Postcard from the Past: History of Saratoga’s Mineral Hot Springs
In order to “soak in” the fascinating history of Saratoga’s famous mineral hot springs and Hobo Pool, folks were invited to come to the Saratoga Branch Library for a pictorial slide show by local Historian Dick Perue on Nov. 14.
Friends of the Saratoga Library urged everyone to enjoy stories and photos portraying not only the history, but some of the lore, legends and a few tall tales of the town’s most precious asset.
The history lesson extended from the Native American influence to present-day information concerning the springs.
Today’s promotional information relates:
Located on the edge of the Upper North Platte River at the east end of Walnut Avenue in Saratoga, the Hobo Pool is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no charge.
The historic original mineral hot springs is located at the Saratoga Hot Springs Hotel and is available only to guests and clients of the former Saratoga Inn.
The hot springs were originally discovered by Native Americans who frequented the area. They believed the springs to have healing properties.
However, as white men moved to the area, the pools were utilized as an attempt to stop a smallpox epidemic which raged among the Native Americans. After nearly every inflicted person died of the disease, the springs were considered bad medicine by the Natives and abandoned.
As the springs began to become popular among white men, in the late 1870s, a settler built a three-room house, complete with two hot tubs installed, for locals and weary travelers. The settlement was called “Warm Springs” and later renamed “Saratoga.”
People suffering from rheumatism, eczema, stomach trouble, kidney and blood disorders and several other skin diseases heard of the healing properties of Saratoga’s hot mineral water and began to frequent the area just to soak in the pools.
Mineral hot water at the Hobo Pool was originally contained in a couple of pools by the CCC boys in the 1930s as a project to expand the Saratoga State Park. The town of Saratoga acquired it from the state in 1983, and it continues to monitor and maintain the springs. The Hot Pool has a heated bathhouse facility for changing or showering.
The Hobo Pool contains three distinct areas – the “lobster pot” which averages 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the main pool which runs from 108 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit and the “not-so-hot” section which usually reads close to 100 degrees.
For those who enjoy a cooler dip, several homemade pools exist in adjoining Spring Creek.
Due to the high temperatures, soakers are encouraged to drink plenty of water, which is only allowed in plastic containers.
No alcoholic beverages, no smoking and no glass containers are allowed in the pool area. Also, individuals must watch their language, and nude swimming comes at a hefty price tag of a $200 fine.
Doctors advise visitors to avoid the pool after consuming alcohol and while smoking, as the constriction of blood vessels can lead to passing out.
Those who feel lightheaded while soaking should get out of the pool immediately and drink plenty of water.
