It amazes me at times, how early some remote places were settled. Take for instance the Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Lassen Volcanic National Park. In 1874, a sheepman, Thomas Malgin located there to establish a summer camp. The following year, by taking advantage of Hot Springs Creekm he built a bathhouse.  While it was rather primitive, it was available free to the public. When time permitted Malgin provided guide service to nearby points of interest. In 1880, Malgin abandoned the property.  In 1885, E.R. Drake took possession of Malgin’s claim.  Drake was not aware, that back property taxes were due and in 1887 Quincy resident F.B. Whiting bought the eighty acres there in a delinquent tax sale for $8.11.  The following year, Drake purchased it from Whiting for $50 and the foundation was in place for the development of the property.

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