Mudlarking

Several years ago when we visited England, cousin Rob took us "mudlarking" on the Thames River. When the tide is low people can scavenge for items of value, or anything of interest. A few years ago someone found a 2000 year old statue of Julius Cesar. A lot of things are still found that where discarded in the river after the great fire of 1666. We didn't find anything quite so interesting.


Rob and Lance on the Thames.

Glenn and Rob with St. Paul's in the background. Rob lives just a few blocks from the Catherdral.

Last week after talking to a ranger, I decided to go mudlarking out at the Great Salt Lake where Saltair used to stand. The first Saltair was built in 1893, burned down, was rebuilt, was abandoned and then burned down again in 1970. At one time it had the largest dance floor in the world.

Ted, Amy, Marge, Grandma Goodway, Grandma Bruerton near the enterance to Saltair, about 1922.

Saltair about 1900

All that remains of the great Saltair complex are some of the 2000 pilings that held the building above the water.

Next to the dance floor was one of the largest restaurants in the United States. (Can you imagine a resaurant anywhere near the lake?) Whenever dishes were broken they would be thrown over the railing into the water. Today, more than fifty years after Saltair closed it's doors for the last time, the area is covered with broken china, glasses and bottles.

Years ago we were supposed to get an antique china set but for some reason it never happened. We decided to go back to Saltair, collect all the broken china and glue it back together so we can finally have our antique china. You're all invited over for dinner when we finish.

You're also invited to take a tour with us, but first you'll have to help us get the bus running.