Saltair Pavilion Original Site, Utah

Saltair, a grand Moorish pavilion in the best Victorian tradition, opened in 1893. The massive edifice sat out on the Great Salt Lake, on over 2,500 wooden pilings which were steam-driven into the mud. Over the years the resort grew, eventually including a 1,000-seat cafe, a roller coaster, and what was called the largest dance floor in the world. A bathhouse had ornate stairs leading down to water level, where people were encouraged to "try to sink!" in the salty water. In 1926 Saltair was completely destroyed by fire. A new resort, even larger and more elaborate than before, was built by new owners. 1955 brought another, though less devastating fire, followed two years later by a wind storm that toppled the roller coaster. In 1958, battered and financially impracticable, the resort was donated to the State, which shut it down. Saltair burned for the last time in 1970, after 11 years of abandonment, and most of the remains were removed.