver in the U.S.

The involvement of Hecla initiated the "golden years" for the Mayflower Mine. The company assigned one of their best superintendents to run the mine and the miner's lease was terminated, with the workers receiving market competitive compensation. The facilities were modernized and production expanded. The increased production required 200 workers on three shifts alternating six and five days a week. The graveyard (night) shift was reserved for maintenance.

The Mayflower internal shaft was extended to the 3,000-foot level from the 2,000-foot level. Below the 2,000-foot level, veins containing rich deposits of gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc were confirmed.

Deeper mining revealed a progressive challenge: heat. At the 3,000-foot level, water temperatures exceeded 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates geothermal linkage to other "hot spots" in the Midway hydrogeological system. The Mayflower was the only "hot" mine in Park City.

To tame the heat, Hecla installed a 240-ton air conditioner, a chilled water unit, at the 2,400-foot level. The cold water was directed to fans and radiators in the hot work places. Hot ground water was recycled to the surface at a rate of 2,500 gallons per minute. This water was "flumed" under the rail infrastructure to prevent freezing during winter.

Under Hecla's management the Mayflower was solidly profitable - by 1966 the mine was the 6th-largest producer of gold in the country. No other Park City mines produced notable amounts of gold or copper. The good times were rolling!

Alas, good times don't last forever. Mining operations fell victim to depressed global mineral prices and officially ended in 1972. Equipment that could be repurposed to other Hecla mines was removed and the rest sold at auction.

There was a brief resurgence in activity at the Mayflower property in the late 1970s when NBC built a set for the TV series, "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams." The feral star of the show - Bart the Bear - lived in Heber City. For the TV series his name was Ben, and he starred alongside Dan Haggerty.

The last remaining evidence of the Mayflower's "uniqueness" can best be glimpsed on a cold winter's day at the mine's entrance, or rather portal. No snow or ice cover the water trickling out of the portal for it remains warm!

There is one more piece to the Mayflower's intriguing history: the brief hope of a rebirth. Come back next week to read all about it.

The post Golden Years for the Mayflower Mine appeared first on Park Record.

]]>
Thanks for joining us for the second installment in this three-part series on the Mayflower, Park City’s most "unique" mine.

In December 1961 the Hecla Mining Company created a joint venture with New Park to operate the Mayflower Mine. Even today, Hecla remains a mining powerhouse and is the largest producer of silver in the U.S.

The involvement of Hecla initiated the "golden years" for the Mayflower Mine. The company assigned one of their best superintendents to run the mine and the miner’s lease was terminated, with the workers receiving market competitive compensation. The facilities were modernized and production expanded. The increased production required 200 workers on three shifts alternating six and five days a week. The graveyard (night) shift was reserved for maintenance.

The Mayflower internal shaft was extended to the 3,000-foot level from the 2,000-foot level. Below the 2,000-foot level, veins containing rich deposits of gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc were confirmed.

Deeper mining revealed a progressive challenge: heat. At the 3,000-foot level, water temperatures exceeded 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates geothermal linkage to other "hot spots" in the Midway hydrogeological system. The Mayflower was the only "hot" mine in Park City.

To tame the heat, Hecla installed a 240-ton air conditioner, a chilled water unit, at the 2,400-foot level. The cold water was directed to fans and radiators in the hot work places. Hot ground water was recycled to the surface at a rate of 2,500 gallons per minute. This water was "flumed" under the rail infrastructure to prevent freezing during winter.

Under Hecla’s management the Mayflower was solidly profitable – by 1966 the mine was the 6th-largest producer of gold in the country. No other Park City mines produced notable amounts of gold or copper. The good times were rolling!

Alas, good times don’t last forever. Mining operations fell victim to depressed global mineral prices and officially ended in 1972. Equipment that could be repurposed to other Hecla mines was removed and the rest sold at auction.

There was a brief resurgence in activity at the Mayflower property in the late 1970s when NBC built a set for the TV series, "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams." The feral star of the show – Bart the Bear – lived in Heber City. For the TV series his name was Ben, and he starred alongside Dan Haggerty.

The last remaining evidence of the Mayflower’s "uniqueness" can best be glimpsed on a cold winter’s day at the mine’s entrance, or rather portal. No snow or ice cover the water trickling out of the portal for it remains warm!

There is one more piece to the Mayflower’s intriguing history: the brief hope of a rebirth. Come back next week to read all about it.

The post Golden Years for the Mayflower Mine appeared first on Park Record.

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