A History of Healing
Originally acquired by Jose Quintín Ortega and Ignacio Maria Ortega in 1865, then by George Roop in 1866, Gilroy Hot Springs was known as a place of healing. Until 2003, the elderly, the sick, and even vacationers traveled from near and far to relax in -- and drink-- the soothing mineral waters.

During its heyday in the 1880s through the 1920s, the resort attracted San Francisco Bay area business and civic leaders as a destination retreat from their demanding lives. The large hotel, the Lick House sleeping annex, the Club House, the individual cabins, and the soaking tubs hosted up to 500 guests with fine dining, dancing, gaming, and relaxation. Its extensive grounds provided close connection to nature.

Cultural Diversity
The transfer of ownership to H.K. Sakata in 1938 injected new life into the aging resort. With many improvements, the resort became a respite for the Japanese and Japanese Americans as "a place of our own" to heal from the stress of the hard work and provided respite from a discriminating society.

After World War II, the Gilroy Hot Springs provided a different kind of shelter for about 60 families who had been displaced by the wartime removal of the Japanese from the West Coast. Having lost their homes through forced relocation, Mr. Sakata generously offered his resort as a transitional shelter, thus providing community, nature, and the mineral waters, all of which helped sooth the physical, emotional, and spiritual scars.

Time has been the greatest detriment. Aging structures, new regulations, and changes in society lead to the condemnation of unsafe buildings, overstressed plumbing and electrical systems, and increased maintenance expenses. Disuse, vandalism, decay, and plant overgrowth have impacted this as a place of health and healing.

New Hope
Gilroy Hot Springs, now part of Henry W. Coe State Park, is a State Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Descendents and former residents and guests have formed Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs, a non-profit group working with State Parks to re-define and renew public access.

We embrace the challenges and excitement of sharing this hope with the world. Among the tasks are: providing security from damage by nature and man, documenting its history, preserving structures, and creating visitor friendly experiences.



Please join us!          join online(soon )       or download and mail back the   pdf membership form)

Friends Of Gilroy Hot Springs
PO BOX 1745
GILROY CA 95020-1745

email: info@friendsofgilroyhotsprings.org
www.friendsofgilroyhotsprings.org