The history of the Saline Valley hot tubs is somewhat obscure. Some facts are well known. Other bits of history are based on hearsay. There is some differing of opinions among those I have spoken with. I will endeavor to present what I know, and what I have heard that seems to be agreed upon between parties. I will limit my discussion to the pools at the Lower Warm Springs. There are many people who know far more than I do about the creation of the pools at Palm Springs. I will hope for their contribution to this tale of yore. I will also share what I know about the creation of the peace sign on the cinder cone south of camp.
Bathtub circa 50’s
It is an established fact that the original hot tub in Saline Valley was the tank that has been traditionally called the “bathtub” that is next to what is now the shower at the Lower Warm Springs. This “tub” was a water tank that was placed at the Lower Warm Springs by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) during the construction of the Saline Valley Road during the WPA public works program of the 1930’s. Presumably the tank was installed to give the workers a place to bathe. Originally set above ground, it eventually found itself buried as the desert graded itself through flash floods. In time, cement was applied to make the soaking tub stable and permanent.
Soaking in the source back when it was a common practice
An earlier version of the Sunrise Pool
Up until the 60’s, the CCC tub and the source were the only options for visitors to enjoy a soak. Both were used by the occasional and infrequent visitor. In 1964 Saline Valley Lower Warm Springs acquired its first resident. This gentleman has been referred to as “the Preacher” and was something of a Christian cultist. The story goes that he moved to the springs with his wife to write a book. At this point, according to Big Al, the Lower Warm Springs became “crowded.” If more than one vehicle arrived to enjoy the solitude and soaks of the valley there was a good chance all the soaks might be occupied. Back in the day, it seems folks were not quite as communal as they are today. This “overcrowding” required a new tub for the overflow. A hole was dug in the ground at the present location of the Sunrise Pool and a natural bottom pool was created. Various contributors including Red Braden, Joe Ostringer, and Vern from the Department of Fish and Game brought in cement for the eventual creation of the new pool. In 1968, and then again in 1970 the pool received more attention and improvements with cement being added, some of which Elmer brought in by plane. (Many of the remote landing strips around the valley were created by Elmer, who was a regular visitor from Petaluma. Elmer originally brought “Lucky Rich” to the Lower Warm Springs.)
The lower pool, now referred to as the “Crystal Pool” was created in the 70’s. A couple of hippies from San Francisco spent time as residents of the valley in the 1960’s. Their names were Sunshine and Raymond. Sunshine was the creator of the cinder cone’s peace sign around 1968. She used a rake to remove the surface cinders and expose the lighter colored volcanic soil beneath. Around the same time, she and another friend dug a hole near the fire pit to allow them to cook out of the wind. These ladies even had shelves set up in the pit to hold their cooking spices. In time the pit became an easy place to toss garbage from the campfire. Eventually it became enough of an eyesore to warrant the creation of a new pool.
The rest is history as we say. Through the years and through the love and reverence of the community who have enjoyed the solitude and freedom of Saline Valley small improvements have continued in and around the Warm Springs camps. These are improvements both to the pools and communal areas. Though after 38 years I still consider myself to be a newcomer, I do recall and recollect some of the early days in a previous blog at: https://timenspace.net/2018/05/27/saline-chronicles-lower-warm-springs/
Savor the memories. Enjoy the day. Envision the future. But mostly, enjoy the day!
The bathtub back in the early BLM days
AN ADDENDUM TO THE STORY
Along the way I have found that different people have different recollections and stories of how the tubs evolved at the Lower Warm Springs. Some people insist that events unfolded as I have transcribed them here. Others insist that the “crystal” pool was the first pool built and that garbage accumulated near the source and was eventually moved and replaced by the “sunrise” pool. Both sides are equally adamant. I would invite anyone who has first hand knowledge of this evolution to offer their stories, recollections, or observations in the comments section below.
| As you read these humble efforts to transcribe some heritage and history, if you find you have some correction, clarification, or tidbit to add, I encourage you to add a comment at the end of this blog. Contributions will be welcome toward the final project, and all due credit will be given. |
| Please consider visiting the home page: Saline Valley Chronicles for a complete list of chapters published to date, and an overview of the project. |
Saline Valley first inspired me to pursue a more serious engagement with the art of photography. My favorite picks are shared on my Smug Mug Gallery of Saline Valley Art at: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Saline-Valley-Art/
Saline Chronicles directory and overview: https://timenspace.net/saline-valley-chronicles/
Excellent article Tom.
What other landing sites did Elmer have in the valley?
Maybe Google Earth would help in this quest.
I have several pictures at Saline valley. Some if the pictures are with my brother and with Sunshine. 1970
You should share them in the comments section here!
I was there for nine months at Glen and Alan’s grubsteak camp, about 8 miles away. winter of 78-79. I remember Lucky Rich (Banjoman) and his girlfriend Sam (Samantha). I guess Elmer had died recently. I never met him, but I heard about him. I remember a great Thanksgiving – Christmas period at the hot springs when people from around the country would come to renew aquaintances, soak and play guitar. There was a party that Rich and Sam put on, where everybody painted clothes on everybody else and posed for a group portrait. I would love to see that photo album again! One thing I did while I was there was make the wrought iron gates for the entrance to the Lone Pine artist coop (formerly Lone Pine Motel). I think they’re still there. I made them at the edge of dried up Owens Lake, where i knew a guy who had a caboose and a pile of coal, at the end of the old rail line. many more stories, but that’s all for now. Hope somebody sees this who knows about this stuff. Let’s swap stories. thanks. Josi
My first trip to Saline Valley and the Lower Warm Springs was the last week of December 1972. By then the pools mentioned above were all in. There was also a “camp kitchen”: a large sink and counter, where everyone came to wash dishes. (Keeping the rest of the camp clean). Water was run by a pipe from the source, and the runoff from the sink went by hose to water the crab grass an keep the Oasis green. There was also the fish pond full of Koi.
Elmer gave me a tour by plane of the valley. He usually requested a topless photo of young women for the right to a flight, but as I was a seminary student at the time, he offered to take me up without requiring the photo. 🙂
I recall the fire circle of logs; years later when I returned those logs had been “upholstered” with carpet samples. There was a weekly potluck, and of course the holiday celebrations.
The lending library was near the fire circle; One had to remember to close the cabinet doors at night lest the wild burros eat the books!
I recall “Lucky Rich” from that first visit, and Chili Bob of course.
My husband proposed marriage in the Sunrise Pool on New Year’s morning.
I returned to Saline Valley many times over the years, bringing my young children in the 1980s on several occasions. I recall decorating a Christmas tree, and Easter egg hunts with them.
My last trip was in the winter of 1995. The beginning of the unraveling of my marriage. Once again, Saline Valley was a place we went when major decisions in life needed to be made.
I have many fond memories.
I am 72 years old now. I would like to visit at least one more time.
Thank you for sharing so many great recollections. Fun story about Elmer! I never met him, and it sounds like he was a cornerstone of the early community. Penny (of Guitar Framk and Penny) had great stories about him. I am pretty sure you and I must have met out in the Valley. Hope you make it back and we get to connect again.