Pathway into History
Wellsville—Hot Springs Resort and Recreation
The natural hot springs in Wellsville drew people from beyond the local communities for relaxing baths.
Wellsville Resort
Everyone needs some time off once in a while and a little papering In the early 1900s, Wellsville was just the spot. Founded by Thomas S. Wells, Wellsville hosted a hotel, dance hall, and baseball field. Stores and bars were absent in this town. Trainloads of “city folk” traveled to the hot springs swimming pool to relax in tranquil waters and revive in the healing minerals. Baseball games also drew people from surrounding communities to cheer on their favorite teams. People came on the road or by train, using the siding for the stop since a true train station did not exist in this town.
Salida Museum Inc. photo, circa 1920s
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Wellsville Resort
Everyone needs some time off once in a while and a little pampering In the early 1900s, Wellsville was just the spot. Founded by Thomas S. Wells, Wellsville hosted a hotel, dance hall, and baseball field. Stores and bars were absent in this town. Trainloads of “city folk” traveled to the hot springs swimming pool to relax in tranquil waters and revive in the healing minerals. Baseball games also drew people from surrounding communities to cheer on their favorite teams. People came on the road or by train, using the siding for the stop since a true train station did not exist in this town.
Hot Springs Resort
The Wellsville Hot Springs baths and swimming pool were widely known for their soothing treatments for all manner of infirmities experienced by people of all ages.
S. J. England, a Salida contractor, constructed the Wellsville Hot Springs swimming pool with new baths and the dance hall in 1904 for the owner, Vorhis Davenport. At least one hot bathhouse and the picnic pavilion were there before that time and owned by Captain Pickett.
Salida Regional Library Centennial Collection photo, circa 1908-12
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Above
Those people wanting two forms of recreation could go dancing in the Dance Hall (pictured below in the background) and then take a dip in the naturally warm waters of the swimming pool.
Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center photo, circa 1920s.
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Left
The Wellsville Pavilion provided a sheltered, open-air place for many group picnics and social gatherings. In warm weather, dances were held there as well.
Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center photo, circa 1930.
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More Than Just a Game
Baseball was a favorite sport. Residents from Pleasant Valley communities would gather wherever a game was held to cheer on their favorite team. Games were also a chance to socialize, keep in touch with others, and catch up on news from other communities.
Denver Public Library Western History Collection, photo X-14039, circa 1880.
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Spend the Night
The Wellsville Hotel provided hostel-like facilities for those travelers wanting overnight accommodations. The lower level housed the kitchen facilities and sleeping quarters were upstairs.
Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center photo, circa 1920s
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