1914 was a banner year at Drake’s Springs resort in the Warner Valley near Lassen Peak. This, of course, was due to the fact the mountain came to life with volcanic eruptions. Alex Sifford, the innkeeper was overwhelmed by it all. That year, Sifford along with Jules and Rae Alexander incorporated Drakes Springs Company as a vehicle to raise money by selling stock.
For marketing purposes it was decided to rename Drake’s Springs. It was Rae Alexander who came up with a new name. It was the general consenus to retain the Drake name. Mrs. Alexander’s parents were from Germany and the German word for spa and baths is bad. In June 1914 the announcement was made that the new resort would be known as Drakesbad.