Life on the Black Rock Desert--A History of Clear Lake, Utah

This book tells the life & death story of a little town in south central Utah. Clear Lake was situated along the Union Pacific Railway line about halfway between Delta and Milford. Life began in the late winter of 1880, when railway crews working south first built a raillway grade through what would later be a town. Tracks were layed a month or so later. Soon after the arrival of the tracks, the descision was made to make this site the arrival and/or departure point for residence of the Fillmore area. Soon a caravansari-type lodging and a post office were set up. In the 1890's, more passengers were arriving or departing to and from Fillmore, located to the east. Also, dams and an irrigation system were set up just to the west. In the early 1900's, a canal was built from a large spring and small lake about 7-8 kms east of the tracks, which brought water to Clear Lake town and an alfalfa growing ranch was set up. Also, beginning in the late 1890's, a store was built which catered tp sheepmen who roamed Utah's West Desert during the winter months. Later the Bond family bought the store & hotel and combined them into one building. The town never got very large; there was always a crew of men working on the railroad, several ranch hands at The Ranch, the Bond family at the store & hotel, and a Quaker family by the last name of John. The John family, consisted of 6 daughters, lived there about 40 years altogether. The beginning of the end of Clear Lake occurred when the State of Utah condemed the water for the town and made plans for a wildlife refuge to the east where you will now find a real lake and swampy area with lost of waterfowl and wildlife. Town residents took the State to court, but lost. Although they were given some money, the town couldn't survive without water. The post office was officially closed on December 31, 1936. All buildings were either torn down or transported to other nearby towns. The story of Clear Lake is told mostly by former resident's own personal experiences, most of whom are now dead. Also included is a rather complete list of all former school teachers and station agents, as well as the addresses of about half of Clear Lakes buildings, many of which are still standing in nearby towns.