Howard Springs, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Springs
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Resort
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The resort c. 1910
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Howard Springs (bottom left) below the Paul Hoberg Airport
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 Howard Springs
Location in California
Howard Springs
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Lake County |
| Elevation | 2,165 ft (660 m) |
Howard Springs is a special place in Lake County, California, known for its natural hot springs. In the 1870s, these springs were turned into a popular resort. People came to the resort because they believed the mineral-rich water could help them feel better. Guests could stay in cozy cabins or even tents.
For a while, Howard Springs even had its own official post office! Over the years, the resort changed owners many times. Each new owner often made changes to the main lodge, guest rooms, and bathhouses. The resort finally closed its doors in 1970. Later, the land was used to look for geothermal energy. Today, Howard Springs has reopened as a health resort, offering a place for healing and learning.
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Where is Howard Springs Located?
Howard Springs is found in a beautiful part of California. It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north-northeast of Whispering Pines.
The springs are also about 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Lower Lake. You can find them about 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Middletown. Howard Springs sits at an elevation of 2,165 feet (660 meters) above sea level.
The Amazing Springs of Howard Springs
The springs at Howard Springs are quite unique! They are lined up for about 50 yards (46 meters) at the bottom of a hill. This area is at the edge of a small valley, surrounded by gentle, rolling hills.
There are around 40 separate springs, and their water temperatures can be very different. Some are cool at 65°F (18°C), while others are very warm at 110°F (43°C). All these springs come from an area of serpentinite rock, which is found within the shales and sandstones of the nearby hills.
Springs for Drinking and Bathing
Back in 1909, about 26 of the springs had been dug out. They were cemented to create special basins for drinking. Some of the most important drinking springs included:
- Bohemia, which was 66°F (19°C)
- Neptune, at 70°F (21°C)
- Lithia, with a temperature of 73°F (23°C)
- The Magnesia Twins, which were 71°F (22°C) and 100°F (38°C)
The Bohemia spring released about 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per minute. The three largest springs were mainly used for bathing. The Hot Soda or Hot Sulphur Spring was very warm at 110°F (43°C). It poured about 125 gallons (473 liters) per minute into a large plunge bath.
The Excelsior or Borax Spring was 95°F (35°C). It released about 5 gallons (19 liters) per minute into another plunge bath. Finally, the Eureka Spring was 107°F (42°C). Its water was piped directly to individual tub baths for guests.
A Look Back: History of Howard Springs
The first person to settle near what became Howard Springs was J.M. Collins in 1863. He stayed for about a year.
Early Days as a Resort
James W. Howard bought land in the area in 1869, but not the springs at first. He later got the springs, and they were called "Howard's Springs" on a map from 1875. He started advertising the resort in 1876. In 1877, C.W. Howard officially opened the springs to the public. He offered camping spots and built a lodge, cabins, and bathing pools.
In 1878, Howard sold the resort to August Heisch. After Heisch passed away, his wife Caroline became the owner. In 1887, she sold the resort to Philip and Margaretha Sieben.
Changes and a Post Office
On April 30, 1891, Charles Louis Adolph Scott bought the property. In 1892, the resort became home to the Putah Post Office, and Scott was made the postmaster.
In 1896, Mrs. R.J. Beeby bought the resort and took over as postmaster. At this time, the resort had an L-shaped lodge and a two-story extra building. The post office at Howard Springs closed in 1900.
New Owners and Renovations
There's a small gap in the records, but in 1907, Minnie W. and Edgar E. Laymance sold the resort to the Howard Springs Company. By 1909, the resort had a stable, two large lodge buildings, cabins, tent platforms, and bathhouses. They had stopped selling bottled water from some of the springs a few years before.
In 1909, there was a hotel building with a big annex, the baths, and several small cottages. By 1914, only 14 springs were still actively used. W.J. Laymance owned them, and R.J. Yates leased the property. The resort could host about 80 people, mostly in cottages. Water from the Hot Iron & Sulphur spring was sent to the bathhouse.
Modernizing and Closing
On May 11, 1921, Harold W. Jewett bought the resort. By 1926, Jesse P. Francisco and his wife Cora were the owners. Sadly, in November 1929, the main lodge and other buildings burned down. Only two cabins and two bathhouses survived.
The Franciscos then built a large, new two-story lodge in a different spot. They also added several small cabins. The pools and bathhouses were rebuilt using strong concrete. Francisco sold the resort to the Pappas brothers in October 1945. They made many updates and additions to the buildings. By 1948, the resort had 64 cabin units, some in buildings with multiple rooms. The Pappas brothers ran the resort until after the 1970 season, when it finally closed.
Today's Howard Springs
From 1975 to 1983, a company called Republic Geothermal leased about 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of land, including Howard Springs. They drilled two 500-foot (152-meter) test wells on the property to explore for geothermal energy.
Today, the property is known as Avalon Springs. It is described as a place for "experiential learning," centered around a healing hot springs retreat and an eco-village.
