LILBURN SMITH WINGROVE Among the successful and substantial citizens of Tulare county, L. S. Wingrove occupies an enviable position. His career as an enterprising merchant, efficient postmaster and for many years secretary of the California Hot Springs, Incorporated, has brought him prominently to the notice of the public and he enjoys a well merited popularity wherever known. He is a native of West Virginia, born on the 24th day of August, 1866. His parents were O. P. and Margaret (Scott) Wingrove, the former of whom was of English birth and the latter born in West Virginia and a member of an old southern family. In 1876 the family moved to Kansas where the father followed farming until 1910, when he went to Hemet, California, and there farmed up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1912. His wife died in 1888. Lilburn Smith Wingrove was educated in the public schools and remained at home until attaining his majority, when he came to Tulare County. He became assistant railway station agent in Porterville but was later transferred to Lindsay where he remained for ten years, serving as a railroad and town site agent. He sold town lots there until 1900, when he came to Hot Springs, where he had bought the California Hot Springs property in 1889. In the years he came here he was appointed postmaster and has held that office continuously since, a period of twenty-five years. Mr. Wingrove promoted in 1906 the California Hot Springs, Incorporated, and the company engaged in the mercantile business, in which it has met with splendid success, due to the fact that the firm carries a large and well selected stock of goods and gives careful and courteous treatment to every customer who enters its store. Mr. Wingrove also owns considerable land here. Recently he laid out fine golf links, which he leases to the California Hot Springs, Incorporated. He is president of the Ducor Telegraph and Telephone Company, which he assisted in organizing in 1911 and of which he has been the official head continuously since. Since 1906 Mr. Wingrove has been secretary of the California Hot Springs Incorporated, and for years manager. Mr. Wingrove was married in January, 1924, to Mrs. Cora Sava [Cora Mae Brooks Savage] a native of Indiana. Mr. Wingrove has a son by a former marriage, Meredith, of San Francisco, who has just graduated from law school. Mr. Wingrove is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, being a charter member of the lodge in Porterville.

Lilburn S WINGROVE  Pages 58-61  History of Tulare County 1926

Fresno Bee Republican (California) 1952 Mar 19 (Courtesy Michael Higgins)

 CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS:

One of the most famous and deservedly poplar health resorts in California today is the California Hot Springs, located in the southern part of Tulare county, thirty-five miles southeast of Porterville and twenty-seven miles east of Ducor. It is an ideal summer and winter resort for those in quest of rest and health, as well as those who merely wish to spend their vacations in the open, amid the invigorating air of the Sierras. California Hot Springs was first utilized commercially as a health resort by T. J. and N. B. Witt, who operated the place until some time in the 80’s, when they sold their interest to Firebaugh, Pike & Wingrove. In 1909 Dr. Bernhard bought the interests of Messrs. Firebaugh and Pike and he and Mr. Wingrove operated it until the death of the Doctor in 1904. At that time S. Mitchell and J. H. Williams bought the Bernhard interest. Joseph Mitchell, who owned the Hotel, transferred it to the corporation and became a stockholder in the company, of which Mr. Williams became president, which position he held up to the time of his death in 1910. Since then his widow, Mrs. E. H. Williams, has served as president, with the other offices filled as follows: Vice president and manager, Joseph Mitchell; secretary, L .S. Wingrove; treasurer S. Mitchell. The tract under control of this company comprises three hundred and twenty acres, most beautifully situated just along the western boundary of the famous Sequoia national forest, surrounded by mountains and forests, the snow-capped peaks rising to eight thousand feet. Easily accessible by fine roads from any point in the state, at an altitude which is just right for both winter and summer, this resort has gained a reputation which goes far beyond the boundaries of California - indeed, people from foreign lands have come here for the healing benefit of the wonderful springs. A chemical analysis of the waters has shown them to have remarkable medicinal and curative properties, especially for those suffering from rheumatism, neuralgia, malaria, and similar complaints. All sort of amusements, such as golf, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, tennis, mountain climbing and dancing are provided so that no one need feel the lack of entertainment while here.

The baths, which are under the personal supervision of a resident physician, consist of a plunge, and modern steel and concrete bath-houses for men and women, equipped with shower and tub baths. An ice plant and a modern laundry are also maintained for the benefit of guests, and a general store is kept open for those who desire supplies. California Hot Springs is a government post office and long distance telephone lines connect the Springs with the mountains and outside points. The one hundred cottages in the ground are equipped with running water, electric lights and toilets, and many of them with private baths, with the health of the entire community is doubly assured by a perfect sewage disposal system. All in all, no place offers more attractive inducements to a person who desires to combine health-seeking with pleasure and the fact the popularity of the California Hot Springs has steadily increased year after year is the best evidence of its merits. 

History of Tulare County
 Page 319  Page 320

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