Moonlight on the Ice: Skating at Decker Lake in the 1940s

Decker Lake in the 1940s – A Community Gathering Place

In the 1940s, Decker Lake was more than just a body of water—it was a beloved gathering spot for the Granger and Hunter communities. During the long Utah winters, the lake froze solid, turning it into a natural skating rink. Families bundled up and made their way to its shores, where the smooth ice stretched wide and welcoming. Skaters would glide in pairs, groups, or solo, the crisp air filled with laughter, music, and the rhythm of blades cutting across the ice.

Resourcefulness was part of the experience. Old tires were stacked and lit on the banks to create a makeshift bonfire, providing warmth and a place to gather. The glow of the fire, the frosty air, and the swirl of skaters created a magical atmosphere that many still recall with fondness. For young people, it was often their first taste of winter recreation outside of home—an affordable, simple joy that belonged to everyone in the community. Decker Lake in this era was not just a lake, but a social hub that connected neighbors and created memories that lasted lifetimes.

Decker Lake in the 1970s – A Shrinking Legacy

By the 1970s, things had changed. Development pressures and water use demands took a toll on Decker Lake. The lake was partially drained, leaving behind a smaller and shallower body of water. Without the wide, frozen expanse of earlier decades, ice skating was no longer possible.

What had once been a vibrant winter tradition for the community was lost. The children of the 1970s grew up hearing stories from their parents and grandparents about skating on the lake, warming their hands by the fires, and celebrating winters together. But for them, Decker Lake had become a shadow of its former self.

The change marked more than just the loss of skating—it represented a shift in the way the community interacted with its natural resources. Where water had once been plentiful enough to support recreation, by the 1970s, it became clear that maintaining water for growth, farming, and new developments took precedence. Decker Lake remained, but smaller, quieter, and remembered more for what it once had been than for what it was.