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Springing from the Rocks: The Story of Wilhoit Mineral Springs

 Collection
Identifier: Coll 1054

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a 36-page booklet containing historical information about and images of Wilhoit Springs near Molalla in Clackamas County, Oregon. The booklet was compiled by Judith Sanders Chapman and Lois E. Helvey Ray. It describes the history of the springs' development and use as a health resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using quotes and information from historic newspaper articles and advertising materials. This historical information includes: the springs' initial purchase and development by John Wilhoit (1815-1895); subsequent owners of the resort; the resort's rise and decline in popularity; and its eventual development into a county park in the late 20th century. The booklet also contains 18 historic photographs of the resort, as well as brief biographical sketches of photographers June D. Drake and Arthur M. Prentiss, who both photographed Wilhoit Springs.

Dates

  • Creation: 2024

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Judith Sanders Chapman and Lois E. Helvey Ray retain copyright until April 2049. Reproduction of this collection's contents is prohibited until that date.

Biographical Note

Judith Sanders Chapman and Lois E. Helvey Ray are residents of Molalla, Oregon. Chapman works as a professional historian; Ray is a local research historian and former newspaper editor.

Source: Author biography for Wilhoit Springs: Molalla's Lost Resort, Arcadia Publishing, https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781467103237?srsltid=AfmBOoo7xpLEPEj4GufOGNTqmSPetQz932QL3uYX1XETzrZBOrgmGKYf

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder in shared box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Historical information and images about Wilhoit Springs, near Molalla, Oregon, compiled by Judith Sanders Chapman and Lois E. Helvey Ray. Wilhoit Springs is named after John Wilhoit (1815-1895), who purchased the land. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a health resort was located at the springs. The site was eventually purchased by Clackamas County and developed as a county park.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Lois E. Helvey Ray, May 2024 (RL2024-028).

Related Materials

Additional materials at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library about Wilhoit Springs include a book also written by Judith Sanders Chapman and Lois E. Helvey Ray, titled "Wilhoit Springs: Molalla's Lost Resort," call number 613.12209 C466w; and a vertical file, Hotels and Taverns - Wilhoit Springs Hotel. Images of the Wilhoit Springs resort are included in the June D. Drake photographs, Org. Lot 678, and in the Al Monner news negatives, Org. Lot 1284, and are viewable online in OHS Digital Collections.

Title
Guide to "Springing from the Rocks: The Story of Wilhoit Mineral Springs"
Status
Completed
Author
Jeffrey A. Hayes
Date
2024
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository

Contact:
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240