Butte County
Biographies
RICHARDSON SPRINGS.--In a canyon ten miles from Chico, Cal., where you will see towering walls several hundred feet high and a mile or more wide, you will find nestled under the eaves of the majestic work of nature, Richardson Springs. Features of this chasm strike one most forcibly when driving along its scenic roadway leading up the canyon past the old Indian camping grounds, where the Mill Creeks used to bask in the sun, and hunt and fish. Towering far above you on either side you see these great walls of rock, with their well-defined alcoves, niches overhung by arched lintels sculptured by the handiwork of God. Along the rim-rock you see the well defined water-mark line, studded with decomposed sea shells, where ages ago the water dashed against its side, and slowly receding, left in its place the fertile fields below. It is a beautiful drive, this ten miles out from Chico. You pass along the roadway bordered with beautiful pastures and fields of grain. Gradually, you leave the fertile valley of the Sacramento and wind your way up this deep canyon, beside the rippling waters of the stream, until you find yourself hemmed in on both sides by this great work of nature.
In the early days, when many were seeking gold, there were a few children of nature who loved to live where the flowers bloomed and the birds were on the wing. The Richardsons were of this kind, and they located near the site of the present springs. It was not until many years after--along in the eighties—that the great medicinal qualities of the mineral waters lying at their doorway became known. One of Butte County’s pioneers, Gen. J. W. B. Montgomery, first called the attention of many to this spot. He had traveled all over the world, to some of the most celebrated springs, in search of water that would restore him to health, only to find that within a short distance from his home was to be found water containing medicinal qualities far superior to any he had found in his world-travel. Through the generosity of the Richardsons he was welcome to build a cabin close to the springs, where he could bathe in the pool and drink the water. Being restored to health, he sang the praises of the springs far and wide, with the result that the great benefit bestowed to mankind by these mineral waters was heralded over the country.
The property was owned for a long while by the four Richardson brothers, J. H., P. C., Alonzo and J. V. Richardson, but during this time their attention was taken up with raising sheep and cattle and not in developing the springs. They knew the virtue of the waters; they knew that the Indians came for miles around to camp near them, but never realized their commercial value or the importance of developing them for the benefit of the sick. It was not until 1889 that J. V. Richardson conceived the idea that it was necessary to make some provision to accommodate the growing attendance, year after year, at these springs, and so the first hotel was erected. He and his good wife ministered to the suffering and made a comfortable home for those who came.
Notwithstanding the increasing attendance at the springs, it was not until the property interests of the Richardson brothers were purchased by J. H. Richardson, in 1902, that the springs came into their own. J. H. Richardson looked into the future; he saw a greater work before him than raising sheep; he saw a benefit he could give to mankind, and determined to make provision for the afflicted.
Soon after this, Lee Richardson, a nephew of J. H. Richadrson, returned from the East where he had spent a few years. Full of energy and having a quick conception of the needs of the public, it did not take the owner of the property long to recognize the value of this nephew, and he was given the management of the springs property. Under his guidance the springs have gradually been transformed into a convenient and delightful place to rest, for the benefit of one’s health. Roads have been built and by-paths wind in and out to the places of interest where one may find a refreshing drink or a quiet spot to sit. In the evening the grounds are lighted with electricity and near by the natural gas issues from the depths of the earth. Close by the springs is the garden from which fresh vegetables are gathered for the table. The home dairy furnishes fresh milk and all around you is evidence of country life.
The canyon in which the springs are located is fascinating in its scenic beauty, and restful to the weary. It is here that you may climb the hills, fish, rest or play. Nature has provided many little nooks of interest near by. A short walk brings you to the falls, where the water drops several feet into a deep pool in which the angler finds great sport catching the elusive trout, with which the creek running down the canyon abounds. A climb up the mountain side takes one to the Cave, where ages ago, in prehistoric times, the water cut through the mountain’s side.
Nowhere is found a more congenial and hospitable people than the Richardsons. J. H., or Redman, and Lee, as they are familiarly called, assisted by Mrs. J. H. Richardson, never cease in their efforts to accommodate and make one feel at home. It is a personality possessed by them that brings together the visitors and makes them feel that they are one big family while stopping at the springs. People come from all directions, and once they spend a few days or weeks with the Richardsons at the springs, they return, like nesting birds, to shelter once more in the peaceful, restful spot where nature has vied on every hand to mix a little pleasure with its mineral water value.
Transcribed
by Roseann Kerby.
Source: "History of
Butte County, Cal.," by George C. Mansfield, Pages 1098-1099, Historic Record Co, Los Angeles, CA, 1918.
© 2009 Roseann Kerby.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies