Tulare County Biographies

CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS

Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

  
One of the most famous and deservedly popular health resorts in California today 
is the California Hot Springs, located in the southern part of Tulare county, 
thirty-five miles southeast of Porterville and twenty-seven miles east of Ducor. 
 It is an ideal summer and winter resort for those in quest of rest and health, 
as well as those who merely wish to spend their vacations in the open, amid the 
invigorating air of the Sierras.  California Hot Springs was first utilized 
commercially as a health resort by T. J. and N. B Witt, who operated the place 
until some time in the �80s, when they sold their interest to Firebaugh, Pike 
and Wingrove.  In 1901 Dr. Bernhard bought the interests of Messrs. Firebaugh 
and Pike and Mr. Wingrove operated it until the death of the Doctor in 1904.  At 
that time S. Mitchell and J. H. Williams bought the Bernhard interest.  Joseph 
Mitchell, who owned the hotel, transferred it to the corporation and became a 
stockholder in the company, of which Mr. Williams became president, which 
position he held up to the time of his death in 1910.  Since then his widow, 
Mrs. E. H. Williams, has served as president, with the other offices filled as 
follows:  Vice president and manager, Joseph Mitchell; secretary, L. S. 
Wingrove; treasurer, S. Mitchell.  The tract under control of this company 
comprises three hundred and twenty acres, most beautifully situated just along 
the western boundary of the famous Sequoia national forest, surrounded by 
mountains and forests, the snow-capped peaks rising to eight thousand feet.  
Easily accessible by fine roads from any point in the state, at an altitude 
which is just right for both winter and summer, this resort has gained a 
reputation which goes far beyond the boundaries of California- indeed, people 
from foreign lands have come here for the healing benefit of the wonderful 
springs.  A chemical analysis of the waters has shown them to have remarkable 
medicinal and curative properties, especially for those suffering from 
rheumatism, neuralgia, malaria, and similar complaints.  All sorts of 
amusements, such as golf, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, tennis, mountain 
climbing and dancing and provided, so that no one need feel the lack of 
entertainment while here.
 
The baths, which are under the personal supervision of a resident physician, 
consist of a plunge, and modern steel and concrete bath-houses with rooms for 
men and women, equipped with shower and tub baths.  An ice plant and a modern 
laundry are also maintained for the benefit of the guests, and a general store 
is kept open for those who desire supplies.  California Hot Springs is a 
government post office and long distance telephone lines connect the Springs 
with the mountains and outside points.  The one hundred cottages on the grounds 
are equipped with running water, electric lights and toilets, and many of them 
with private baths, while the health of the entire community is doubly assured 
by a perfect sewage disposal system.  All in all, no place offers more 
attractive inducements to a person who desires to combine health-seeking with 
pleasure, and the fact that the popularity of the California Hot Springs has 
steadily increased year after year is the best evidence of its merits.
 
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen Edwards Small & 
J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 
319