Bonac Clam Chowder

Name: Bonac Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 1⁄4 lb. salt pork, finely diced; 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced; 3 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced; 4 tomatoes, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced; 2 stalks celery, trimmed and thinly sliced; 4 cups shucked cherrystone clams, chopped; 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves; 2 1⁄2 qt. clam juice; 1⁄4 lb. butter, melted (optional); 1⁄2 cup half-and-half (optional)