In 1869 William Ajax transferred his store operation from Salt Lake City to this area and began selling supplies to local miners and ranchers.  He excavated with only a shovel and wheelbarrow to carve out a two story underground business area where the extreme winter and summer temperatures were greatly subdued.  He developed a complete underground department store, cafe, and hotel.  Goods were arranged in department store style.  It was estimated the value of the merchandise was in excess of $70,000.  When the railroad came through, travel to and from more distant destinations became easier, mines declined, families moved out, and business diminished.  William Ajax died in 1899.  By 1914 the site was abandoned and became a ghost town.

Fast forward to 1977.  While stationed at Tooele Army Depot, Tooele, Utah some friends and I set out to locate and metal detect Ajax's underground store.  Since we had a book on Utah ghost towns and a map to follow, it was easy to locate.  Upon arriving at the site it, we found a large depression in the ground with rock and timbers sticking out of the once underground store.  It was about 50 feet from the railroad tracks.  I found one coin there, a beat up 1905 V nickel.  I also recovered a 3' long steel railroad wrench, rusty, but still in good condition.

I must also mention Vernon, Utah.  Jeff Herke and I  were hunting a playground across the street from an old school.  I remember him shouting out in joy as he popped up a Barber half dollar.  I followed soon after with a Walking Liberty half dollar.  Ah, the good old days!