Operating a bath house to a full scale resort utilizing hot springs has in my perspective is a risky endeavor. When times are good, they are real good, but same applies to bad times, and in many instances its the low points where the operation shuts down. Some times revived and some times not.
Indian Valley Hot Springs at Greenville is a perfect example. Greenville was a thriving mining community during the late 1800s. The hot springs became a popular attraction and bathing place. As the mining activity dwindled by 1900, the bath house fell into disrepair and closed.
In the spring of 1926, B.C. Johnson decided to see if he could make a go of it. He spent six weeks in getting the property in shape. Johnson highlighted the fact, that not only could a person have an enjoyable soak, but one could also “soak” in the natural beauty of Indian Valley. How long Johnson operated it I do not know.
For those interested, awhile back it was on the market with an asking price of $4.95 million. With last year’s devastating Dixie Fire that destroyed a large segment of Greenville, the value might have dropped.
Tim
I moved to Johnstonville in 1976 to go to Lassen College where I graduated in 1981. We would go to Greenville to this house that had a hot spring pool. I forgot how much it was but it was inexpensive! It was green and murky and you would never touch the bottom! At one point they redid it and it was all white. I’ve always wondered about it, especially after the Dixie fire. Many wonderful memories of going there.
I use to go there in early 70’s… you went through a lady’s house to her yard. Her name was Hellen Hollingsworth…she was amazing person in her 80’s with great stories. She was also a nudist . I’ve wondered if it’s still there, l’d love to go use it again …it was healing and beautiful place
Maybe people should just leave nature alone… let this place go bk to the people instead of making it a business …. Just a thought 🙂 people will care for it as they do many other natural springs.