A new start for the pool at White Sulphur Springs Ranch
By John Lullo
Special to Plumas News
In an 1855 account of a trip across the plains, a woman traveler named Lydia Milner Waters wrote the following: “Two miles above us was a bathhouse with water from a warm sulphur spring. Harris and Groves who owned it, gave us liberty to use it, and we did, every day. The water had an exhilarating effect, made one feel as lively as champagne.”
A full size swimming pool, fed by the warm springs, was built on the grounds of White Sulphur Springs Ranch in 1928. It was demolished in 2017 after almost 90 years of service, due to deterioration which was beyond repair. It was enjoyed by many generations of families and remains a fond memory for citizens and visitors to Plumas County.
On Dec. 14, 2021, the board of directors of the Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council (MVSC) voted to commit funds specific to the development of a new pool on the original site. Much of the necessary infrastructure is now in place, such as a septic system and bathhouse, so timing was right for a serious attempt to begin raising funds for the new pool.
This was an act of courage for the MVSC since, because of the pandemic, Summerfest, the major fundraiser has had to be cancelled for the past two years. The MVSC will try to raise the necessary funds by soliciting direct contributions from the public, by applying for grants, and by designating at least 10 percent of all income to the pool fund. The goal for 2022 is to raise $100,000 toward the completion of the new pool.
The MVSC is asking for assistance in any or all of these directions. The MVSC is a 501(3)c non- profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible. Contact Janet Reihsen at [email protected] if you would like to help.
A few old relics from the pool days showing the kind of tickets and passes used for admittance. Photo submitted
