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Glenbrook, Lake County, California facts for kids

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Glenbrook
former resort
Glenbrook is located in California
Glenbrook
Glenbrook
Location in California
Glenbrook is located in the United States
Glenbrook
Glenbrook
Location in the United States
Country United States
State California
County Lake County
Elevation
2,293 ft (699 m)

Glenbrook, also known as Glenbrook Resort, was a popular vacation spot in Lake County, California. It was located about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Kelseyville. The resort sat at an elevation of 2,293 feet (699 meters) above sea level.

History of Glenbrook Resort

Unlike many other resorts in California, Glenbrook was not built around hot springs. Instead, it started as a simple stop for stagecoaches in the late 1800s. This stop was on the road between Middletown and Lakeport. Glenbrook Resort was located where Bottle Rock Road crossed Kelsey Creek. It served as an important stop for travelers going between the San Francisco Bay Area and Clear Lake.

Early Days and Growth

In 1869, William Basset and Silas Broadwell bought the land. They built buildings for animals, a stagecoach station, and homes. Soon, a small community of about 200 people grew around the stop. This community included a blacksmith, lumber workers, farmers, and a hotel.

William Basset was the first owner of the resort. He was also the local postmaster. A post office operated at Glenbrook from 1877 until 1911. After 1911, the post office moved to Cobb, and the stagecoaches started using a different road.

Resort Operations and Features

By 1900, Orvis Tredway was running the resort. An advertisement from 1899, when O.W.R. Tredway owned it, showed improvements. The main hotel and cottages were lit with modern acetylene gas. The resort offered many fun activities. These included billiards, tennis, and a new dancing area.

Another advertisement by Tredway called Glenbrook "one of the most charming resorts in the State." He highlighted its beautiful scenery, good hunting, and excellent fishing. Later, George and Sadie Farley took over running the resort.

What Happened to Glenbrook?

The property stopped being a resort over time. In 1953, Ralph and Anna Rumbaugh bought it. They lived there with their two children and Ralph's uncle, Clarence Spornhauer. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the area.

In 1958, the Rumbaugh family sold the property to Alfred J. and Opal R. Tantarelli. By 2007, a book mentioned that Glenbrook's old campgrounds and buildings had disappeared. The site was then home to a local business called Pine Grove. As of 2021, the Mandala Springs Wellness Retreat Center, located at the junction of Glenbrook Road and Bottle Rock Road, seems to be on the same site where Glenbrook Resort once stood.

Exploring the Glenbrook Area

The area around Glenbrook has some interesting natural features.

Local Springs

  • Astorg Spring: Also called Tunnel Spring, it is about 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of Glenbrook. This spring was found when people were digging a mine. The water from this old mining shaft was known as "chemise water." People said it tasted like chemise brush roots. This water was even sent by tanker to San Francisco to be carbonated and sold to the public.
  • Sulphur Creek Spring: This is another spring located near Glenbrook.

Other Local Features

The California Department of Water Resources used to own the Bottle Rock Power Plant. This power plant was located near Glenbrook. The Glenbrook Cemetery District serves the Cobb Valley Region, which includes the Glenbrook area.

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